How To Heal A Flat Iron Burn Fast

Some might say beauty is worth the pain, but I say no hairstyle is worth getting burned for! If you've fallen victim to a fiercely hot styling tool, I've broken down the steps for how to heal a flat iron burn quickly so it doesn't leave a permanent mark. The last thing you want is an infection or a scar, so don't ignore a burn after it happens.

While I'm feeling all kinds of lucky I currently have a pixie cut and rarely reach for hot styling tools, that doesn't mean I'm unaware of how much a flat iron can freaking hurt. Trust me when I say I've been there, burned that. I want to emphasize that the steps below are for first degree burns. As pointed out in Teen Vogue, "If you think you have a second or even third-degree burn [which involves broken skin and blistering], get to a doctor." You might feel majorly annoyed at the thought of heading to the E.R. for an annoying beauty accident, but it could seriously save your skin.

If your skin just feels like it's on freaking fire and looks very red, chances are high it's just a first degree burn and you can follow the steps below to get healthy, happy skin ASAP.

1. Cool It ASAP

Byrdie writer Alina Gonzalez shared, "The moment you get the burn, sprint, don’t walk, to the nearest source of water and run cool water over the injury for as long as you can (ideally 15 to 20 minutes at least)." And if you're thinking, "Oh, ice would work even faster," don't do it! Dr. Heidi Waldorf, Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, told Teen Vogue,"Never apply ice directly to the burn, as that can freeze the skin." A burn and frost bite? Now that would just be cruel.

2. Apply Aloe Vera

Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera Gel, $7, Amazon

Once the burn is cooled down enough, PopSugar advised hydrating and cooling it further with aloe vera gel. And aloe vera isn't just for burns! Keep it around for all these aloe vera gel beauty hacks.

3. Help The Pain From The Inside Out

Advil 300-Pack, $14, Amazon

Sooth the pain by taking a dose of Ibuprofen, which can also quell inflammation.

4. Don't Pick

Since burns can get easily infected, the last thing you want is to rub dirty hands over it. Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman told InStyle, "The burn is less likely to scar in a moist environment, under the scab. The skin underneath is regrowing, so you don’t want to reinjure it by lifting off the scab before it's ready to shed naturally."

5. Add Sunscreen

Do Naturals Mineral Sunscreen, $14, Amazon

Once the scab is off and the burn is well on its way to healing, remember to apply sunscreen to protect the incredibly sensitive new skin. I recommend reaching for a sunscreen specifically designed for sensitive skin!

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Images: Author's Own, Getty Images (2), Courtesy of Brands