Crimped 19 Jheri Redding Sprays Reviving 80s Shine Slick

Okay, let’s be real. We’ve all seen those iconic 80s photos—the volume, the shine, the undeniable attitude. Part of me is obsessed, and part of me thinks, “How did they even do that without it being a sticky mess?”

Well, I went deep into the beauty archives and found the secret weapon: Jheri Redding sprays. Specifically, the crimped styles that used a ton of them. It was all about that wet-look, high-shine finish.

But 2026 hairstyles aren’t about full-blown costume. It’s about reviving the coolest parts of an era and making them feel modern. So, I’m breaking down how to get that iconic 80s shine and texture without the crunch, using some surprisingly simple techniques.

Think of it as glitchy glam hair for the modern age. Let’s get into it.

What Exactly Is The “Crimped Jheri Redding” Look?

This style is pure 80s texture. It starts with tight, zig-zag crimped hair for insane volume and a piece-y feel. Then, it’s drenched in Jheri Redding-style sprays for a glossy, wet-looking finish that lasts.

The magic was in the contrast: matte, dry texture from the crimp meeting an ultra-slick, reflective shine. It was bold, it was dramatic, and it demanded attention. Today, we can recreate the vibe without the heavy, drippy products.

The Modern Tools You Actually Need

Forget the heavy gels of the past. Your toolkit is much simpler now. You’ll need a good crimping iron with narrow plates for defined waves. The real key is in the finishing products.

• A lightweight curl-enhancing mousse for hold.
• A high-shine hair serum or glossing spray (this is your modern Jheri Redding spray).
• A fine-tooth comb for precise sectioning.
• A strong-hold, shine-enhancing hairspray for the final seal.

Step 1: Prep Your Hair For Maximum Hold

Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a heat protectant spray from roots to ends—this is non-negotiable. Then, work a tennis-ball-sized amount of mousse through your mid-lengths and ends.

Blow-dry your hair until it’s completely dry. The mousse will give the crimp something to grip, creating longer-lasting texture. For fine hair, focus the mousse at the roots for lift.

Step 2: How To Crimp Like A Pro

1. Divide your hair into manageable, horizontal sections. Start at the nape of your neck.
2. Take a one-inch section, clamp the crimper close to the roots, hold for 5-7 seconds, and release.
3. Move down the section, crimping right next to the previous wave until you reach the ends.
4. Work your way up to the top sections, crimping all hair except for the very top layer (we’ll style that last).

Step 3: Creating The “Jheri Redding” Shine

This is where the magic happens. Take your shine serum or glossing spray. Warm one pump in your palms and gently scrunch it into the crimped ends. Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness.

Then, use a spray gloss or a shine mist. Hold it about 10 inches from your head and mist over all your hair. The goal is an all-over gleam, not a soaked look. This creates that modern quiet luxury bob version of 80s shine.

Step 4: The Final Slick & Style

Now, take that top layer you left out. You have two choices: crimp it for a full head of texture, or smooth it with a flat iron for a sleek top with crimped underneath—a very cool glitchy glam hair contrast.

Use a tiny dab of serum on a fine-tooth comb to slick back your baby hairs or create a deep side part. Finish with a light mist of shine-enhancing hairspray to lock in the look without stiffness.

How To Make It Feel Modern, Not Costume

The trick is balance. If your texture is big (the crimp), keep your makeup or outfit more subdued. Let the hair be the statement. Or, pair it with minimalist earrings and a sleek black top.

This look also works amazingly as a half-up style. Crimp all your hair, add the shine, then pull back the top section. It gives the vibe without feeling like you’re headed to an 80s prom.

Adapting The Look For Short Hair

Got an asymmetrical lob or a pixie? You can still play! Crimp the longer sections of your lob for incredible piece-y texture. For shorter cuts, focus the glossing spray just on the ends you can crimp.

This technique adds a rebellious texture to a vampire haircut or a piece-y edge to a blunt bob. The shine will make your short hair look incredibly healthy and intentional.

Adapting The Look For Long Hair

On long hair, this style is pure drama. To avoid it looking overwhelming, consider crimping only from the mid-lengths down, leaving the top layer smooth. This is a gorgeous take on romantic goth hairstyles.

Another option is to crimp two large front sections, like a modern take on 80s curtain bangs, and leave the rest smooth. The high-shine spray will unite the different textures beautifully.

