Back in the old days when “shag cuts” for women were the rage, Sue Fett decided it was time to go into business for herself – cutting hair.

The old days, in this case, mean 1974. Fett opened what is now a Bluffton salon institution called “Curling Iron.” Its first location was on North Main where pizza is now created at East of Chicago Pizza.

Fett moved the shop to its current location at 129 N. Main St., in 1979, when she and her husband, Bob, purchased the building. Deb Wentz joined the shop in 1988 and in 2002 purchased it from Fett.

And now, 40 years later, Curling Iron celebrates its fourth decade in business – all month.

“We are celebrating during October with weekly prize drawings of $25 gift cards and products valued at from $30 to $50,” said Wentz.

Another special event takes place Thursday, Oct. 9. Stylists will visit Bluffton elementary students, offering some hair straightening and other styling.

Gone is the shag cut, and between it and today’s popular cut, Curling Iron stylists handled everything from bi-levels (aka mullets) short in front and long in back, popular in the late ‘80s; big hair in the ‘90s; and the grunge look around 2000.

Don’t forget the classic bobs thanks to the movie “Top Gun” and “The Wedge,” in the 1980s.

Wentz says that hairstyles of 2014 include using fashion colors like blues and orange. “Trendy hair with vibrant colors are popular with women of all ages,” she said.

What’s the next style? Wentz said, “We are starting to see more curl and more curly waves. You could call it ‘pretty hair,’ which is a natural look.”

“Of course, then there’s those Baby Boomers, coming up with ways to cover their grey hairs,” she added.

Curling Icon’s customers range from newborns to men and women in their 90s.  The shop offers six stations and one lash station.

Stylists are Deb Wentz, Becky McClelland, Bev Shepler and Sue Fett. Assisting with lashes and styles are Heidi Wise and Teresa Marshall. Salon coordinator is Mel Kuhlman.

Retail hair products available at Curling Iron include Kenra, Joico, Deva Curl and Malibu. Color brands are I Color and Kendra. Perms are Matrix and Re4mer.

Curling Icon hours are:
Mondays 10-8
Tuesdays 9-8
Wednesdays 8:30-8
Thursdays 8:30-8
Fridays 8-5
Saturdays 8-2

Visits are by appointment and walk-ins are accepted depending upon availability. Curling Icon’s phone is 419-358-1196.