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Want the dual voltage hair straightener that I’ve used in over 10+ countries? Read on.
Since 2014, I’ve traveled to eight countries with my dual voltage travel hair straightener and curling iron. I even moved to Europe in 2015 and took these US hair appliances with me.
They’re still going strong even though I use them a few times a week with an adapter. They’re the best ones for their value and make it really easy to have nice hair while traveling internationally.
However, it wasn’t always this easy. Not being aware of the differences in each country’s voltage, I’ve had my share of hair straighteners that either malfunctioned or went dead while traveling– oops. That all changed when I was planning for my trip to Italy in 2014. I played it smart, did some research, and came across this dual voltage curling iron and straightener that soon became my everyday hair appliances in Europe.
Here’s everything you need to know about using a dual voltage hair straightener while traveling. Learn which ones I consider the best for international travel.
TL;DR- Want to skip the reading and just get the dual-voltage hair straightener I’ve been using for 2-3x a week abroad since 2015? I recommend the HSI Glider Ceramic Flat Iron on Amazon. Click through to see its amazing reviews.
Will the curling iron, hair straightener, or blowdryer I have now work when traveling internationally?
Yes! But it depends on:
- your home country,
- what country you’re going to, and
- if you have a dual voltage compatible appliance or not.
Here are three scenarios to decide if your hair appliance will work abroad.
- If your home country and country you are traveling have the same electrical system, then your hair appliances will work whether or not it’s dual voltage. You may need an adapter still.
- If your home country and country you are traveling have a different electrical system AND your hair appliance is dual voltage, then your hair appliances will work abroad if you have an adapter.
- If your home country and country you are traveling have a different electrical system AND your hair appliance is not dual voltage, then your hair appliances will work abroad if you have a converter and an adapter.
For example, I was going from the United States, which runs on a 110 volt system, to Europe, which runs on a 220 volt system. I did not have a dual voltage curling iron or hair straightener so I had the choice of:
- buying a converter and an adapter to use with my existing hair appliance
- buying a new dual voltage appliance and an adapter
This is because the electrical system in countries vary and run on a different number of volts like the US and Europe. Thus, you need to convert how much electricity flows (or doesn’t flow) into your appliance to work properly or else, KABOOM, it could get fried. We wouldn’t want that to happen to your hair straightener or curling wand while traveling internationally so check the voltage of your home country and where you’re traveling to on this page.
Do I need an adapter, converter or both?
If you want to use your existing hair appliance, which is not dual voltage, then you’ll need:
- this converter— to convert the voltage from 110 to 220 or vice versa, and
- an adapter— to adapt your home country’s plug into the visiting country’s socket.
Warning: Based on what I’ve read about and experienced using converters with appliances that heat up like curling irons, straighteners, clothing steamers, and even humidifiers is that converters don’t do a good job at making these run smoothly. They can still possibly ruin your appliance so I would play it safe and buy a dual voltage hair straightener or curling iron, which is what I did.
I didn’t want to run the risk of ruining my Chi straightener, which would not work abroad* without a converter AND adapter, so I opted for a new curling iron and hair straightener, which I knew would 100% work with just an adapter.
*Update 02/27/19 – One of my readers mentioned that the Chi straightener IS dual-voltage! My model is older so it seems that the new ones are dual-voltage. Just check your hair straightener and make sure it says 110-240V.
If you already have a dual voltage appliance or need to buy one like I did, then you’ll need either a dual voltage hair straightener, curling iron, or hair dryer I list below and an adapter.
What’s the best dual voltage travel hair straightener?
I bought this HSI glider ceramic hair straightener for my trip to Europe in 2015, but since then I’ve used it in the US, South Korea, and several countries in Europe. It’s even replaced my original non-dual voltage hair straightener and has become my everyday hair straightener!
Since moving it to the Netherlands, I’ve used it 2-3x a week since 2015. Yes, even though I always use it with an adapter, it works well.
What’s the best dual voltage travel curling iron?
For its price, this curling wand is a steal because I use this curling wand both at home and abroad.
