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

Curls have been in trend since olden times. The Jheri curl became one of the most popular hairstyles of the 1980s. Being one of the most sought-after looks of that era, most African American men and women wanted to get it.

Many famous celebrities like Michael Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, and athletes brought it into fashion. In the present time, this hairdo is less common due to its high maintenance requirements and poofy texture. However, it has seen a resurgence among those seeking vintage or retro-inspired looks.

What is a Jheri Curl

A Jheri curl is a permed hairstyle that became popular among African Americans during the 1980s. 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. Unlike traditional perms that created tight curls, the Jheri curl produced softer, more relaxed spiral curls that appeared moist and defined.

This is a type of American perm hairstyle that chemically alters the hair structure to produce soft and glossy curls. The style requires the hair to be chemically treated, wrapped around perm rods, and then maintained with special activator products to keep the signature wet look.

Who Can Get a Jheri Curl

Jheri curls work best on the following hair types:

• Type 3 (curly) and Type 4 (coily) hair: These textures respond well to the chemical process
• Thick, coarse hair: Holds the curl pattern better and withstands the chemical treatment
• Natural or relaxed hair: Both can be treated, though relaxed hair requires extra caution
• Hair at least 3-5 inches long: Shorter hair may not wrap properly around perm rods

People with fine, thin, or previously damaged hair should avoid this treatment as the harsh chemicals can cause breakage.

Jheri Curl vs. Regular Perm: Key Differences

Feature	Jheri Curl	Regular Perm
Curl Type	Loose, soft spirals	Tight, springy curls
Finish	Wet, glossy look	Dry, bouncy texture
Maintenance	High (daily moisturizing required)	Moderate (weekly conditioning)
Chemical Process	Two-step (softener + neutralizer)	One-step (perm solution)
Best For	Type 3 and 4 hair (African American texture)	All hair types
Daily Products	Activator spray, heavy moisturizers	Light styling products

How to Get a Jheri Curl: Step-by-Step Process

The following steps must be followed to get a Jheri curl. While you can do this at home, visiting a professional stylist is strongly recommended to avoid hair damage.

Jheri Curl Kit: A Jheri curl can be performed at home with a kit that can be obtained from a beauty supply store or drugstore. This kit consists of a softener (rearranging cream), a setting solution for locking in the curls, and an activator (Jheri juice) to keep the curls moist and defined.

1. Prepare Your Hair: Wash with Clarifying Shampoo

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any oil, dirt, product buildup, or residue. This step is essential because clean hair allows the chemicals to penetrate evenly.

Use a sulfate-free or gentle shampoo if possible. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then gently towel-dry your hair. Let it air-dry until damp—not soaking wet or completely dry. Lightly detangle using a wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends and working up to the roots.

2. Protect Your Skin and Clothing

Wrap a towel around your neck and shoulders to prevent the chemicals from touching your skin. Apply petroleum jelly or a protective barrier cream along your hairline, ears, and neck.

Put on plastic or rubber gloves and a plastic cape or old shirt. The chemicals used in Jheri curls can cause skin irritation and stain clothing.

3. Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into 4 to 6 equal sections depending on thickness and length. Use hair clips to secure each section. Smaller sections allow for more even chemical application and better curl definition.

Start sectioning from the nape of the neck and work upward. Each section should be manageable enough to wrap around perm rods smoothly.

4. Apply the Softener (Rearranging Cream)

The softener, also called a rearranging cream or curl relaxer, is the first chemical treatment. It breaks down the natural protein bonds in your hair, allowing it to be reshaped.

Apply the softener evenly to each section using a tint brush or applicator bottle. Start at the roots and work down to the ends. Make sure every strand is coated, but do not oversaturate.

Leave the softener on for the time recommended in your kit instructions—usually 10 to 20 minutes. Check your hair every few minutes to avoid over-processing, which can cause severe damage.

5. Wrap Hair Around Perm Rods

Once the softener has loosened your natural curl pattern, it’s time to wrap your hair around perm rods. Choose the rod size based on how tight or loose you want your curls.

