The concept of a “permanent wave” was a big deal for young women growing up with straight hair in the early half of the 20th century, but it wasn’t the most convenient hairdo. While a perm may seem outdated by kids today, many of their parents and even some grandparents were able to style those classic locks with a simple chemical treatment. Only the most senior citizens will remember the days when a young lady looking for curls would strap herself into a bizarre device that looks like a prop from a science fiction movie.
Using the original perm machine has been called ‘torture’ by many of the women who used it. It was hot, heavy, and would frequently cause burns. The process took a long time and would frequently leave a woman’s hair so dry it would take months before her hair felt normal again. Did you ever try one of these medieval contraptions?