The 10 Best Curly Hairstyles & Haircuts (With Tips) For Men
Curly hair is unique, offering plenty of texture and volume that can be shaped into various styles, from short and structured to long and flowing. Social media trends, such as the #curlyhairchallenge, and the revival of 90s fashion have brought curls back into the limelight. Celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Jason Momoa, and Dev Patel have also added to its popularity and recognition, as these stars have shown that curls can be stylish, refined, and even edgy, sparking a trend among men who want to embrace their natural texture.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best curly hairstyles for men no matter your hair length. Plus, we’ll share tips for maintaining your curls to keep them looking their best, along with product recommendations to make styling a breeze.
Tips for Maintaining Curly Hair
Before we shine the light on the key hairstyles, it’s important to get the basics right. Curly hair requires a bit more maintenance to stay defined, frizz-free, and healthy. Here are some essential tips to make the most of your curls:
- Moisturize Regularly: Curly hair tends to be drier, so using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner helps to keep your curls soft and manageable.
- Avoid Overwashing: Shampooing too often can strip natural oils. Try washing your hair 2-3 times a week to keep curls hydrated and reduce frizz.
- Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Brushing can cause frizz, so use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair to gently detangle without breaking up your curl pattern.
- Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: Leave-in conditioners or curl creams help define curls and keep them looking polished. Look for a product that provides lightweight moisture without weighing down your curls.
- Dry Carefully: Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot your curls dry instead of rubbing, which helps prevent frizz. Drying too hard can damage your curls.
- Air Dry or Diffuse: Let your curls air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to maintain the shape and reduce frizz.
- Choose the Right Styling Products: Light-hold products like Cream or Texture Powder work well to define curls without stiffness. Sea salt sprays can add volume and texture.
Armed with these tips, you're well on your way to keeping your curls looking incredible and ensuring they turn heads wherever you go.
The Importance of Curl Cream
With every hairstyle, we’ll recommend products tailored to each curly hairstyle, but one universal essential is curl cream. A quality curl cream, like Pete & Pedro’s Curl Cream, is a must-have for maintaining well-defined, frizz-free curls across all styles.
This product works by providing hydration and enhancing your curls’ natural texture, giving them a soft, controlled finish. Curl cream adds essential moisture, reduces frizz, and helps your curls hold their shape throughout the day. Whether you’re aiming for volume, structure, or a relaxed look, curl cream is the foundation for curls that stay looking their best. It’s essentially a product designed for you curly hair gents!
Now, it's time dive into the 10 best curly hairstyles for men, tailored to different lengths and styles, so you can make the most of your natural texture and stand out with confidence.
Best Short Curly Hairstyles
1. Tight Curl Fade
The tight curl fade features short, tapered sides with longer curls on top. This style emphasizes your natural curl pattern while maintaining a polished, structured look.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request a gradual fade on the sides and longer curls on top.
- Specify the height and style of the fade (low, mid, or high).
- Ask for tips on keeping the fade sharp between visits to maximize the contrast with the curls on top.
Product Recommendation
To make the Tight Curl Fade look its best, controlling frizz and flyaways from the longer curls on top is key, while still maintaining a natural, textured appearance. A small amount of Clay is perfect for this style as it offers a strong, matte hold that tames curls without sacrificing their shape or softness.
2. Curly Fringe
This trendy style leaves the curls longer at the front, creating a textured fringe that adds height and dimension. The sides are usually tapered for a cleaner appearance.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request a short taper on the sides with a longer, textured fringe.
- Specify the desired length and shape of the fringe.
- Ask for layering in the fringe to enhance movement and avoid a heavy look, which helps maintain a light and bouncy texture.
Product Recommendation
To keep your fringe looking defined and natural, Putty is ideal for achieving a light hold that enhances texture without weighing down your curls.
3. Curly Caesar Cut
A modern twist on the classic Caesar cut, this style is ideal for those with tight curls who want a low-maintenance, clean-cut look. The curls are kept short with a horizontal fringe.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request a short, even cut with a defined fringe.
- Specify the length based on your curl type.
