Curling Iron Burn: What to Do?

I can’t recall how exactly it happened (perhaps, I got distracted to Netflix), but I burned myself while curling my hair. No, I’m not talking about that annoying burning stamp on your forearm… I left a curling iron burn on my face!

If you happened to be in the same situation, these are my tips on how to make your scar heal quicker. And make it almost invisible while the scab is healing with the help of makeup.

Curling Iron Burn: First Help

I didn’t have a chance to do it as I needed to leave the apartment right after the accident. But many people recommend washing the affected area with cold water. It will reduce a burning sensation and the possibility of scaring. You can also use an ice pack, just make sure not to apply it directly on the burn.

Let It Heal

When my burn started to heal naturally, I started my scar-preventing strategy.

I always have a Neosporin in my first aid kit and it was the first product I applied after the accident. It does look oily on your skin, but it helps to heal your burn faster. DO NOT use this ointment immediately after the burn! Wait for at least a few days.

After a couple of days of using Neosporin, I added Aloe Vera gel to my healing routine. Doctors usually recommend this product after the sunburn as it helps to soothe the damaged area of your skin.

Aloe Vera has a refreshing effect so you don’t feel a burning effect that much. I continued using Neosporin at night, covering an affected area with a bandage.

Makeup vs No Makeup

Most of the experts that I found online do not recommend applying any makeup on it. But let’s be real here — it’s not realistic.

Every time I didn’t cover my scar with a concealer, people were rubbing my face saying, “You have lipstick on your cheek” and irritated my burn even worse!

If you don’t feel embarrassed, I recommend wearing a bandage on your scar for a day or two, and only after that consider wearing makeup.

Scar Camouflage Tips

When it comes to covering any imperfections, I prefer starting with a concealer. 

First, I apply a creamy concealer that is at least one shade darker than my skin tone. I don’t like using brushes on irritated skin and instead, apply it with my fingertips.

Then I let it sit for a little and follow up with a foundation that I also apply to the area surrounding the burn. I avoid blenders or brushes and instead distribute the product by dabbing my skin with fingertips.

Finally, I use a bit of a lighter shade of concealer and blend it. I am also avoiding a finishing powder as it makes the unevenness of the skin tone more evident.

No Touching Approach

Since my burn is located on a cheek, it catches hair (especially because Neosporin has a sticky consistency). To avoid it, I’m trying to wear my hair in a bun or a braid all day long.

Yes, people are more likely to notice my burn that way, but I feel that such a hair solution lets my skin heal quicker. I put my hair in a high bun at night so there is no extra irritation that occurs while I’m sleeping.

Long-Term Prognosis

Based on my previous experiences with hair curler burns (I have a few on my forearms), those will most likely leave a scar… Yes, it’s not a promising perspective, but I’m trying to stay positive.

At the end of the day, there are many laser treatments available so I’ll better start researching them instead of feeling sorry about myself.

* * * * *

Have you ever burn yourself with a curling iron? How did you treat the burn? Which makeup did you use to camouflage it?

how to hide flat iron burn-1

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10 Comments

  1. Levi Hamilton wrote:

    I have two burns, one from a curling iron, another from the oven rack. Started using dermalmd scar serum on the curling iron scar on my hand, (it was a fairly new burn), it’s almost gone, no joke. The older scar from baking cookies is still visible, but is diminishing! Use this serum every single day, and only once (and only takes a slight amount!). You WILL see a definite improvement! My doctor says it’s the best.

    Posted 9.10.17
  2. Iliana Garcia wrote:

    Ahh thank you for this! I’ve had so many accidents with my curling iron and your recommendations were helpful.

    Posted 12.3.15
  3. Oh no! I hope it is all healed up by now. That is the worst spot to get a burn. These are great tips.

    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

    Posted 11.27.15
  4. Michele M wrote:

    Sorry this happened to you dear and I would think laser treatments can get rid of scarring. I will be buying a new curling iron and hair straightener for christmas. I will be extra careful and thanks for the what if tips. :) Happy Thanksgiving.

    http://www.chicuturnonglitz.blogspot.com

    Posted 11.26.15
  5. Thank you for your support, Shireen! I am actually much better now so I’ll be demonstrating how my skin looks like sometime soon. I really appreciate your warm wishes, dear!! ?

    Posted 11.25.15
  6. Thanks for your support, dear! ? It did hurt a lot but now it’s much better. Honestly, I feel that the burn heals better on my face than it’s on my forearm. Perhaps, the skin is thicker on my cheek… Anyways, almost two weeks without a makeup is a traumatic experience for me as I love makeup so much! :)))

    Posted 11.25.15
  7. Shireen wrote:

    I have not experienced this before but I can imagine the pain! Ouch, great tips though, thank you for sharing, Katya!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

    Posted 11.25.15
  8. GoFashiondeals wrote:

    OUCH! yes ihave, not a curling iron but I dropped my flat iron on my arm and did that hurt. I have to agree with the no makeup thing as it can irritate it more, I would just go sans make up and show off the battle wound of me vs iron. Hope you feel better soon. Those things hurt!

    Posted 11.25.15

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