Staring in the mirror trying to figure out what to do with your curly hair again? You are not alone. So many men with natural curls, coily hair, or a wavy hair pattern struggle to find a haircut that works with their hair texture instead of fighting it every single day, especially when frizz control and hair moisture never seem to cooperate.
That is exactly why we put together this guide to curly hairstyles men actually love wearing right now. From a low maintenance curly taper fade to a longer curly shag or textured crop, we will walk through curl types, curl density, and the styling products like curl cream and leave-in conditioner that make curl definition easy to maintain.
Understanding Curly Hair
Curly hair forms naturally through the shape of the hair follicle, giving it more volume and movement than straight hair. Curl pattern and curl density vary from one guy to the next, ranging from loose waves to tight, springy coils. Because curly and coily hair strands twist and bend, natural oils have a harder time travelling down the shaft, so hair moisture and a hydrating conditioner become essential rather than optional. Understanding your hair type before you sit down in the barber’s chair makes it much easier to pick a cut that works with your curls instead of against them.
What’s Your Curl Type?
Not all curls behave the same way, and knowing where you land on the curl type chart helps you choose the right cut, the right styling products, and the right routine.
Wavy (Type 2)
Type 2 hair forms loose, S-shaped waves rather than tight coils, and it usually sits somewhere between straight and curly. Guys with wavy hair often deal with some frizz but generally need lighter styling products, since heavier curl creams can weigh the waves down. A sea salt spray or light styling cream applied to damp hair helps enhance natural texture without flattening the wave pattern.
Curly (Type 3)
Type 3 hair ranges from loose curls to tight, springy corkscrews, and it tends to have real bounce and volume. This curl type benefits from a proper curl-defining cream and a diffuser, which help lock in shape while blow-drying. Frizz control matters a lot here, since type 3 curls are prone to drying out and losing definition without regular conditioning.
Coily (Type 4)
Coily hair forms tight, dense curls or coils and needs the most moisture of any curl type. Natural curls at this density benefit from richer, hydrating conditioner and leave-in products, since oils struggle to travel down the tightly wound strands. Styling cream or curl cream applied to soaking wet hair, followed by gentle finger-styling, keeps coily hair defined without excess frizz.
20+ Best Men’s Curly Hairstyles at a Glance
Once you know your curl type, the fun part is picking a cut. Below are more than 20 of the best curly hairstyles men are wearing right now, from clean fades to celebrity-inspired looks, along with quick tips on how to style each one.
Curly Undercut
The curly undercut pairs very short, closely shaved sides with a full, lively curly top for bold contrast. This look works especially well for tight curls and coily hair, since the short sides let the curl pattern on top really stand out. Blow-dry the top and shape with your fingers, then work in a small amount of texture clay to control the curls without making them feel stiff.
Curly Quiff
The curly quiff lifts the front section of hair up and back for a voluminous, textured shape, while the sides stay neat and shorter. It suits wavy to loose curls best and works for both casual and dressier occasions. Apply a volumising mousse to damp hair, blow-dry with a diffuser while directing the hair upward, then finish with a light-hold pomade to hold the lift.
Layered Curly Hair
Layered curly hair removes bulk and adds bounce by cutting light layers through medium-length curls, letting them fall naturally around the temples and neck. This cut is particularly useful for thick, dense curls that tend to grow outward instead of down. Blow-dry with a diffuser to lift the roots, then use a styling cream to define the layers without stiffness.
Curly Bangs
Curly bangs bring soft curls forward over the forehead for a playful, youthful look, while the sides stay clean and short. This style gives a relaxed yet modern feel that works well for guys who want to show off their curl pattern up front. Blow-dry on low heat and shape with your fingers, keeping the front light so the bangs do not sit too heavy.
Curly Pompadour
The curly pompadour sweeps voluminous curls up and back while keeping the sides shorter, creating a bold, confident silhouette. Popularised by musicians and known for its height and drama, this cut suits loose to medium curls best. Apply mousse to damp hair, blow-dry with a round brush for volume, then use a strong-hold pomade to shape and hold the curls in place.
Brushed Back Curls
Brushed back curls create a sleek, natural look by styling curly hair away from the face with controlled volume, striking a balance between a sophisticated shape and natural texture. Apply a strong-hold styling cream to damp hair, then use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently brush the curls backward before diffusing on low heat to lock in definition.
Modern Curly Mullet
The modern curly mullet keeps the sides short and tapered while leaving longer curls throughout the crown and back, giving a retro yet intentional shape. It adds movement without sacrificing structure, making it wearable enough for professional settings while still standing out. Run curl cream through damp hair, then diffuse to enhance texture and keep the finish clean and balanced.
Curly Side Part
The curly side part brings structure to natural curls with a defined part and slightly longer hair on top, styled in one direction. Figure out which way your curls naturally fall, then part it accordingly for the most natural-looking result. Blow-dry with a diffuser to maintain curl definition while managing the part, then apply a light pomade to hold everything in place.
Curly Taper
A curly taper fade blends faded sides into longer curls on top, making it one of the most versatile curly hairstyles for men. A low taper leaves more length on the sides, while a higher taper suits guys with a rounder face shape.Spray a light mist of water or sea salt spray onto the hair, then diffuse to define the curls.
