A curling iron is one of the most well-known pieces of beauty and styling equipment. But what do we actually know about these tools? Who invented the curling iron and when?
The curling iron was invented by Sir Hiram Maxim in 1866. He created it as an alternative to hot curlers that were made of metal or wood. His invention was made of a thin piece of spring steel wrapped around a handle and heated by gas flames.
If you’re interested in learning more about the invention of the curling iron and its development over time, please continue reading. I will provide more details about the various individuals and groups who have contributed to the evolution of this important hair care tool.
Also Read: who created the first hot comb?
Who Invented the First Curling Iron?
An intriguing chapter in the history of hair care is the development of the curling iron.
While Sir Hiram Maxim received the first known patent for the development of the curling iron design in 1866, Marcel Grateau is frequently regarded as the one who invented the curling iron in 1872.
Hiram Maxim was an American inventor who is best known for his work on early machine guns and explosives.
However, he also held some patents for other inventions, including one for a curling iron design.
His patent, which was filed in 1865 and granted in 1866, described a curling iron with several innovative features, including a spring-loaded clamp to hold the hair in place and a heat-resistant handle to prevent burns.
Over the years, the design of the curling iron has evolved and improved, allowing for a wider range of styles and looks.
Today, the curling iron remains a popular tool for creating curls and waves in the hair, and its rich history is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of those who have contributed to its development.
When Was the Curling Iron Invented?
One of the most commonly asked questions about the history of the curling iron is when was the curling iron invented.
Although Sir Hiram Maxim received the first known patent for the development of the curling iron design on August 21, 1866, Marcel Grateau is sometimes given credit for creating the first heated curling iron in 1872.
Hiram Maxim was an American inventor who is best known for his work on early machine guns and explosives.
However, he also held a number of patents for other inventions, including one for a curling iron design.
His patent, which was filed in 1865 and granted in 1866, described a curling iron with a number of innovative features.
That includes a spring-loaded clamp to hold the hair in place and a heat-resistant handle to prevent burns.
This marked a significant milestone in the development of the curling iron and paved the way for the modern, heated versions that we use today.
When Were Electric Curling Irons Invented?
Two French inventors, Rene Lelievre and Roger Lemoine created the first electric curling iron in 1959.
It was the first electric curling iron to include automatic heating and hair-curling capabilities.
The early versions of this device were large, heavy, and very expensive. They were also dangerous because they had no automatic shutoff feature.
As a result, the first electric curling irons became popular only after the introduction of automatic shutoff devices in the late 1960s.
Curling Iron History
The history of curling iron is a rich one.
In fact, the earliest known depiction of curled hair dates back to ancient Egyptian tombs, where women can be seen wearing their hair in tight curls.
In the centuries that followed, many different methods were used to curl hair, including the use of heated tongs, hot irons, and even curling rags.
The first modern curling iron was made in the 19th century.
This tool consisted of a metal rod that was heated over a fire or a stove and then used to shape the hair into curls.
The heat from the iron would cause the hair to become pliable, allowing it to be shaped into any desired form.
In the early 20th century, the curling iron was improved upon with the invention of the electric curling iron.
This new tool was much easier to use and allowed for more precise control over the shape of the curls.
Electric curling irons also had adjustable heat settings, which made it possible to use them on different types of hair without causing damage.
As the years went on, hair-curling technology continued to evolve.
Today, there are many different tools and products available for curling hair, including curling wands, hot rollers, and hair curling sprays.
1872s curling iron
The 1872s curling iron was a historic invention in the history of hairstyling.
The first modern curling irons allowed users to create curls and waves in their hair for the first time.
The innovation that made this possible was the use of steam to heat up the iron.
It had been previously thought that steam could not be used to heat up metal without causing it to expand, making it impossible to create curls.
However, these new irons were able to use steam safely because they were made with a special alloy called “stainless steel,” which did not expand when heated by steam.
1920s curling iron
Curling irons became extremely popular in the 1920s such as other inventions at that time.
The hair-styling tool that was once only used by women of the upper classes became a must-have for nearly every woman in America.
In fact, there were curling irons for all kinds of different hair types: for thick, straight hair, for thin, curly hair, and even for medium-sized curls (which was considered “average”).
Curling irons were used by both men and women, but they were especially popular among women who wanted to wear their hair up in a bun or other style that required it to be curled.
Antique curling iron history
It’s a fact that people have been curling their hair for as long as they have been able to. Even ancient Egyptians and Romans curled their hair!
In fact, some of the earliest curling irons were found in ancient tombs. The women who used them probably had no idea that their tools would still be around today.
But it’s true—these early curling irons have been around for thousands of years!
FAQ’s
Now let’s see what our readers usually ask about who invented the curling iron.
How was hair curled in the 1800s?
In the 1800s, hair was typically curled using a variety of methods. One common method was to heat up metal curling irons and wrap the hair around them to create curls.
How did Victorians curl hair?
Victorians would often use iron tongs, also known as curling irons, to curl their hair. These tongs were heated up, and then the hair was wrapped around them to create curls.
How many people have curly hair?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, around 11% of people have curly hair.
Conclusion
To sum it up, in the end, it doesn’t matter who invented the curling iron.
What matters is that the curling iron remains a popular tool for creating curls and waves in the hair, and its rich history is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of those who have contributed to its development.
I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the topic. If you have any insights or experiences to share, please leave a comment below.
