Features

Some portable butane gas curling irons feature tourmaline ceramic plates. The ceramic creates an ionic charge that smooths the hair cuticle to enhance shine. Some butane gas curling irons also come with a styling brush attachment. For compact carrying ease, the butane gas cartridge detaches from the curling iron barrel. Often a carrying case is included with the curling iron.

Function

Portable butane gas curling irons heat rapidly, which means you can curl a lot of hair quickly. To use the curling iron as a flat iron, instead of winding the hair on the iron, grasp hair with the iron and slide the iron down the hair length. A styling brush attachment lets you create large loose curls. Gas curling irons often do not have adjustable heat settings. To minimize risk of burning, leave hair on the iron only until the hair is hot.

Benefits

Portable butane gas curling irons completely eliminate the need for electricity, so, of course, you won't need electrical adapters when traveling abroad. However, you won't sacrifice versatility for this convenience. To suit your specific styling needs, gas curling irons come in variety of barrel sizes including 5/8 inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch and 1½ inch. For compact storage and carrying, barrel lengths are shorter than standard curling irons. For all their advantages, gas curling irons are surprisingly affordable. While the occasional gas curling iron is as pricey as $60, highly rated butane gas curling irons can be bought for as little as $14, though they more commonly cost $22 to $30.

Considerations

A single butane gas styling appliance per passenger may be allowed by the major airlines, but airline safety regulations are subject to change. So check with your airline before attempting to bring a butane gas curling iron on the plane, either in your carry-on bag or your checked luggage.

Warning

Butane gas cartridges are pressurized and can explode. Cartridges must not be punctured, crushed, incinerated, exposed to sunlight or temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Manufacturers generally do not recommend using other brand cartridges with their curling irons. Empty cartridges must be discarded according to your local hazardous waste regulations.