Important Safety Advice - Avoiding Burns From Hair Straighteners

UK Hair Straighteners.co.uk can help you create that magic straight-hair look you're after. But do take their safety seriously. Sadly, hair straighteners, are a leading cause of under-fives being admitted to hospital with contact burns.

By following this advice and common sense you can avoid burns. Hair straighteners can reach 220C, potentially burning your child's skin as badly as an iron. Kids' skin is 15 times thinner than adults, so more damage is done in less time, increasing the risk of scarring and skin grafts.

Burns can reach their tendons within seconds, possibly resulting in their fingers being permanently curled over, a condition called contracture.

Never leave your straighteners in arms reach of your toddler, not even for a moment.

As soon as you've finished with your straighteners, always switch them off and unplug them. They can stay hot enough to burn a child for a while so put them out of reach - and remember, curious kids are apt to grab any wires hanging down. Apply the same rule to all hot appliances.

If the worst happens...

• Seek medical attention if the child has a minor burn bigger than a postage stamp, any severe burn or a burn to the mouth or throat.
• Never put butter on a burn!

In the meantime, cool the burned area under a tap or low-pressure shower for at least 10 minutes.Don't place a child in a bath of cold water as they could get hypothermia.

If they're five or over you could use frozen peas as an ice pack, binding it on with a crepe bandage.Loosen clothing in case of swelling but never remove it if it's sticking to the burn.

Once cooled, cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect it from infection - if you don't have bandages, a clean tea towel, will do.

Used correctly, hair straighteners can transform your hair into something special, but do follow our safety advice.