From Experiment to Industrial Beauty Technology (1909–1934)

What began as technical experimentation evolved into one of the most influential innovations in modern cosmetic engineering.

The permanent wave did not emerge suddenly. It developed through mechanical refinement, electrical control, chemical adjustment and structured intellectual property strategy.

This page documents the key patent milestones associated with Charles Nestle (Karl Ludwig Nessler).
 

1909 – The Foundational Patent Phase

The first coordinated patent filings protecting the permanent waving system appear in 1909.
 

Switzerland

CH49814TA (Priority: 19 November 1909)
Gerät zum Wellen von Haaren
First documented patent protecting an electrically assisted hair-waving apparatus.

This patent marks the structural beginning of the permanent wave as a protected technical system.
 

1919–1921 – International Expansion

United Kingdom

GB 128340 (1919)
Improvements in or relating to Apparatus for use in Waving the Hair
 

United States

US 1,400,370 (Granted 1921)
Hair Waving Apparatus

These filings demonstrate deliberate international protection across major jurisdictions.

The technology was no longer local. It was scalable.
 

1923–1929 – Method Optimisation

United States

US 1,455,802 (1923)
Device for Waving Natural Hair

US 1,481,109 (1924)
Hair-Waving Appliance and Method of Using the Same

US 1,704,303 (1929)
Method Pertaining to Permanent Waving of Hair

During this period, protection extended beyond machinery to include procedural methods and refinements.

The permanent wave became a system.
 

German Technical Developments

Germany

DE320585C (1920-04-23)
Elektronisch erwärmbare Haarwellkapsel

DE355327C (1922-06-24)
Haarweller

DE378929C (1923-08-11)
Elektronisch erwärmbare Haarwellkapsel (improved version)

These patents document parallel technical development within the German patent system.
 

Cosmetic Extensions

United States

US 1,450,259 (1923)
Artificial Eyelashes and Method of Making Same

This patent demonstrates expansion beyond hair waving into structural cosmetic technologies.

→ Early Experiments 1902–1908
 

Scientific Hair Measurement

United States

US 1,962,357 (1934)
Means for Measuring the Growth or Production of Hair

US 1,962,518 (1934)
Means for Ascertaining the Hair Production of a Subject

These later filings show a move toward analytical and measurable hair science.
 

Additional Development

United States

US 616,557 XA (1932-09-02)
Device for Removing Hair and Bristles
 

Structural Significance

Taken together, these patents illustrate:

• the mechanisation of hair reshaping
• integration of electrical engineering into beauty practice
• international patent coordination
• transition from salon technique to industrial system

The permanent wave evolved from experimental apparatus to protected industrial technology.

→ Nestle-Lemur Industrial Phase (1926–1950)