Best Dual Voltage Flat Irons For Worldwide Use

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CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Hairstyling Iron
Best Overall
  • Salon-quality titanium ceramic plates
  • All digital controls and display
  • Works well on all hair types
Herstyler Forever Straightening Flat Iron
Budget Pick
  • 1 ¼” ceramic plates
  • Excellent price to quality ratio
  • Quite durable even if dropped multiple times
LOVANI Mini Travel Size Flat Iron
Best For Bangs/Short Hair
  • ½” anti-static titanium plates
  • Fits easily in handbags and heats up quickly
  • Powerful despite small size

Let me guess: you’re about a week away from a big international trip and just realized that your flat iron won’t work overseas. Been there, girl. Don’t worry, I’ll help you find the best dual voltage flat iron that you can take with you around the world and back. 

Best Dual Voltage Flat Irons

CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Hairstyling Iron

Features
CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Flat Iron
  • Titanium-Infused Ceramic Plates + Ceramic Heater
  • LCD Display + Digital Controls
  • Color-Coded Temperature Range Up To 425°F
  • Dual Voltage + 60-minute Auto Shut-Off
  • Available in 1" and 1 ¼" Widths

The CHI hairstyling iron is a high-quality flat iron with ceramic titanium plates and an ergonomic design. The 1 ¼” version is particularly good for long, thick hair. You can create smooth and straight, waves, or curls and flips with ease. 

To assist with styling, there are three preset color-coded temperatures that display on a digital LCD screen. The blue setting heats up to 370°F and is ideal for fine hair. Green heats to 395°F and is perfect for wavy hair. Finally, the highest setting, red, gets up to 425°F and is ideal for coarse hair types. 

You’re also able to custom set the heat to a specific temperature if you know the best temperature for your hair.

The straightener has a quick 40-second heat up. Rounded plate edges make the glide smooth and tug-free.

One thing to keep in mind – the Chi G2 resets the temperature if you set it down for a while without using. Some people find it annoying, but it’s a safety feature to ensure it doesn’t overheat. 

Pros
  • Works well on all hair types
  • Digital temperature display with color coded pre-set modes
  • Floating plates tilt from side to side for solid contact at any angle
  • Dual voltage iron works anywhere in the world
  • Comes with a carrying case and thermal mat
Cons
  • Higher-priced than many other brands
  • No auto shut-off

HSI Professional Glider

Features
HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron
  • Tourmaline Ceramic Plates
  • Adjustable Heat Settings from 140°F-450°F
  • Dual voltage
  • Heat-Resistant Glove, Sample Size Argan Oil, Storage Pouch

HSI designed their Professional Glider to give a salon-quality result whether your hair is coarse, curly, or straight. You don’t have to be a professional stylist to get professional results. It not only straightens but also flips and curls with minimal effort. 

The Glider works well on short to long hair – even bangs. It has eight micro-sensors that evenly distribute heat across the plates, which reduces hot spots and damage to your strands.

It’s tourmaline-infused ceramic plates give hair a silky finish, and adjustable temperature controls go from 240°F to 410°F. The dual voltage compatibility works for 110V to 220V, and it has a 360° swivel cord so you don’t get tangled up with the cord. 

There is no automatic shut-off so you’re going to have to remember to unplug it after each use.

This version of the HSI Glider comes with extras that include a styling guide, a heat-resistant glove, a travel-sized Argan oil treatment, a one year warranty, and a silk drawstring carrying case. The packaging comes in either red or white.

Pros
  • Suitable for all kinds of hair
  • Made with high-quality tourmaline-infused ceramic
  • Adjustable heat settings from 240°F to 410°F
  • Includes extras such as a travel-sized Argan oil treatment, and a silk drawstring
  • Carrying case
Cons
  • No automatic shut-off
  • Argan sample is just a one-use

Herstyler Forever Straightening Flat Iron

Features
Herstyler Forever Straightening Flat Iron
  • 1 ¼” Ceramic Plates
  • Adjustable Temperature From 180°F - 460°F
  • 30-sec Heat Up
  • Dual Voltage + Swivel Cord

The Herstyler is a 1 ¼” flat iron designed for frizz-free lasting results. These results are boosted with a technology that not only smoothes the hair but also treats and conditions. 

