Hair question for other vain women....

Okay, so you don't have to be vain to answer my question!

Thanks,
Jayne

Jayne, I just posted a reply to electric adapters about this same subject. And, it was because of a curling iron. First, you will need an electric converter. Second, look at the plug on your curling iron. I'm betting that it's a 2-prong with one prong longer than the other. If yes, most 120-240 A/C adapters have two slots for the U.S. prongs BUT, they don't have the slot long enough for the U.S. long prong. My wife took her curling iron along with us and was not able to use it as no adapter we had (or the hotel had) had the long slot.

Hi, Larry.
What I really wanted to know is if a cheap Italian curling iron could be purchased once I get there. I'm assuming they would come with the correct voltage and plugs.

Jayne, I'm sure that your assumption that you could buy one there is a good one. I just don't know where or how much. We didn't get near any place where you could purchase one.

I would suggest a department store. I can't remember any in Florence but I did stick to the old historic centre for the whole of my trip. I'm sure further out into the 'suburbs' there will be somewhere. I know in Rome I found one in the centre. Perhaps google 'department store+florence' and see what comes up. Otherwise perhaps contact your hotel and ask them if there is a store they know of or a store selling electrical goods. They must exist.

Jayne,

Before my trip last summer I purchased a "travel curling iron" which folds and worked with electricity in Europe. I just had to use an adapter plug which I think came with it. I'm sorry I don't remember which website I purchased it from, but I found a few just by googling "travel curling iron."

Okay, Thanks to everyone!

I'm pondering the same question as you. I think I've decided to get the travel (fold-up) curling iron I saw on the TravelSmith website. I think I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend time on my lovely Italian vacation searching for department stores, etc. Otherwise, pull your flat ugly hair up in a clip or ponytail - that's what I do :)

Caio

After several trips to Italy, hating their hotel dryers and destroying mine, I purchased an Italian hair dryer at an electronics store in Italy. There are many in each city, and they are usually called Elettronica. In fact, I think I saw one at Termini Station in Rome. They sell everything! I did not find the price that different from US prices. It was a great quality and it is in my suitcase every time I go to Italy.

When I was there in '02 I was on my honeymoon and desperately wanted a curling iron so I could look my best. THERE WERE NO CURLING IRONS TO BE FOUND! Plenty of blow dryers, curlers..... no curling irons. That was a long time ago, though. Baby Bliss has a really tiny curling iron and blow dryer. Maybe check that out? Have fun!

Jayne & the group,

You might try

www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___Hair_Appliances?Args=

as I think they might have what you're looking for (you'll have to "cut & paste" the URL, as this Message Board is a bit "primitive" and doesn't provide the capability for web links).

One caveat however - be sure to read the reviews for the Curling Iron - some of them weren't exactly "glowing".

Cheers!!!

During our recent trip - my sister in law could not get her "hair straightener" to work. She tried with a converter and without. The handle got hot but not the plates.

I am a very vain woman - but I just wash and go over there and don't look in a mirror... My husband says I look just fine to him - what else matters? :-)

Hi, everyone! So surprised to start getting a lot of replies after a month's dormancy.

I came up with a good solution - 4-5 "velcro" rollers to stick in my flat spots as my hair dries. I've been practicing at home and it works fine. Plus, light weight to pack.

So, I'll be perfectly happy without a curling iron. Thanks!!