What is the primary reason for using a flat iron in hair styling?

Using a flat iron primarily serves the purpose of straightening hair effectively. The tool's design, featuring two flat plates that are heated, allows for the hair strands to be pressed between them. This process temporarily alters the hair's structure, making it smoother and eliminating waves or curls. The heat from the flat iron breaks the hydrogen bonds in the hair, enabling it to lay flat and straight.

While a flat iron can produce curls with specific techniques, its main function and the reason for its popularity in hair styling is to achieve a sleek, straight look. The ability to control the level of heat also means the flat iron can cater to various hair types, making it a versatile tool primarily aimed at straightening. In addition, while it may contribute to adding some shine and having the potential to enhance volume through specific styling methods, those are not its primary functions. The inherent design and operation of a flat iron are fundamentally aligned with achieving straight hair.