<P> Marcelling is a hair styling technique in which hot curling tongs are used to induce a curl into the hair . Its appearance was similar to that of a finger wave, but made by a quite different means . </P> <P> Accounts vary about the invention of the style . Some reports ascribe the invention of the technique to Marcel Grateau (1852--1936), who invented it in 1872 (others say 1875). François Marcel Woelfflé, who later changed his name to François Marcel, was granted U.S. patents for implements for performing the technique: the first, U.S. patent 806386, entitled "Curling - Iron", was published in 1905, and the second, entitled "Hair - Waving Iron", for an electric version, under the name François Marcel, was published in 1918 . There is also a 1936 obituary for Francois Marcel Grateau, with dates matching those of the first - named Marcel Grateau . Given the dates, and the coincidence of names, it is quite possible that they were all the same man . </P> <P> Marcelled hair was a popular style for women's hair in the 1920s, often in conjunction with a bob cut . For those women who had longer hair, it was common to tie the hair at the nape of the neck and pin it above the ear with a stylish hair pin or flower . One famous wearer was Josephine Baker . The doo - wop group the Marcels were named after the hairstyle . </P>

Who invented the first curling iron in 1872