When we think about fashion from the past, it’s impossible not to recall the iconic permanent (chemical) curling irons—the tools that transformed straight hair into beautiful, lasting curls.
In the early 20th century, these curlers were simple metal or plastic cylinders. At first glance, they seemed ordinary, but they marked the beginning of an era when curls became a powerful symbol of femininity and style.
The real evolution of curlers took place in the 1950s and 1960s. New flexible designs appeared, along with a wide range of sizes and materials, making it possible to adapt curling techniques to every hair type and encouraging experimentation with new looks.
By the 1980s and 1990s, curls experienced a true boom. Big, voluminous hairstyles dominated fashion, and chemical curling became almost a must-have beauty ritual for fashionable women.
The process itself was far from simple: washing the hair, wrapping it around rollers, applying the chemical solution, and then neutralizing it. However, the results made the effort worthwhile. The size of the rollers played a crucial role, determining whether the final look would feature tight curls or soft, flowing waves.
During this period, the perm stopped being just a salon service. With the introduction of home kits, women could create their own “chemistry” right in their bathrooms—all it took was patience, care, and a little courage.