How to use your hair dryer in Mauritania
Will my blow dryer work in Mauritania?
First check that your hair dryer can handle the voltage in Mauritania:
- If your hair dryer can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair dryer won't fit.
If not then either:
- Use a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Mauritania but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel. Read our recommendations for the best blow driers which work work in Mauritania, along with nine things to consider when purchasing a blow dryer and a comparison of the best blow dryers.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt Mauritanian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in Mauritania, therefore check that the power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Mauritania otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note that your personal hair dryer might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Using a hair dryer in Mauritania
Will my hair dryer work in Mauritania?
This will depend on if your hair dryer can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Mauritania. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Mauritania. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on will a voltage converter work with a hair dryer in Mauritania for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]
Best travel hair dryers for Mauritania
Bundled concentrator and diffuser attachments
Choosing the best blow dryer for Mauritania
When choosing the best hair dryer look for a strong but lightweight dual voltage model which works with a 220 volt Mauritanian power outlet power outlet, has an ALCI safety plug, a long power cord and folding handle. For drying thick hair look for a dryer with a higher 1600+ watt dryer and included diffuser.
What should I look for when purchasing a travel blow dryer?
- Modern travel dryers feature a 'cool shot' button for quickly cooling down the hair after drying to hold in the style but this feature could be lacking in smaller models.
- Try to look for a lighter travel dryer which is durable enough to survive being transported in baggage, models with a folding handle mean more room to pack other items.
- To operate in Mauritania the hair dryer needs to be dual voltage.
- Buying the cheapest dryer is risky, as well as safety concerns there is a greater risk that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to a poor build.
- The best travel hair dryers for styling will give control of both temperature and speed with two options; a lower temperature with a slower speed can prevent damage to your hair whilst hotter faster speeds can quickly dry thicker hair.
- Safe travel hair dryers will include an 'ALCI' safety plug which minimises the danger of overloading the motor and starting an electrical fire, these can be recognised by the two 'test' and 'reset' switches found on the plug.
- Rather than scouring shops to look for more expensive third party attachments it might be more convenient to purchase a new hair dryer which is supplied with both a diffuser and a concentrator from the manufacturer.
- Thicker hair could require a travel blow dryer with a more powerful motor, a high wattage ceramic dryer that has a diffuser will dry hair faster, thereby preventing damage.
- Depending on your accommodation in Mauritania you might find a mirror installed too far away from a convenient outlet making it difficult to style hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer look for the lengthiest power cord possible or bring either a pocket mirror or extension cord.
Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser and concentrator
Which is a good dual voltage hair dryer with diffuser for Mauritania?
- The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel hair dryer with a 1.65m electric power cable, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser however doesn't have cool shot.
- The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a generous 1.82 metre power cord for greater flexibility when drying with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter for easy cleaning. It also has a powerful 1875 watt motor including cool shot making it more suited for styling thick hair.
Both ionic hair dryers include a diffuser and concentrator attachment with strong motors to make them the best hair dryers for thick hair. Both require a suitable cheap plug adapter for Mauritania to fit into a Mauritanian power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to fit in a carry-on bag. [6] [6] [7] [AD]
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium
Which is the best mini ionic travel hair dryer for Mauritania?
- A Conair MiniPRO is the most affordable mini ionic blowdryer available on the market, the ceramic 1200 watt dryer will be most suited for quickly drying thin or fine hair whilst on the go.
- For a folding hairdryer which is compact enough to transport in a handbag then a 10.5oz BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. With a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that emits infrared heat to protect against heat damage this dryer manages to include features which are normally reserved for bulkier models.
Both are dual voltage mini hair dryers when used along with the right plug adapter for a Mauritanian power outlet they should work in Mauritania and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried around all day for drying on the go. They include a concentrator attachment, have 1.5m electric power cords and a twin speed motor. [8] [8] [9] [AD]
Which is a good blow dryer for thick hair?
Thicker hair will take longer to dry and might be hard to dry without hair going frizzy, so the best option will be an ionic blow dryer, if the hair is curly use a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic or a Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer will be suitable as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers - avoid buying a blow dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair. [6] [7] [AD]
Berta Folding Hair Dryer with attached concentrator
Which is a good compact dual voltage travel hair dryer with cool shot?
- The Conair Compact Styler has a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor, removable filter and features a cool shot button which can be used to rapidly cool down hair to give a longer lasting hold.
- The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features cool shot, a tourmaline ceramic outlet meaning safer and faster styling, two heat options, a longer 1.8m electric power cable and also comes with a concentrator.
