Is Your Hair Straightener Smoking? 7 Scary Reasons Why It Smells Like It's Burning - HairSpeaks (2025)

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Ever gone to style your hair and been met with a pungent, almost acrid smell coming from your hair straightener? That burning smell is a sign that something’s not quite right, and it’s not just unpleasant; it can also be a safety hazard. This blog post will delve into the reasons why your hair straightener might be emitting that burning smell, and offer solutions to help you fix it.

Why Does My Hair Straightener Smell Like It’s Burning: Common Culprits

The burning smell coming from your hair straightener is usually a sign that something is overheating. Here are some of the most common reasons why this happens:

1. Dirty Plates

The plates of your hair straightener are the primary culprits when it comes to burning smells. Over time, hair products, oils, and even dead skin cells can build up on the plates. This buildup acts as an insulator, preventing heat from distributing evenly and causing the plates to overheat.

2. Incorrect Temperature Setting

Using your hair straightener at too high a temperature for your hair type can lead to burning. If you’re using a high setting on thick, coarse hair, it might be fine, but using the same setting on fine, delicate hair will likely result in burning and that unpleasant smell.

3. Using the Straightener on Wet Hair

This is a big no-no! Using a hair straightener on wet hair can lead to serious damage, including burning and even steam burns. Wet hair turns into steam when heated, and this steam can cause the straightener to overheat and emit a burning smell.

4. Faulty Straightener

If you’ve ruled out all other possibilities, it’s possible your straightener is faulty. A malfunctioning heating element or a short circuit can lead to overheating and burning.

How to Get Rid of the Burning Smell in Your Hair Straightener

Now that we know the main culprits, let’s look at how to deal with that pesky burning smell:

1. Clean Your Straightener Plates Regularly

The first step is to clean your hair straightener plates regularly. You can use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution, like rubbing alcohol or a specialized hair straightener cleaner. Make sure to unplug the straightener before cleaning and allow the plates to cool completely.

2. Adjust the Temperature Setting

Experiment with lower temperature settings to find what works best for your hair type. Remember, it’s better to go for a lower temperature and pass over your hair a few times than to use a high setting and risk burning your hair.

3. Always Use Your Straightener on Dry Hair

This is a crucial step. Make sure your hair is completely dry before using your hair straightener. If you need to, use a blow dryer to thoroughly dry your hair before straightening.

4. Consider Replacing Your Straightener

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and the burning smell persists, it might be time to consider replacing your hair straightener. A faulty straightener can be a safety hazard, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Other Tips to Prevent a Burning Smell

Here are some additional tips to help you prevent that burning smell from ever coming back:

• Use a heat protectant spray before straightening: This will help to protect your hair from heat damage and reduce the risk of burning.
• Avoid using your straightener on hair that’s already been styled: If you’ve already used a curling iron or other styling tools, don’t use your hair straightener on the same section of hair. This can lead to overheating and burning.
• Don’t leave your straightener on for extended periods: Always turn off your straightener when you’re not using it.

Burning Smell: A Sign of Hair Damage

That burning smell isn‘t just unpleasant; it’s a sign that your hair is being damaged. Overheating can lead to breakage, split ends, and a dull, lifeless appearance. If you notice a burning smell, it’s a good idea to take a break from heat styling.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Hair Straightener Healthy, Keep Your Hair Healthy

A burning smell from your hair straightener is a clear sign of a problem. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can address the issue, prevent future problems, and keep your hair looking its best. Remember, taking care of your hair straightener is just as important as taking care of your hair!

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use vinegar to clean my hair straightener?

A: While vinegar is a good cleaning agent, it can be too acidic for your hair straightener plates. It’s best to stick with a mild cleaning solution, like rubbing alcohol or a specialized hair straightener cleaner.

Q: How often should I clean my hair straightener?

A: It’s a good idea to clean your hair straightener plates after every 5-10 uses or whenever you notice a buildup of hair products or oils.

Q: How can I tell if my hair straightener is faulty?

A: If you’ve cleaned your straightener, adjusted the temperature settings, and are still experiencing a burning smell, it’s likely a sign of a faulty straightener. Consider contacting the manufacturer or a qualified technician for assistance.

Q: Is it safe to use my hair straightener if it’s emitting a burning smell?

A: It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using your hair straightener if it’s emitting a burning smell. A faulty straightener can be a safety hazard and could potentially cause damage to your hair or even burn you.