These are metal curlers, and according to what my aunt used to say, they were sometimes quite painful....She would say that sponge curlers were much better. She'd say the metal ones were really uncomfortable and sometimes would give her headaches and leave scars.... Were they really that bad? She would also complain about the itching...... Again, I can't say anything because I have never used them... What about you? Please SHARE if you knew what these were...