Which power adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Turkmenistan?

Turkmen power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Turkmenistan?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Turkmenistan:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Turkmen power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Turkmenistan, therefore check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Turkmenistan otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Turkmenistan you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Turkmenistan read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Turkmenistan

Will my hair straighteners work in Turkmenistan?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Turkmenistan:

Turkmenistan power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Turkmenistan?

Power outlets in Turkmenistan are 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Turkmenistan?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Turkmen power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which power adapter do you need to use  hair straighteners in Turkmenistan?

Type B, C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Turkmenistan?

There are three types of power outlets used in Turkmenistan, these are type C, B and F with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - The plug socket (also called the type A power outlet) can be identified by two thin slots adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the plug socket by the 2 slots parallel to each other where the live and neutral plug socket blades go with a hole below for the long earthed pin.
  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be recognised by the 2 holes next to each other where the two pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - This round wall outlet can be identified by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other along with a pair of grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type C power adapter will allow you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Turkmenistan, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Turkmenistan. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

One way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Turkmenistan then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Turkmen power outlet.
  • Single voltage might 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 Turkmen power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Turkmenistan.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Turkmenistan or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Turkmenistan with hair straighteners

Is it safer to bring your domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to Turkmenistan?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Turkmenistan as it ensures that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Turkmen power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Turkmenistan.

Please note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Turkmenistan. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Turkmenistan could be more than purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, or 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 whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on hand luggage to Turkmenistan?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on hand luggage to Turkmenistan?

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

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 cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Turkmenistan

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Turkmenistan?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Turkmenistan?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Turkmenistan, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Turkmen power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [9] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Turkmenistan to use my hair straighteners?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Turkmenistan. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to travel hair straighteners. [9] [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.    [12] [13] [16] [17] [18] [19] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Energy saving outlet with timer

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.
  [18] [20] [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 Turkmenistan using a type B power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Turkmenistan with a three pin Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Turkmenistan isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Turkmenistan by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 slots with a semicircular shaped hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin. Be aware power cables with type B outlets which are rated at 125 volts should not be used so we suggest checking first.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Turkmen power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in Turkmenistan. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Turkmenistan using a type B power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use your hair straighteners in Turkmenistan with a two pin Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Turkmenistan you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Turkmenistan simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The power outlet can be identified by two round holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Turkmen power outlet. Your straighteners should now be ready for use in Turkmenistan. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Turkmenistan using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Turkmenistan using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in Turkmenistan with a Type F power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please consult the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Turkmenistan you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [8]. The Type F plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Turkmenistan simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into and grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Turkmen power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Turkmenistan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Turkmenistan Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. 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.
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. 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.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. 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..