It’s capable of achieving a wide range of looks from pin straight to wavy and curly, making it more than just a straightener. 

It has a long swivel cord that makes styling easier, and heats up to a maximum of 460°F. (Do note that you should never use the max temperature since human hair melts and burns at the same temperature as paper – 451°F.)

The high heat capabilities are mitigated with ceramic plates and negative ion technology, which reduces frizz and protects your locks from excessive damage.

This Herstyler gives salon-quality results regardless of the user’s level of experience. It is travel-friendly, designed to protect hair from damage, and is suitable for daily use. 

On the downside, the temperature dial only indicates the lowest and highest settings (180°F and 460°F), so you don’t know exactly what temperature you’re using. It’s also easy to burn your fingers if you adjust the knob during use because of its location on the inner panel.

Pros
  • Suitable for all kinds of hair
  • 1 ¼” plates make straightening faster on longer lengths
  • Ceramic plates and negative ion technology combat frizz like a champ
  • Available in a bunch of fun colors
  • Superb value for the price
Cons
  • Temperature gauge only shows min and max heat settings
  • No automatic shut-off

Lovani Mini Flat Iron

Features
LOVANI Nano Titanium Mini Flat Iron
  • ½” Anti-Static Titanium Plates
  • Compact Travel-Size
  • One Temperature Setting - 410°F
  • Dual Voltage + Hinge Lock
  • Insulated Heat Resistant Carry Bag

The Lovani Mini Flat Iron is specially designed for convenience and travel. It’s anti-static, ½” titanium plates are gentle on your tresses, and heat quickly up to 410°F. It’s nearly 8” length (compared to the standard-size 11-12”) makes it compact and ideal for on-the-go styling. 

In addition to straightening, the flat iron can also be used to create curls and flips. It’s ideal for those with thinner, fine, short to shoulder-length hair. If you have long, thick or coarse hair, you won’t find it to be too effective due to the narrow and short plates.

All you need is the appropriate adapter to fit the socket, and you’re set to use it anywhere in the world with it’s dual voltage (100V to 240V) compatibility. You can even fit it into a purse or daypack for touch-ups during the day.

Some additional bonuses are that it comes with a heat-insulating carrying bag that’s no bigger than a makeup bag. I also appreciate the safety handle lock which allows you to lock the iron in the closed position for storage.

Pros
  • Anti-static titanium plates are corrosion-resistant and gentle on hair
  • Heats quickly to 410°F
  • Great on bangs, shorter layers, and for taming frizz
  • Compact size is easy to store, pack, and take anywhere
  • Heat-insulated carrying bag lets you pack it up right after using
Cons
  • Not very effective on thick or long hair
  • Only one temperature setting (410°F)
  • On/Off button placement makes it easy to accidentally turn off while using

What Does Dual Voltage Mean?

Electrical systems differ around the world. For example, electrical mains in the United States run on 110-120 volts while Europe runs on 220-230 volts.

A dual voltage flat iron (or any other appliance) is one that works on both 100-120v and 220-240v ranges, allowing you to use it in countries that use different electrical currents. 

A transformer or converter is not needed to convert the current from high to low or vice versa. However, you may still need an adapter plug for your appliance to fit the outlet.

What Happens If I Use My Single Voltage Flat Iron In Other Countries?

If you’re travelling to a country that uses the same current as at home (for example, if you’re travelling from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico), you won’t have any issues.

However, if you’re travelling to Europe or most of Asia, you won’t be able to use your curling iron or straightener without a voltage converter. 

If you try to use a 120v hair styler on a 230v system without a converter, it will short circuit (or worse, blow up!) and not be usable anymore. 

Knowing the voltage of the countries you’re traveling to will save you from frying your appliance.

How Can I Tell if My Straightener is Dual Voltage or Not?

It’s easy to figure out whether your flat iron is single or dual voltage. You can usually find a label or imprint somewhere on the appliance indicating the voltage and frequency (measured in Hz) your device is compatible with.

single voltage
This is NOT dual voltage

How Do You Use a Dual Voltage Flat Iron?

