Abstract: An ignition device for a gas-powered catalytic curling iron. A manually rotatable member, including a ring member and a lobed member, is provided with its axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a tubular body making up the hair winding portion of the curling iron. A friction wheel is provided having its axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. A bushing member, displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, includes an internal cam follower portion and a tappet portion between the rotatable member and the friction wheel to translate the rotary motion of the rotatable member to a rotational movement of the friction wheel.