It’s even replaced my Remington curling wand because although I loved the tapered curl that it made, my hair would slip so easily off that wand, it was annoying to use. The Bed Head has absolutely no issues like that and just wants to help you get some fancy pants curls.
Get this dual voltage curling iron for international travel.
What’s the best dual voltage travel hair dryer?
Update 4/7/20 – I recently bought this dual voltage hair dryer on 02/16/2020 after using it at an Airbnb. I was surprised with how much power it has considering how small it is!
I love the size of it considering it’s so small that it doesn’t take up much space in the suitcase or even a weekend bag, and of course, it dries my thick, long hair quite well!
The handle folds in, which makes it easy to pack, and of course, it works great abroad. I’ve used it now in the US and in Europe.
The price is awesome too for a hair dryer you’ll only use for travel. Get the dual voltage hair dryer on Amazon.
Read more about a dual voltage travel hair dryer here.
What adapter should I get for my dual voltage hair appliance?
To use any of the dual-voltage appliances I listed above, you’ll need an adapter. This travel adapter is also a surge protector that’ll work anywhere in the world! You can use it for everything, not just your hair appliances.
Bonus: It also has two USB port slots so you can plug your phones in it too and not carry extra adapters for it.
Tip: If you want to double check, you can find out the voltage/plug of your own country vs. the one you’re going to on this post.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Hair Straighteners Abroad
Are Chi straighteners dual voltage?
Update 02/27/19– Older models of Chi straighteners are not dual-voltage, but newer ones like this one are!
For older models, you will need an adapter and a converter but will still run the risk of ruining your hair straightener. I have a Chi hair straightener, and based off my experience with converters, I can tell it would get ruined in a second.
Get a hair straightener that is dual voltage, which means you’ll only need this and an adapter. Chances are you’ll need an adapter for your other electronics anyways so you can use an adapter for both your hair straightener and everything else.
Click here to see the amazing reviews about the hair straightener I have on Amazon.
How do I know if my curling iron is dual voltage?
Google your curling iron brand, or look at the curling iron itself. In small letters, there is usually the voltage engraved onto the appliance.
If it says it’s 110-220 volts, then it is dual voltage. If it only says 110 volts or 220 volts (depending on the country you’re in), then it’s not dual voltage.
I love the Remington dual voltage curling iron for international travel because it grips your hair nicely and is inexpensive. I moved to Europe in 2015 and use this weekly with an adapter so I’d say this is the best dual voltage curling iron since it’s still going strong.
How do I know if my hair straightener is dual voltage?
If it says it’s 110-220 volts, then it is dual voltage. If it only says 110 volts or 220 volts (depending on the country you’re in), then it’s not dual voltage.
For a dual voltage one, I recommend the HSI hair straightener I’ve been using abroad since 2015. I now live in Europe and use this 2-3x a week with an adapter so I’d say this is the best dual voltage flat iron for Europe since I use it here so often. It still works great after all this time.
Photos of My Hair After Using These Dual-Voltage Hair Appliances
I hope my experience helps you get appliances you need for great hair abroad. Have anymore questions on using dual voltage hair appliances abroad? Ask me by commenting below!
Thanks for stopping by! xo.
Come say hi to me on Instagram!
I’d love to know if you made it this far down into the post. It’d actually make me quite happy if you reached out on Instagram and said hello!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
![🌌𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮. | Any Star Wars fans here? If so, you have to visit these epic shooting locations around the world. [𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 when you're ready to travel!]
➀ Tatooine, where Luke Skywalker grew up, was inspired by Tozeur, Tunisia. There's an original, abandoned set 5 hours outside of Tozeur that you can visit with this half day tour (affiliate link: https://shrsl.com/2yav9)
➁ Planet Alderaan, where Princess Leia grew up, was filmed in Grindelwald, Switzerland.
➂ Planet Endor, where the Ewoks lived, was filmed in Redwood National Park, California, USA.