Color Play: Making The Shine Pop

This look is incredible on dark hair—the shine looks like liquid obsidian. On lighter hair, it gives a beautiful, pearlescent glow. For something daring, try it on chunky highlights.

The crimp and shine will make the color dimensions look even more intense. It’s a great way to refresh grown-out highlights or add visual interest to a solid color.

The “Old Money Hair” Twist

Sounds wild, but stay with me. For an old money hair interpretation, do very loose, wide crimps on dry hair. Then, add a *small* amount of shine serum only to the ends.

Brush it out gently with a boar bristle brush. You’ll get a soft, lived-in wave with a polished, healthy-end shine. It’s textured, but in a quiet, expensive way.

The Hime Cut & Crimped Bangs

If you have a hime cut or blunt bangs, this is your moment. Crimp just your bangs or the long, front sections of the hime cut for a stunning, dramatic frame for your face.

Keep the rest of your hair smooth and straight. Add the high-shine spray all over to tie it together. It’s a fierce, editorial look that’s surprisingly wearable.

Night-Out Version: Maximum Glam

Turn the volume up for evening. After crimping, backcomb the roots slightly for extra lift. Then, be more generous with your shine spray. Add a few sparkly pins or a sleek clip to one side.

This is the perfect “going out” hair—it has movement, it catches the light, and it won’t fall flat over hours of dancing. It’s the ultimate party texture.

Day-To-Day Version: Subtle Texture

For everyday, crimp your hair when it’s 80% dry, then let it finish air-drying. The waves will be much softer. Use just one pump of serum, focusing on the ends.

Pull back the front pieces into a small clip or barrette. You get the cool-girl texture without the full commitment. It’s effortless and interesting.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

• Too Much Product: Start with less gloss. You can always add more.
• Crimping Wet Hair: Always start with completely dry hair to avoid damage and frizz.
• Skipping Heat Protectant: Don’t. Just don’t.
• Forgetting The Roots: Crimp close to the root for volume, but avoid putting heavy shine products there.

How To Make It Last All Day & Night

Prep is everything. That mousse base is crucial for hold. After applying your shine spray, a light hold hairspray over everything will act as a sealant without dulling the gloss.

Carry a travel-size shine serum for touch-ups. If your hair starts to fall flat, flip your head over, give it a shake, and scrunch in a tiny bit more serum at the mid-lengths.

Hair Health: Protecting From Heat

Crimping is a heat-intensive style. Always use a heat protectant. Consider a weekly deep-conditioning treatment to maintain moisture.

Give your hair breaks between styling. This isn’t an everyday look, but a fun style for when you want to make a statement. Healthy hair will always take the shine better.

What To Do The Next Day: Second-Day Hair

Your second-day crimped hair is a gift! Spritz with a texturizing salt spray or dry shampoo at the roots to refresh volume. The shine from the day before will have softened into a beautiful, natural-looking gloss.

You can wear it down, or pull it into a textured, low ponytail or bun. The waves will give you amazing, effortless body.

Styling Inspiration From Current Trends

See this look as a texture base. Add small, face-framing clips for a Y2K touch. Pair it with a bold, dark lip for a romantic goth feel. Or, keep everything else minimalist for that quiet luxury contrast.

It’s a versatile look that plays well with many of 2026’s emerging trends, where personal expression and texture are key.

Finding Your Own Version

The best part of reviving a trend is making it yours. Maybe you only crimp the underlayer. Maybe you use a colored gloss spray. Perhaps you mix it with braids.

Experiment. Start small, maybe just on a weekend at home, to see what you like. The goal is to have fun and feel amazing in your hair.

Final Thoughts From My Chair

I love digging into these iconic looks. They remind us that hair is supposed to be fun, expressive, and a little bit daring sometimes. The 80s crimped-and-shiny look has so much personality.

By using today’s better products and techniques, we get all the attitude without any of the drawbacks. It’s a powerful style that makes you stand tall and own the room.

And there you have it! My full guide to bringing that iconic 80s shine and texture into your current routine. It’s less about a strict time warp and more about capturing that feeling of bold, glossy confidence.

I hope this gives you the courage to play with some serious texture and shine. Remember, the best hair looks are the ones that make you feel like the most vibrant version of yourself.

Save this post to Pinterest to keep this guide handy for your next style adventure! And tell me in the comments—what’s your favorite throwback hair trend you’d love to see get a modern makeover?

XOXO, Hailey & Team