• Small rods (purple or gray): Tight, defined curls
• Medium rods (blue or white): Classic Jheri curl size
• Large rods (pink or yellow): Loose, wavy curls

Take a small subsection of hair (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide), comb it smooth, and wrap it tightly around the rod from ends to roots. Secure each rod with the attached fastener. Repeat this process until all your hair is wrapped.

6. Apply the Setting Solution (Curl Activator Lotion)

The setting solution is the second chemical treatment. It re-forms the protein bonds in your hair into the new curl shape created by the rods.

Saturate each rod thoroughly with the setting solution. Make sure the liquid soaks through to the hair underneath. Do not leave any dry spots.

Let the solution sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Follow the timing instructions on your kit carefully. Over-processing can lead to brittle, damaged hair.

7. Rinse Thoroughly with Cold Water

After the setting solution has processed, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water while the rods are still in place. Rinse for at least 5 to 10 minutes to remove all traces of the chemical.

Cold water helps close the hair cuticle and lock in the curl pattern. Make sure the water runs clear before moving to the next step.

8. Apply the Neutralizer

The neutralizer stops the chemical process and stabilizes the new curl shape. Apply the neutralizer over each rod, making sure all the hair is fully saturated.

Leave the neutralizer on for 5 to 7 minutes, or as directed by your kit instructions. This step is critical—it ensures your curls stay set and prevents further chemical activity.

9. Remove the Rods and Final Rinse

Carefully remove each perm rod by unrolling it gently. Do not pull or tug on the hair. Once all rods are out, rinse your hair again with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes.

Gently squeeze out excess water using a microfiber towel. Do not rub or twist your hair, as it is very fragile at this stage.

10. Apply Jheri Curl Activator Spray and Moisturizer

Apply a generous amount of Jheri curl activator spray (also called curl activator or Jheri juice) to your damp hair. This product gives the curls their signature wet, shiny look and keeps them soft and defined.

Follow up with a leave-in moisturizer or curl cream. Use your fingers to gently scrunch and define the curls. Do not comb or brush.

Let your hair air-dry or sit under a hooded dryer on low heat. Once dry, your Jheri curl is complete.

Important Safety Tips

• Always perform a strand test before applying chemicals to your entire head
• Never leave chemicals on longer than recommended
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• If you experience burning, itching, or irritation, rinse immediately and discontinue use
• Consider visiting a professional stylist, especially if this is your first time

How Long Does a Jheri Curl Last

A Jheri curl is a permanent chemical treatment, meaning the curls will not wash out. However, as your hair grows, you will see new growth at the roots that does not have the curl pattern.

Most people need a touch-up or reapplication every 3 to 6 months to maintain a consistent look. The existing curls will remain until you cut them off or chemically straighten your hair.

The glossy, wet appearance of a Jheri curl requires daily maintenance. You must apply activator spray and moisturizer every day to keep the curls soft, shiny, and defined. Without daily product use, the curls will become dry, frizzy, and dull.

Daily Maintenance Routine

To keep your Jheri curl looking fresh and healthy, follow this daily routine:

1. Morning: Spray your hair generously with Jheri curl activator. Scrunch gently to reactivate the curls.
2. Midday touch-up: Reapply activator spray if your hair starts to feel dry.
3. Evening: Apply a leave-in moisturizer or curl cream before bed.
4. Sleep protection: Cover your hair with a plastic cap or satin bonnet to lock in moisture and prevent your pillow from absorbing the products.

You may also need to wrap your pillow in a towel, as the activator products can leave oily stains on fabric.

Weekly Care Tips

• Wash your hair once a week with a moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo
• Deep condition after every wash to restore moisture and strength
• Avoid heat styling tools like flat irons or curling irons
• Trim your ends every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent split ends

What is a Jheri Curl Kit?

A Jheri curl kit contains all the essential products and tools needed to perform the chemical process at home. These kits are available at beauty supply stores, drugstores, and online retailers.

