Have you ever gone to turn on your hair straightener, only to be greeted by a burning smell? It’s an unfortunate reality that many straightener users can relate to. But why does it happen, and what should you do when it does? Read on to find out.
Common Causes of Burning Smell in Hair Straighteners
There are several common causes of burning smells coming from your hair straightener. The most likely culprit is a buildup of old product or dirt in the plates of the straightener—the same thing that happens if you don’t clean them regularly. This build up can cause the heating element to overheat and burn, giving off an unpleasant smell.
Another potential cause is leaving your straightener on for too long or at too high a temperature setting. This can also cause the plates to overheat and burn, particularly if they are already covered with product buildup or dirt. And finally, it’s possible that there’s an issue with the heating element itself—in which case you may need to get your device serviced or replaced entirely.
How To Fix It
If you notice your hair straightener giving off a burning smell, the first thing you should do is unplug it immediately and let it cool down completely before attempting any further troubleshooting steps. Once cooled down, inspect the device for any signs of damage—such as melted plastic or scorched metal—and if you see any, take it in for service right away.
If all looks good, carefully remove any visible buildup from between the plates using a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or mild soap and water solution (avoiding contact with the heating element itself). After cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining moisture before plugging your device back in and giving it a test run at its lowest heat setting. If all goes well, gradually increase the temperature until you reach your desired result.
Conclusion: If your hair straightener is giving off a burning smell there could be several potential causes—from product buildup to overheating caused by improper use or faulty components. The first step is always to unplug and let your device cool down completely before doing anything else; then inspect it for visible signs of damage such as melted plastic or scorched metal before attempting any troubleshooting steps yourself (or taking it in for service). With regular cleaning and careful use though, hopefully this will no longer be an issue!
