51 here - it’s been forever since I’ve seen them used, but in the 80’s and 90’s I can say they were around.
Not my mom, but I know that for some women her age they would go weekly to get their hair “done.” It was a bit of a social thing, seeing the same people, hair washed and styled to be fresh for the weekend/Sunday. These dryers were more gentle (and probably slower) than a regular hand held blow dryer that we typically use now, so there wouldn’t be the threat of blowing stay hairs around. Damp hair could be rolled or pinned into curls then dried to set them. Heated rollers could be used, then the dryer could help set the curls as it cooled. I’d imagine some coloring/bleaching processes may have used some heat from the dryer to help it work as well.
Thinking about it, I did notice one in one of the nursing homes I visit for work. Probably helpful for familiarity.
51 here - it’s been forever since I’ve seen them used, but in the 80’s and 90’s I can say they were around.
Not my mom, but I know that for some women her age they would go weekly to get their hair “done.” It was a bit of a social thing, seeing the same people, hair washed and styled to be fresh for the weekend/Sunday. These dryers were more gentle (and probably slower) than a regular hand held blow dryer that we typically use now, so there wouldn’t be the threat of blowing stay hairs around. Damp hair could be rolled or pinned into curls then dried to set them. Heated rollers could be used, then the dryer could help set the curls as it cooled. I’d imagine some coloring/bleaching processes may have used some heat from the dryer to help it work as well.
Thinking about it, I did notice one in one of the nursing homes I visit for work. Probably helpful for familiarity.