Imagine luscious, bouncy curls with the captivating allure of a bygone era. The Jheri curl, a coiffure that graced the heads of musical and cultural icons in the 1980s, is making a grand resurgence. This iconic hairstyle epitomizes vibrant individuality and effortless cool. If you’re ready for a transformative look that will turn heads, delve into our comprehensive guide to achieving the perfect Jheri curl. Get ready to embrace a hairstyle that will redefine your style and make a statement wherever you go.
Before embarking on your Jheri curl journey, it’s imperative to assess your hair’s current condition and texture. This iconic style is best suited for naturally curly or coily hair textures, as it relies on the hair’s natural elasticity to achieve the desired curls. If your hair is straight or has been chemically relaxed, it may not be the ideal candidate for a Jheri curl. Additionally, if you have any scalp conditions or sensitivities, it’s prudent to consult with a professional stylist before proceeding. They can provide expert advice and ensure that this transformative hairstyle is right for you.
The Jheri curl is a complex and time-consuming process, typically performed in a salon by a skilled stylist. The first step involves applying a perm solution to the hair, which breaks down the hair’s protein structure. This allows the hair to be reshaped and curled into the desired form. After the perm solution has been applied, the hair is set using perm rods and left to process for an extended period. Once the perm is complete, a neutralizer is applied to stop the chemical process and restore the hair’s pH balance. The process can take several hours, depending on the length and texture of your hair.
Choosing the Right Hair Type
Achieving a successful Jheri curl requires careful consideration of your hair type. The ideal candidates for this process are individuals with naturally curly or coily hair textures, such as Type 3 and Type 4 on the hair type scale. These hair types possess an inherent ability to form tight, spiral-shaped curls when treated with the appropriate chemicals and techniques.
It’s important to note that Jheri curls are not suitable for all hair types. If your hair is fine, straight, or damaged, the chemical process involved could cause excessive breakage and weaken your hair’s structure. In particular, Type 1 and Type 2 hair types should avoid this process to prevent irreversible damage.
The following table provides an overview of the hair types that are best suited for Jheri curls:
| Hair Type | Curl Pattern |
|---|---|
| Type 3A | Loose, wavy curls |
| Type 3B | Defined, springy curls |
| Type 3C | Tight, corkscrew curls |
| Type 4A | Coily, tight spirals |
| Type 4B | Zigzagged, dense spirals |
| Type 4C | Fine, tightly coiled spirals |
Preparing the Hair for Curling
Step 1: Cleanse and Condition the Hair
Begin by thoroughly washing the hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt or product buildup. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment to hydrate and strengthen the hair. Leave the conditioner in for the recommended time, then rinse it out.
Step 2: Relax the Hair (for Previously Relaxed Hair)
If the hair has been previously relaxed, it is necessary to relax it again before applying the Jheri curl solution. This step is crucial for achieving even curls and preventing damage. Use a mild relaxer specifically designed for curly hair, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Relaxer Application Table:
| Hair Texture | Relaxer Strength | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fine or Normal | Mild or Light | 10-15 minutes |
| Medium | Regular | 15-20 minutes |
| Coarse | Strong or Extra Strong | 20-25 minutes |
Step 3: Neutralize and Rinse
After the relaxer has processed, rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. Then, apply a neutralizing solution to stop the chemical reaction and restore the hair’s pH balance. Leave the neutralizer in for the recommended time, then rinse it out again.
Applying the Jheri Curl Solution
The application of the Jheri curl solution is a crucial step in the Jheri curl process. It requires careful preparation and execution to ensure optimal results and minimize damage to the hair.
Before applying the solution, it is essential to thoroughly wash and condition the hair to remove any impurities or buildup. This will help the solution penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.
Once the hair is clean and conditioned, it is divided into small sections and secured with clips. The Jheri curl solution is then carefully applied to each section, ensuring that it saturates the hair from root to tip. The solution should be applied evenly and thoroughly to avoid uneven curls.
The application process can take several hours, depending on the length and thickness of the hair. During this time, the hair should be kept warm using a blow dryer or hooded dryer. The heat helps activate the chemicals in the solution and speeds up the curling process.
