Straightening iron

ca. 2012

Plastic, ceramic, metal, rubber

Overall (excludes 3 1/4 in. folded cord): 2 1/2 × 10 × 1 1/2 in. (6.4 × 25.4 × 3.8 cm)

Purchase

2016.30

This straightening iron, known as the BaByliss®Pro, is a professional-quality electrical appliance made to smooth and flatten hair by passing dry sections through heated ceramic plates. Hair straightening irons such as this example are inexpensive, light-weight, and portable, and have been popular among American women since the early 1990s. Women have been using heated irons to crimp, curl, or straighten hair for many generations. While the use of such appliances tends to be driven by fashion, the ability to alter one’s hair to create smooth or curly effects reflects important cultural viewpoints and standards about hair, ethnicity, race, and class. Hair straightening, in fact, has waxed and waned in popularity among American women over the past century.

DescriptionV-shaped straightening iron with plastic case and applied ceramic plates at interior ends of each arm; handle-end of iron secured at plastic hinge, and terminates in socket attached to wire and plug. On/Off button and light, and temperature-setting dial located along interior of lower arm near hinge.

Markings“CERAMIC TOOLS ™” printed along top of iron handle. Product information also printed along inner side of upper arm: “CONAIR CORPORATION – PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS DIVISION / GLENDALE, AZ 85307 / MODEL CT 2555 / 120 V AC 60 Hz 200 W / MADE IN CHINA” and “WARNING: TO REDUCE RISK OF POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHOCK / DO NOT IMMERSE OR USE WHILE BATHING”

ClassificationsPERSONAL ACCESSORIES