When talking about fashion from the past, we can’t help but remember the iconic permanent (chemical) curling irons, the ones that transformed straight hair into gorgeous curls.
At the beginning of the 20th century, these were ordinary metal or plastic cylinders. At first glance, they looked nothing special, but they marked the beginning of an era in which curls became a symbol of femininity and style.
The true evolution of curlers began in the 1950s and 1960s. Flexible shapes, sizes, and different materials appeared: now there was an approach for every hair type.
And in the 1980s and 1990s, curls experienced a real boom: large, voluminous curls took over fashion, and chemical curling became an almost mandatory procedure for every fashionable woman.
The process was not easy: washing the hair, curling it with rollers, applying the chemical composition, and then neutralizing it. But the result was worth it. In addition, the size of the rollers had a direct impact on the shape of the curls, from tight rings to soft waves.
It was during these years that perming ceased to be a simple salon service. Thanks to home kits, every woman could do her own “chemical” treatment in her bathroom: all it took was a little patience and care.
Today, fashion is much more varied and the sturdy blanket is no longer so popular. But vintage curlers have not disappeared into oblivion. They are still used by stylists to create retro looks inspired by past eras.