➃ Planet Ahch-To, where Anakin Skywalker and Queen Padmé Amidala fall in love, was filmed at the Royal Alcázar in Seville, Spain.
➄ Planet Jedha was filmed in Wadi Rum, Jordan (so was The Martian).
Out of these 5 locations, which one would you go to first? 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 @kellymarietran, the first Asian American (specifically Vietnamese) woman to have a major role in a Star Wars film; she was in the Last Jedi.
For me, it was refreshing to see a non-stereotypical Asian female role. But for many fans, they could NOT handle having an Asian actress in this film. She was harassed incessantly with sexist and racist comments to the point of deleting her Instagram account in 2018 because "[she] started to believe them".
The bigots won. In Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, her role was reduced to a mere 1 min and 16 sec cameo (although they said it's because there were too many storylines going on to feature her more like the previous movie).
As Rose Tico in Star Wars says "That's how we're gonna win, not fighting what we hate, but saving what we love."
Keep fighting for what you believe in OUT OF LOVE! 📍Image of me shot at @disneyland California
👡Wearing @birdies flats + outfit pieced together from @amazonfashion (I already had this cape thing tho)](https://www.fromlusttilldawn.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Stephanie says
I’m definitely getting that straightener for my trip this summer!! It will be my fourth one! #ihaveproblems but I promise I’ll donate the one I like the least!! ?
Sarah says
Fourth! Wow that’s a lot. This one will provide you with lots of shiny hair on all your travels so it’s worth it!
Amber says
Thank you for posting this!! I’m traveling to Europe more now and I’ve been looking for hair appliances I can buy to use without a converter/adapter. I’m afraid each trip is going to ruin my favorite straightener.
Sarah says
Hi! You still need to use the hair appliance with an adapter, but I’m assuming you already have one since you travel a lot. They’re the least of the dual-voltage hair appliance issue anyways. Have fun traveling!
Daniela says
I always have an adaptor with me and I had no problems so far!
I remember when I was in States with my 220V hair straightener and it actually worked – but so slow that it took ages haha
Sarah says
Oh that’s crazy because I used my hair straightener abroad with an adapter and nothing happened. Maybe from 220 to 110v it works better.
Nina says
I use World Adapter Pro and so far never had any problems. You might check it out.
Sarah says
Good to know, thanks! That helps the buying a new appliance issue.
Valery says
Love that you made a post about this! I’ve had so many problems, I usually just end up buying a new hairdryer in the country I’m visiting to avoid the headache 🙂
Sarah says
A new one? Wow! Treat yo self 🙂
GlobalMary says
OMG, now I am going from Europe to Japan, and I also had to think about converters and the stuff you are writing about, including hair dryer and even my electric tooth brush! Great post, thanks!
Sarah says
I never had an issue with my electric toothbrush. I just used an adapter but the hair dryer and anything that heats up is def. an issue. Have fun in Japan. Wish I was going too!
Jacqueline says
I realllly wish I had read this three years ago. I totally fried my flat iron in Vietnam and literally had to exist for a solid year looking like I came out of 1984. Not cute. Then I got my hair dyed and they turned it orange and it was just…not pretty. Haha. Anyway. Surprisingly useful post, nice thinking outside the box!
Sarah says
Oh no! I wish I wrote this three years ago. Omg, lesson learned from all my friends– don’t get your hair done in Asian countries haha. Although I had brazilian keratin in Thailand, which came out super nice.
Crazy Travelista says
Absolutely great guide for hair appliances! I wish I would have seen this many years ago haha. It would have saved me a few hair dryers :). Since I travel a lot now, I invested in the Euro hairdryer. For some reason, my straightener and curling iron wok fine with just an adaptor (although I know I’m supposed to use a converter). When I need to buy another converted, I’ll make sure to use your link! 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks so much! Your hair always looks great in your blog. Now I know it’s cause of that hairdryer!
sabrina says
Nice post! I’ve lived in Milan for 5 years and I still live in Italy… with 600 grams and 90 cm long hair, gasp! SoI know a bit much about dealing with frizzy, unshaped hair! Good tools to catch up with hair is an ABC for feeling good (well.. I’m a traveller… but always an Italian traveller, as I said in this post, esthetics is more important than a broken leg 🙂 )
Sarah says
wow that’s a lot of hair! thanks for sharing.
