Abstract: A portable electric curling iron has a hollow handle having an open end. An electrically heated hair curling member is arranged for telescopic movement between a retracted storage position within the handle and an extended use position wherein the member projects from the handle through the open end thereof. Movable electrical connector plug means are provided on the iron for connecting the electric heating means associated with the hair curling member to a power source. Means are provided for automatically moving the connector plug means between a retracted plug position wherein the plug means is substantially entirely within the handle and an extended plug position wherein the plug projects from the handle in response to the telescopic movement of the hair curling member into and out of the handle.