In this fast-paced world of constant innovation, there are some inventions that get lost in the sands of time. They slip away from our memory simply because they weren’t used regularly. Today, we’re going to revisit one such invention from the 1950s that seems to have been forgotten by nearly everyone.

During that era, a curious contraption was created. Its purpose was so obscure that even experts couldn’t immediately discern its use. Eventually, scientists uncovered its true intention, leaving them astonished. Shockingly, only about 1 in 10,000 people can recall the purpose of this well-liked invention from the 1950s.

This invention, a widely popular device back then, found its home in many businesses and even a few households. It had a circular component on top with cords attached, along with some small items added to those cords. Clearly an electrical item with its power cord, this machine turned out to be a wave machine designed specifically for giving people perms.

The brilliant mind behind this invention was Marjorie Joyner, who owned a beauty salon in Chicago. Her goal was to make the perm process easier and faster. However, due to some shortcomings, this wave machine could often tangle and even burn the hair if left on for too long. Consequently, it did not receive the warm welcome it deserved, perhaps because it needed a little more thought and refinement.

Check out the video below for a visual journey through time and a closer look at this forgotten invention:

It’s fascinating to take a trip down memory lane and rediscover these forgotten inventions. They are a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the past. While this wave machine may have faded into obscurity, it holds a special place in the history of innovations from the 1950s.