Introduction
Curly hairstyles for men have always been more than just a haircut, they’re a statement. For men, embracing curls means stepping into a world where natural texture becomes an advantage, not a challenge. Unlike straight hair, curls have personality, bounce, and movement that instantly stand out. The trick, however, lies in knowing how to style and care for them. Without the right knowledge, curls can feel like a daily battle. But with the right approach, they can easily become your signature style.
For years, many men avoided curly hairstyles, thinking straight or sleek cuts were the only way to look professional and stylish. But things have changed. Today, curly hairstyles are trending more than ever. From short and tight cuts to long, free-flowing waves, men are embracing their natural look and showing off curls with pride. This guide will help you explore the best curly hairstyles for men while giving you practical care tips so your curls stay healthy, stylish, and effortlessly cool.
Why Curly Hairstyles for Men Are Trending
There was a time when men with curly hair were told to “tame it” or even straighten it for a polished look. But in recent years, fashion has taken a turn, and natural styles are now celebrated. Curly hairstyles are making a comeback, not just in everyday street style but also on red carpets and fashion runways.
One major reason for this trend is the influence of celebrities. Actors like Timothée Chalamet, Kit Harington, and Harry Styles have turned their curls into style statements. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also played a huge role in normalizing curly hair for men. Tutorials on curl care, styling hacks, and barber transformations have inspired many men to stop fighting their curls and instead learn how to make them shine.
Beyond trends, curls also carry an element of individuality. Every curl pattern is unique, meaning no two curly hairstyles look exactly alike. This gives men an added edge to stand out. Whether styled in a neat fade or grown out into a long mane, curls add texture and personality that straight hair often lacks. It’s not just a haircut anymore, it’s self-expression.
Understanding Different Types of Men’s Curls
Before you pick a hairstyle, it’s essential to understand your curl type. Not all curls are created equal, and knowing your type helps you choose the right products and cuts that enhance your look.
Wavy Hair (2A–2C)
Wavy hair sits somewhere between straight and curly. It has a natural bend that gives it movement but doesn’t coil tightly. Men with wavy hair can easily pull off both sleek looks and textured styles. Waves usually require lighter products like sea salt sprays or mousses that add definition without weighing the hair down.
Loose Curls (3A–3B)
Loose curls are more defined than waves and form spiral patterns. They’re bouncy, voluminous, and often considered the “classic” curly hair look. Loose curls work great with medium-length styles like the curly quiff or pompadour because they hold shape naturally. These curls benefit from curl creams and gels that enhance structure and prevent frizz.
Tight Coils (3C–4A)
Coily hair is thicker and denser, with tight spirals that add volume and height. This curl type often needs extra hydration since it tends to dry out faster than looser curls. Styles like tapered cuts or curly fades highlight the natural density while keeping the look sharp and manageable.
Afro-Textured Curls (4B–4C)
These curls are the tightest, forming zig-zag patterns with maximum volume. Afro-textured hair is bold and stylish when embraced fully. It requires rich moisturizers, leave-in conditioners, and oils to keep the curls healthy. Hairstyles like the curly afro, high top fade, or twist-outs allow this curl type to shine.
Understanding your curl type isn’t just about looks—it’s smart grooming. Once you know your type, you’ll avoid products that don’t work for your hair, saving both time and money while achieving healthier curls.
Essential Hair Care Tips for Men with Curls
Curls demand more attention than straight hair, but the effort pays off. The key to rocking curly hairstyles lies in a consistent routine.
Choosing the Right Shampoo & Conditioner
Curly hair tends to be dry because natural oils have a harder time traveling down the curl pattern. Using harsh shampoos only makes this worse. Always pick a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping away moisture. Pair it with a hydrating conditioner designed specifically for curls.
Leave-In Creams and Gels
If shampoo and conditioner are the foundation, leave-in creams and gels are the finishing touch. A good leave-in cream hydrates and defines curls, while gel locks them in place. For men with looser curls, lightweight products prevent buildup. For tighter curls, thicker creams and butters add much-needed moisture.
