Jheri curl

What it is

This hairstyle features loose, shiny curls that appear perpetually wet. The look relies on chemical processing to alter natural hair texture, followed by the application of specific activators to maintain moisture and gloss. It was primarily worn by men within Black communities in the United States. The style stands out due to its distinctive sheen and the way it frames the face with defined, springy ringlets rather than tight coils.

Where it comes from

Chemist Jheri Redding developed this permanent wave technique. It gained massive popularity among Black Americans, Puerto Ricans, Canadians, Brits, and New Zealanders starting in the early 1980s. Edmund Sylvers appeared on an album cover with the style in 1980. Michael Jackson wore it on the Thriller cover in 1982 and Bad in 1987, cementing its status in global pop culture. Rappers like Eazy-E and Ice Cube also adopted it widely during the decade.

What it means

The style represented a shift from the natural afro movement toward a more polished, commercial aesthetic. It was marketed as a convenient wash-and-wear alternative to relaxers. However, it also sparked cultural commentary. Films like Hollywood Shuffle and In Living Color parodied the style, highlighting its ubiquity and the social perceptions attached to wearing it. It became a symbol of 1980s urban identity.

How it is made

The process uses a rearranging cream containing ammonium thioglycolate to loosen tight curls. Hair is then set on perm rods before a neutralizer, typically hydrogen peroxide, is applied to lock in the new shape. To keep the look, wearers must apply curl activator spray daily. This greasy product prevents drying but stains clothes. Users often sleep with plastic caps to retain moisture and prevent brittleness caused by the chemicals.

Who and what it suits

The style is designed for naturally curly or coily hair textures. It transforms tight coils into looser, larger waves. The chemical process can make hair brittle and dry if not maintained properly. It suits those willing to commit to high-maintenance care routines involving frequent washing and heavy moisturizing products to achieve the signature glossy finish.

Versions

Comer Cottrell created the Curly Kit, a cheaper home version of the professional treatment. This allowed lower-income individuals to replicate the look without salon visits. The style influenced later products like SoulGlo in Coming to America, which mimicked the wet look. References in modern songs by India Arie and Jorja Smith show its lasting cultural memory compared to other perms of the era.

In culture

The Jheri curl appears frequently in 1980s and 1990s media. Samuel L. Jackson wore it in Pulp Fiction and Do the Right Thing. Keenen Ivory Wayans played a character named Jeri Curl in Hollywood Shuffle. Frenchy on In Living Color sported the style. Basketball player Billy Ray Bates faced criticism for slippery hair affecting gameplay. The style remains a recognizable visual marker of the decade's fashion trends.

Questions people ask about Jheri curl

Good reading and sources

• Music hairstyles: a brief history of 12 iconic cutsBBC, Article

• Jheri curl on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data