What’s Included in a Jheri Curl Kit

1. Softener (Rearranging Cream): A chemical cream that loosens and softens your natural curl pattern. It breaks down the protein bonds in your hair so it can be reshaped.
2. Setting Solution: The main chemical lotion that reforms the hair bonds into the new curl shape. This is applied after the hair is wrapped around rods.
3. Neutralizer: Stops the chemical process and locks in the curl pattern. This step stabilizes the hair and prevents further damage.
4. Perm Rods: Plastic or foam rollers in different sizes used to wrap and shape the curls. The rod size determines how tight or loose the curls will be.
5. Activator Spray (Jheri Juice): A glycerin-based spray that keeps the curls moist, shiny, and defined. This product must be used daily to maintain the wet-look finish.
6. Plastic Gloves: Protect your hands from the harsh chemicals during application.
7. Instruction Manual: Step-by-step directions with timing guidelines and safety warnings.

Additional Tools You May Need

• Rat tail comb for sectioning and parting hair
• Wide-toothed comb for detangling
• Hair clips to secure sections
• Plastic cape or old towel
• Petroleum jelly or barrier cream
• Timer to track processing time
• Plastic cap for overnight moisture retention
• Leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream

Popular Jheri Curl Kit Brands

• Luster’s S-Curl
• Care Free Curl
• Soft Sheen
• PCJ Pretty-N-Silky

Choose a kit designed for your hair type and texture. Read reviews and check the ingredient list before purchasing.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Jheri Curl

Pros

• Defined, consistent curl pattern: Creates uniform, bouncy curls that are easy to style
• Softens coarse or tightly coiled hair: Makes natural Type 4 hair more manageable
• Glossy, shiny finish: Gives hair a healthy, moisturized appearance
• Reduces daily styling time: No need for heat tools or daily curl definition
• Retro, vintage aesthetic: A bold, nostalgic look that stands out

Cons

• High maintenance: Requires daily application of activator spray and moisturizer
• Can be messy: Products can stain pillows, clothing, and car seats
• Chemical damage: Harsh chemicals can weaken hair, leading to breakage, dryness, and thinning over time
• Expensive upkeep: Activator sprays, moisturizers, and salon touch-ups add up
• Not suitable for damaged hair: Can worsen existing breakage or split ends
• Dated appearance: May look out of style to some people
• Difficult to remove: You must either grow out the curls or cut them off—no quick reversal

Alternatives to a Jheri Curl

If you love the look of a Jheri curl but want to avoid the chemical damage or high maintenance, consider these alternatives:

1. Jheri Curl Wigs

Jheri curl wigs offer the same glossy, curly look without any chemicals. These wigs are affordable, easy to find, and can be worn anytime. You can take them off when you want and switch up your style without commitment.

Look for synthetic or human hair wigs pre-styled with loose curls. Many come with a wet-look finish that mimics the classic Jheri curl aesthetic. Jheri curl wigs are perfect for special occasions, costume parties, or everyday wear.

2. Twist-Outs or Braid-Outs

These are heat-free, chemical-free styling methods that create soft, defined curls on natural hair. Simply twist or braid damp hair, let it dry overnight, and unravel in the morning for bouncy curls.

3. Flexi Rod Sets

Flexi rods are flexible foam rollers that create spiral curls without heat or chemicals. Roll damp hair around the rods, let it air-dry, and remove for soft, voluminous curls.

4. Curling Cream and Gel

Use a curl-defining cream and gel on damp natural hair to enhance your existing curl pattern. Scrunch and air-dry for a shiny, moisturized finish similar to the Jheri curl look.

5. Modern Texturizers

Texturizers are milder chemical treatments that loosen tight curls without creating the wet Jheri curl look. They offer a softer, more natural curl pattern with less maintenance.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Dry, Frizzy Curls

Cause: Not using enough activator spray or moisturizer.

Solution: Apply activator spray 2 to 3 times daily. Use a heavy leave-in conditioner or curl cream at night. Deep condition weekly.

