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My sister found several small vintage items at her house today, but she doesn’t know what they are for. Have you ever seen anything like this?

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Hair curlers, also known as perm rollers or curling irons, are small cylindrical tools used to create permanent waves or curls in hair. These vintage items have played an important role in the evolution of hair styling, reflecting changes in beauty trends and technology over the decades.

A Brief History of Perm Rods
Origins and Early Developments

Perm rollers first appeared in the early 20th century, at a time when perms were becoming a popular hair treatment. The perming process, which involves chemically altering the structure of the hair to create curls or waves, required a tool that could hold the hair in place during the treatment. Early perm rollers were simple in design, often made of metal or plastic, and had a simple cylindrical shape.

Advances in design

In the mid-20th century, perm rods saw significant advances. The 1950s and 1960s saw their popularity increase, and demand led to innovations in rod design. Manufacturers began producing rods in different sizes and materials, including plastic and rubber, to accommodate different curl styles and hair types. The introduction of flexible, plastic-coated rods made the perming process more comfortable and efficient.