Michael Jackson was undoubtedly a legend, not only for his music but also for his iconic style. One of his most significant features was his naturally curly hair. But have you ever wondered how Michael Jackson's hair got curly? Let's find out.

Michael Jackson, also known as the "King of Pop," was born with straight, black hair. However, as he grew older and his career soared, he started to experiment with different hairstyles.

In his early career with the Jackson 5, Michael sported a large afro, which was a popular style among African-Americans during the 1960s and 1970s. However, this wasn't the curly look he later became famous for.

Michael's transition to curly hair happened gradually. In the late 1970s, he began to experiment with a more elaborate, sleeker look, often seen wearing his hair in a looser, brushed out style.

Louis Johnson, a renowned hairstylist in Hollywood, took responsibility for Michael's hair during this era. Johnson introduced Michael to a hair-straightening treatment that would set the foundation for the curls he'd later adopt.

The treatment entailed a chemical process that altered the structure of the hair, making it straighter and easier to manage. After the treatment, Michael started to wear his hair in a more relaxed, glossy look.

In the early 1980s, Michael became more adventurous with his hairstyles. He started to flirt with curls, often seen with a small wave in his hair. But the iconic curly hairstyle was not perfected just yet.

The catalyst for Michael's move towards a curly hairstyle was a tragic accident that occurred during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in 1984. Michael's hair caught fire, which led to severe burns and hair loss.

Following the accident, Michael had to undergo several surgeries and wore wigs to cover the areas of his scalp that were healing. It was during this time that Michael adopted the curly hair look that he would maintain for the rest of his life.

To achieve this curly look, Michael's hair was often permed. A perm is a chemical process that can make straight hair curly. It involves two steps: breaking the inner bonds of the hair and then reforming them in a different way.

Michael's hair was tightly wound around small rods and then doused with a chemical solution. The solution would penetrate the hair shaft, breaking the structural bonds that held his hair in its natural form.

After a set amount of time, the solution was rinsed off, and the hair was neutralized with a different chemical. This process fixed the hair in its new curly shape.

Over the years, Michael continued to perm his hair, maintaining the curls. Despite the damage that chemical treatments can inflict on hair, Michael's hair managed to retain its glossy, black shine.

Some theories suggest that Michael's preference for curly hair was due to its ability to hide thinning and damaged areas better than straight hair. However, this is just speculation and has never been confirmed by Michael or his team.

Michael was a perfectionist in every aspect of his life, including his appearance. His curly hair became an integral part of his image in the same way that his moonwalk or his single white glove were.

When Michael was not performing, he could often be seen wearing a hat or a surgical mask. It was speculated that these accessories were used to protect his hair and skin from damage and to maintain his privacy.

With his permed curls and the occasional hat, Michael Jackson's hair became as iconic as his voice. His hairstyle stood out, making a statement in a time where most male musicians sported straight hair.

Michael's hair evolution also sparked a trend. Many people in the 80s and 90s aimed to emulate his look, with salons receiving frequent requests for “the Michael Jackson curl."

In a 1991 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Michael confessed that he wasn't really comfortable with the way he looked. Yet, he never stopped experimenting and innovating with his appearance.

In his later years, Michael often wore his hair longer and curlier, sometimes pulling it back into a loose ponytail. It was evident that his hair, regardless of its state, was a significant part of his identity.

Michael's hairstylists were always on their toes, ensuring his hair was perfect. They spent hours prepping, curling, spraying, and setting his hair, creating a masterpiece atop his head.

It's undeniable that Michael Jackson left a mark in the world of music and fashion. His curly hair was more than just a hairstyle - it was a symbol of his ever-changing, unique persona.

But beyond the curls, it was Michael Jackson's talent, his music, and his humanitarian work that ultimately defined him. His hair was just one of the many parts of his iconic image.

Whether you admired him for his music, dance or style, Michael Jackson has left a legacy that stretches far beyond his life. His iconic curly hair is a testament to his bold and audacious personality.

Michael Jackson’s curly hair has since become a piece of pop culture history. It is a symbol of his dedication to his craft, his love for the dramatic, and his willingness to experiment with his image.

So, that’s the story of how Michael Jackson got his curly hair. From chemical treatments to iconic perms, his journey to those iconic curls was long and adventurous. And like his music, his hair will forever remain a part of his unforgettable legacy.