A hair iron, also known as a flat iron or hair straightener, is an electronic device that is used to straighten and style hair. It typically consists of two plates made of ceramic or tourmaline that heat up when plugged into an electrical outlet. The plates are pressed together, sandwiching a section of hair, and then pulled down from the root to the tip of the hair to straighten and smooth it out. Some hair irons also have adjustable temperature settings to accommodate different hair types and textures, as well as additional features such as a steam function to help protect hair from heat damage, or a rounded barrel to create curls or waves.
