Background and Identification
Curling irons (curling tongs), are a type of hair iron used to create curls or waves in the hair using heat. There are various types of modern curling irons, varying by the diameter of the heating rod, material, the shape of the rod, and the type of handle. The part of the iron that becomes hot is referred to as the barrel, and its diameter can range from 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) to 2 inches (5.1 cm). The different sizes of barrels lead to various effects on the hair. Smaller barrels create smaller and tighter curls, or ringlets. On the other hand, larger barrels produce looser curls that are more wave-like.
Materials used for curling irons include ceramic, metal, Teflon, titanium, or tourmaline. Barrels can be shaped as a cylinder, cone, or reverse cone. Some curling irons have multiple barrels, usually two or three, and can also have brush attachments.
There are also many variations in the handles of curling irons. Handles can have a clip-less, Marcel, or a spring-loaded handle. With clip-less handles, the user just wraps the hair around the rod. Clip-less curling rods usually come with a heat resistant glove to prevent burns. To use a Marcel handle, the user has to apply pressure to the clamp. Spring-loaded handles use a spring to work the barrel’s clamp and are the most popular.