Washing & Conditioning Techniques
Avoid daily washing, as it can strip your hair of natural oils. It’s best to do it two or three times every week. When conditioning, focus on the ends, as they’re the driest part. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle instead of a brush to prevent breakage.
Heat Styling vs. Natural Styling
Heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners can damage curls if used excessively. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry. Always use a heat protectant if you must use heat. Diffusers are also a great option for blow-drying as they enhance curl definition instead of flattening them.
With the right care, your curls won’t just look stylish—they’ll also stay healthy, strong, and manageable.
Short Curly Hairstyles for Men
Short cuts are perfect for men who want low-maintenance styles without sacrificing texture.
Curly Crew Cut
Traditionally a style for straight hair, the crew cut looks equally great with curls. It’s neat, sharp, and easy to maintain. Adding a fade or taper on the sides enhances the curls on top, giving a modern, clean finish.
Curly Undercut
The undercut is bold yet stylish. By shaving or trimming the sides short and leaving curls longer on top, you create contrast that highlights your natural texture. It’s versatile too—you can keep the curls messy for a casual look or slick them back for a more refined style.
Curly Fade
A fade combined with curls creates a balance of sharp edges and natural volume. You can choose between a high, mid, or low fade depending on how dramatic you want the contrast. With the right styling product, the curly fade is both trendy and professional.
Tapered Curls
Tapered cuts leave curls larger on top while maintaining a clean back and sides. This look is polished yet relaxed, making it perfect for men who want sophistication without losing their natural vibe.
Medium-Length Curly Hairstyles for Men
If you prefer something stylish without the heaviness of long curls, medium-length hairstyles strike the perfect balance.
Curly Quiff
The curly quiff is ideal for men who want volume and structure. Curls can be styled forward and upward to add height to the front while preserving texture. It’s a versatile cut that works for both formal and casual occasions.
Curly Pompadour
The pompadour is a timeless classic, and when paired with curls, it gains even more character. With voluminous curls styled backward, the curly pompadour is a bold and confident look that makes a strong statement.
Curly Fringe
A fringe gives curly hair a distinctive, edgy look. Whether it’s long and sweeping or short and textured, a curly fringe draws attention to your curls while framing the face.
Curly Bob
Curly hair doesn’t always have to be short on the sides. A curly bob, cut around chin length, gives a youthful yet stylish appearance. With the right products, this hairstyle can look effortlessly chic.
Long Curly Hairstyles for Men
For men who embrace the natural volume and flow of curls, long hairstyles are a bold choice.
Natural Long Curls
Letting curls grow naturally creates a free-spirited look. With the right care routine hydration, curl creams, and regular trims, long curls stay defined without becoming unruly.
Man Bun with Curls
The man bun isn’t going anywhere, and with curls, it looks even more stylish. By tying curls into a bun while letting some strands fall loose, you get both structure and natural movement.
Top Knot with Curly Undercut
This look combines edgy and traditional styles. With the sides shaved short and curls tied into a knot at the crown, it creates contrast that makes the hairstyle stand out.
Curly/Wavy Mullet
The mullet has made a comeback, and with curls, it has a fresh twist. Loose curls or tighter waves at the back add personality to this retro-inspired cut.
Permed Hairstyles for Men
Not all curls are natural, and perms are a great way to achieve curly styles without being born with them.
Perms have become increasingly popular among men in Korea and other parts of Asia, with styles like the Korean perm or mash perm. These looks combine waves and curls with trendy cuts, giving volume and texture.
Maintaining a perm requires extra care—hydrating products, gentle shampoos, and minimal heat styling. With the right routine, permed curls can look as natural and stylish as the real thing.
Styling Products Every Curly-Haired Man Should Own
| Product | Purpose | Best For |
| Curl Cream | Hydrates & defines curls | Loose to medium curls |
| Hair Gel | Provides hold & shine | Structured styles |
| Mousse | Adds volume without heaviness | Wavy hair |
| Leave-in Conditioner | Moisturizes & softens | Dry or frizzy curls |
| Hair Oil | Locks in hydration | Afro-textured hair |
Grooming Hacks to Keep Curls Looking Fresh
Healthy curls need maintenance beyond just products. Weekly deep conditioning masks replenish moisture, keeping curls soft and defined.
