Stoneware hair dryer, ‘Thermicon’, London, England, 1880-1900
Like a hot water bottle for the hair, this dryer works when filled with boiling water and brushed through the hair. Made by Hincks & Co, the label claims dry hair in a few minutes. This novel device was just one of the expanding range of personal hygiene and grooming products that were available towards the end of the 1800s. It is not known how successful this model was but from the 1920s stoneware hair dryers were gradually replaced by electrical devices.
Object number:
A650887/2