Abstract: A collapsible cordless electric hair curling appliance includes a hollow handle adapted for grasping by a user. A heating wand is extensibly slidably retained in the hollow portion of the handle. An improved positive temperature coefficient heating element assembly is positioned inside the wand. An electric plug assembly is also slidably mounted in the hollow portion of the handle. The plug is mounted so as to extend from the handle for connection with a conventional electric socket only when the wand is substantially fully inserted into the hollow handle. The novel plug assembly eliminates the need for a conventional electric cord and is also rotatably mounted in the handle to provide added convenience for plugging the appliance into a conventional electric socket. For storage, both the wand and plug assembly may be enclosed within the handle.