Curly Edgar
The curly Edgar mixes a sharp, straight fringe with soft curls on top for a bold, youthful look, while the sides stay short and clean. This cut makes the curls stand out without looking messy and works well for daily wear. Blow-dry and shape with your fingers, then use a small amount of styling cream to keep curls smooth and easy to manage.
Curly Flow
The curly flow haircut lets medium-length curls fall smoothly and naturally around the head, with soft volume on top and loose movement at the sides and back. This is one of the more relaxed curly hairstyles for men who want their hair to look effortless rather than heavily styled. Apply styling cream, blow-dry on low heat, and use your fingers to guide the curls for a clean, natural finish.
Curly Wolf Cut
The curly wolf cut blends a shag texture with an elongated mullet shape, combining shorter, choppy layers at the crown with longer curls at the back for a lived-in, rock-inspired look. This haircut feels bold but still wearable for everyday life. Use volumising mousse, blow-dry lightly, then shape with fingers to keep curls soft, bouncy, and well defined.
Curly Mohawk Burst Fade
The curly mohawk burst fade creates a striking contrast between a tight strip of curls running through the center and a sharply faded burst around the sides that curves neatly around the ears. This edgy style suits short, tight curls and coily hair best, and it needs minimal daily styling once the shape is set. A small amount of molding paste holds the mohawk without leaving curls feeling stiff.
Darren Barnet: Wavy Quiff
Actor Darren Barnet has been spotted wearing a wavy quiff that lifts natural waves up and back for extra height, while the sides stay trim and tidy. It is a great reference for guys with looser waves rather than tight curls who still want volume up front. To recreate it, blow-dry the roots upward with a brush, then finish with a light pomade for hold.
Troye Sivan: Curly Mini Mullet
Singer Troye Sivan has worn a curly mini mullet, a shorter, more subtle take on the mullet shape that keeps curls full on top with just a touch of extra length at the back. This version is more office-friendly than a full mullet while still giving off a distinct, retro-inspired edge. Curl cream on damp hair followed by a light diffuse keeps the shape defined.
Tom Holland: Swept Back Hair With Quiff
Tom Holland has been seen with his curly hair swept back into a soft quiff, combining natural texture with a slightly more polished finish. This look suits guys who want their curls to read as intentional rather than undone. Work a pomade through damp hair and brush it back and up to build the shape.
Dominic Sessa: Medium Length Curly Hair
Actor Dominic Sessa has worn his curls at a medium length, letting them sit naturally around the ears and neck with soft volume throughout. This is one of the easier curly hairstyles for men to maintain day to day, since it mostly relies on natural texture rather than heavy styling. A diffuser and a lightweight curl cream are usually all it takes to keep the shape looking fresh.
Mark Ruffalo: Short Grey Curly Haircut
Mark Ruffalo shows that short curly hair works just as well with grey hair as it does with any other colour, keeping the cut relatively short and low maintenance while still showing off natural curl texture. A shorter length like this is easy to manage and requires minimal daily styling beyond a bit of leave-in conditioner. This look proves curly hairstyles for men age well when paired with regular trims.
Curly Buzz Cut
The curly buzz cut keeps coils tightly cropped for a clean, sharp, low-maintenance finish that flatters strong features. It suits guys with tight curls or coily hair who want a no-fuss haircut, and regular trims every two to three weeks help maintain the shape. A light leave-in conditioner keeps the hair hydrated without compromising the crisp, cropped look.
Curly Crew Cut
The curly crew cut adapts the classic short crew cut for curly hair, keeping the sides and back short while leaving slightly more length on top to show off curl texture. It is a low-maintenance option that works well for active lifestyles. Blow-dry the curls upward with your fingers to add volume, then press a small amount of molding paste into the curls to keep them defined and frizz-free.
Curly Top Fade
The curly top fade keeps the sides tight with a clean fade while letting the curls stay full and lifted on top for bold volume. This style looks sharp yet relaxed, and it works well for guys who want a trendy, low-maintenance finish. Blow-dry upward with a diffuser, then use texture powder to boost height and keep the top light and defined.
More Curly Hairstyles Worth Trying
Beyond the cuts above, there are plenty of other curly hairstyles for men worth considering depending on your curl type, length, and how much time you want to spend styling.
Curly Bob & Curly Afro
A curly bob brings medium-length curls evenly around the jaw or neck for a bold, artistic shape, while a curly afro embraces natural curls and coily hair in a big, rounded silhouette. Both rely on regular trims and a good diffuser to keep their shape looking full rather than flat.
Curly Ponytail & Man Bun
For guys growing their hair out, a curly ponytail or man bun keeps long curls controlled while still showing off natural texture and volume. Gather the hair loosely rather than pulling it tight, since tight styles can flatten curl definition at the roots. A top knot works the same way for a slightly more polished, gathered look.
Messy Curly Hair & Surfer Curls
Messy curly hair and surfer curls both lean into a relaxed, beachy aesthetic, with loose, bouncy curls and minimal styling. A sea salt spray and a bit of scrunching while the hair dries is usually all it takes to get that lived-in, sun-kissed texture.
