Hair Straightener and Curling Iron Burns – How to Treat and Prevent Scars

Published: June 2022

Last Reviewed: April 2025

Curling irons and hair straighteners are two of the most commonly used household appliances. Still, they can also cause some painful and severe burns when accidentally turning them at the wrong angle and brushing them against the skin on your hands, neck or shoulders.

Read our article to learn how to treat skin burns caused by a curling iron or hair straightener to promote optimal wound healing and prevent the risk of scarring.

A burn from a curling iron or straightener is common and can happen very easily if you’re focused on something other than curling your hair for a brief moment.  

Even when fully focused on the task, an accidental slip of the hand will do the same damage. It is best to be as careful as possible when handling scalding hot equipment such as a hair straightener or curling iron that could burn your neck, shoulders, hands and legs. 

Learn more about the step-by-step burn treatment routine to promote optimal healing, reduce the risk of infection, and prevent further scarring.

The first step is to unplug your hair-styling appliance. Any surface it is placed on while significantly hot can cause severe damage to your surroundings and, most importantly, yourself and the people around you.

Once the appliance is unplugged and safe, immediately compress the wound with a wet towel dipped in cool (not cold) water for 10-20 minutes. This helps reduce the severity of burn and prevents deeper damage to the skin.

Ice is not advised on wounds, as it is too cold for the skin and could worsen your wound or develop into an ice burn. Running water is also not advised, as the pressure can worsen the wound. 

Apply the Elastoplast Wound Spray to clean the wound of dirt or bacteria that could lead to infection, ensuring the entire burned area is covered. The antiseptic spray is easy to use and provides a pain-free application. Learn more about how to clean a wound properly.

Applying the Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment will speed up the healing process and further reduce the risk of infection and scarring for optimal wound healing. 

Reapply the ointment 2 to 3 times daily or whenever the area feels dry. If the area becomes particularly dry or irritated, you may apply it more frequently. 

Elastoplast Second Skin Protection Hydrocolloid Plasters are the perfect choice for first degree burns caused by curling irons or hair straighteners. They provide waterproof, discreet protection, creating a barrier that keeps the wound clean for faster healing. They also help prevent infection and reduce the risk of scarring.

If you have a larger burn, make sure it is protected from dirt and bacteria with the Elastoplast Waterproof Wound Dressing XXL to prevent infection. This ensures the wound can heal, dry, and recover without interference. 

Keep a close eye on your wound for signs of infection, as burns are more prone to infection and scarring. If the wound develops a blister, you should leave it intact. Don’t break the blister, as the fluid-filled blister helps protect against infection and reduce the risk of scarring. 

If the blisters break, clean the area with water, apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment, and cover it with a dressing. Learn more about blister treatment and how to care for a blister if it pops.

Burns are classified into different types based on severity: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns. When a curling iron comes into contact with the skin, it can cause different types of burns depending on the temperature and duration of exposure.

These are the most common burns from a curling iron or hair straightener. They are superficial burns in which the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) is damaged.  

Your skin will likely turn red, feel painful, and be slightly swollen. However, this burn typically does not develop into blisters. First-degree burns usually heal within a few days with proper care. 

First-degree burns can occur if the skin is in contact with a low-temperature heat source for an extended period of time. Even if the curling iron or hair straightener isn't at its highest setting, prolonged contact with the skin can still result in a first-degree burn.

If the skin is exposed to heat for a longer period, the burn can penetrate deeper, causing blisters, increased pain, and a moist or shiny appearance. Curling iron or hair straightener burns could be classified as second-degree burns is the contact is prolonged. This is a superficial skin burn that affects the epidermis and also damages the second layer of skin.

These burns can be significantly more painful than a first-degree burn, and they may become heavily swollen and develop blisters. Healing takes longer and may require more intensive care to prevent infection and scarring.

Though uncommon with curling irons, prolonged contact with very high heat can cause a severe burn that damages the deeper layers of the skin. These burns are deeper than second-degree burns and can result in a charred or white appearance of the skin, with a feeling of severe pain or numbness. Medical attention is necessary for proper treatment of a third-degree burn.

For further information on different types of burns, learn more on how to treat burns.

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the product leaflets. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com.