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Straighteners not working abroad

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In short

UK straighteners are built for 230 volts. In Europe they usually work with a plug adapter. In the USA and Japan the mains voltage is much lower, so single-voltage straighteners heat poorly or not at all. Universal-voltage models, such as many ghd stylers, adjust automatically and only need an adapter. Check the rating label on your styler before you travel.

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Few things are more annoying than unpacking in a hotel and finding your straighteners will not heat. Usually nothing is broken. The problem is that mains electricity differs around the world, and a UK styler may not be designed for the local voltage. Plug shapes differ too, which is a separate issue. This guide explains voltage and plugs in plain terms, why straighteners fail in the USA and Japan but usually work in Europe, the difference between an adapter and a converter, and what to expect in a cruise cabin.

Voltage and plugs: the two separate problems

A plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug so it fits the local socket. It does nothing to the electricity. A voltage converter changes the voltage itself. Most travellers only need an adapter, as long as their styler can handle the local voltage.

The UK supplies around 230 volts. Most of Europe is also 230 volts, so a UK straightener works there with a simple adapter. The USA, Canada and much of Central America supply around 120 volts, and Japan around 100 volts. A single-voltage UK straightener on these supplies gets roughly half the voltage it was designed for, so it heats slowly, weakly or not at all.

DestinationTypical voltageWhat a UK straightener needs
Most of Europe230 VPlug adapter only
USA and Canada120 VUniversal-voltage styler plus adapter
Japan100 VUniversal-voltage styler plus adapter
Australia and New Zealand230 VPlug adapter only
Cruise shipsVaries by shipCheck with the cruise line
Mains supply in common destinations

How to check your straighteners

Look for the rating label on the styler, the plug or the cable. It usually shows the voltage range.

ghd lists universal voltage for many of its stylers, including the Max, the Curve tools and the cordless Unplugged. Check the label on your own model, as older stylers may differ.

  • 100-240 V or similar: universal voltage. It will work worldwide with a plug adapter.
  • 220-240 V or 230 V only: single voltage. Fine in Europe, not suitable for the USA or Japan.
  • No label you can find: check the manual or the maker's website before you travel.

Straighteners not working in the USA or Japan

If a UK straightener barely warms up in New York or Tokyo, the low voltage is almost certainly the cause. Do not leave it switched on hoping it will get there. It will not reach a useful temperature, and running heating appliances outside their rating is not a good idea.

A step-up voltage converter can in theory solve this, but straighteners draw a lot of power and many travel converters are not rated for heating appliances. A converter that is too small can overheat. For most people, a universal-voltage styler is the simpler and safer answer. See our best straighteners for travel guide for dual-voltage and cordless options.

Note:Never plug a single-voltage 230 V straightener into a 120 V or 100 V socket with only an adapter and expect it to work properly, and never run a 120 V appliance from a UK socket. If a plug, adapter or socket gets hot, unplug at once.

Straighteners not working in Europe

Because Europe runs at 230 volts, a UK straightener should work with a good-quality adapter. If it does not, the problem is usually the adapter or the socket. Cheap adapters can make a loose contact, so the styler cuts in and out. Try a different socket and a sturdier adapter. Bathroom shaver sockets in hotels are low-power and are not suitable for straighteners.

Straighteners on a cruise ship

Cabin power varies. Many ships have both US-style and European-style sockets, often at different voltages, and cruise lines set their own rules about which appliances you may bring. Hair straighteners are commonly allowed, but check your cruise line's guidance before you pack. If your styler only works on 230 V, make sure you use a socket rated for that.

A universal-voltage or cordless styler takes the guesswork out of it. Our how do cordless straighteners work article explains battery runtimes, and if you are flying first, see can you take straighteners on a plane.

See travel straighteners →

Packing checklist

  1. 1

    Check the voltage range on the styler's label.

  2. 2

    Pack a well-made plug adapter for your destination.

  3. 3

    Bring a heat-resistant pouch so you can pack the styler soon after use.

  4. 4

    If it is cordless, charge it before you leave and pack it in your hand luggage.

  5. 5

    Note the maker's support page in case something goes wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Will my UK straighteners work in Spain or France? Yes, in most cases. Europe uses 230 volts like the UK, so you only need a plug adapter.

Why are my straighteners not working in America? The USA supplies around 120 volts. Single-voltage UK straighteners cannot heat properly on it. You need a universal-voltage model.

Do ghd straighteners work abroad? Many ghd stylers are universal voltage and work worldwide with a plug adapter. Check the label on your model.

Do I need a converter or an adapter? If your styler says 100-240 V, an adapter is enough. If it is 230 V only, it is not suitable for 120 V or 100 V countries.

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