Trystan Casey
The history of hair straightening tools goes back to the 1870s when French hairdresser Marcel Grateau introduced the first straightening comb, which used heated iron rods to style hair. However, these early tools often damaged hair follicles due to the high heat required. In the early 1900s, Madam C.J. Walker, an African-American hair-care maker, promoted the use of straightening combs, which were heated on a stove and then pulled through the hair. While the exact origins of the first electrical hair straightener are unclear, it is believed that the first electrical straighteners employed simple technology, using a filament to heat surrounding metal plates that could be pulled through sections of hair.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Straightening Comb | Invented by Marcel Grateau in 1872 |
| First registered hair iron patent | Simon Monroe in 1906 |
| First hair straightener patent | Issac K. Shero in 1909 |
| First hair straightener that resembles modern flat irons | Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield in 1912 |
| First hair straightening patent by a woman | Ada Harris in 1893 |
| First electrical straightener | Unknown, possibly BaByliss |
| First ceramic hair straightener | ghd in 2001 |
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What You'll Learn
Early hair straightening tools
The first hair straightening tools were not electronic and were very different from the modern flat irons we use today. The earliest straightening systems used chemicals, which damaged the hair. In the 1870s, French hairdresser Marcel Grateau introduced the first straightening comb, using heated iron rods to straighten hair. This tool was designed to be used with hairstyling creams and caused hair damage due to the high heat. Grateau is often credited with inventing the hair straightener, though some sources claim that Erica Feldman invented heated rods for hair styling in the same year. Feldman's invention was a curling iron.
In the early 1900s, Madam C.J. Walker, the first African-American female self-made millionaire in America, developed a hair care line that included hot combs inspired by old-fashioned curling irons. These combs had wider teeth and were used with a chemical scalp topical and other straightening lotions. Walker's invention was specifically designed to help with hair straightening.
In 1906, Simon Monroe patented a basic hair straightening tool. It consisted of metal teeth that the user would comb through their hair. This invention is not considered similar to the hair straighteners used today. In 1909, Isaac K. Shero patented the first hair straightener made of two flat, heated irons pressed together. Shero's invention was designed to glide smoothly over the hair, minimising damage.
The first hair straightening iron was patented in 1893 by Ada Harris, a school teacher from Indianapolis. The device was described as "heated like a curling iron" with two flat faces held together by a hinge. It also included a toothed comb to separate the hair while straightening. However, it was not until 1912 that a model resembling modern flat irons was introduced by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield. This model consisted of two heated iron plates joined by a hinge in the middle.
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The Straightening Comb
While Grateau is often credited as the inventor of the hair straightener, it is debated that the actual inventor was a woman. Erica Feldman created heated rods in 1872, applying them to the head to shape hair. Another woman, Ada Harris, filed the first patent for a hair straightening iron in 1893. Her device was described as having "two flat faces held together by a hinge [that] when they press the hair will make it straight."
In the early 1900s, American hair-care maker Madame C.J. Walker, the first African-American female self-made millionaire in America, promoted the use of the Straightening Comb. Her hair care line developed combs with wider teeth coupled with a chemical scalp topical and other straightening lotions. Walker's invention was inspired by old-fashioned curling irons, and her tools were initially used by African Americans.
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The first electric straighteners
The history of hair straightening goes back to the 1870s, when French hairdresser Marcel Grateau introduced the first straightening comb, which used heated iron rods to straighten hair. However, these tools were designed to be used with hairstyling creams and often damaged hair follicles due to the heat.
In the early 1900s, Madam C.J. Walker, the first African-American female self-made millionaire in America, promoted the use of straightening combs to the African-American community. These combs, which resembled a pair of pliers with metal teeth, were heated on a stove and then pulled through the hair.
The first patent for a hair straightening iron was filed on November 3rd, 1893, by Ada Harris, a school teacher from Indianapolis. Her device consisted of two flat faces held together by a hinge, with a toothed comb to separate the hair while straightening. However, it is unclear if this device was electric.
