My sister found several small vintage items at home today, but she doesn’t know what they’re for. Have you ever seen something like this?

My sister discovered several small antique items in our home today, but she has no idea what they are used for. Are they unlike anything you’ve ever seen?

Small cylindrical instruments called perm sticks, perm wrappers, or curling irons are used to create perms or curls in the hair. Reflecting changing beauty standards and technological possibilities, these heirlooms have played a vital role in the development of modern hairstyles.

An overview of the context and early developments of permanent stems

When “perms” (perms) were all the rage in the early 20th century, perms were a relatively new hair treatment. To achieve the desired results of curly or wavy hair, a device was needed that could hold the hair in place during the chemical perming process. The first permanent rods were cylindrical in shape, simple and made of metal or plastic.