Straighteners – A Short History Of…

Straighteners – A Short History Of…

Have you ever wondered how the straighteners of today evolved over the years and how they compare to the straighteners used in the old days?

History of – Straighteners

Looking at all the technology that is poured into the design of straighteners now and how easy they are to use, it is hard to believe just how much they have evolved over the years from the old heating irons to the modern day straighteners. Learning about what ladies years ago had to go through to keep their hair straight, shows that we most definitely take for granted the present day straighteners. Some people may still find that they slightly singe their forehead with straighteners these days but nothing can compare to the ruin of many a head of hair, and scalp when using straighteners in earlier times.

A lot of evidence backs up the idea that early day straighteners (i.e. hot irons) were available to the public even as early as 1872 and it was approximately this time that a gentleman called Marcel Grateau started using heated rods to straighten hair and so the invention of straightners has been attributed to him. Apparently Marcel then invented another instrument made up only of metal, yet also using heat for the purpose of straightening hair. This device helped not only with the straightening techniques of the early straighteners but also caused less damage than some of the prior straighteners. A lot of people attributed the later device, the straightening comb to Madam Walker, around in 1905. However, although she was responsible for producing a lot of hair care products, she most certainly did not invent this next instalment in the evolution of straighteners.

How the Straightening Comb Worked

The comb was positioned in a special warming gadget until it was heated through to the right temperature. Then, just as now when we pull straighteners through our hair, it was also pulled through the hair. However, it is most likely that these early straighteners were not quite as easy to use or as safe as there are many stories about how these early straighteners were often accompanied by a stench of scorched locks and scalp.

Since the time of Marcel Grateau many different metals and materials have been researched and then tried and tested in order to make these early straighteners better. For instance aluminium was used on such early straighteners. Most manufacturers these days, however, feel it is better to use ceramic and tourmaline in the production of straighteners.
New straighteners are introduced to the market every year and no doubt will continue to develop, getting better and better as time goes on.


Speak to Hair Straighteners Direct about their Hair Straighteners

Hair Straighteners Direct is delighted to offer a selection of high quality hair straighteners and styling irons for both men and women that are suited to different hair types, styles and lengths. Our dedicated research and development team constantly monitors progress within the hair and beauty industry to ensure we bring you the latest, most advanced and innovative products for professional salon use at extremely competitive prices. To find out more about the Diva and Chic brands and other hair care equipment on offer from Hair Straighteners Direct, please call 0844 5678 555 or email sales@hair-straighteners-direct.com