Curls And Damage: The Jerry Curl Conundrum

The Jheri curl, also spelt Jerry Curl or Jeri Curl, is a permed hairstyle that was popular among Black Americans during the 1980s and early 1990s. The style is characterised by glossy, loosely curled hair. While the Jheri curl was touted as a wash and wear style, the chemical treatment required to achieve the look can cause hair to become dry and brittle. So, does the Jheri curl damage hair?

Jerry curl hair is prone to dryness, so it's important not to overwash it

The Jheri curl, also known as the Jerry curl or Jeri curl, is a permanent wave hairstyle that was popular among Black Americans in the 1980s and early 1990s. The style gives the wearer a glossy, loosely curled look. While the Jheri curl was touted as a "wash and wear" style, it does require careful maintenance to keep hair healthy and prevent dryness.

The Jheri curl is achieved using a two-part application process that includes a softener to loosen the hair and a solution to set the curls. This process can be done at home or in a salon, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid hair damage. The softener contains pungent chemicals that can cause hair to become brittle and dry if overused. Therefore, it is crucial not to leave the softener in for longer than the allotted time.

After applying the softener, the hair is set on perm rods, and a chemical solution is added to create permanent curls. Again, it is important not to leave this solution in for too long, as it contains damaging chemicals. Once the solution is rinsed out, a curl activator and moisturizers are applied to maintain the look of the Jheri curl.

The Jheri curl requires daily maintenance, including the application of a curl activator and moisturizers. It is also recommended to sleep with a plastic cap over the hair to prevent it from drying out. However, overuse of the curl activator can lead to greasiness, so it is important to find a balance that works for your hair.

To prevent dryness and maintain healthy Jheri curls, it is important not to overwash the hair. When washing, use a gentle, chemical-free shampoo to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. Follow up with a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and keep hair soft. Overall, while the Jheri curl can be a stylish and fun look, it is important to be mindful of the potential for dryness and take the necessary steps to care for your hair properly.

To maintain Jerry curls, use products specifically made for this hair type, which is also sulfate and alcohol-free

The Jheri curl, also spelt Jerry curl or Jeri curl, is a permanent wave hairstyle that was popular among Black Americans during the 1980s and early 1990s. It gives the wearer a glossy, loosely curled look.

To maintain Jerry curls, it is important to use products specifically made for this hair type. The right products will be sulfate and alcohol-free. 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.

There are a variety of products available in Curl Kits, such as the Curly Kit invented by Comer Cottrell, which can be used at home. These kits contain a softener to loosen the hair and a solution to set the curls. The softener is often called a "rearranging cream" and uses pungent chemicals to loosen the hair's natural curls. The looser curls are then set on perm rods and a chemical solution is added to permanently curl the hair.

To maintain Jerry curls, it is also important to keep hair moisturised. This can be done by using a spray bottle filled with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner to moisturise the hair.

Deep condition Jerry curl hair at least once a week

The Jheri curl, also spelt Jerry Curl or Jeri Curl, is a permanent wave hairstyle that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. The style is characterised by glossy, loosely curled hair.

Deep Conditioning Jerry Curl Hair

Deep conditioning your hair is an important step in maintaining the health of your hair. It is recommended to deep condition Jerry curl hair every two weeks to help the hair stay strong and healthy. However, if your hair is severely damaged, you may want to increase the frequency to once a week.

• Wash your hair with a good shampoo to remove any build-up so that the moisture from the deep conditioner can penetrate the hair cuticles.
• Apply the deep conditioner right after shampooing your hair and skip your normal conditioner.
• Detangle your hair using a comb to help the product spread evenly throughout your hair and to detangle any knots.
• Leave the deep conditioner in your hair for 5 minutes if you are in a rush, or 20 minutes for a more intense treatment. Do not leave the conditioner in overnight as this could over-moisturise your hair.
• Put your hair up in a shower cap or wrap it in a microfibre towel to trap heat, which will help open the hair cuticles and improve absorption. You can also warm your head with a blow dryer set to medium heat.
• After 20 minutes, rinse your hair completely and apply your usual styling products.

Tips for Maintaining Jerry Curl Hair

• Wash your hair only when needed. Washing too often can leave Jerry curls dry and brittle.
• Keep your hair moisturised daily by using a spray bottle filled with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner.
• Avoid heavy products to prevent product build-up and that weighed-down feeling.
• Avoid using heat tools on your Jerry curls to prevent heat damage and to maintain the curl pattern.
• Do not brush curly hair when it is dry to prevent tangling and frizz.

Avoid blow-drying Jerry curls—if you must, use a diffuser

The Jerry curl (or Jheri curl) is a hairstyle that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It gives the wearer a glossy, loosely curled look. However, the chemicals used to create and maintain this style can cause hair damage, including dryness and brittleness.

If you have a Jerry curl hairstyle, it's best to avoid blow-drying your hair. Blow-drying can cause damage and breakage, especially if your hair is already dry. However, if you must blow-dry your hair, there are some steps you can take to minimise the potential for damage:

• Always use a heat protection spray or damage defence primer before blow-drying. A silicone-based heat protectant will help to distribute heat evenly across the hair shaft and reduce the likelihood of damage.
• Hold your dryer about 6 inches away from your hair. Start on a high temperature and then gradually reduce the heat as your hair dries. This will help to avoid over-drying.
• If you have curly hair, use a diffuser attachment. This will better control the airflow and help you achieve the hairstyle you want without needing to use additional heat tools like curling irons. A wider attachment will spread the heat over a larger area.
• To add volume and body, turn your head upside down and gently brush your hair, following behind with the dryer.

Remember that correct blow-drying will not harm your hair. However, applying heat to your hair when it is already dry can cause damage. So, if you have a Jerry curl, it's best to avoid blow-drying if possible and opt for air-drying or towel-drying instead.

Jerry curls can be obtained with or without chemicals

The Jheri curl, also spelt Jerry curl or Jeri curl, is a permanent wave hairstyle that was popular among Black Americans during the 1980s and early 1990s. It gives the wearer a glossy, loosely curled look. The hairstyle was invented by hairdresser Jheri Redding, and was regarded as a "wash and wear" style that was easier to care for than other chemical treatments such as the relaxer.

Obtaining Jerry Curls with Chemicals

The chemical method of obtaining Jerry curls is a two-part process. Firstly, a softener (often called a "rearranging cream") is applied to loosen the hair. This uses pungent chemicals to relax the natural curls. Secondly, a solution is applied to set the curls. The hair is divided into sections, which are then rolled up in perm rods and treated with the chemical solution to permanently curl the hair.

To maintain the look of Jerry curls, it is necessary to apply a curl activator spray and moisturisers daily, and to sleep with a plastic cap over the hair to prevent it from drying out.

Obtaining Jerry Curls without Chemicals

Jerry curls can also be obtained without the use of chemicals. This method involves using a combination of products that soften the hair and hold the curl.

Firstly, wash the hair with a gentle, chemical-free shampoo. Then, while the hair is still wet, apply a leave-in conditioner containing nourishing ingredients like shea butter and argan oil to trap moisture in the hair.

Next, divide the hair into several sections and apply a curling custard or cream. Each section should then be divided into three smaller sections, which are twisted together. The twists are then rolled up in perm curlers, from the tips to the scalp, and secured in place. The curlers are left in overnight, preferably with a scarf to protect the hair.

In the morning, the curlers are removed and the hair is moisturised with coconut or argan oil. The curls can be gently fluffed with a hair pick to add volume.

This method does not result in permanent curls, so the process must be repeated regularly to maintain the look.

Frequently asked questions