Wavy Slicked Back & Beachy Waves
A wavy slicked back style, similar to the look Bradley Cooper has worn, uses pomade to push waves back for a polished, professional finish. Beachy waves take the opposite approach, keeping the texture loose and undone with a light styling cream instead.
Wavy Fringe & Tight Curl Fade
A wavy fringe puts the focus on the front section of hair, letting natural texture and volume frame the face, while a tight curl fade keeps the top short and the sides faded for a clean, versatile shape.
Curly Textured Crop & Curly Middle Part
The curly textured crop keeps curls short and full of movement on top with a clean shape around the sides, while a curly middle part splits curls evenly down the centre for a relaxed, symmetrical look. Both styles work well with a lightweight texture powder for extra lift.
Natural Curly Hair & Curly Slick Back
Natural curly hair keeps things simple, letting curls sit loose and full with medium length on top and slightly shorter sides. A curly slick back takes the same natural curls and pushes them backward with pomade for a neater, more polished finish.
Curly Bowl Cut & Curly Curtain Bangs
The curly bowl cut wraps curls in a rounded shape all around the head for a youthful, trendy look, while curly curtain bangs part naturally down the middle to frame the face on both sides.
Korean Perm, Mash Perm & Curly Perm
For guys without natural curls, a Korean perm or mash perm can create that curl pattern artificially, working well with fades and short-sided styles. A curly perm on longer hair adds soft, even curls and bounce, though permed hair needs gentler, sulphate-free products to stay healthy.
Curly Looks Worth Borrowing From Celebrities
A few famous names show just how versatile curly hairstyles for men can be. Jason Momoa has long popularised long, flowing curly hair, Kit Harington is known for a classic curly taper, Colin Kaepernick has worn a sharp buzz cut with texture, Heath Ledger favoured long, layered curls, and Bruno Mars has rocked a curly pompadour with real height. Whichever look you borrow, a bit of hydrating argan oil helps keep the shine and softness intact.
6 Common Mistakes With Curly Hair (And How To Fix Them)
Most curly hair problems come down to using the wrong products or techniques rather than the hair itself. Here are six of the most common mistakes guys make, and how to fix them.
Washing with sulphate shampoo. Sulphates strip away the natural oils your curls need, leaving hair dry and frizzy. Swap to a sulphate-free shampoo that gently cleanses while keeping curl definition and hair moisture intact.
Skipping conditioner. Curly and coily hair needs moisture to stay soft and hold its shape. Always follow shampoo with a hydrating conditioner or leave-in conditioner to keep frizz control in check.
Towel drying too roughly. Rubbing curls with a regular towel causes friction and frizz. Pat hair dry instead, or wrap it in a microfibre towel or an old t-shirt to absorb moisture gently.
Brushing dry curls. Brushing curly hair once it has dried breaks up curl definition and creates frizz. Only detangle in the shower with a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is still in the hair.
Overusing heavy, matte products. Matte clays, waxes, and high-hold pastes can flatten natural curls and weigh them down. Reach for a lightweight curl cream or styling cream designed to define curls without the crunch.
Skipping heat protection. Blow-drying curly hair on high heat without protection dries it out and loosens the curl pattern over time. Use a heat protectant, keep the dryer on low to medium heat, and attach a diffuser whenever possible.
Final Tips for Styling Curly Hair
● Always apply styling products to damp hair, never dry, so curl cream and leave-in conditioner can properly define each curl.
● Less is more. You only use as much product as you need, adding more as needed.
Scrunch gently while drying to encourage natural curl formation instead of pulling curls straight.
Dry Air when you can, or use a diffuser on low heat to protect curl pattern and hair moisture.
Refresh curls on day two with a little water and a touch of curl cream instead of washing again.
● Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair loosely, to cut down on overnight friction and frizz.
● Book a trim every six to eight weeks to keep curls looking sharp and remove dry, split ends.
Conclusion
Curly hair gives you more to work with than most guys realise, from a sharp curly taper fade to a completely natural curly afro. The right cut, paired with the right routine, hydrating conditioner, and a little patience, turns curls from a daily hassle into your best feature. Whichever of these curly hairstyles for men you choose, work with your natural curl pattern instead of against it, and your barber and your hair will both thank you.
FAQs About Curly Hairstyles for Men
What is the best haircut for curly hair men?
Curly fades, taper fades, and layered cuts tend to work best because they reduce bulk while letting the natural curl pattern show through.
How often should I wash curly hair?
Most guys with curly or coily hair should wash two to three times a week rather than daily, since overwashing strips natural oils and causes frizz.
What products should I use for curly hair?
A sulphate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, curl-defining cream, and a light sea salt spray or mousse cover most curl types and styling needs.
Is air-drying better than blow-drying for curly hair?
Air-drying is generally gentler, but blow-drying with a diffuser on low heat works well too and can help lift and define curls faster.
How do I stop my curls from frizzing?
Keep hair hydrated with conditioner and leave-in products, avoid rough towel drying, and apply styling cream to damp rather than dry hair.
