How to use hair straighteners in Angola

Angolan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Angola?

Check that your hair straighteners can work in Angola:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 220 volt Angolan power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Angola, so please check that the voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Angola otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Angola please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Angola

Will my hair straighteners work in Angola?

It depends on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Angola. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your hair straighteners in Angola. If not then you will need to consider buying either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with hair straighteners in Angola for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Angola power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Angola?

The frequency of the current in an Angolan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in Angola?

The standard residential voltage in Angola is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need for using  hair straighteners in Angola?

Type C power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in Angola?

The type of power outlet used in Angola is type C. This unearthed plug socket (called the Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 adjacent holes where the twin pins go. A suitable power adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Angola is a Type C power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Angola. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Angola then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Angolan 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 an Angolan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Angola.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Angola or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Angola with hair straighteners

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Angola in your hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners to Angola in your hand luggage?

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

Packing your 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 cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Angola?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Angola as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Angolan power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Angola. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Angola could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot 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 packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Angola

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Angola, however a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 220 volt Angolan power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [5] [AD]

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

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 Angola. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [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 Angola using a type C power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Angola using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Angola. This plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Angola simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the Angolan power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Angolan power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Angola. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Angola using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Angolan country entry on wikipedia
  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..