Does Jerry Curl Grow Hair? Is Jerry Curl Good for Natural Hair?

Jerry curl as a hairstyle has to be one of the most notable hairstyles amongst blacks in America, Canada, and other countries of the world. Also called Jheri curl or Jeri curl, the permed hairstyle was created by Jheri Redding and it became a rave in the 1980s and 1990s.

With the likes of Michael Jackson, Ice Cube, and Samuel L. Jackson sporting jerry curls on several occasions, it became more than just a style in the black community, but a culture.

Jerry curl is famous for its glossy, soft, loosely curled look that frames the face of its male or female wearer beautifully.

A few decades after its glorious reign, the jerry curl is returning to the scene; this time with some upgrades and more styling options for everyone who wishes to join the trend. 

This post will answer all important questions about jerry curl and let you know all that you should before you get jerry curls. 

Is Jerry Curl Good for Natural Hair?

As a matter of fact, jerry curl works mainly on natural hair and isn’t effective on relaxed hair. But, does that make it healthy or good for natural hair? 

It is important to note that the traditional method of getting jerry curls includes the use of several chemicals, which can damage your natural hair if not handled properly.

Jerry curl is somewhat like a perm or relaxer, and the chemical process necessary must be done carefully to avoid drying up or damaging your hair. When you use too many chemicals, or you don’t follow the right procedures, your natural hair might become brittle and even break.

If you are interested in the classic Jheri curl look, you need to be aware that like a relaxer, it also involves chemicals being added to the hair. So, if it isn’t done properly or properly maintained it can be very damaging.

However, moisturizers and curl activators, especially those that contain vitamin B and glycerin, help to maintain your curls while eliminating breakage and damage.

However, there is a more natural, chemical-free method, involving the use of chemical-free shampoos and conditioners, as well as Curling cream or curling custard products made with natural ingredients that promote soft, shiny curls.

Does Jerry Curl Grow Hair?

Some people have shared experiences of how their hair seemed to suddenly grow longer when they had jerry curls, and even touted the style as a hair-growth stimulator.

But is that the case? No. Jerry curl doesn’t make your hair grow any faster than usual.

It appears to be adding length because the moisture you get from the style helps to reduce hair breakage and retain your natural hair length.

When your curls are constantly wet and moisturized, your hair will be healthier. 

Remember that the curl activator is applied to your hair, and not your scalp, so it cannot make your hair grow faster. Also, contrary to other reports, a jerry curl can’t stop your hair from growing; for the same reason, it can’t grow your hair.

What Does Jerry Curl Do to Your Hair?

So, what does jerry curl do to your hair? How does it work?

If you’re not familiar, jerry curl has a two-part process that creates the style you see as a finished product. First, the softening or rearranging cream loosens the hair, and then the curls are set, and the chemical solution holds the curls in place.

That’s how you get a permanent, or semi-permanent curl that you can rock for a long time.

How Do You Maintain Jerry Curl? (Dos and Don’ts)

Once you get your jerry curl done, the next thing to consider is how to maintain your curl for as long as possible. Here are some things you should and shouldn’t do if you want to maintain jerry curls.

DOs to Maintain your Jerry Curl Well

• Wash your hair only when necessary, and not as frequently as you usually would without curls. Excessive washing could cause your hair to dry out.

• Deep condition your curls often to maintain strong and healthy strands. Bi-weekly conditioning would suffice for the duration of your jerry curl.

• Maintain moisturized hair. You should keep your hair hydrated daily. The best way to do this is to add water and a leave-in-conditioner in a spray bottle and spray your hair with the contents of the bottle daily.

• Apply activator daily. You need to apply a curl activator to your hair daily if you want the curls to last. However, be careful when you apply it because it is greasy and can stain things that come in contact with it, including clothes and headgear. It’ll take a while for the activator to stop staining things.

• Always sleep with a satin bonnet or a plastic cap to prevent your hair from drying out.

• Get frequent touch-ups. Your hair will continue to grow while you’re on the curl. As it grows, you’ll need to touch up your hair frequently to cover the new strands and retain the curls.

DON’Ts to Maintain your Jerry Curl Well

• Don’t wash your hair immediately after getting a curl. Your hair would lose the products you have applied to your hair, including the curl booster, neutralizer, and the like. You should wait for at least 72 hours or longer before washing. 

• Avoid using heavy products on your hair. Products with thick consistency will build up in your hair and make it dull and heavy. You’ll also need to wash your hair more often to get the products out.

• Don’t use heating tools. Although exposing your curls to heating tools doesn’t always spell damage, it is best to avoid using heat as much as possible, especially on very tight curls. Heat styling can also mess with your curl pattern and reduce its lifespan as well. 

• Don’t brush curls when they are dry. Brushing your hair when it’s dry will cause it to tangle and get frizzy. A moisturizer can help you avoid damage.

Final Words:

Jerry curl is back, and you should try it out this time. There are several new variations to the style, and you can visit a salon to get it done in no time. Opt for natural and healthy procedures as much as you can, and maintain your hair properly so the style lasts for a long time.