A guide to Jheri curls, from the history of the hairstyle to modern-day inspiration and tips on how to achieve them.
But here’s the thing – there is a natural hair, heat-free, chemical-free version of the Jheri curl. It uses natural hair products to recreate the iconic wet-looking curls of the Jheri curl. Let’s take a look at the flat twist/twist out version of how it’s done. Start with clean hair.
A Jheri curl is a hairstyle that was popular among Black folks during the late 1970s (hitting its peak in the '80s and early '90s), featuring loose curls that are extremely shiny.
Jheri curls were once the signature of soul, but the upkeep they required caused them to eventually give way to lower maintenance dos. If you long for sleek, glossy curls, you can still get them by using a combination of products that soften your hair and hold the curl.
It is named after its inventor, Jheri Redding, a hairdresser and entrepreneur who developed the two-step chemical process. The Jheri curl is known for creating loose, glossy, and shiny curls with a wet-look finish.
The Jheri curl is characterized by long, loose curls that hang down the back of an individual’s head. Commonly, hair that was done in this style would be saturated with activator, giving it a glossy appearance.
Jheri curls became a symbol of the 1980s, embraced by figures in the music, film, and fashion industries. What makes Jheri curls so iconic, and why is it making a comeback in modern fashion? Let's dive into everything you need to know about this timeless look.