spit curl
noun
: a spiral curl that is usually plastered on the forehead, temple, or cheek
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Brandon Routh just missed the superhero movie boom by a spit curl. 
David Betancourt, Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2019 The hair was short, combed forward, and arranged in sort of spit curls around the temples. Michael Lindsay-hogg, Town & Country, 22 Aug. 2013 The classic look would often get sexed up with spit curls that lay slicked to the forehead, at the nape of the neck, or in front of the ear, thanks to the influence of Josephine Baker. Rebecca Norris, Allure, 22 May 2018
David Betancourt, Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2019 The hair was short, combed forward, and arranged in sort of spit curls around the temples. Michael Lindsay-hogg, Town & Country, 22 Aug. 2013 The classic look would often get sexed up with spit curls that lay slicked to the forehead, at the nape of the neck, or in front of the ear, thanks to the influence of Josephine Baker. Rebecca Norris, Allure, 22 May 2018 Word History
Etymology
probably from its being sometimes plastered down with saliva
First Known Use
1831, in the meaning defined above