How to Get Jheri Curls

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: November 13, 2020

Determine to bring MJ's hair back in style? Jheri curls were once the signature of soul, but the upkeep they required caused them to eventually give way to lower maintenance dos. If you long for sleek, glossy curls, you can still get them by using a combination of products that soften your hair and hold the curl. Read on to learn how to get Jheri curls the classic way or using a chemical-free method that produces bouncy, modern-looking curls.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Getting Classic Jheri Curls

1
Buy Jheri curl supplies. You can find kits in most drugstores or beauty stores. Your kit should contain a softener to loosen your hair, a solution to set the curls, and perm rods (which may be sold separately). In addition to these materials, you'll need activator (aka Jheri juice, which keeps the curls looking moist and tight) and a shower cap.
- Making Jheri curls the classic way requires using chemicals that can cause permanent damage to your hair. If you apply the chemicals incorrectly, use too much, or overdo it in any way, your hair could become dry and brittle, and it might even break. This extreme hair damage is one reason why people stopped making Jheri curls the classic way in the mid-nineties. If you want the Jheri curl look without the harsh chemicals, skip down to the next section.
- You might want to consider having your Jheri curls put in at a salon instead of doing them yourself. You're essentially giving yourself a perm, which requires some skill and knowledge of hair. Whether you have your hair done at a salon or do it yourself at home, you'll need regular touch ups.
2
Treat your hair with softener. Follow the instructions to apply the softener that came with your Jheri curl kit. Smooth it all over your hair and smooth out your hair as much as possible. Leave the softener in for the allotted amount of time. This will relax your natural curls and get your hair ready to be permed.^{[1]
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3
Apply the setting solution and roll your hair up in perm rods. Following the directions in your package, saturate your hair with setting solution, divide it into sections and roll it up in the perm rods. Make sure to divide the sections evenly and don’t put too much hair into the rods. Secure each rod and use more setting solution to begin the process of permanently curling your hair.
- Perm rods come in lots of different sizes. Choose the size that you want your curls to be. Also consider the length of your hair and how long you want the curls to be when choosing perm rods.
4
Leave the perm rods in for the specified amount of time and rinse well. Don't leave them in too long; the setting solution contains damaging chemicals that can really harm your hair if you overdo it. When time is up, rinse the solution out of your hair for at least 10 minutes.
5
Maintain the curls with the curl activator. Apply it to your hair and use your fingers to create defined curls. It's important to keep your hair moisturized all day long, since otherwise it will become very brittle and dry. Use the activator on your hair at night and wear a shower cap to keep your pillow from getting messy.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Chemical-Free Method

1
Use gentle, chemical-free shampoo. Shampoos containing sulfates, alcohols, and plastics are tough on African-American hair, causing it to become brittle and break more easily. Using a chemical-free shampoo keeps the hair shaft strong, providing a good foundation for natural, soft curls.
2
Use a leave-in conditioner. Moisture is key when it comes to defined curls. While your hair is still wet, cover it with a good natural leave-in conditioner that contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and argan oil. These trap moisture in to keep your hair soft.^{[3]
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3
Section your hair into several parts. This will make it easier to twist your curls into shape. Each one will need to be shaped individually. Hold the sections apart using clips.
4
Apply curling custard or cream to the first section. Find a curling cream or custard that works well for your hair type. Curling cream or curling custard are products made with natural ingredients that promote soft, shiny curls. Apply plenty of product to the first section, using your fingers and a wide-tooth comb to smooth it through.
5
Flat-twist your hair. Divide the section into three sections. Twist each section, then twist the three sections together.
6
Roll up the twist in a perm curler. Roll it from the tips to all the way to your scalp, and secure the curler there.
7
Repeat with the rest of your hair. Section by section, flat twist your hair and roll it up in curlers.
8
Leave the curlers in overnight. Wear a scarf to sleep so you can protect your hair during the night.
9
Remove the curlers and moisturize with oil. Use your fingers to smooth coconut or argan oil through each curl, being careful not to cause the curls to fall apart. Use a hair pick to gently fluff the curls and add volume at the roots. Your curls should now look sleek, loose, and moisturized, like modern Jheri curls.
10
Repeat regularly to maintain the look. Without using any chemicals, this method will not result in permanent curls. However, you can maintain your curls by repeating the treatment about once every one to two weeks, or more often if needed.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What is curl activator used for?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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The curl activator is used to maintain and style your curls after the treatment. You can apply it before bed to maximize shine and hydration—just make sure to wrap your hair to keep the activator from getting on your pillow.
Question

What does a curl activator do?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

A curl activator moisturizes and defines curls. It is a product used for styling curly hair.
Question

Why is it called a Jheri curl?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Jheri curl is a style invented by Jheri Redding. The style still carries his name.