How do I use hair straighteners in Mauritania?

Mauritanian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Mauritania?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Mauritania:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Mauritanian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Mauritania, so check that the power converter has the correct power adapter for Mauritania otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Mauritania check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Mauritania

Will my hair straighteners work in Mauritania?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 220 volts which are used in Mauritania. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your hair straighteners in Mauritania. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners in Mauritania for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Mauritania power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Mauritanian power outlet?

The frequency of the current found in a Mauritanian power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Mauritania?

Power outlets in Mauritania are 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in Mauritania?

Type C power outlets are used in Mauritania. You can recognise this power socket by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other. A Type C power adapter will allow you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Mauritania; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Mauritania. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to use  hair straighteners in Mauritania?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other straighteners will have a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Mauritania then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Mauritanian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a Mauritanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Mauritania.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Mauritania or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Mauritania with hair straighteners

Can you carry on hair straighteners?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Mauritania will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should I bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Mauritania?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Mauritania as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Mauritanian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Mauritania. Please note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Mauritania. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Mauritania could be higher than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Mauritania

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Mauritania?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Mauritania?

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Mauritanian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Mauritania. [5] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter in Mauritania to use your hair straighteners?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Mauritania. Travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to travel hair straighteners. [5] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [14] [16] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Mauritania using a type C power adapter

Instructions on how to power your hair straighteners in Mauritania using a 2 pin Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, refer to the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Mauritania you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Mauritania simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug supply is recognised by two round adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mauritanian power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Mauritania. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Mauritania using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Mauritania Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  11. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  12. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..