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

Dominicand power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Dominica?

Check that your hair straighteners can work in Dominica:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Dominicand power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Dominica, so check that your power converter includes the right power adapter for Dominica otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 230 volts used in Dominica you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Dominica check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Dominica

Will my hair straighteners work in Dominica?

It depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volt power outlets in Dominica:

Dominica power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Dominica?

The standard voltage in Dominica is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Dominica?

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

Which travel adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Dominica?

Type D and G power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Dominica?

There are two types of power outlets used in Dominica, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - The power outlet, technically known as a type D power outlet, can be identified by three holes forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type G - The plug outlet, also known as a type G power outlet, can be identified by three holes with shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering 230 volt hair straighteners in Dominica - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Dominica. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your hair straighteners. This location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Dominica then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Dominicand 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 230 volts used in a Dominicand power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Dominica.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Dominica or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Dominica with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Dominica?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Dominica as it ensures that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Dominicand power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Dominica. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler in Dominica. The inconvenience and costs of repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Dominica might outweigh the cost of purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can you bring hair straighteners in your carry on luggage to Dominica?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you bring hair straighteners in your carry on luggage to Dominica?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Dominica 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 checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around hair straighteners). If you do 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 offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Dominica

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform a 230 volt Dominicand power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Dominica. [7] [AD]

Do you need a power converter for Dominica to use hair straighteners?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Dominica. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [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.    [10] [11] [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 Dominica using a type D power adapter

A guide on how to power your hair straighteners in Dominica by using a Type D travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not proceed because you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; consult the instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Dominica you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [4]. The Type D plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Dominica by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it into the Dominicand power outlet. The wall outlet, technically called the Type D power outlet [3], can be identified by three holes forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Dominicand power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in Dominica. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Dominica using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Dominica using a type G power adapter

Instructions on how to use your hair straighteners in Dominica with a three prong Type G travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some travel hair straighteners will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Dominica - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Dominica. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Dominica by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the three vertical slots forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Dominicand power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners can now be used in Dominica. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Dominica using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Dominica
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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..