Pinay Flying High says
I have naturally straight hair and it will only be curled by an expert in a salon, so (un)fortunately – I don’t need any hair appliances for my hair whenever I travel. It’s going to be the same, boring straight hair for me anytime, anywhere. Unless I pay a local salon a visit, which should be interesting.
Sarah says
Lucky naturally straight hair! Mine’s sort of straight… on good days. It’s just SO thick so the hair straightener tames it.
Katy says
The post I’ve been waiting forever for! My least favourite thing about travelling is the mess that my sensitive hair turns into. I need a new straightener too so perfect timing ?
Sarah says
Nice! Good to hear. Make sure to read reviews to make sure that it’s suitable for your hair too 🙂
Natasha says
Great post, Sarah!
I think a lot of people forget about their appliances working overseas — especially hair appliances. It’s a great idea to plan ahead so you’re not left wondering what to do with frizzy hair! lol
I now get magic straight done in Korea and can’t put heated appliances on my hair. When I get back home though, I will need to look into getting a great straightener for travel.
Thanks again for the tips! 🙂
Sarah says
I want to get the magic straight done! I totally forgot that Korea is the king of beauty stuff. Thanks for reminding me.
Anita says
Great tips for staying beautiful while traveling. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
Thanks!
Carla Abanes says
not much of hair appliance user. I have short hair and its wash and wear hahaha but this post was an inspiration for me regarding converters. thank you!
Sarah says
Awesome! I cut my hair recently and it’s been WAY easier to manage. I probably use a hair appliance on it like every other week now.
Aparna says
I’ve definitely fried a couple of hair straighteners during my travels! Your hair looks GREAT in the photos! I’m not one to fuss over it much usually on vacation, but your glam photos are definitely inspiration enough!
Sarah says
Thank you for the kind words!
Ryan Biddulph says
Helpful stuff Sarah.
Even if my haircut is wind tunnel tested 🙂
Ryan
Sarah says
Ha you’re funny. Thank you!
Scarlett says
It’s all such a hassle, right?! I just moved to Italy and had to invest in some new hair appliances. Since I’m here for the long haul, it’s was just easier to get a 220 v curling iron with an Italian/European plug and not deal with the converter/adapter situation at all. The dual ones are nice though because you can use them all over! Ciao Ciao 🙂
Sarah says
You live in Italy? Cool! I agree with getting new appliances since I did the same moving to Amsterdam. Thanks for stopping by!
Alex says
I really enjoy your post.It is writing very interesting! haha You must be a humorous person!
Sarah says
Thank you!
Emilia Stark says
Honestly, i found the HSI professional hair straightener really awesome…I am a traveller and a fashion lover too..I used to face these issues, of dual voltage. Most of the time, i used to burn out my scalp, Well all thanks to your Post…i have finally saved my hairs from frying..
Sarah says
Oh I’m glad to hear this, and cool that you use the same one!
Judy says
I personally love my karmin 🙂
Sarah says
Oh that’s good to know. I just looked it up and it also looks really great! I’ll update my post. — For anyone else reading these comments, here’s the dual voltage Karmin hair straightener. http://amzn.to/2lBAT9d
Lucy says
I’m in the UK and I recently bought a Cloud 9 which comes with a European plug built into the UK plug, you just unscrew it and there it is – it’s such a great idea. And the straighteners are amazing too! I’ll be using them in Spain later this year 🙂
Rachel says
Traveling to Norway and Amsterdam next week! LOVE this post, bought the flat iron (and praying it works with an adapter). I have a curling iron that says 100-240v 50/60hz so I’m going to take the chance with that one and take it over. I plan on using the hair driers over there. Have you traveled with any of these products to Norway?
Sarah from Tales From a Fork says
Norway has the same voltage as the Netherlands so it’ll work there. Have fun!
