Q&A for How to Get Jheri Curls

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Question

What is curl activator used for?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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.

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Question

What does a curl activator do?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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

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Question

Why is it called a Jheri curl?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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

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Question

What does S curl stand for?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

An s curl is what it sounds like, a curl shaped like an "S." This type of curl looks wavier than a spiral curl.

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Question

Can I do a jheri curl on my natural hair?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes, Jheri curls can be done on natural hair and should not be done on previously relaxed hair.

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Question

Do I have to wash my hair first?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes, start with clean hair.

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Question

What do I do if I lost my curl after two weeks?

Community Answer

Do it again if you want to. No curls last forever, unless you get a chemical perm done.

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Question

Can I get a Jheri Curl if I have a perm?

Community Answer

No, it will not work on previously relaxed hair. It works best on natural hair.

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Question

Which shampoo is recommended if I have jheri curl hair?

Community Answer

Carol's Daughter would be great. You can do sulfate free or regular. It's the best option.

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Question

How can I get jheri curls with natural short hair?

Baby Anji

Community Answer

Get a jheri curl kit, or go to a good hair stylist. Beware that not all hair stylists know how to get a jheri done.

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Question

Can I put Jheri curls in my hair if it has been dyed?

Community Answer

Yes, you can,.

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Question

Can I get Jheri curls if I have very short hair?

Community Answer

Yes. Go to a stylist the first time; if they are good, they should do it easily. Both my sister and I have short hair and did Jheri curls.

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Question

My hair is natural, but it's long and straight unless I wet it. Can I still get a Jheri Curl?

Community Answer

Yes it doesn't matter what hair type you have, it will work on every hair type.

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Question

What if I still have a virgin hair?

Community Answer

Well if you have that kind of hair you should make it cool. Make your own style and ask your mom if it's cool or not. If she says yes, then great. If she says no, then put in a high ponytail.

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Question

How long does my hair have to be?

Community Answer

Your hair can be any length, but it's easiest on medium-length hair.

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Question

How often should I wash my hair after getting Jheri curls?

Community Answer

Don't wash for the first two weeks so the curls set; after that, you can wash it 2 - 3 times per week.

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Question

How long do I have to wait to get a jheri curl if I have a texturizer in already?

Community Answer

About 30 days or so, depending on how you maintain your hair. I usually leave mine in for a month, then I redo my hair.

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Question

If I use hairspray and mousse, will my Jheri curls be permanent?

Community Answer

No, they will not be permanent even if you use hairspray and mousse. However, those products would help keep your Jheri curls looking good.

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Question

Can I do Jheri curls on relaxed hair?

Community Answer

You can try, but Jheri curls are best on natural hair.

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Question

I have very short hair, less than an inch from my scalp. Could I still use Jheri Curl?

Community Answer

You should probably try growing out your hair a little bit, first.

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Question

How long does a jheri curl last?

Community Answer

It will probably last 3 to 4 days if you wrap it the right way. Limit the use of creams and other hair products.

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Question

If I get Jheri curls, can I dye my hair afterward?

Community Answer

You should dye your hair before, because otherwise the curls won't last.

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Question

What are the positive and negative effects of Jheri curls to African natural hair?

Community Answer

There's almost no negative effects. If your hair type is 4a - 4c, then your curls might lose their kinkiness. A braid-out would be recommended to keep your curls kinky.

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Question

Can I jheri curl relaxed hair?

Community Answer

It works best on hair that is not relaxed. You could wait a while for the permed hair to outgrow then do your jheri.

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Question

Do I wash before applying cream?

Community Answer

Yes, you wash and dry before applying the cream. You must start with clean hair.

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Question

Can I get Jheri curls if my hair has heat damage?

Community Answer

Depending on how bad the heat damage is, you could be able to use the chemical-free method, but I wouldn't recommend using the perm until the damaged hair grows out.

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Question

I was told that to make the jheri curls, I have to buy a jheri curl relaxer to relax my hair and wash before continuing the making of the curls. Is this true, want to be sure first?

Hayd_11

Community Answer

It can help but it is definitely not necessary. Unless your own hair is already curly, I would not recommend you using it. Follow the instructions in the steps above for getting jheri curls.

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Question

What can I use to make my hair smell fresh when I am sweating?

Community Answer

You can use scented hairspray.

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Question

Can jheri curls be braided?

Community Answer

Curls can be braided but try to braid with pattern of a curl pattern to maintain curl form.

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Question

Do I need to remove the curling rod before washing the Jheri curl solution? Or should I wash while the rod is still in the hair?

Community Answer

Wash with curling rods in. The curling is still in process and should remain in until a thorough wash-out is done.

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