Jheri Redding, born Robert William Redding in 1907, was an American chemist, hairdresser, and entrepreneur who fundamentally transformed the modern hair-care industry. Combining his practical experience as a hairdresser with his knowledge of chemistry, Redding dedicated his career to developing innovative beauty products that addressed the biological needs of hair.
Redding is widely recognized as the inventor of modern-day hair conditioner. His pioneering research led to several industry firsts, including the formulation of "pH balanced" shampoos, the introduction of vitamins into hair-care products, and the marketing of mineral-enriched treatments. Among his most famous commercial developments was the Jheri curl, a permanent wave process that became a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Redding was a highly successful businessman. He founded the international beauty products company that bore his name, alongside three other major hair-care enterprises. His work laid the foundation for contemporary hair-care science and consumer products before his death in 1998.
