Curls have character. They’re bold, edgy, and full of personality. If you’ve got curly hair and you’re wondering how to style it right—or even how to embrace the curls you were born with—you’ve landed in the right place.
This guide dives into the best curly hairstyles for men, from short and sharp to wild and free. Whether you’re into modern fades, throwback vibes, or effortless volume, there’s a curly look for you. Let’s get into it.
Why Curly Hair is Having a Major Moment
Curly hair isn’t just trendy—it’s timeless. With stars like Timothée Chalamet, Dev Patel, and Kit Harington rocking natural curls, more men are choosing to work with their texture instead of against it. And the best part? Curls add volume and movement that straight styles often lack.
The key is finding a cut and routine that suits your curl pattern—whether it’s loose waves or tight coils.
1. Short Curly Fade
The short curly fade is a go-to for guys who want something clean but still embrace their natural texture. The sides are tapered or faded while the curls on top are left just long enough to show off. It’s low-maintenance and sharp.
2. Curly Undercut
Want some edge? Try the curly undercut. The contrast between the buzzed sides and full curls on top gives this cut major attitude. It’s perfect for curly-haired men who like bold, modern styles.
3. Medium-Length Curls with Tapered Sides
If you prefer more volume, keep your curls medium-length and pair them with tapered sides. It balances the style while letting the curls do all the talking.
4. Long Curly Hair
Nothing says confidence like long, flowing curls. This look takes some commitment and upkeep, but the payoff is major style points. Use curl cream or leave-in conditioner to avoid frizz and boost definition.
5. Curly Pompadour
A curly twist on a classic. The curly pompadour gives you volume in the front with tight sides for a retro-meets-modern look. Use a strong hold product to keep that height all day.
6. High Top with Curls
Think 90s-inspired but with a fresh take. The high top curly style lets your curls stand tall while the sides are kept short or faded. A standout look, especially for guys with tighter curl patterns.
7. Curly Quiff
A curly quiff is perfect if you want something a bit more polished. Push your curls back and up using a lightweight gel or mousse. It’s a great option for work or more formal settings.
8. Messy Curly Fringe
This style screams effortless cool. The fringe falls casually over your forehead while the rest of your curls are tousled and textured. Great for a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
9. Curly Mohawk Fade
Feeling bold? A curly mohawk fade gives you a dramatic silhouette without going too extreme. The curls run down the middle while the sides fade into the skin. Eye-catching and stylish.
10. Side Part with Curly Hair
For a touch of sophistication, add a clean side part to your curly style. It gives your natural curls a bit of structure and works well in both professional and casual settings.
11. Tight Coils with Drop Fade
This combo shows off your curl texture beautifully. The drop fade creates a curved fade line that hugs your head shape, highlighting the curls on top. Clean, modern, and very fresh.
12. Curly Hair with Beard Combo
Pairing curly hair with a well-groomed beard is a powerful duo. It adds balance to your overall look and brings a rugged masculinity to your curls.
13. Curly Curtains
Yes, curtains are back—and curly ones are even better. This ’90s throwback gets a modern refresh when paired with texture and movement. Ideal for medium-length curls.
14. Curly Man Bun
A curly man bun is both practical and stylish. It keeps your hair out of your face while showing off the length and texture. Bonus: it’s easy to do and works for almost any occasion.
15. Loose Waves with Textured Layers
If you’ve got looser curls or wavy hair, ask your barber for textured layers. It adds movement and shape, helping your waves fall naturally with a touch of rugged charm.
16. Twist-Out Curls
A twist-out is a great styling method to define curls and add structure. It works particularly well on type 3 and type 4 hair. The results? Soft, uniform curls that look intentional and sharp.
17. Curly Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut isn’t just for straight hair. Add curls to it, and you’ve got a clean, face-framing look that works well with short hair.
18- Curly Top with Line Design
For a romantic, tousled look, brush your curls back loosely with a light styling cream or mousse. It’s elegant without being overdone.
19. Curly Mullet
Center-parted curls that fall naturally around the face? Yes, please. The curly curtain haircut is a Gen Z favorite and looks effortlessly cool.
20. Afro Curls
Embrace your natural ringlets by keeping them moisturized and using curl-defining gel. This style showcases texture and bounce at its best.
21. Tapered Afro
If you want something more manageable than a full afro, try a tapered version. It frames your face and keeps the volume under control while still showing off your natural curls.
22. Short Curls with Temple Fade
Keep it neat with a temple fade that gradually blends into short curls on top. It’s a clean, easy-to-maintain style that still lets your natural texture shine.
23. Curly Caesar Cut
This style combines the short, straight-across bangs of a Caesar cut with curly texture on top. It’s a unique mix of classic and modern, ideal for curly-haired men wanting something different.
24. Curly Slick Back
Yes, you can slick back curly hair. Use a lightweight gel to pull your curls away from your face for a controlled, sleek finish that still allows some natural bounce.
25. Curly Faux Hawk
The faux hawk lets you play with volume in the center while keeping the sides short and manageable. It’s edgy, but not over-the-top—perfect for guys with confidence.
26. Half-Up Curly Hairstyle
Not ready to tie up all your curls? Try a half-up style that pulls the top section back while letting the rest flow. It’s stylish, practical, and works well with medium to long hair.
27. Natural and Free
Sometimes, less is more. Let your curls grow out and embrace the wild, natural look. With the right products and regular trims, you can maintain shape and keep it healthy without too much styling effort.
How to Care for Curly Hair: Tips for Men
Curly hairstyles for men can look incredible—but they also need proper care. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates can strip natural oils. Go for a gentle cleanser that keeps curls hydrated.
2. Condition Regularly
Curly hair tends to be drier, so deep conditioning at least once a week is key.
3. Avoid Brushing Dry Hair
Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers when hair is wet or damp.
4. Dry with a T-Shirt or Microfiber Towel
Regular towels cause frizz. Swap it out for a soft cloth that’s curl-friendly.
5. Try the LOC Method
Leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream—this three-step styling method locks in moisture and defines curls beautifully.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Curls
Curly hairstyles for men aren’t just stylish—they’re expressive, bold, and undeniably cool. Whether you want something classic, edgy, or completely unique, there’s a curl-forward look out there for you.
So stop fighting the frizz and start embracing the bounce. With the right cut, care routine, and confidence, you’ll turn heads wherever you go.
Hi there! I’m Elsie, the heart and hands behind HairDesignFirst.com. With over 15 years of experience in the world of hair design, styling, and artistry, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people feel confident, beautiful, and authentically themselves through the power of great hair.