Which travel adapter do I need for using hair straighteners in Iran?

Iranian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Iran?

First check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Iran:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can 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 Iranian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Iran, so please check that the voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for Iran otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Iran you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Iran please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Iran

Will my hair straighteners work in Iran?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 220 volts as used in Iran:

Iran power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in an Iranian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from an Iranian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Iran?

Power outlets in Iran are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use  hair straighteners in Iran?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in Iran?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Iran, types F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - This power socket (known as the Europlug) can be identified by two circular adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular plug socket (known as the type F power outlet or Schuko socket) can be recognised by the two holes 19 mm next to each other, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Iran - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Iran with a power adapter. 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] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Iran with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on luggage to Iran?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on luggage to Iran?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Iran 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 when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

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

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Iranian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Iran.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Iran could be higher than purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Iran

Can you use hair straighteners with a power converter in Iran?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Iran. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic hair straighteners, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is also substantially heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to travel hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Iran, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from an Iranian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [7] [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.    [11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [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.
  [16] [18] [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 Iran using a type C power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your hair straighteners in Iran using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Iran. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Iran by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter in the Iranian power outlet. This unearthed wall supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iranian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Iran. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Iran using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your hair straighteners in Iran by using a 2 prong Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Iran - please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Iran doesn't accomodate the plug of your hair straighteners. This Type F plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Iran 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. Insert the Type F plug adapter in the Iranian power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two large circular adjacent holes for live and neutral and two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iranian power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be used in Iran. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Iran using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Iran
  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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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. 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.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. 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..