Hobbies And Interests
History of the Curling Iron
Through time, there have been many methods devised to curl hair and to keep the curl in place. For example, in 1906 Charles L. Nessler, a German hairdresser working in London, took 12 hours to apply a paste made out of Borax and used an iron to curl the poor person's hair to produce the first permanent hair waves. The modern curling iron then took off in France, with a scientist with the company L'oreal designing a curling iron for hair similar to what we use today.
What Makes them Distinctive
Curling irons manufactured in Germany long ago by companies like Asbro are popular with collectors. The handles of curling irons with "Marcel Germany" markings are generally made of wood, while the irons themselves are made of steel. Most vintage German curling irons are less than 12 inches in length.
Where to Find Vintage German Curling Irons
Vintage curling irons are hard to find, yet can be bought at auctions via Internet sites such as eBay or on sites that sell specialty antiques like Ruby Lane. Most aren't very expensive. Depending on condition, the curling iron can sell for more or less.
How These Curling Irons Once Worked
Most vintage German curling irons available on the marketplace for collecting purposes pre-date electric curling irons. Instead, hair was curled by heating the iron over an open flame or oil lamp before being applied to the hair.
Marcel Curling Irons Today
Today, the term "Marcel" has nothing to do with vintage German curling irons. Instead, the term is used to describe any curling iron that can be open and closed with your hand. Spring irons, on the other hand, spring close thanks to a spring inserted between the tongs. Marcel irons are preferred for salon use because they provide more versatility and control.