Gina Curl vs Jheri Curl: Which One is Best for You?

Recently, the Gina Curl has created a lot of HYPE on social media. But, what happened to the Jheri Curl!? Well, let’s talk about the Gina Curl vs Jheri Curl.

Now, I love rocking my natural hair and I love seeing other women rock their natural hair. But, the reality is, there are a lot of women/men who want to rock their natural hair texture, but find it hard to maintain and/or difficult to manage. This is why I understand why a black woman/man may choose to alter their hair chemically to make managing it easier. If you are a black man or woman who is considering altering your curls, this article is for you! There is no judgement here! I will outline two options that can aid in managing your curls without straitening it: Jheri curl and Gina curl.

But what are they and how do they differ? In this article, we will compare and contrast Jheri curl and Gina curl, and help you decide which one is right for you based on your hair type, budget, and lifestyle.

I do have another option that does not entail permanently altering the texture of your hair. Check it out in this article: Smoothing Treatments for Curly Hair

But, first let’s get into the difference between gina curl and jheri curl!!!

What is a Jheri Curl?

A Jheri curl is a permanent wave hairstyle that was popular among black people during the 1980s and early 1990s. It was invented by the hairdresser Jheri Redding, and looks glossy, wet, and loose when done.

A Jheri curl requires a two-part application that consists of a softener to loosen the hair, and a solution to set the curls. The rearranging cream uses pungent chemicals, causing the naturally tight curls to loosen. The hair is then wrapped around perm rods and another chemical is applied to lock in the curl pattern. Finally, a neutralizer is applied to stop the chemical process and wash out the excess product.

A Jheri curl needs constant maintenance to keep its moisture and shine. This involves applying activator, a liquid or gel that contains glycerin and water, to the hair several times a day. The activator also helps prevent the hair from drying out and breaking off due to the harsh chemicals used in the perm process.

Pros of Jheri Curl

Some of the advantages of a Jheri curl are:

• It gives the hair a softer and more manageable texture
• It allows for more styling options, such as ponytails, braids, and updos
• It enhances the natural curl pattern of the hair

Cons of Jheri Curl

Some of the disadvantages of a Jheri curl are:

• It is expensive and time-consuming to get and maintain
• It damages the hair structure and can cause hair loss and scalp irritation
• It leaves a greasy residue on the hair, clothes, and furniture
• It has a strong and unpleasant odor

What is a Gina Curl?

A Gina curl is a newer version of a curly perm that claims to be healthier and more natural than a Jheri curl. It was created by Gina Rivera, a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair.

A Gina curl is similar to a Jheri curl in that it also involves a chemical softener and perm rods. However, the Gina curl does not use a second chemical to set the curls, but rather a heat-activated conditioner that seals the cuticle and locks in the moisture. The Gina curl also uses different formulas for different hair types and textures, and does not require activator or any other products to maintain the curls.

Pros of Gina Curl

Some of the advantages of a Gina curl are:

• It does not damage the hair or scalp as much as a Jheri curl
• It does not leave a wet or oily look on the hair
• It lasts longer and grows out more naturally than a Jheri curl
• It can be retouched every six months or longer, depending on the hair growth

Cons of Gina Curl

Some of the drawbacks of a Gina curl are:

• It is very expensive, ranging from $500 to $950, depending on the length and thickness of the hair
• It is not widely available, as only a few salons offer this service
• It does not allow for straightening the hair, as it can cause irreversible damage to the curl pattern
• It may not work for everyone, as some people may experience allergic reactions, scalp burns, or hair breakage

Gina Curl vs Jheri Curl Comparison

Here is a table that summarizes the main similarities and differences between Gina curl and Jheri curl:

How to Choose Between Jheri Curl and Gina Curl

So, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are some tips and advice on how to choose between Jheri curl and Gina curl:

• Consider your hair goals. Do you want a dramatic change or a subtle enhancement? Do you want a wet or a dry look? Do you want to keep your natural curl pattern or change it?
• Consider your budget. How much are you willing to spend on your hair? Do you have enough money to cover the initial cost and the maintenance cost of your chosen treatment?
• Consider the availability. How easy is it to find a salon that offers your chosen treatment? How far are you willing to travel to get your hair done? How often do you need to go back to the salon for touch-ups?
• Consider the maintenance level. How much time and effort are you willing to invest in your hair care routine? How many products do you need to use to keep your curls healthy and beautiful? How often do you need to wash, condition, and style your hair?
• Consult a professional. Before you commit to either one, make sure to talk to a hairstylist who is experienced and knowledgeable about curly perm treatments. Ask them for their opinion and recommendation based on your hair type, condition, and goals. They can also do a strand test to see how your hair reacts to the chemicals and the heat.
• Do your research. Read reviews, watch videos, and look at photos of people who have done Jheri curl or Gina curl. See how they look, how they feel, and how they maintain their curls. Learn from their experiences, tips, and mistakes.

Conclusion

Jheri curl and Gina curl are both curly perm treatments that can transform tight coils into looser curls. However, they differ in their methods, results, and maintenance. A Jheri curl uses harsh chemicals and activator to create wet and glossy curls, while a Gina curl uses heat and conditioner to create dry and natural-looking curls. A Jheri curl is cheaper and more accessible, but also more damaging and high-maintenance, than a Gina curl. A Gina curl is pricier and rarer, but also healthier and longer-lasting, than a Jheri curl.

Ultimately, the choice between Jheri curl and Gina curl depends on your personal preference, budget, and hair goals. Before deciding on either one, make sure to do your research, consult a professional, and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Remember, your hair is your crown, so treat it with care and respect.

If you decide that you don’t want to invest in a process that is permanent and want some non-permanent options, CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE.

I hope this article was helpful for you. Have you tried the Gina Curl or the Jheri Curl? Let me know below. If you have any feedback or questions, please let me know below. See you in the next article!

Here are some references and resources for this article:

• Breaking down the difference between a Jherri Curl / Curl Perm and Gina curl, a YouTube video by Dawns of Essence Salon that explains the process and maintenance of Jheri curl and Gina curl.
• The Jheri Curl Is Back And Here’s Why You’ll Want To Try It, an article by Essence that discusses the trend and popularity of Jheri curl in 2020.
• Stylist Goes Viral After Introducing “The Gina Curl” – People Are Saying It’s Simply A $950 Version Of A Jheri Curl, an article by Emily Cotton Top that compares and contrasts Jheri curl and Gina curl, and features some influencers who have tried Gina curl.
• Gina Curl vs Wave Nouveau: Which One is Better for Your Hair?, an article by Hair Care Addiction that reviews the pros and cons of Gina curl and Wave Nouveau, another curly perm treatment similar to Jheri curl.
• The Difference Between Jheri Curl & Jerry Curl, an article by Ashimary Hair that provides some history and facts about Jheri curl and Jerry curl, a common misspelling of Jheri curl.