Hair Breakage or Thinning

Cause: Over-processing with chemicals or rough handling.

Solution: Reduce chemical treatments. Use protein treatments to strengthen hair. Trim damaged ends regularly. Consider transitioning to a wig or heat-free styles.

Greasy or Oily Scalp

Cause: Too much activator spray or heavy moisturizers.

Solution: Apply products to the hair only, avoiding the scalp. Use a lightweight activator. Wash your scalp more frequently with a clarifying shampoo.

Uneven Curl Pattern

Cause: Inconsistent application of chemicals or uneven rod placement.

Solution: Redo the areas with loose or undefined curls. Use the same size rods throughout for uniformity. Apply chemicals evenly from roots to ends.

Staining on Pillows and Clothes

Cause: Glycerin-based activator products transfer to fabrics.

Solution: Sleep with a plastic cap or satin bonnet. Wrap your pillow in a towel. Use less product at night and reapply in the morning.

Who Should Avoid Jheri Curls

Jheri curls are not suitable for everyone. Avoid this hairstyle if you have:

• Damaged or over-processed hair: Chemicals will worsen breakage
• Very fine or thin hair: May not hold the curl and could break easily
• Scalp conditions like eczema or psoriasis: Chemicals can irritate sensitive skin
• Recently relaxed or color-treated hair: Layering chemicals increases damage risk
• Pregnant or nursing women: Chemical exposure may not be safe; consult a doctor first
• Low-maintenance preferences: If you don’t want to apply products daily, this style is not for you

If you’re unsure whether a Jheri curl is right for you, consult a professional stylist or dermatologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a Jheri curl on straight hair?

Yes, but it works best on naturally curly or coily hair. Straight hair may not hold the curl pattern as well and may require more frequent touch-ups. The chemicals can also cause more damage to naturally straight, fine hair.

How much does a Jheri curl cost?

At-home kits cost between $10 and $30. Professional salon services range from $75 to $300 depending on hair length, thickness, and location. Maintenance products add an additional $20 to $50 per month.

Does a Jheri curl help hair grow?

No, a Jheri curl does not make hair grow faster. However, the constant moisturizing may reduce breakage, which can help retain length over time. The chemicals can also weaken hair, leading to breakage that offsets any growth benefits.

Can you swim with a Jheri curl?

Swimming in chlorinated or saltwater can dry out your curls and strip away the activator products. If you swim, rinse your hair immediately afterward and reapply moisturizer and activator spray.

How do you remove a Jheri curl?

You cannot wash out a Jheri curl. The only ways to remove it are to cut off the treated hair or apply a chemical relaxer to straighten it. Relaxing over a perm can cause severe damage, so consult a professional stylist.

Can you flat iron a Jheri curl?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Heat styling can damage chemically treated hair and may alter the curl pattern permanently. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant and use the lowest temperature setting.

Is a Jheri curl the same as a texturizer?

No. A texturizer loosens natural curls slightly without creating a specific curl pattern. A Jheri curl uses rods to form defined spiral curls and requires daily activator products for the wet look.

How often should you wash a Jheri curl?

Wash your Jheri curl once a week with a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo. Over-washing can strip moisture and cause dryness. Always follow up with a deep conditioner and reapply activator spray.

Final Words

Jheri curls are not as popular today as they were in the 1980s, but the hairstyle still holds a place in hair history. It requires adequate time, effort, and commitment to maintain the glossy, soft curls.

From men to women, everyone wanted to experience the hairstyle at some point during its peak. With the introduction of Jheri curl wigs, it became easier for people to follow the trend without the chemical damage or daily upkeep.

Whether you choose to get a Jheri curl with a chemical kit or opt for a wig, make sure you understand the maintenance requirements, potential risks, and alternatives. If done correctly and cared for properly, a Jheri curl can give you a unique, retro look with defined, shiny curls.

Always consult a professional stylist if you’re unsure about the process, especially if your hair is damaged, color-treated, or previously relaxed. Protecting your hair’s health should always be the top priority.