The Jheri Curl Was A Moment For The Culture

The Entrepreneur Who Made the Jheri Curl a Cultural & Economic Power Move

In the 1980s, the Jheri Curl wasn’t just a hairstyle—it was a symbol of Black style, success, and innovation. But behind the glistening curls and pop culture presence stood Comer Cottrell, the visionary beauty entrepreneur who transformed a luxury salon treatment into an at-home empire.

At a time when many Black families were tightening their belts during a recession, Cottrell saw an opportunity. His Curly Kit democratized the Jheri Curl, bringing salon results to drugstore shelves for under $10. The kit allowed Black consumers to achieve the same glossy, defined curls seen on stars like Michael Jackson and Ice Cube—without the hefty price tag.

But Comer’s genius wasn’t just in product development—it was in empowerment. He tapped into an underserved market, built a multimillion-dollar Black-owned business, and inspired a generation of entrepreneurs. His company, Pro-Line Corp., became one of the largest African-American-owned businesses in the country.

The Jheri Curl may be remembered for its style, but its legacy is far deeper. It marked a moment when Black consumers controlled not just the look—but the business behind it. Comer Cottrell’s story is a reminder that cultural relevance and community-driven innovation can spark more than trends—they can shape economies.

As beauty fads come and go, Cottrell’s impact lives on. His legacy remains a blueprint for turning style into substance, and hair into history.