Sleeping also plays a role. Cotton pillowcases cause friction and frizz, while silk pillowcases help curls stay smooth. Many men also use the “pineapple method”—tying hair loosely on top of the head before bed to preserve curl shape overnight.
In the mornings, refreshing sprays or just a bit of water with leave-in conditioner can revive curls without needing a full wash.
Face Shape and the Best Curly Hairstyle Match
| Face Shape | Best Curly Hairstyles |
| Oval | Any style works, especially pompadour or quiff |
| Square | Tapered curls, crew cut, or fade |
| Round | Styles with height like quiff or fringe |
| Heart | Longer styles like man bun or medium curls |
How to Maintain Curly Hairstyles at the Barber
The secret to great curly hair is finding a barber who understands curls. Always explain what you want, and if possible, show a reference photo. Curls shrink when dry, so barbers often cut hair slightly longer to account for this.
Curls stay fresh and avoid split ends with routine trims every 6 to 8 weeks. Avoid thinning scissors as they can disrupt curl patterns, instead opt for scissor cuts that respect natural texture.
Common Mistakes Men Make with Curly Hair
Many men struggle with curly hair simply because they make avoidable mistakes. Over-washing is the biggest culprit—it strips curls of natural oils, making them frizzy and dry. Using the wrong products, like gels with alcohol, also damages curl health.
Another mistake is brushing curls dry. This breaks curl patterns and creates frizz. Instead, detangle curls when wet using conditioner and your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Finally, avoid excessive heat styling, as it leads to long-term damage.
Celebrity Inspiration for Curly Hairstyles
Looking for style icons? Plenty of celebrities embrace their natural curls. For a romantic look, Timothée Chalamet frequently sports medium-length wavy curls. Kit Harington keeps his curls at a shoulder length, making them appear strong and masculine. Jason Momoa rocks long, wild curls, proving they can be powerful and stylish. Meanwhile, Harry Styles often experiments with both short and medium curly hairstyles, making him a go-to inspiration for versatile curly looks.
Building Confidence with Your Natural Curls
Curly hair has historically been viewed as challenging or unprofessional, however this perception is changing. Today, curls represent individuality and confidence. They show that you’re comfortable with your natural self, which is always attractive.
Wearing curls proudly also helps break stereotypes. Instead of hiding behind straightening irons or short cuts, more men are embracing their texture and making it part of their identity. When styled well, curly hair isn’t just fashionable it’s empowering.
Conclusion
Curly hair isn’t a burden, it’s a gift. With the right hairstyle and care routine, curls can become your strongest feature. From short fades to long flowing manes, curly hairstyles for men offer versatility, style, and personality that straight hair often can’t match.
So, whether you were born with tight coils, soft waves, or got your curls through a perm, the secret lies in understanding your curl type, choosing the right products, and finding the cut that makes you feel most confident. Remember, curls tell a story and that story is uniquely yours.
FAQs
1. What is the best hairstyle for naturally curly hair men?
The best style depends on curl type. Loose curls look great in quiffs or pompadours, while tight curls suit fades and tapered cuts.
2. How can men make curls look good every day?
Maintain a routine with curl cream, leave-in conditioner, and minimal washing. Refresh curls with water or spray in the mornings.
3. Should curly hair be cut dry or wet?
Many barbers prefer cutting curls when they’re slightly damp, as dry cutting shows shrinkage but can be less accurate.
4. Is it better to use gel or cream for curly hair?
Both work gel is great for hold and structure, while cream defines curls with softness. Many men use both together.
5. How do men prevent frizz in curly hair?
Avoid daily shampooing, sleep on silk pillowcases, use hydrating products, and never brush curls when dry.
Hassan Raza is a passionate men’s grooming enthusiast specializing in modern and classic haircuts. He delivers expert insights, trends, and styling tips for all hair types.