Flat iron vending machine makes waves at John Abbott College

Female students at John Abbott College have a new, unique vending machine designed to enhance their appearance.

While some students are thrilled, others worry it’s sending the wrong message to young women.

A flat iron vending machine was recently installed in the women’s changing room.

It’s an idea West Island entrepreneur Robin Rolleri has been working on for years.

READ MORE: 1 in 5 Canadian women not satisfied with their appearance: survey

She founded the prototype in Florida and after approaching several companies, such as gyms and airports, she met her first and only customer so far at John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.

“Basically it’s just a hair straightening machine, it’s a flat iron, it’s a very good one. It goes up to 400 degrees within seconds,” said Rolleri, who also owns a spray tan company.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Basically it's just a hair straightening machine, it's a flat iron, it's a very good one. It goes up to 400 degrees within seconds," said Rolleri, who also owns a spray tan company.

After paying $1, students get to spend the next 90 seconds straightening their hair.

They can buy more time with extra loonies.

The machine was installed in the women’s changing room of the Casgrain building two weeks ago and it’s getting mixed reviews.

“I don’t find it’s really necessary, especially at school. Everyone should feel comfortable coming to school in their natural state,” student Josie Esposito said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I don't find it's really necessary, especially at school. Everyone should feel comfortable coming to school in their natural state," student Josie Esposito said.

Others feel it’s a lifesaver since it’s strategically placed in the campus’ sport centre.

“I think a lot of girls will be using it after a sweaty gym class or something if they need a touch up,” Melissa Schiarella said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think a lot of girls will be using it after a sweaty gym class or something if they need a touch up," Melissa Schiarella said.

The apparatus is also making waves online.

After posting an ad on Friday, Rolleri couldn’t understand why some are calling it sexist and saying it’s teaching students that appearance is more important than education.

“There’s no message anywhere,” insisted Rolleri.

“It’s not different than bathrooms that have hairdryers. It’s just there if you want to use it. If you don’t want to use it, if it’s of no importance to have straight hair, you just walk away.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's not different than bathrooms that have hairdryers. It's just there if you want to use it. If you don't want to use it, if it's of no importance to have straight hair, you just walk away."

The vending machine cost over $1,000 and has a built-in screen for paid advertising.

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While Rolleri hopes it will eventually pay for itself, others would rather see it anywhere else than on campus.

“I understand why some girls might want to use it but I don’t understand why a school would install it,” Esposito said.

A spokesperson for John Abbott College said college funds were not used to install the machine.