What technique is used to create curls with a curling iron?

The technique used to create curls with a curling iron involves wrapping the hair around the barrel of the iron. This method allows the heat from the barrel to penetrate the hair shaft, effectively reshaping it and forming a curl. By wrapping the hair, you control the tension and the amount of hair that comes into contact with the heated surface, which helps achieve different types of curls, whether tight ringlets or looser waves, depending on how the hair is wrapped and held.

The other options do not align with the proper technique for curling hair with an iron. For instance, combing the hair through the iron does not provide the heat exposure needed for curling and could lead to tangles or damage. Pinching the hair with fingers does not utilize the heat of the iron effectively and can result in an uneven curl. Using a straightening motion contradicts the purpose of a curling iron, as it aims to straighten rather than curl the hair.