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.
These advanced tools not only made curling hair more convenient, but also allowed for experimentation with new looks.
And in the 1980s and 1990s, curls experienced a veritable boom: large, voluminous curls took over the fashion scene, and chemical curling became an almost mandatory procedure for every fashionable woman.
The process wasn’t easy: wash your hair, curl it with rollers, apply the chemical, and then neutralize it. But the result was worth it. Furthermore, the size of the rollers directly impacted the shape of the curls, from tight rings to soft waves.
It was during these years that the blanket no longer remained a simple salon service. Thanks to home kits, every woman could create her own “chemical” in her bathroom: all it took was a little patience and attention.
Today, fashion is much more diverse, and the durable blanket is no longer as popular. But vintage curlers haven’t faded into oblivion. They’re still used by stylists to create retro looks inspired by bygone eras.
