How long do straightener/curling iron burns last?

Curling iron burns, as well as hair straightener burns, typically heal in a matter of days to weeks, depending on whether an optimal wound healing routine was followed. For deeper third-degree burns, however, the burns should be checked by a medical healthcare professional.

Can I cover the curling iron or straightener burn with make-up?

It would be advised not to apply makeup over the wound while it is still in the process of healing, as it will become susceptible to infection that may lead to permanent scarring. If you did want to apply makeup, it would be best to only do so when the wound is no longer raw or completely healed.

Should I apply sunscreen to the straightener/curling iron burn?

Sunscreen is typically recommended for burn marks, but it is also best to be applied all over the body. This is to help avoid instances of hyperpigmentation as well as protect the sensitive skin on the wound and around the rest of your body.

How do you heal a hair straightener burn on neck fast?

To treat a curling iron burn fast, follow these steps: Cool the burn: Gently apply a wet towel dipped in cold water to the affected area. Avoid using ice or running water, as they can worsen the injury. Clean the wound: Once the area is dry, apply Hansaplast Wound Spray to cleanse the burn and protect it against infection. Apply healing ointment: Use Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of scarring. Protect the burn: Cover the wound with an appropriate dressing.

Hair Straightener Burn on Neck Care

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 and hair straightener burn on neck to promote optimal wound healing and prevent the risk of scarring.

How do you treat a burn from a curling iron?

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, which can burn your neck, shoulders, hands, and legs.

Discover the step-by-step burn treatment routine to promote optimal healing, minimize the risk of infection, and prevent further scarring.

Step 1: Unplug your curling iron or hair straightener

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.

Step 2: Cool the burn wound down

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 burns and prevents more serious 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.

Step 3: Clean the wound using Hansaplast Wound Spray

Apply the Hansaplast 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.

Step 4: Apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment

Applying the Hansaplast 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.

Wound Cleansing

Hansaplast Wound Spray

Step 5: Protect your burn wound

Hansaplast Sensitive Dressings are the perfect choice for first-degree burns caused by curling irons or hair straighteners. They are designed for larger wounds, are sterile and highly absorbent dressings and are painless to remove. 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 Hansaplast Sensitive Dressings XXL to prevent infection. This ensures the wound from hair straightener burn on neck can heal, dry, and recover without interference.

Sensitive Plasters

Hansaplast Sensitive XXL

Step 6: Look out for potential signs of infection

Blisters require special care

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 Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment, and cover it with a dressing.

Types of burns from a curling iron

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.

Make sure to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you see symptoms of a third-degree burn.

First-degree burn

First-degree burns can be caused by exposure to a lower heat temperature

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.

Second-degree burn

Second-degree burns typically take a few weeks to a month to heal.

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 if 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.

Third-degree burn

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 the proper treatment of a third-degree burn.

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

Curling iron burns: FAQs (4)

How long do straightener/curling iron burns last?

Curling iron burns, as well as hair straightener burns, typically heal in a matter of days to weeks, depending on whether an optimal wound healing routine was followed. For deeper third-degree burns, however, the burns should be checked by a medical healthcare professional.
Can I cover the curling iron or straightener burn with make-up?

It would be advised not to apply makeup over the wound while it is still in the process of healing, as it will become susceptible to infection that may lead to permanent scarring. If you did want to apply makeup, it would be best to only do so when the wound is no longer raw or completely healed.
Should I apply sunscreen to the straightener/curling iron burn?

Sunscreen is typically recommended for burn marks, but it is also best to be applied all over the body. This is to help avoid instances of hyperpigmentation as well as protect the sensitive skin on the wound and around the rest of your body.
How do you heal a hair straightener burn on neck fast?
To treat a curling iron burn fast, follow these steps:
- Cool the burn: Gently apply a wet towel dipped in cold water to the affected area. Avoid using ice or running water, as they can worsen the injury.
- Clean the wound: Once the area is dry, apply Hansaplast Wound Spray to cleanse the burn and protect it against infection.
- Apply healing ointment: Use Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of scarring.
- Protect the burn: Cover the wound with an appropriate dressing.

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 Hansaplast@Beiersdorf.com.