Molly Ayala
Hair straightening has been popular since the 1890s, with the first straightening comb invented by Marcel Grateau in 1872. However, the first electric hair straighteners are a little more mysterious. BaByliss, a globally recognised electrical hair treatment manufacturer, claims to have created the first electrical iron, but the exact origins of the first electric hair straightener are unknown. Early straighteners were heated on a stove and resembled a pair of pliers with metal teeth. The first flat iron most similar to the ones we see today came out in 1912 and consisted of two heated plates joined by a hinge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First hair straightening technique | Straightening Comb invented by Marcel Grateau in 1872 |
| First registered hair iron patent | Issued to Simon Monroe in 1906 |
| First electrical iron | BaByliss claims to have invented the first electrical iron |
| First electric hair straightener | ghd ceramic hair straighteners, launched in the UK in 2001 |
| First flat iron model | Created by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield in 1912 |
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What You'll Learn
Early hair straightening methods
The first Straightening Comb, invented by Marcel Grateau in 1872, used heated rods to straighten hair, causing less damage. The first hair iron patent was registered in 1906 by Simon Monroe, although this invention was basic and differed from the hair straighteners used today. It consisted of metal teeth that users would comb through their hair.
In 1909, Shero patented a hair straightener consisting of two flat irons that were heated and pressed together. In 1912, a much more refined flat iron model was created by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield. This model, which consisted of two heated iron plates joined by a hinge in the middle, closely resembles the flat irons sold today.
Before the advent of modern hair straighteners, women would gather and help each other straighten their hair using a standard home clothes iron. They would fan their hair across a flat surface, such as an ironing board, and gently move the warm iron across their hair until it was straight.
Hair straightening techniques have been used since the 1890s to achieve a smooth and sleek appearance. It gained popularity in the 1950s among black men and women of all races. Early hair straightening methods included the use of hair irons or hot combs, chemical relaxers, Japanese hair straightening, Brazilian hair straightening, and roller set/blow dryer styling. Some shampoos, conditioners, and hair gels can also help temporarily straighten hair.
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The first electric straighteners
The history of hair straightening can be traced back to the 1800s, with various implements and techniques used over the years in pursuit of sleek and straight hair. While the exact origins of the first electric hair straightener are somewhat shrouded in mystery, we can piece together a timeline of innovations that led to the creation of the modern electric hair straightener.
One of the earliest known hair straightening tools was the "Straightening Comb", invented by Marcel Grateau in 1872. This device used heated rods to straighten hair, causing less damage than previous methods. In the early 1900s, the Straightening Comb gained popularity among African Americans, thanks to its promotion by Madam C.J. Walker, an American hair-care entrepreneur. Her version of the Straightening Comb resembled a pair of pliers with metal teeth that were heated on a stove and then pulled through the hair.
The first registered hair iron patent was granted to Simon Monroe in 1906. His invention consisted of metal teeth that were combed through the hair to straighten it. However, this early version differed significantly from the hair straighteners commonly used today. It wasn't until 1909 that Shero patented a hair straightener more similar to modern flat irons, consisting of two heated plates that were pressed together.
In 1912, a significant advancement was made by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield, who created a refined model that closely resembled the flat irons widely sold today. This design featured two heated plates joined by a hinge in the middle, allowing for more effective hair straightening.
Despite these early innovations, the technology behind hair straighteners continued to evolve. The first electrical straightener is believed to have been invented around the 1960s, though the exact details are unclear. These early electric straighteners used simple technology, with a filament that heated up surrounding metallic plates. However, they struggled to reach high enough temperatures to create lasting results.
It wasn't until 2001 that a major breakthrough occurred with the launch of the ghd ceramic hair straighteners. This new generation of straighteners offered improved performance and became synonymous with sought-after hair styling tools worldwide. With advancements in technology, the design of hair straighteners has continued to evolve, incorporating features such as temperature selectors and lighter materials like ceramic, titanium, or gold plates to enhance performance and protect hair.
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Popularisation in the 1950s
The use of hair straighteners became popular in the 1950s, particularly among black men and women of all races. During this time, hair straightening was achieved through various methods, including the use of hair irons or hot combs, chemical relaxers, Japanese and Brazilian hair straightening techniques, and roller set or blow-dryer styling.
The history of hair straightening dates back to the 1870s when the first "straightener" device was invented by Parisian Marcel Grateau. This early version of the straightener consisted of heated iron rods that were heated on a stove or fire. Despite being a dangerous and cumbersome process, it was an improvement over the ancient Egyptian method of heating flat iron plates over a fire, which often resulted in burns on the face and hands.
In the early 1900s, the popularity of hair straightening grew, and the first registered hair iron patent was granted to Simon Monroe in 1906. His invention was basic and differed from the straighteners we use today. It consisted of metal teeth that were combed through the hair.