Both models fold, have an ALCI plug to prevent overloading and support dual voltage making both perfect for visiting Mauritania in carry on luggage when used along with a power adapter for a Mauritanian power outlet. [10] [10] [11] [AD]
Best hair dryers for travel
What is the best travel hair dryer to buy for Mauritania?
| Conair MiniPRO  |
BaByliss PRO  |
Conair Compact  |
Berta Folding  |
X5 Superlite  |
Hot Tools 1044  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Compact | Compact with diffuser | |||
| Works in Mauritania | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works in US | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual voltage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watts | 1200 | 1000 | 1875 | 1875 | 1600 | 1875 |
| Folds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Ionic | Yes | • | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tourmaline | • | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | • |
| Infrared | • | Yes | • | • | • | • |
| Speed settings | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Heat settings | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Cool shot | • | • | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Removable filter | • | Yes | • | • | • | Yes |
| Concentrator | Yes | Yes | • | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diffuser | • | • | • | • | Yes | Yes |
| ALCI safety plug | • | Yes | Yes | Yes | • | Yes |
| Cord length | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.52m | 1.8m | 1.65m | 1.82m |
| Color | • | • | • • | • • | • | • |
| Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | |
Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.
Mauritania power outlets and plug sockets
What electrical frequency is used with a Mauritanian power outlet?
The frequency of the current from a Mauritanian power outlet is 50Hz. [12]
What is the mains voltage in Mauritania?
The standard residential voltage used in Mauritania is 220 volts.
Type C power outlet
Which plug adapter do you need for using a hair dryer in Mauritania?
The type of power outlet used in Mauritania is type C. The plug socket can be identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other. A recommended travel adapter to bring when using a 220 volt hair dryer in Mauritania is a Type C plug adapter; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a hair dryer in Mauritania. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to check if you also have to use a voltage converter. [4] [13] [AD]
Dual voltage hair dryers
Dual voltage hair dryer
How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your hair dryer can handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers will change automatically but other hair dryers will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.
- Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Mauritania then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Mauritanian power outlet.
- Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Mauritanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you should be able to use it in Mauritania.
- Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Mauritania or any other country if these numbers are shown.
How can you use your dual voltage hair dryer in Mauritania?
- Ensure that you are have a dual voltage hair dryer and it will work with a 220 volt power socket.
- If the hair dryer supports dual voltage please ensure that it is switched to operate within the 220-240v range. The switch is normally found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and may require a screwdriver or coin to turn.
- Plug the dryer into the power adapter for Mauritania and then plug in the power adapter into the Mauritanian power outlet.
- It's common on a majority of travel hair dryers operating within the 220-240V range to only work safely on their lowest setting - but this temperature should be adequate for drying hair. Check the hair dryer instructions to find out if this rule is applicable for your model of dual voltage hair dryer to avoid the risk of overheating.
- Your dryer is now ready to operate in Mauritania.
How do I switch a dual voltage hair dryer?
- Most dual voltage hair dryers have a dial or switch which changes between two sets of voltages although some models are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in Mauritania.
- The dial or switch needs a screwdriver or coin to change the dryer to the correct voltage between the 110v-120v range or the 220v-240v range.
- Also it's worth jotting down both switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on certain models of travel hair dryer.
Travelling to Mauritania with a hair dryer
Is it safe to bring my domestic blow dryer to Mauritania?
Bringing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to bringing an existing blow dryer to Mauritania (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Mauritanian power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for Mauritania). Travel hair dryers normally feature a collapsible handle and will be much lighter, this helps reduce the size and weight when packed in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer. Note that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Mauritania. The costs of repairing or replacing an expensive specialised blow dryer in Mauritania could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case beforehand . [14] [AD]
Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on
Can I carry on a hair dryer to Mauritania?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered hair dryer in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Mauritania will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.
Packing your blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around hair dryers). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey. [14] [15] [16] [AD]
Hotel hair dryer
Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in Mauritania?
Depending on the individual hotel or bed and breakfast and class of the accommodation a hair dryer could be available in the hotel room, either packed away in the bedroom wardrobe, cupboard or drawer, found in the bathroom or could be a slower air hose type. When staying in cheaper hotels, hostels and motels a shared hair dryer could be available at the reception but that might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability you should either look on the booking web site or telephone your hotel in Mauritania to find out what is available for guests. Hair dryers found in hotels are adequate but normally rudimentary models lacking a diffuser and notorious for slow air speeds and low heat. For those concerned with hygiene might want to check for any grime from other guests on a communal hair dryer as room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.
Guests who don't want to take a chance that a suitable or sanitary hair dryer is available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer or telephone their hotel in Mauritania to check beforehand. [2] [AD]
Power converters for Mauritania
Do I need a converter in Mauritania to use a hair dryer?
The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Mauritania. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly bulkier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel hair dryer. [5] [AD]
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter?
A heavy and expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Mauritanian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet in Mauritania. [5] [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Mauritania using a type C power adapter
A guide showing you how to power a hair dryer in Mauritania with a Type C power charger.
- Please make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
- You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Mauritania. This Type C plug adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Mauritania simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
- Start by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet can be identified by two circular adjacent holes.
- Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
- Turn on the Mauritanian power outlet.
- You can now switch on your hair dryer to use in Mauritania. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Mauritania
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
- iec.ch - Type C power outlet
- 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..
- 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..
- Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
- X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
- BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
- Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
- Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
- Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
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