Almost 40% of women use heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners as part of their beauty routines. While these gadgets are great for achieving the look you want, they usually come with instructions and are easier to use safely in a salon with a professional’s help. At home, it’s a different story—using these tools by yourself can sometimes lead to accidents, especially if you’re not fully sure how to use them or if you skip reading the safety labels and instructions.
We all try our best to be careful, but sometimes burns from a curling iron happen, no matter if you’re new to using them or have been styling your hair for years. When accidents like these occur, knowing what to do right away and how to care for the burn afterward is key. It’s about fixing the burn quickly and getting back to feeling good about your beauty routine without worry.
What’s a Curling Iron?
A curling iron is a tool you use to make your hair curly or wavy. It gets hot when you plug it in, and you wrap your hair around its heated part to style it. There are different types of curling irons for various kinds of curls, from tight curls to big waves.
Can Curling Irons Burn You?
Yes, you can definitely get burns from using a curling iron. Because they need to be hot to curl your hair, if the iron touches your skin, it can cause a burn.
Why Do People Get Burned?
People usually get burns from curling irons for a few reasons:
- Touching by Accident: Sometimes, you might touch the hot part without meaning to while trying to curl your hair near your head or face.
- Slipping: The iron might slip out of place and touch your skin.
- Using It Wrong: If you hold it too close to your skin or don’t move it around, you could get burned.
- Not Paying Attention: Not focusing while you’re styling your hair can lead to accidental burns.
Where Do Burns Happen Most?
Common spots where curling iron burns happen include:
- Neck and Ears: When you’re curling hair at the back of your head or around your ears, these areas can easily get burned.
- Scalp, Hairline, and Forehead: These spots are at risk when you’re curling hair close to the roots or if the iron accidentally touches them.
- Hands and Fingers: You might burn your fingers or hand while wrapping your hair around the iron or if you accidentally touch the heated part.
- Face: The face can get burned if you’re working on curls near the front and the iron slips or you’re not careful.
Knowing how a curling iron can cause burns and which parts of your body are most likely to get burned can help you be more careful when you’re using it.
How to Care for Burns from Curling Irons
If you accidentally burn yourself with a curling iron, don’t worry. There are simple steps you can follow to take care of it.
Immediate Steps for Burn Care
- Cool It Down: First, hold the burned area under cool running water for a few minutes. This helps stop the burn from getting worse.
- Clean Gently: After cooling, wash the burn lightly with soap and water to keep it clean.
- Soothe the Burn: Apply aloe vera or an antibiotic cream to the burn. Aloe vera is good for soothing the skin, and the cream can prevent infections.
- Cover the Burn: Put a clean cloth or a sterile bandage over the burn to protect it.
- Manage Pain: If the burn is painful, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help reduce the discomfort.
- Avoid Pressure: Try not to press on the burned area to avoid further irritation.
What to Use on the Burn
- Aloe Vera Gel: Great for cooling and soothing the burn, plus it helps with healing.
- Antibiotic Cream: Keeps the burn clean and helps it heal without infection.
- Honey: Can be used for its natural healing properties, but make sure the burn isn’t too deep.
Healing Stages
- First Few Days (Inflammatory Phase): The area might be red and swollen as your body starts healing.
- Next Few Days to Weeks (Proliferative Phase): Your body works harder, making new cells to patch up the burn.
- Following Weeks to Months (Maturation Phase): The new skin gets stronger and settles in. The burn might still look different from your other skin for some time.
Keep an eye on the burn as it heals. If you notice more redness, swelling, or any pus, or if the burn is really bad, you should go see a doctor. Taking proper care of the burn right away can help your skin heal better and might even prevent scars.
Simple Do’s and Don’ts When Treating Curling Iron Burns
Getting burned by a curling iron is something many of us might face, especially when rushing through our beauty routines. But knowing what to do and what not to do can make the situation a lot less scary. Let’s go over some simple guidelines and tips on when it’s better not to use certain products on burns.
What You Should Do:
- Cool down the burn right away under cool water.
- Gently clean the area to keep away germs.
- Apply aloe vera or an antibiotic cream for soothing and protection.
- Cover it gently with a clean cloth or bandage.
- Take a pain reliever if you’re feeling uncomfortable.
What You Shouldn’t Do:
- Don’t put ice directly on your burn.
- Avoid popping any blisters to prevent infection.
- Skip home remedies like butter or oils, as they can make things worse.
- Don’t scratch or peel at the healing area to avoid scars.
When Not to Put Anything on Your Burn
Sometimes, it’s best to hold off on applying any ointments, especially:
- For Deep or Severe Burns: If the burn looks deep or really bad, putting something on it without asking a doctor might not be safe.
- If It’s Really Painful or Big: If the burn covers a big part of your body or is super painful, getting medical help first is wise.
- If It Looks Infected: Signs like more redness, swelling, pus, or fever mean you should see a doctor before using any creams or ointments.
How to Handle Curling Iron Burns
Even though curling iron burns are common, they don’t have to ruin your day or your skin. Keeping these simple steps and precautions in mind can help you deal with a burn quickly and safely. Always remember the basic do’s and don’ts and know when it’s time to get help from a professional. With proper care, a burn can heal nicely, letting you get back to your styling routine with confidence.