Key Difference: Curling iron is a type of hair iron that can create waves and curls in hair using different methods and products in the hair. Curling irons are in cylindrical shape and have a metallic barrel, with a plastic handle. Straightening Iron is a type of hair iron that is used to straighten the hair. These are also known has straighteners and flat irons. These irons are used to remove natural curls and waves from the hair and make it straight.

Curling iron and straightening iron are two different types of hair irons that are used for styling hair. Curling irons are used to curl hair, while straightening iron is used to remove natural waves and curls. However, many people have perfected using the straightening irons to create waves in the hair.

Curling iron is a type of hair iron that can create waves and curls in hair using different methods and products in the hair. Curling irons are in cylindrical shape and have a metallic barrel, with a plastic handle. Some curling irons may also come with a clip to hold hair in place. The purpose of a curling iron is to provide some curls or waves to naturally straight hair. The plastic handle commonly comes with only one button, but could have more buttons if the device has extra features. There are many different types of curling irons, which vary by diameter, material, and shape of barrel and the type of handle.  The barrel can range between 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) to 2 inches (5.1 cm). The smaller barrels are used for curls and ringlets, while the bigger barrels are used to create waves.

The curling irons can be made of Teflon, ceramic, tourmaline, metal, or titanium. There are many different people claiming which is better, but a person should check and purchase the irons depending on their usage. The curling iron may also have a spring-loaded handle that allows the hair to stay in place while it is being heated. They are the most common types of irons and allow the user to place as much pressure on the clip to ensure the strength of the curl. The clipless wands come with gloves so to keep the hands from burning.  The curling iron can be used without any added products, but experts suggest adding heat protection serum to keep the hair from singeing. Other serums or products are also available to ensure the curls stay or the hair has more bounce or volume.

Straightening Iron is a type of hair iron that is used to straighten the hair. These are also known has straighteners and flat irons. These irons are used to remove natural curls and waves from the hair and make it straight.  Straightening irons work by breaking down the natural hydrogen bonds between the hair strands. These bonds allow the hair to bend and be curly. However, exposure to humidity and moisture can result in the bonds to reform, which is why many people have frizzy hair when it is humid out.

Straightening irons have a handle that is attached to two flat plates that heat up. These plates are more commonly made with ceramic as it heats up faster and is gentler on the hair. However, cheaper models have also been known to use aluminum plates. Higher end models use tourmaline, which uses negative ions and infrared technology. Ceramic plates are known to make hair slicker and shiner, as it provides a more even heating. This results in the less frizzy hair after straightening. The size of the plates can differ depending on the model purchased, with the standard size being one inch (2.54 cm). According to experts, when straightening hair, it is best to wash, condition and dry hair before straightening. Damp hair will also be fine during straightening but ensure that the temperature is on low or medium.  Heat protective spray can also be used to keep the hair from becoming heat damaged. Many people have also perfected curling hair using straighteners, but it does not provide as prominent results as a curling iron.

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