Which styling tool is typically used to create curls in straight hair?

The tool commonly used to create curls in straight hair is the curling iron. This device consists of a heated cylindrical barrel that can effectively shape and form curls by wrapping sections of hair around it. The high temperature helps to alter the hair's structure temporarily, allowing for the creation of various curl types, ranging from loose waves to tight ringlets, depending on the size of the barrel and the technique used.

Curling irons are favored due to their versatility and ability to produce long-lasting curls that can enhance a hairstyle’s overall look. When using this tool, it's important to apply a heat protectant to the hair to minimize damage from the high temperatures during styling.

While a straightener can also create curls if used in a specific manner, it is primarily designed for straightening hair and may not produce as defined or consistent curls as a curling iron does. Blow dryers, while essential for drying hair and adding volume, are not specifically designed for curling. Hot rollers can also be used to create curls but are a different method, working through steam and heat over a longer period, which may not provide the immediate results that a curling iron can.