Once the solution has been applied to all sections of hair, it is left to process for a specific time, usually between 2 and 4 hours. The processing time will vary depending on the hair type and the desired curl pattern. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid over-processing or under-processing.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash and condition the hair thoroughly. |
| 2 | Divide the hair into small sections and secure with clips. |
| 3 | Apply the Jheri curl solution evenly and thoroughly to each section, ensuring it saturates the hair from root to tip. |
| 4 | Keep the hair warm using a blow dryer or hooded dryer. |
| 5 | Leave the solution to process for the specified time, usually between 2 and 4 hours. |
Processing the Curl
1. Shampoo and Condition the Hair
Wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or dirt. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment to hydrate and strengthen the hair.
2. Apply the Jheri Curl Solution
Divide the hair into sections and apply the Jheri curl solution evenly throughout. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the solution and ensure all strands are coated.
3. Process the Hair
Wrap the hair in plastic wrap and process it under a hooded dryer or with a warm towel for 3-6 hours. The processing time will vary depending on the hair type and desired curl pattern.
4. Rinse and Neutralize the Solution
After the processing time is complete, rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water. Apply a neutralizing solution to stop the chemical reaction and prevent further processing. Rinse the hair again and apply a deep conditioning treatment.
| Conditioning Time | Hair Type |
|---|---|
| 30-60 minutes | Fine or damaged hair |
| 60-90 minutes | Medium-textured hair |
| 90-120 minutes | Coarse or curly hair |
5. Style the Hair
Apply a styling product, such as a curl cream or mousse, to define the curls. Use a diffuser or air-dry the hair to maintain the curl pattern.
Neutralizing the Solution
Neutralizing the chemical solution is a crucial step in the Jheri curl process. It helps to stop the chemical reaction and prevent damage to the hair. Here’s how to neutralize the solution:
1. Rinse Hair Thoroughly
Rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water for at least 5 minutes. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any remaining chemical residue.
2. Apply Neutralizing Solution
Apply a neutralizing solution, such as Redken Equalizer, to the hair. Follow the instructions on the product label for application time.
3. Massage Hair Gently
Massage the hair gently to work the neutralizing solution into the hair strands. This helps to ensure that the solution reaches all areas of the hair.
4. Leave Neutralizing Solution On for 10 Minutes
Leave the neutralizing solution on for 10 minutes. This allows the solution to fully neutralize the chemical solution.
5. Rinse Hair Again
Rinse the hair again with lukewarm water for at least 5 minutes. Rinse until the water runs clear, indicating that all of the neutralizing solution has been removed.
pH Level of Neutralizing Solution
It’s important to use a neutralizing solution with the correct pH level. The pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5. A pH level below 6.5 can cause hair damage, while a pH level above 7.5 may not be effective in neutralizing the chemical solution.
| Chemical Solution | pH Level |
|---|---|
| Relaxer | 12 – 14 |
| Perming Solution | 8 – 11 |
| Neutralizing Solution | 6.5 – 7.5 |
Drying and Styling the Hair
After you have rinsed the chemicals out of your hair, it is important to dry and style it properly. Here are the steps on how to do so:
1. Towel Dry
Gently pat your hair dry with a towel. Do not rub your hair, as this can cause frizz.
2. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner
Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair to help hydrate and detangle it. This will also help prevent frizz.
3. Comb Your Hair
Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb your hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots.
4. Air Dry
Allow your hair to air dry completely. Do not blow dry your hair, as this can damage it.
5. Style Your Hair
Once your hair is dry, you can style it as desired. You can use a curling iron, flat iron, or simply leave it natural.
6. Moisturize Regularly
To keep your jheri curls healthy and looking their best, it is important to moisturize them regularly. You can use a curl cream, oil, or serum. Apply the moisturizer to your hair while it is still damp, and then style it as desired. Here is a table summarizing the recommended frequency of moisturizing for different hair types:
| Hair Type | Moisturizing Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fine hair | Every 2-3 days |
| Medium hair | Every 3-4 days |
| Thick hair | Every 4-5 days |
Maintaining the Jheri Curl
1. Shampoo and Condition Regularly: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a cream conditioner. Avoid over-washing, as this can strip the hair of essential oils.
2. Moisturize Deeply: Apply a deep conditioner to the hair at least once a week. Leave it on for 30 minutes or longer under a shower cap for maximum absorption.
3. Avoid Heat Styling: Heat can damage the delicate Jheri curl pattern. Use a diffuser on a low heat setting when blow-drying.
4. Detangle Gently: Start detangling from the ends of the hair and work your way up. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to avoid breaking the curls.
5. Protect from Humidity: Keep the hair moisturized and use a hairspray with humidity-resistant properties to prevent frizz and shrinkage.
