Charles Nessler – From the Black Forest to London

The Book Project

Charles Nessler is remembered around the world as the inventor of the permanent wave.

Yet surprisingly little is known about his childhood, his family and the years that shaped him before his arrival in London at the end of the nineteenth century.

This book project explores the early life of Karl Ludwig Nessler, later known as Charles Nessler, tracing his journey from the Black Forest in southern Germany through Switzerland and eventually to London.

Based on historical documents, newspaper archives, official records and ongoing international research, the book aims to reconstruct the formative years of one of the most influential figures in the history of hairdressing.
 

About the Book

The first volume covers the period from Nessler's birth in 1872 to his arrival in London.

It follows his family background, apprenticeship years, working life as a young hairdresser and the social changes that shaped Europe during the late nineteenth century.

The project combines historical research with narrative storytelling based on documented sources.
 

Research Progress

✓ Todtnau

✓ The Great Fire of 1876

✓ Fahrnau and the Wiesental

✓ Apprenticeship Years

✓ Aarau

✓ Basel

✓ Zurich

✓ Weggengasse

✓ Journey to London

⏳ Ongoing archival research
 

Planned Editions

• E-book

• Paperback Edition

• Hardcover Edition
   

Publisher

C. Nessler Verlag
Winterthur, Switzerland

This page documents an ongoing historical research and book project. Updates and new findings will be added as research progresses.