UK appliances use in USA

Question

Hi all sorry for the very unimportant question!! And I think it maybe one for the ladies! I have heard that some hair appliances will not work in the USA. Has anyone had trouble with shark/ GHD appliances obviously with an adaptor! I know the hotel will have hairdryers but it's never the same

Answer

Using UK hair appliances like GHD straighteners, curling irons, or Shark products in the USA can be tricky because the voltage in the US is 110–120V, whereas UK appliances are designed for 220–240V. Simply using a plug adapter will not change the voltage, and plugging a UK-only appliance directly into a US outlet can damage the appliance or even pose a safety risk.

Here’s what you need to know to safely use UK hair appliances in the US:

Check for dual voltage: Many modern GHD appliances and some hair dryers are dual voltage (110–240V). If your appliance is dual voltage, you can safely use it in the US with just a plug adapter.
If not dual voltage: You will need a voltage converter (step-up transformer) that converts US 110V to UK 220–240V. Make sure the converter can handle the wattage of your appliance — high-wattage tools like hair dryers may require a heavy-duty converter.
Adapters vs. converters: A simple plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug and does not adjust voltage. Only use it with appliances that are dual voltage. For single-voltage UK-only appliances, a proper voltage converter is required.

Practical tips for traveling with hair appliances:

Consider bringing dual voltage models or travel versions designed for international use — GHD often has travel sets that are dual voltage.
If your appliance is heavy or high-wattage (like Shark hair dryers), it may be easier to buy a US version for the trip rather than bringing a voltage converter.
Always check the appliance label for voltage and wattage before plugging it in. The label usually lists something like “220–240V ~ 50/60Hz” for UK-only appliances, or “100–240V” for dual voltage.
Hotels typically provide hair dryers, but if you want your own, bringing a dual voltage straightener or curling iron is the simplest option.

In summary, dual voltage UK hair appliances can be used safely in the US with a plug adapter. Single-voltage UK appliances require a voltage converter capable of handling the appliance wattage. For convenience and safety, many travelers opt to buy dual voltage travel versions of their favorite appliances.