Some well-known brands of popular hair gadgets won’t work on holiday and trying to use them can cause them to break or even void your warranty
Experts at MoneySuperMarket Energy are warning jet-setting Brits crossing the Atlantic to leave behind high-end beauty products or risk disappointment and even a hefty bill. Many of us will pack a hair dryer or straighteners when heading off on holiday.
But research has found that a large proportion of high-end beauty gadgets, such as hair dryers and straighteners, including ‘must have’ brands such as Dyson, GHD, Shark, and Revlon, won’t work in the USA or Canada, as well as South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Japan.
The study, which looked at over 20 ‘best of’ lists, found that of the most recommended hair dryers and straighteners, 80% were single voltage only.
Common, critically acclaimed tech that won’t work included the Dyson Supersonic Nural (£300), GHD Helios Professional (£139–£159), and Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 (£199).
In fact, even attempting to use some high-end device abroad could leave you with a hefty repair bill, as doing so instantly voids most warranties.
Most high-end beauty gadgets are designed for UK voltage (230V/50Hz), so they won’t work correctly in the USA (110V/60Hz), even with a travel adapter – and any attempt to use your device could lead to damage.
This is because travel plug adapters only change the shape of the plug, and not the voltage.
However, while voltage converters are available, attempting to use one will likely void the warranty of your expensive device should it break.
Why won’t my hair dryer and straighteners work abroad?
- Plug adapters only change plug shape – not power.
- UK: 230V / 50Hz vs USA: 110V / 60Hz – the mismatch leaves devices useless or even damaged.
- Manufacturers warn against use abroad – Dyson, GHD, Shark, Philips, and Braun
- In most cases, even attempting to use the device in a non-compatible region will void the warranty of the device, something that will also not be covered under most travel insurance policies.
While most UK devices should still work across Europe with a simple plug adapter, holidaymakers should check the instructions of their specific model, and whether using a high-end item abroad will void the manufacturer’s guarantee.
Kara Gamell, insurance and personal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket said, “Many of us are pretty attached to our beauty tools. Whether it’s a trusty hair dryer or a go-to pair of straighteners, we often pack our favourites when heading abroad.
“But if you’ve splashed out on a high-end device, you could be in for a nasty shock – literally. That’s because North America and Europe use different voltages, and many top-tier tools simply won’t work overseas. Worse still, trying to use them could fry the device completely.
“Manufacturers often warn against using these tools outside their intended region, and doing so could void your warranty or insurance—leaving you to foot the bill for a replacement.”
MoneySuperMarket’s top tips for taking beauty gadgets abroad
- Check the label – Look for “110–240V”. If it’s not there, don’t pack it.
- Buy or borrow locally – Pick up a cheap dryer or straightener at your destination.
- Don’t risk converters – They’re unreliable for high-powered beauty tools.
- Pack travel versions – Many brands sell dual-voltage minis for holidays.
- Remember, Europe is fine – your UK gadgets will work across the EU with a plug adapter.
