Thriller Curls

Thriller curls are chin-to-shoulder-length black curls with a high-gloss, wet-look finish and a few curls falling onto the forehead — the defining men's hair of the early 1980s and the look most associated with the 1983 Thriller music video. The wet-look curl was everywhere in that decade, and today it is a favorite for Halloween dance parties and 80s-themed nights.

It flatters oval, oblong, heart, and square faces — the volume at the sides softens an angular jaw, and the forehead curls shorten a long face. Wavy, curly, and coily hair get there naturally with the right products; straight hair needs a temporary set or a wig. Hair needs to reach at least the chin.

Medium styling effort — rake a curl cream through wet hair, define the curls with a high-gloss gel, and let them dry without brushing to keep the wet look. About fifteen minutes on natural curls, longer if setting straight hair with a small-barrel iron or perm rods. A curly wig is the quickest route for one night. Glossy, defined, retro curls; built for the dance floor.