In 1906, Simon Monroe patented a hair tool consisting of metal teeth that were combed through the hair, but this was not considered the same product as the hair straighteners used today. The first electrical straightener is shrouded in mystery, but it is assumed that it was created using similar technology to the first electrical iron, which was claimed by BaByliss, a globally recognised electrical hair treatment manufacturer. These early electrical straighteners contained a filament that heated up surrounding metallic plates, which were then pulled through sections of hair. However, they did not achieve enough heat to create a lasting style.
It wasn't until 1912 that a model of the flat iron was introduced that most closely resembles the flat irons sold today. Created by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield, this model consisted of two heated plates joined by a hinge in the middle, which glided smoothly over the hair to minimise damage.
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ghd ceramic hair straighteners
The history of hair straightening goes back to 1872 when Marcel Grateau invented the first straightening comb. The first hair iron patent was registered by Simon Monroe in 1906, and the first flat iron most resembling modern flat irons was created in 1912 by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield.
The ghd Original styler is a versatile tool that can be used for all-around styling. It heats up quickly, reaching the optimum hair-straightening temperature of 365°F in just 30 seconds. This temperature is considered safe for all hair types, allowing users to style their hair without worrying about heat damage.
The ghd Gold styler features dual-zone technology, which uses heat sensors on both plates to maintain the ideal temperature of 365°F. This technology ensures consistent heating, resulting in salon-smooth hair. The Gold styler is perfect for creating a variety of looks, from sleek straight hair to loose, beachy waves.
For individuals with long, thick, or curly hair, the ghd Max styler is an excellent choice. Its wide plates and advanced dual-zone ceramic technology cut down styling time while delivering sleek and smooth results. The ceramic coating protects the hair, reducing the risk of extreme heat damage.
The ghd Unplugged is a cordless flat iron designed for on-the-go styling. It features a long-life lithium battery that guarantees the performance of a regular-sized ghd flat iron. This portable and powerful tool is perfect for quick touch-ups, allowing users to achieve sleek and smooth hair anywhere, anytime.
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Modern hair straighteners
The first electrical hair straightener is shrouded in mystery. However, it is believed that the first electrical straightener was created using simple technology, which involved a filament that heated up surrounding metallic plates. These early straighteners, however, did not get hot enough to create a lasting style.
The first electric hair straighteners to gain popularity were the ghd ceramic hair straighteners, launched in the UK in 2001 by a British-owned Yorkshire company. The founder of ghd, Martin Penny, was inspired by some styling irons that he had been sent. Ghd straighteners are now multitasking hair electricals that can curl, produce waves, flicks, and crimps, in addition to straightening.
Today, modern flat irons are a far cry from their ancestors, which were heated on the stove. They are now one of the most versatile hair styling tools, creating a variety of hairstyles. Modern hair straighteners use a variety of materials for their plates, including ceramic, titanium, or gold. They also feature temperature selectors, allowing users to adjust the heat output to protect fragile hair.
It is important to note that modern hot tools require special care to maintain their condition. Excess oil and product buildup on the straightening plates can damage the hair. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe down the plates with a damp cloth after the tool has cooled down.
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Frequently asked questions
The first hair straightening tool was invented in 1872 by Parisian salon owner Marcel Grateau. Grateau's invention, the Straightening Comb, used heated iron rods to straighten hair. However, the tool was designed to be used with hairstyling creams and often caused damage to hair follicles due to the heat.
The first electric hair straightener is shrouded in mystery. However, it is believed that the first electric straighteners employed simple technology and contained a filament that heated up surrounding metallic plates. These early straighteners did not achieve enough heat to provide a lasting style, which led to the development of more advanced electric straighteners in 2001 by the brand ghd.
The first hair straightener was invented by a woman named Erica Feldman in 1872. Feldman's invention used heated irons applied to the head to shape hair. However, it is important to note that this invention was a curling iron, not a straightening iron. The first patent for a hair straightening iron was filed by Ada Harris in 1893, but the first widely recognised hair straightening product was the Straightening Comb, promoted by Madame C.J. Walker in the early 1900s.
