Jheri Curl | Step by Step Process to get Jheri Curl | Kits & Products

Curls have been in trend since olden times. Jheri curl has been one of the most popular hairstyles of the 1980s. Being one of the most popular hairstyles of the time, most African American men and women wanted to get it.

Many famous celebrities like Michael Jackson and many sportspersons brought it into fashion. In the present time, hardly any individual would like to possess this hairdo considering the poofy texture.

What is a Jheri Curl

Jheri curl is a hairstyle popular among African Americans. It is a kind of permed hairstyle trending during the 1980s. It is named after its inventor, Jheri Redding, a hairdresser.

Jheri curl was known for the gloss finish with loose curls it produced on the hair. It was a low-maintenance hairstyle that did not require a lot of attention and care to maintain.

This is a kind of famous African American perm hairstyle that produces soft and glossy curls of hair. There are various ways by which these curls can be obtained. Among them, the first technique was introduced by Jheri Redding.

How to get a jheri curl

The following steps have to be followed to get a Jheri curl.

Jheri curl kit: Jheri curl can be performed at home as well. For this, one requires a Jheri curl kit that can be obtained from a drugstore. This kit consists of a softener or a rearranging cream, the solution for setting the curls and an activator or a Jheri juice to make the curls moist and tight.

 How to get a jheri curl

1. Wash hair with shampoo:

Washing the hair with shampoo is done in order to eliminate the presence of any oil or dirt in the hair. A shampoo not consisting of too many chemicals must be preferred.

Thereafter, the hair must be rinsed and dried. Drying it naturally would be better than using a hairdryer. Slight brushing of the hair with a wide-toothed comb can be done.

2. Covering the skin in order to avoid skin damage:

A towel must be wrapped around the neck so as to not let the chemical cause any adverse effects on the skin. Now, put on gloves and a plastic cape.

3. Partition of the hair:

The hair must now be divided into 3 or 4 equal sections depending upon the hair volume and length. Each section has to be provided with a softener.

Each segment is supposed to be wrapped against a rod. The size of the rod depends upon the individual’s discretion.

4. Application of softener:

The first application is a cream consisting of a softener for the hair to loosen. The application is often known as a rearranging cream. 

This cream consists of chemicals that loosen the natural curls. It has to be applied all over the hair evenly and left for the curls to relax.

5. Solution:

The hair is required to be saturated with the solution now. The solution must be evenly spread over each section. Through this chemical lotion, the loose curls are set.

6. Rinse:

Post application of the solution, it is required to let it sit on the hair for around three to five minutes. It is enough for the strands to absorb the shape of the curls.

The hair must be washed with cold water for around ten minutes. Removal of the effect of harsh chemicals is prominent for the safety of the hair.

7. Neutralizer:

The second chemical is the neutralizing lotion is to be applied that functions as a cross-link of the solution that helps hair take the shape of the curlers.

8. Removal of rods:

The rods have to be removed after around five to six minutes and hair has to be washed through cold water.

Application of a Jheri curl requires mainly two steps only. However, getting a Jheri curl in a salon would definitely be a better idea. It is because the chemical solution is unhealthy for one’s hair.

If over-applied or improperly applied, it can result in brittle and dry hair making the strands delicate. Therefore, it is advisable to get this hairstyle done at a salon as it requires skills and knowledge.

How long does a Jheri Curl last

Maintenance of a hairstyle can be more difficult than getting it. The look of a Jheri curl has to be maintained through curl activator sprays and moisturizers on a regular basis.

One is required to sleep with all the hair covered under a plastic cap to prevent it from drying out. Though the products are quite expensive yet effective to maintain.

What is a Jheri curl kit?

A Jheri curl kit consists of all the products required for performing the curl. It includes the following things.

  1. Softener: A softener is a cream applied to soften and loosen the curls all over the hair. It helps relax the curls.
  2. Rods: For securing the sectioned curls in the hair, rods or rollers are used.
  3. Solution: Solution refers to the main chemical lotion that has to be applied to give the hair the type of curl one wants. This chemical solution must be handled carefully.

Other things that were required were the basic things necessary for the normal functioning of the hair that including a rat tail comb for sectioning, hairpins for securing, rollers of different sizes, curl setting and styling serums and sprays and so more.

Considering the damage undergone by the hair through the chemicals involved in the process, people started finding alternatives to this.

Even after being aware of the long-term harmful effects of the chemicals and the amount of money spent on getting them, loads of men and women still went for the hairstyle. This is when people started preferring a wig instead of getting the original texture.

These Jheri curl wigs were introduced to people who wanted to experience the hairstyle without undergoing damage. Hence, this 80s fashion could not lose its trend.

These ultra-modern wigs were pocket-friendly as well as easily available and comfortable to carry. One could get it when required and take it off whenever in need.

Final Words:

Jheri curls are not too much in preference in the present era unlike in the time of the 80s yet the hairstyle requires adequate time and effort.

From men to women, everyone wanted to experience the hairstyle at some or other time. With the introduction of the Jheri curl wigs, it became easier for people to follow the trend.