Carole F. Moore says
All about the post is notable, but my problem is some different i think! African American Hair is my type, so is it have any more informational tips for me?
Jame says
thanks for sharing this great post. i will forward to my friend who like make up their hair while traveling abroad.
Sharon Smith says
Love your ideas!
All about using dual voltage hair appliances abroad!SHould i go ahead and buy hair dryer/flat iron with dual voltage or just use the one i use in the US with a converter?
Meghan K says
I have a Chi I bought a couple years ago and it is dual voltage… Says 110-220V right on it.
Sarah Kim says
Thanks so much for sharing! My version isn’t so perhaps they’re all different. So good to know!
Liz says
Thanks for this guide! I was considering getting an adapter and converter, and taking my chances that my current non-dual voltage straightener would work… But, after reading through all of the different descriptions for adapters & converters – I wasn’t confident I would have what I need. So – I just bought the HSI straightener you recommended as well as the VCOO adapter you linked (although, you have this listed as a converter, but the link describes it as an adapter??). The MAXAH adapter looks like it would do the same thing, but I like that the VCOO has the USB ports as well. Also, I came across a converter & adapter combo in my searches which may be a good option to avoid buying two separate devices; I may test it out at some point: https://amzn.to/2LolZgc
Garineh Magarian says
Hi! This was very helpful thank you! My Sultra curling wand says Universal Voltage. Is that the same thing as dual voltage? I also purchased this from Target, really hope it works together?? https://www.target.com/p/travel-smart-ultimate-converter/-/A-51256678 Please help!
Raena Vigil says
Hi i have a question. I m going on a trip to eastern europe soon. What about voltage? Even if I have a dual voltage hair dryer, don’t I need a adapter that allows for alot of watts? I couldnt find an adapter that does….:/
Sincerely Jennie (@JennieSzink) says
Hi – this post was helpful but you link to a “converter” product that’s not actually a converter. Just FYI – I hope you can share one that is!
Yeny says
I really like my Karmin.
Lauren says
I have a Chi and it is dual voltage. I think you might have your verbiage confused. Dual voltage is 110-240V like you listed and that is what my Chi says right in the manual. Perhaps you have an older model. I was doing research and unfortunately every single think you sent me to on Amazon was not made for any hair dryer or straightener. I had to find them on my own! I appreciate your work, but it made things way harder for me.
Sarah says
Hi! I probably have an older model. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll update that.
Nandini says
Hi Sarah, this is a very detailed post but I am still not able to conclude whether a product that doesn’t runs on dual-voltage will still work with a step-down converter? I recently bought Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer from US and it got fried leaving me high & dry.
The manufacturer’s page on Amazon says it wont working outside US & Canada, but I bought it in a store and my salesperson forgot to mention this. I am still looking to buy another one but want to be sure if it will work with a converter? Will appreciate your expert advise!
Claudette Nicholas says
Thank you for this wonderful post! The topic was so confusing to me but you really simplified it! Question: I purchased the HSI straightener (which you recommended) for a trip to Germany. It is 110/220v but Germany is 230v. Will I needed to use a converter to go from 220-230v or just the adapter? My apologies if you already addressed this and I missed it.
tJtIf23Oc2dBqokR7BAwEsySc6c5DOcF7WP3htVoTLI= says
Thank you for the article! I have one question though- I have a duel voltage hair iron and curling iron, and I clicked on the link for the adapter you suggested. However, it said that the adapter is not for hair irons and curling irons. Did you use it anyway?
Thanks again for the article it was very insightful
Sam says
Your link to a “converter” literally takes you to an adapter that is not used for converting.
Jassy says
Glad I enjoyed the post! Thanks a lot
kereta sewa kulim says
just discover this site from somewhere. great sharing story & experiences. i will recommend this site to my friends out there.
Kalyani R Phadke says
It’s so important to have great hair for some great photos! Definitely going in my packing list!
Luciano says
Thank you for sharing wonder full information about the Hair Straightener Brush Tips