ABSTRACT
Ironing hair began as a fringe movement among Boston school-girls, who were revolting against the tyranny of bouffant hair teasing and sleeping on rollers. The practice gradually spread west to be emulated by high school and college girls across the continent, fueled by the example of female folk singers and the lank-haired models of television and fashion magazine advertising. Ironing appealed to economy-minded girls who would rather use a home appliance than spend up to 25 dollars for a beauty shop anti-permanent. Dr. Robert Berger, a dermatologist at New York University, warned that constant ironing 'cause so much breakage that the hair look thin in places'. Psychological problems were also documented; 14-year-old Gay Stilley of Glen Oaks, New York claimed to have found it hard to sleep without the feel of curlers in her hair. In addition, friendships may well have been taxed. A University of Wisconsin freshman accidentally burned an iron-shaped wedge in her roommate's hair.
