Using hair straighteners in Greenland

Greenlandic power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Greenland?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Greenland:

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Greenlandic power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change 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 Greenland, therefore check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Greenland otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Greenland you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Greenland please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Greenland

Will my hair straighteners work in Greenland?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volts used in Greenland:

Greenland power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Greenlandic power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Greenlandic power outlet is 50 Hz. [11]

What is the mains voltage in Greenland?

Power outlets in Greenland are 220 volts.

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

There are four types of power outlets used in Greenland, these are type E, C, F and K with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - The sunken round plug outlet, also known as a CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by the two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go with a single metal grounding pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the plug outlet by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other and a pair of two metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type K - You can identify this plug outlet by the 3 large holes in an upside-down triangular configuration with the bottom hole being semicircular in shape.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in Greenland is a Type E power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a travel adapter for Greenland. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [12] [AD]

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

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 will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of the hair straighteners. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a button or 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 Greenland then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Greenlandic 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 a Greenlandic power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Greenland.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Greenland or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Greenland with hair straighteners

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Greenland?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Greenland?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Greenland 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 when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [13] [14] [15] [AD]

Is it better to bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Greenland?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Greenland as it ensures that they'll work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Greenlandic power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Greenland.

Please be aware that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Greenland could outweigh the cost of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.   [14] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Greenland

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 heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Greenlandic power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Greenland. [10] [AD]

Can I use my hair straighteners with a voltage converter for Greenland?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Greenland. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it might be cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also significantly heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [10] [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.    [14] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [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.
  [19] [21] [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 Greenland using a type C power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Greenland using a two pronged Type C power charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts; consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Greenland you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. The wall outlet is recognised by 2 adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners in Greenland. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Greenland using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to power your hair straighteners in Greenland with a two pinned Type E power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Greenland, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Greenland isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Greenland simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type E plug adapter into the Greenlandic power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral plus one long metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greenlandic power outlet. The straighteners should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Greenland using a type E power adapter

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

How to power your hair straighteners in Greenland using a two pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Greenland you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other and a pair of two metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greenlandic power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Greenland using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Greenland using a type K power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Greenland using a two pronged Type K travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Greenland you will need to buy a Type K plug adapter [9]. This Type K plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type K plug adapter into the power outlet. The power supply (sometimes called the Type K power outlet [8]) looks like three holes forming an inverted triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners can now be used in Greenland. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Greenland using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Greenland
  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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  9. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  10. 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..
  11. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  12. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  19. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  20. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  21. 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..