Which plug adapter do I need for using hair straighteners in Slovakia?

Slovak power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Slovakia?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Slovakia:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Slovak power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Slovakia, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Slovakia otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 230 volts used in Slovakia you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Slovakia read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Slovakia

Will my hair straighteners work in Slovakia?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in Slovakia:

Slovakia power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Slovak power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current used in a Slovak power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What voltage is used in Slovakia?

Power outlets in Slovakia are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use  hair straighteners in Slovakia?

Type C and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Slovakia?

There are two types of power outlets used in Slovakia, types E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power outlet by two round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type E - The recessed circular plug socket, technically known as the CEE 7/7 plug, can be recognised by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes and one metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Slovakia is a Type E power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Slovakia. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically but other straighteners will feature 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 230 volts used in Slovakia then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Slovak 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 230 volts used in a Slovak power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Slovakia.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Slovakia or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Slovakia with hair straighteners

Can I bring hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I bring hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Slovakia 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 and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Slovakia?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Slovak power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Slovakia.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Slovakia. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Slovakia might outweigh the costs of buying much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own 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 transported right after use without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Slovakia

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms a 230 volt Slovak power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Slovakia. [7] [AD]

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

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Slovakia. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair straighteners, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [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 Slovakia using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Slovakia with a Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Slovakia won't take the plug of your hair straighteners. This Type C plug adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet used in Slovakia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the Slovak power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 adjacent holes.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Slovak power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Slovakia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Slovakia using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Slovakia using a type E power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power hair straighteners in Slovakia by using a 2 pinned Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Slovakia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Slovakia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. The sunken circular power outlet, sometimes known as the CEE 7/7 plug, can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with a metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Slovak power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners in Slovakia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Slovakia using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Slovakia country Wikipedia 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. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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..