Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was not only renowned for his groundbreaking music and iconic dance moves, but also for his distinctive and evolving hairstyles. From the Afro of his early years to the jheri curl and the bleached slicked-back look, Jackson's hairstyles were as much a part of his persona as his gloved hand. If you're a fan looking to channel your inner MJ, or simply want to experiment with a unique style, here's a step-by-step guide to some of Michael Jackson's most iconic hairstyles.
Michael Jackson's Afro: The Early Years
In the early days of The Jackson 5, Michael sported a natural Afro, a style that was popular among African Americans during the 1970s. To achieve this look, you'll need to let your hair grow out naturally and maintain its health with regular trims and conditioning. Here's a simple guide:
- Start by washing your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
- While your hair is still damp, apply a leave-in conditioner to detangle and moisturize.
- Gently comb your hair in sections, working from the ends up to the roots to avoid breakage.
- Once your hair is completely dry, you can shape it into an Afro using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Michael Jackson's Jheri Curl: The Thriller Era
One of Michael's most iconic looks, the Jheri curl, was a glossy, wet-looking style that he popularized during the Thriller era. This style requires relaxed or natural hair and some patience to achieve.
Materials Needed
- Jheri curl lotion
- Wide-tooth comb
- Hair pick
- Hair dryer (optional)
Steps
- Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a generous amount of Jheri curl lotion, working it through your hair from roots to tips.
- Using a wide-tooth comb, gently detangle your hair, working from the ends up to the roots.
- Once your hair is detangled, use a hair pick to create the signature Jheri curl texture. Work in small sections, picking the hair upwards and outwards.
- For a more defined curl, you can use a hair dryer on low heat to help set the style. Alternatively, you can let your hair air dry.
Michael Jackson's Slicked-Back Look: The Bad Era
During the Bad era, Michael favored a sleek, bleached-blonde look. This style requires relaxed or natural hair and some maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Materials Needed
- Hair bleach (if lightening your hair)
- Hair dye (if desired)
- Hair straightener
- Hair gel
- Hairbrush or comb
Steps
- If you're not already blonde, you'll need to lighten your hair using a hair bleach. Follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
- Once your hair is blonde, you can use a hair dye to achieve the exact shade you want.
- Wash your hair and apply a heat protectant. Using a hair straightener, smooth your hair until it's completely straight.
- Apply a generous amount of hair gel to your hair, working it through from roots to tips. Use a brush or comb to smooth your hair back, creating a sleek, slicked-back look.
Michael Jackson's Military Buzz Cut: The Dangerous Era
For a more dramatic change, consider Michael's military buzz cut from the Dangerous era. This style is low-maintenance and can be achieved with just a few tools.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Hair trimmer (optional)
- Hairbrush or comb
Steps
- Start by washing your hair to remove any product buildup.
- Using clippers with a guard size of your choice, start at the back of your head and work your way forward, cutting against the direction of hair growth.
- Use a hair trimmer to clean up the edges and create a sharp, defined line.
- Brush or comb your hair to remove any loose hairs.
Remember, achieving Michael Jackson's hairstyles may require some trial and error, and it's important to take care of your hair to keep it healthy. With patience and practice, you can rock these iconic looks and channel your inner King of Pop.
