What is the primary purpose of thermal styling tools?

The primary purpose of thermal styling tools is to shape and style hair using heat. These tools, which include curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers, utilize heat to alter the hair's structure temporarily, allowing for various styles and finishes. When the hair is heated, the bonds inside the hair shaft are affected, making it pliable enough to reshape. Once the hair cools, it retains the new shape, whether it's straightened or curled. This capability to manipulate hair texture and style is essential for achieving desired looks in hairdressing and cosmetology.

While other options mention important aspects of hair processes, they focus on different functions that thermal styling tools do not fulfill. For instance, coloring and applying treatments involve chemical processes rather than the mechanical process of shaping with heat. Cleansing hair relates to hygiene and health, which is not the primary role of thermal styling tools either.