Abstract: A metallic heat-generating agent comprising as a main component iron powder and water generating steam by an oxidation reaction caused by contact with air is contained in an air-permeable bag as a heat-generating material for a portable hair curler. A portable hair curler is constructed and operated by exchangeably inserting this metallic heat-generating material in a hair-winding guide cylinder and dismountably attaching a cover after winding the hair onto the hair-winding guide cylinder.