Thermal Irons and Safety Procedures

Dry Hair Styling Safety Measures

Marcel Irons

Marcel irons are also known as conventional irons. They are made of steel and are heated in a special designed electric stove or gas stove.

Clients with coiled hair favor marcel irons because of the higher heat capabilities.

Safety Use with Marcel Irons / Stoves

Make sure the iron is balanced well in the stove so it will not fall out.

Do not allow children near stove or irons.

Use only hard rubber or non-flammable combs when working with irons.

Do not use metal combs when working with irons, as they will heat up and could burn the scalp.

Also place hard rubber comb between iron and scalp, to prevent burning the scalp.

Marcel Irons and Stove Safety

Before using heat, practice working with the iron. This allows you to build skill using the iron, without adding heat.

Place hot iron in safe place to cool. Beware of your surroundings when working with hot

irons, (ex. children). When working with marcel irons, do not place handle

too close to the heater. Keep marcel stove away from mirrors, so not to

crack. Check electrical cord in back of stove to make sure it

is not touching the heater.

Testing Marcel Irons

Marcel irons must be tested before each use.

After heating the iron, press it on a tissue paper or damp towel. If it is scorched, or turns brown, it is too hot to use. It must cool down before using.

Remember hot irons can scorch hair as well and discolor white hair.

Marcel Irons can be cleaned by immersing in a solution with a few drops of ammonia.

Electrical Irons

Electrical Irons are also called non-conventional irons.

Electrical Irons are usually made of quality steel or stone.

Irons mostly range from ½ inch to 3 inches in diameter.

Can be cleaned by using a steel wool pad and glass cleaner or a damp cloth with a few drops of ammonia.

Crimping Irons

Crimped Irons gives the hair a wavy appearance, such as finger waves.

Irons can be non-conventional or conventional.

Crimped irons are made in various sizes, from small to large.

Materials used for irons include steel, metals, and stone.

Points to Remember…

Hair must be clean and 100% dry in order to ensure a good curl.

Make sure the hair ends are completely wound around the iron, so “fish hooks” do not occur.

When working with lightened, relaxed, or tinted hair, always use medium heat, to avoid scorching the hair.

Types of Curls Made with Irons

End Curls: Simply curling the ends of the hair under or over, as desired. Can be used on all hair lengths.

Volume Curls: Provide maximum lift for the client. Produce by using a 135 degree angle from the hair base.

Spiral Curls: Good for medium to long hair, created by winding a strand of hair around the rod.

Types of Curls Continued

Figure 6 Curls: Created by using one loop, started from the base of the hair.

Figure 6 Curl is recommended for hair shorter than 6 inches, and when volume is desired.

Figure 8 Curls: Created by using two loops, starting from the base. Is recommended for hair longer than 6 inches and for curls starting at the base to ends. (Ex; “Shirley Temple Curls”)

Other Types of Curls

Full-base Curls: Strong curl, with full volume. Created by 125 degree angle from the scalp.

Half-base Curls: Strong curl with moderate lift. Produced by using a 90 degree angle from the scalp.

Off-base Curls: Slight lift. Hold hair at 70 degree angle from base of scalp

Work Cited

www.istockphoto.com. Milady Textbook,

copyright 2007