- Ask about techniques for maintaining curl shape and preventing frizz, especially around the fringe area.
Product Recommendation
To maintain the shape and definition of your curls, Cream is an excellent choice. This lightweight cream provides a smooth finish with just the right amount of hold.
Best Medium Curly Hairstyles
4. Wavy Quiff
The wavy quiff is perfect for showcasing medium-length curls with volume at the front. It’s great for men with wavier textures who want a refined look.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request layers on top with a tapered fade on the sides.
- Specify the desired length for volume at the front.
- Ask about layering techniques that enhance movement and flow.
Product Recommendation
SALT can help you achieve the full, textured look of a Wavy Quiff. This sea salt spray is designed to boost volume and add a beachy texture.
5. Curly Taper Fade
The curly taper fade keeps longer curls on top with a gradual fade on the sides. This polished look is both stylish and easy to maintain for all curl types.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request a taper fade with defined curls on top to enhance contrast and structure.
- Specify your preferred length for the curls on top, balancing volume and shape.
- Ask for a scissor trim on the top curls to maintain natural texture and shape.
Product Recommendation
To add volume and definition to the Curly Taper Fade, use Texture Powder. This lightweight powder enhances curls without weighing them down, providing a natural lift and texture.
6. Medium-Length Curly Shag
This layered, medium-length style gives a relaxed look with movement and texture, making it perfect for looser curls that need volume.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request layers throughout to enhance movement and texture.
- Specify a medium length that complements your specific curl type.
- Ask about cutting techniques to maintain shape as your hair grows.
Product Recommendation
Paste is the perfect styling companion for this hairstyle. This versatile product provides a flexible, medium hold that defines curls while keeping them lightweight and bouncy.
Best Long Curly Hairstyles
7. Loose Curly Afro
The loose curly afro emphasizes natural texture and volume, making it ideal for thick curls. It’s a bold look that’s timeless and effortlessly cool.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request an even cut all around, emphasizing shape to enhance your natural curl pattern.
- Specify the overall length you want, taking into account both your curl type and personal style.
- Ask for tips on stretching your curls to reduce shrinkage.
Product Recommendation
SALT is the perfect option for maintaining volume and texture in your Loose Curly Afro. This spray adds light texture and volume without weighing down your curls.
8. The Curly Bob
The curly bob, usually cut around chin length, frames the face with soft curls. It’s a stylish choice for men with longer curls who want a polished look with a bit of edge.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request a chin-length cut with rounded layers.
- Specify layers based on your curl type and face shape.
- Ask for tips on preventing frizz and maintaining volume.
Product Recommendation
Cream is ideal for achieving a soft hold and smooth finish that brings out the natural shape and texture of your curls with the Curly Bob.
9. The Curly Man Bun
The curly man bun lets you keep length and style up or down. It’s a practical and trendy option that works for both casual and formal occasions.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request layers to keep curls manageable and easy to style.
- Ask for length recommendations that complement your curl pattern.
- Ask for advice on the best accessories to use for securing the man bun.
Product Recommendation
To keep your curls soft, frizz-free, and easy to manage for styling, Smooth is the perfect option. This leave-in conditioner provides lasting hydration and smoothness.
10. Shoulder-Length Curly Flow
This style lets curls fall naturally around the shoulders, creating a relaxed, effortless look that’s easy to style. It’s a great option for those with thicker curls.
What to Ask Your Barber
- Request layers that allow for movement and shape.
- Specify a length that lets your curls sit naturally at the shoulders.
- Ask for styling tips to enhance curl texture.
Product Recommendation
For the shoulder-length curly flow, Texture Powder is ideal for adding targeted volume and texture. Just sprinkle a small amount to the ends and scrunch for some added bounce.
Embrace Your Curls
With the right cut and styling products, your curls can become a signature part of your look. But curly hair isn't just about following trends; it's about owning a style that’s inherently versatile and full of character. As A-list celebrities and influencers continue to redefine curly hair's place in men’s fashion, there’s never been a better time to let your natural texture shine.
So, choose your style, invest in a styling aid to make your curls shine and you'll be guaranteed compliments as your embrace your curly hair with confidence.
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