An apparatus and method for a curling iron shield 12. The curling iron shield 10 is comprised of a planar shield formed from a pliable material having a body 12 with a straight edge 16 and a built-in handle 14. The curling iron shield 12 can be placed against the scalp with the edge 16 engaging a lock of hair 24 that has been wound around a curling iron 18, 20, 22 wherein the body 12 of the shield may protect the user from engagement with the curling iron by positioning the shield between the scalp and the curling iron whereby the curling iron is wound toward the scalp and will engage the shield instead of the scalp.