Hair curlers and curling irons are relatively inexpensive appliances and replacement parts may be difficult to find so it may be more cost effective to replace rather than repair them. But give it a try anyway.

Disassemble and test a curler set (depending on the model):

(1) Unplug the curler and remove the cover and rollers.

(2) Unscrew the base or pry open the access plate with a small screwdriver.

(3) Slide the access plate forward and upward with your thumbs to expose the inner parts.

(4) Remove the roller trays from the housing and remove the power cord.

(5) Disconnect the connectors attaching the thermostat to the heating element and remove the thermostat, held on either by clips or screws.

(6) Test the electric components using a multimeter. Disassemble and test a curling iron (depending on the model):

(7) Unplug the curler and, if necessary to continue, remove the base. Loosen screws joining the housing halves and gently separate them.

(8) Disconnect the connectors attaching the thermostat to the heating elment and remove the thermostat.

(9) Test the electric components using a multimeter.

(10) Test a thermal cutoff (a small electric component in a wire between one side of the power cord and the heating element):

(11) Disassemble the hair curler or curling iron as described above.

(12) Set the multimeter to the RX1 (resistance times 1) scale and clip probes to each side of the thermal cutoff component.

The multimeter scale should indicate zero ohms meaning there is no resistance and it is working. If not, take the component to a service center for an exact-replacement part.

Hair curlers and curling irons are relatively inexpensive appliances and replacement parts may be difficult to find so it may be more cost effective to replace rather than repair them. But give it a try anyway.