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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Blog Author

A century of making waves


Leo Sayer: aren't curls cute? Photograph:
Dave Hogan/Getty Images
It may have fallen from favour in recent years, but the permanent wave beloved of 70s footballers and 80s soap stars turns 100 today.

And after a decade of poker-straight styles it might even be due a comeback.

The modern perm was invented in 1906 by Karl Nessler, a German émigré living in London, and quickly took hold. His method, which heated the hair using electrical currents, was used for nearly 30 years before the 'cold perm' arrived in 1938.

So, with Leo Sayer back in the charts and fashion pundits heralding the return of the curl, is the perm about to find itself in the limelight once again?

Post pictures of your own perms and those you've admired at newsblogpicture@gmail.com.

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