Aside from using the proper adapter to plug into the socket, there’s no difference between a dual vs. single-voltage straightener. The standard recommendations still apply:

  • Make sure hair is completely dry
  • Always use heat protectant before styling
  • Use the lowest temperature setting for your hair type to avoid heat damage
  • Straighten 1” sections at a time for best results

In addition to straightening, you can also use your flat iron to create curls or waves. You can get beachy waves or even smaller crimps by using different techniques.

What Should I Look For in a Dual Voltage Hair Straightener?

Check the specifications to ensure that it operates on both 110/120v and 220/240v. It’ll usually read as a range like 100-240V.

Dual voltage appliances nowadays don’t require you to do anything to switch from one voltage to another. Older dual-voltage appliances sometimes come with a circular switch that you have to toggle to the correct voltage before using.

The only thing you’ll need is an adapter for the appropriate plug type of the countries you’re visiting.

Otherwise, the usual guidelines apply in selecting the best straightener for your hair:

  • Plate Material – choose ceramic or tourmaline ceramic if you have fine, fragile, or damaged locks. Titanium is good for efficiency and styling coarse, thick hair. 
  • Plate Width – 1” is the most commonly used and works great on all lengths. Find a narrower one for shorter styles, or wider (1 ¼” or 1 ½”) for long hair.
  • Adjustable Heat Settings – use temperatures under 300°F for fine hair, 365°F for medium, and no more than 430°F for coarse
  • Safety Features – optional but nice to have: auto shut-off, 360° swivel cord, close lock

Full Size or Mini Flat Iron?

Of course, what good is a dual voltage flat iron if you don’t have room for it in your suitcase? 

Mini flat irons take up less space and often come with a travel-friendly carrying bag to wrap it in after use. Most models are also dual voltage so you can be assured it will work wherever you go.

Having said that, mini straighteners are more appropriate for short to medium hair that isn’t too coarse or curly. Many also don’t have adjustable heat settings, so you’re stuck with whatever temperature it’s built to heat to.

For long, thick hair, you’ll want to stick to standard-size flat irons.

You can look for ones with at least 1 ¼” plates to cut down on the amount of time needed to straighten your hair. It will take up more space in your luggage, but I don’t usually have a problem fitting a standard-sized flat iron in my suitcase as long as I don’t overpack.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

As with any heated appliance, a flat iron still requires attention to safety even though it’s easy to use. Always purchase a good-quality instrument. The lower the quality, the higher the chance of electrical issues and breakdowns. 

Start with the lowest heat setting and go up from there. Yes, flat irons can reach high temperatures of over 400°F, which is necessary for resistant hair types. But it’s the hot settings that can burn your skin or a surface if it were to fall out of your hands. I’ve been using flat irons for years, and I can attest to how horrible it feels to get burned by one. 

Ideally, use a heat-resistant mat when placing it on your counter or table. Automatic shut-off is also an excellent feature to help protect against burns. However, even with an automatic shut-off, always unplug your tool after use.

Don’t use a flat iron near water, such as a bathtub or sink filled with water. Electric shock can occur if you get your flat iron wet while in use.

Finally, give yourself enough room to style your hair with your straightener. Try not to use it in cramped and crowded spaces. The more room you have, the less likely you’ll be at bumping into things and dropping a hot appliance, or placing it on the wrong surface. 

Final Thoughts

My vote for the best dual voltage straightener is the CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Hairstyling Iron. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s worth it for how well it works on all hair types. 

I especially like the titanium plates that heat up quickly and leave my hair shiny and smooth. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to grip and hold, especially if you have wrist issues like me. 

And of course, you can take it around the world since it’s dual voltage – no voltage switching or converting needed. Just make sure to have the right adapter plug with you and you’re set to jet.

Emma Lee
As long as she can remember, Emma has been obsessed with beautiful hair. Her favorite look is pin-straight, sleek glass hair. She's had multiple styles from short and permed to long and natural throughout her life, and knows full well that how your hair looks can make or break your day.

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