I Found These Strange Plastic Pieces in Grandma’s Drawer — What Are They?

At first glance, these long, perforated plastic pieces look like they might be broken parts from an old appliance—or perhaps something that was never meant to be kept in a drawer at all.

But their unusual shape actually gives away their original purpose.

These are vintage plastic hair-curler pins, used to hold hair rollers securely in place while the hair was being set. Similar vintage sets were specifically sold as plastic hair curlers with matching plastic hairpins, particularly during the 1950s and later decades. (Etsy)

💇 What Were These Plastic Pins Used For?

Before modern curling irons and automatic styling tools became commonplace, many women created curls by wrapping damp or treated hair around rollers and leaving the rollers in place until the hair dried.

The plastic pins were then inserted through or around the roller to keep it securely attached to the hair.

Vintage Curlasette sets, for example, were sold with plastic hairpins specifically for hair setting and styling. (Etsy)

🌀 How Did They Work?

The process was relatively simple.

1. Separate a Section of Hair

A small section of hair was combed and prepared.

2. Wrap the Hair Around a Roller

The hair was wound around a cylindrical roller.

3. Secure the Roller

The plastic pin was placed through the roller and hair to keep everything in position.

4. Let the Hair Set

The rollers remained in place while the hair dried.

Once the rollers were removed, the hair had a curled or waved appearance.

This was a classic method of creating hairstyles before modern styling equipment became dominant.

🧩 Why Do They Have So Many Holes?