The Jheri curl is a permanent wave hairstyle that was popular among Black Americans, Black Puerto Ricans,Black Dominicans, Black Canadians, Black Brits and Black New Zealanders during the 1980s and early 1990s. Invented by the chemist Jheri Redding, the Jheri curl gives the wearer a glossy, loosely curled look. It was touted as a "wash and wear" style that was easier to care for than the other popular chemical treatment of the day, the relaxer, not a full relaxer to fully straighten the hair, but to make curly hair look loosely curled. Hair appeared wet and glossy by using curl activator which is applied on hair to keep it moist.