Have you noticed a burnt smell in your hair that just won’t go away, even after a thorough wash? If you’re dealing with this frustrating problem, you’re not alone. This burnt smell usually comes from using styling tools at very hot temperatures, and it’s a pretty common phenomenon. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to get rid of the smell and prevent it from happening again, and we’ll cover them all.
Heat damage and the burnt scent
A burnt hair smell is often the result of heat damage from hot styling tools. To prevent this, keep the temperature of your styling tools at or below 356°F/180°C. When straighteners or curling irons reach very high temperatures (above 200°C/392°F), they can damage the hair cuticle, which is the outermost protective layer of your hair.
What to do if the smell lingers
If a burnt smell has been lingering in your hair, try applying some baking soda. Make a paste: Mix ¼ cup (57 g) of baking soda with 1 quart (.946 liters) of water, then apply it to your hair, working it in with your hands and fingers.
Use scented products to mask the odor
Many hair oils, serums, leave-in-conditioners, mousses, and hairsprays have lovely scents that can help make the burnt smell a bit less noticeable. Unfortunately, the burnt smell you’re experiencing is most likely a sign that the heat has caused some damage to the hair cuticle, so it’s important to take action to repair it.
Understanding heat damage and how to prevent it
Many hair straighteners and curling irons can reach much higher temperatures, but this can easily damage and burn your hair. When you try to curl a large chunk of your hair, you'll need to keep the hair on the curling iron longer, which increases your chances of burning it. The same goes for straightening a large section of hair at once-you’ll likely find yourself running it through your straightener over and over again, which causes damage.
Best practices for safe heat styling
To avoid this, split your hair into small sections, and patiently work through them. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet, so straightening or curling it in this state can cause some serious damage. You’ll likely hear sizzling or popping sounds, and the whole process can leave an unpleasant burning odor.
Grooming routines to prevent odor and damage
Adding a bunch of creams, mousses, sprays, and serums to your hair will likely leave it slightly damp, which is a big no-no when using a straightener or curling iron. Remember, all you need before straightening or curling is a good heat protectant spray. Silicones work by coating your hair in a water-repellant protective layer-kind of like a raincoat. If you’re trying to prevent outside elements from getting to your hair, this can be a good thing. This can be a problem, however, when you’re trying to heal your hair from heat damage. The protective layer builds up over time, blocking moisture from absorbing into your hair.
Over time, hair products can build up on your straightening or curling iron, leaving a sticky residue. This residue can easily smoke or burn, and the unpleasant smell may transfer to your hair. It can also cause the tool to snag on your hair more often, causing extra breakage.
Note: Do not submerge your tools or place them under running water while cleaning, and make sure they are completely unplugged the entire time.
