Hair curling tongs - Varcel B
Curling tongs
Name/Title
Hair curling tongs - Varcel BEntry/Object ID
2025.1.567Description
Iron curling tongs - stamped 'Varcel B'. The tongs were placed either in a fire, on a hot iron surface or over a gas burner such as a stove, to heat up. When hot they were tested on a piece of paper to make sure they were not too hot and then applied to the hair to make the curls or waves..Context
Although the art of hair styling goes back 4000 years, the invention in 1872 by the hair dresser Marcel Grateau (1852-1936), of this iron tool to curl straight was the birth of "Marcelling" or the 'Marcel wave'. Grateau patented his invention which was sold worldwide. These curlers were made c 1900. The look he created remained in fashion for 50 years and started a revolution in hairdressing, with women flocking to salons for new hair styles.Category
Domestic