How do I use my hair straighteners in Tonga?

Tongan power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Tonga?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Tonga:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 240 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 240 volt Tongan power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Tonga, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Tonga otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts used in Tonga you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Tonga please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Tonga

Will my hair straighteners work in Tonga?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 240 volt power outlets used in Tonga:

Tonga power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Tonga?

Power outlets in Tonga are 240 volts.

What frequency is used in Tonga?

The frequency of the current used in a Tongan power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Tonga?

Type I power outlet

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Tonga?

Type I power outlets are used in Tonga. You can recognise this power socket by three slots for the live, neutral and ground blades. A recommended plug adapter to bring for using 240 volt hair straighteners in Tonga is a Type I plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Tonga. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple method 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 the plug. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Tonga then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Tongan 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 240 volts used in a Tongan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Tonga.
  • A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Tonga or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Tonga with hair straighteners

Should you bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Tonga?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Tonga as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Tongan power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Tonga.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler in Tonga. The inconvenience and costs of repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Tonga might outweigh the cost of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, or 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 transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [8] [9] [AD]

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage to Tonga?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on hand luggage to Tonga?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Tonga 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 by 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 electronic items). 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] [8] [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Tonga

Can I use hair straighteners with a power converter for Tonga?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in Tonga. 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]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will transform a 240 volt Tongan power outlet to work with non-240 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 slot into a power outlet found in Tonga. [5] [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.    [8] [9] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 Tonga using a type I power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Tonga with a 3 pinned Type I power charger.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 240 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type I plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Tonga. This plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Tonga simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type I plug adapter into the Tongan power outlet. This wall outlet, technically called the Type I power outlet [3], can be identified by three slots for the live, neutral and earth blades.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Tongan power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners in Tonga. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Tonga using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Tonga
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. 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.
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  12. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..