Hair iron facts for kids
A hair iron or hair tong is a tool that uses heat to change the shape of your hair. People use them to make hair straight, curly, or styled in different ways.
There are three main types of hair irons:
- Straightening irons (also called hair straighteners or just straighteners) make hair smooth and straight.
- Curling tongs (also called hair curlers or just curlers) make hair wavy or curly.
- Styling irons (also called hair stylers or just stylers) can do both – they can straighten and curl your hair.
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History of Hair Irons
People have been using heat to style hair for a long time!
In 1872, a man named Marcel Grateau from Paris used heated metal rods to curl or style hair. This was one of the first steps towards modern hair tools.
Later, in 1893, a school teacher named Ada Harris from Indianapolis created a device for straightening hair. It was like a curling iron but had two flat parts that pressed hair to make it straight. Her invention even had a comb to keep hair neat.
In 1906, Simon E. Monroe patented a hair straightener that looked like a metal comb. Then, in 1909, Issac K. Shero patented a straightener made of two heated irons that clamped around the hair.
Over the years, hair tools got better. Hot combs were invented, which were heated metal tools that moved smoothly through hair. This caused less damage and dryness than older methods. Later, ceramic and electric hair straighteners were made. These new tools allowed people to change the heat settings and choose different sizes, making them much safer and easier to use.
Another way to straighten hair is called Japanese hair straightening. This method was invented in Japan. It works a bit like a perm, but instead of making hair curly, it makes it straight. Many salons offer this service, but it can be quite expensive and needs to be redone after a while.
Modern Hair Straighteners
Today, many good hair straighteners have special ceramic coatings on their heating parts. These coatings are better for your hair because they cause less damage and heat up faster. Some cheaper brands might look like they have ceramic, but they often just have a paint-like coating.
Some modern flat irons are even cordless! They use special batteries that can last for about 45 minutes, or they can be heated by small gas cartridges.
More expensive hair straighteners often use ionic and infrared technology. This fancy technology helps your hair keep its natural moisture and oils. It also helps stop static electricity and frizz, making your hair look smoother.
Using heat styling tools too often can sometimes damage your hair. This can lead to things like split ends, thinner hair, or hair that breaks easily. When hair is very damaged, it might look dry and unhealthy. But don't worry! Many companies, like L’Oréal and Tresemmé, now make heat protection sprays and creams. These products help protect your hair from the heat and reduce damage.
It's important to only use hair straighteners on dry hair. However, some special irons called "Wet Dry" irons have vents that let moisture out, so they can be used on damp hair.
Hair irons can also be grouped by what their heating plates are made of. The most common types are ceramic, tourmaline, and traditional metal. Ceramic hair irons are generally thought to be the gentlest on your hair.
How Hair Irons Work
Hair straighteners work by changing the way your hair is naturally shaped. Your hair has tiny connections called hydrogen bonds. These bonds are part of what makes your hair curly or wavy. When you use a hot hair iron, the heat breaks these hydrogen bonds.
Once the bonds are broken, your hair can be reshaped into a straight form. The hair then stays straight because the bonds can't easily go back to their original curly shape. However, if moisture touches your hair (like water or dampness), these hydrogen bonds can re-form, and your hair might go back to its natural curly or wavy state. That's why your hair might get curly again on a rainy day!
Related pages
Images for kids
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Historical image of hair irons (top)
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An electric curling iron
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A 2007 GHD Mini Styler
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Early hair tongs