However, it was Isaac Shero's invention in 1909 that resembled the modern flat iron. Shero's hair straightener comprised two flat irons that were heated and pressed together. This design was further improved upon by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield in the early 1900s. She created a two-plated, heated iron with a hinge in the middle, allowing for easier clamping and unclamping from the hair.
By the 1950s, hair straightening had become a widespread trend, with beauty companies marketing products specifically designed for straightening hair. The hot plates were now set inside plastic handles, making them more accessible to consumers. This decade marked a significant shift towards the smooth and straight hair look, which was embraced by people of diverse backgrounds.
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Modern straighteners
The history of hair straightening can be traced back to the 1800s, with various methods and tools being used over the years. However, the focus here is on the evolution of modern straighteners.
The first electrical straightener is shrouded in mystery, but it is assumed that it was invented around the same time as similar technology, with some sources pointing to the 1960s. The first electrical iron was created by BaByliss, a globally recognized hair care brand. Early electric straighteners used simple technology, with a filament that heated up surrounding metallic plates. These straighteners, however, could not reach high enough temperatures to create lasting results.
In 2001, ghd ceramic hair straighteners were launched in the UK, becoming a prolific brand in the hair care industry. Ceramic straighteners offered several advantages over glass and metal plates, which did not heat evenly and could cause hot spots that damaged hair. Ceramic plates, on the other hand, distribute heat evenly, locking in moisture and protecting hair colour.
Today, straighteners have continued to evolve, with new features being introduced to enhance performance and protect hair health. Some straighteners now use lighter metals such as titanium or are coated in gold. Temperature control features allow users to adjust the heat output, protecting fragile hair from excessive heat damage.
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Hair straightening for men
The history of hair straightening dates back to 1872 when Marcel Grateau invented the first straightening comb, using heated rods to style hair with less damage. The first hair iron patent was registered by Simon Monroe in 1906, and the model most similar to modern flat irons was invented in 1912 by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield. Today, hair straightening is popular among both women and men, with various tools and techniques available to achieve straight hair.
For men, hair straightening can be a great way to achieve a sleek and stylish look. Here are some tips and instructions for hair straightening specifically for men:
Choosing the Right Tools:
When it comes to hair straightening for men, flat irons or hair straighteners are the most commonly used tools. These devices have heated plates that you clamp down on sections of your hair to smooth out curls or kinks. Look for a flat iron that allows you to adjust the heat settings according to your hair type to avoid heat damage. Additionally, consider investing in a good hairdryer, as blow-drying can also aid in the straightening process.
Preparing Your Hair:
Before straightening, it's important to start with clean, dry hair. Use a good-quality shampoo and conditioner to ensure your hair is free of excess oil and product buildup. Hydrating your hair with a conditioner is crucial, especially if you plan to use heat styling tools. You can also use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner if you want to add extra volume to your hairstyle.
Using Heat Protectants:
To protect your hair from heat damage, always use a heat protection spray or serum before straightening. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying or to dry hair before using a flat iron. Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and the high temperatures, preventing split ends and dryness.
Straightening Technique:
When using a flat iron, separate your hair into small sections and work on them one at a time. Clamp the flat iron close to your scalp and slowly pull it down the length of your hair. Go over each section as many times as needed, depending on your hair type and desired level of straightness. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or hold the iron in one place for too long to avoid burning your hair.
Maintaining Straight Hair:
To keep your hair straight throughout the day, especially in humid or windy conditions, use a strong hair spray. Additionally, consider using natural remedies like an egg and oil treatment to straighten your hair without heat or chemicals. This treatment combines the protein-rich egg with moisturising oil to strengthen, smoothen, and add shine to your hair.
By following these steps and techniques, men can effectively straighten their hair and maintain a well-groomed appearance. Remember always to be cautious when using heat styling tools and to prioritise the health and condition of your hair.
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Frequently asked questions
The first electrical iron was invented in the 1960s, but the first electric hair straightener is unknown. However, BaByliss, a globally recognized electrical hair treatment manufacturer, claims to have invented the first electric straightener.
Before the invention of electric hair straighteners, people used straightening combs, also known as hot combs, to straighten their hair. These combs were heated on a stove and then pulled through the hair. Another early method of hair straightening involved using a standard home clothes iron to flatten the hair.
Hair straightening has been popular since the 1890s, but it gained widespread popularity in the 1950s among black men and women of all races.
Since the invention of the first electric hair straighteners, the technology has improved significantly. Early electric straighteners used simple engineering, with a filament that heated up surrounding metallic plates. These straighteners often did not get hot enough to create a lasting style. Modern straighteners use ceramic plates, which heat evenly and protect the hair by locking in moisture.