6. Refresh Curls: Between washes, dampen the hair and use a styling cream to refresh the curls. This will help to maintain their definition.
7. Trim Regularly: Split ends can weaken the curls and lead to breakage. Get regular trims to remove damaged hair and keep the ends healthy.
| Time Frame | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Shampoo and Condition | 2-3 times per week |
| Deep Condition | Once per week |
| Trim | Every 6-8 weeks |
Avoiding Damage to the Hair
1. Use a good quality jheri curl relaxer kit.
Not all jheri curl relaxer kits are created equal. Some kits contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair, while others are more gentle and conditioning.
2. Follow the instructions carefully.
Don’t skip any steps or try to cut corners. The instructions are there for a reason, and following them will help you avoid damaging your hair.
3. Do a strand test first.
Before you apply the jheri curl relaxer to your entire head, do a strand test on a small section of hair. This will help you determine how long to leave the relaxer on and how much damage it will cause.
4. Don’t over-process your hair.
Leaving the jheri curl relaxer on for too long can damage your hair. Follow the instructions carefully and don’t leave the relaxer on for longer than the recommended time.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly.
After you’ve applied the jheri curl relaxer, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. This will remove any residual chemicals and help to prevent damage.
6. Condition your hair regularly.
Conditioning your hair regularly will help to keep it healthy and strong. Use a conditioner that is designed for chemically treated hair.
7. Avoid heat styling.
Heat styling can damage your hair, especially if it has been chemically treated. If you must use heat styling tools, use them on a low setting and apply a heat protectant spray to your hair.
8. Deep condition your hair regularly.
Deep conditioning your hair once or twice a week will help to restore moisture and nutrients to your hair. This will help to prevent damage and keep your hair looking healthy and strong.
| Benefits of deep conditioning |
|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Troubleshooting Jheri Curl Problems
9. Not Curling Enough
Possible Causes:
- Over-processed hair: If your hair is over-processed, it may not be able to hold a curl.
- Wrong type of perm: Make sure you are using a perm specifically designed for Jheri curls.
- Not enough processing time: The perm may not have been left in long enough to process the hair.
- Incorrect ratio of chemicals: The ratio of chemicals in the perm may not be correct.
- Improper application: The perm may not have been applied evenly or thoroughly.
- Environmental factors: Humidity or extreme temperatures can affect the perm process.
Solutions:
- If your hair is over-processed, you may need to wait several months before trying to perm it again.
- Use a perm specifically designed for Jheri curls.
- Follow the instructions on the perm packaging carefully, including the processing time.
- Make sure to mix the chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the perm evenly and thoroughly, making sure to cover all of the hair.
- Avoid perming your hair in extreme humidity or temperatures.
How To Do A Jheri Curl
A Jheri curl is a type of perm that was popular in the 1980s. It is characterized by its tight, springy curls. Jheri curls can be done on all hair types, but they are most commonly seen on African-American hair. To do a Jheri curl, you will need the following:
- Jheri curl kit
- Plastic gloves
- Petroleum jelly
- Towel
- Blow dryer
- Diffuser
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin the process of doing a Jheri curl. First, put on your plastic gloves and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your hairline and ears. This will help to protect your skin from the chemicals in the Jheri curl kit.
Next, apply the Jheri curl solution to your hair. Be sure to follow the instructions in the kit carefully. Once the solution has been applied, cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave it on for the amount of time specified in the kit.
After the time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to get all of the Jheri curl solution out of your hair. Once your hair has been rinsed, towel dry it and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Next, blow dry your hair using a diffuser. This will help to define your curls and give them volume. Once your hair is dry, you can style it as desired.
Jheri curls can last for up to 6 months. However, they require regular maintenance. Be sure to wash and condition your hair regularly, and avoid using harsh chemicals or heat styling tools.
People Also Ask About How To Do A Jheri Curl
How long does a Jheri curl last?
Jheri curls can last for up to 6 months. However, they require regular maintenance. Be sure to wash and condition your hair regularly, and avoid using harsh chemicals or heat styling tools.
Can you do a Jheri curl on short hair?
Yes, you can do a Jheri curl on short hair. However, the curls will be tighter and less defined. If you have short hair, you may want to consider getting a perm instead.
Does a Jheri curl damage your hair?
Yes, a Jheri curl can damage your hair. The chemicals in the Jheri curl solution can cause your hair to become dry and brittle. It is important to follow the instructions in the kit carefully and to use a leave-in conditioner after each wash.
