16 Curly Hairstyles for Men
Curly hair isn’t just a hair type—it’s a personality statement. It can be playful, wild, sophisticated, or bold, depending on how you style it. While some men with curls struggle to find the right cut or product, the truth is that curls offer endless style potential when embraced properly. From short fades to long manes, these curly hairstyles for men are designed to help you stand out while feeling confident and comfortable in your look.
1. Curly Taper Fade
The curly taper fade is a great choice if you’re looking for a clean, balanced look that doesn’t sacrifice your natural texture. The fade starts shorter on the sides and gradually blends into the longer curls on top, allowing your curls to remain the focal point. It’s especially flattering for men with tighter curl patterns and works well in both casual and professional settings. With minimal styling effort, you can refresh your look while keeping it neat.
2. Short Curly Crop
A short curly crop is ideal for men who want a practical and stylish haircut that’s easy to manage. This cut keeps the curls close to the scalp, giving you a more refined appearance. It’s perfect for those who live in humid climates or have busy routines. Adding a bit of texturizing cream can help enhance the natural curl without letting it get too wild or frizzy. It’s also a great option if you’re just beginning to embrace your curls.
3. Long Curly Fringe
For a trendy and youthful vibe, the long curly fringe offers an excellent way to frame your face. This style lets your curls fall naturally over your forehead while keeping the rest of the cut structured—often paired with an undercut or a soft fade. The contrast between the controlled sides and the longer front gives your look a modern edge. It works particularly well for men with medium-to-loose curls and can soften angular facial features.
4. Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is one of the boldest styles you can choose—it makes a statement while still being functional. By shaving or closely trimming the sides and back, all the attention shifts to the curls on top. This creates an eye-catching contrast that emphasizes volume and shape. It’s a versatile cut that can be worn with varying lengths on top and styled differently each day—messy, slicked back, or natural.
5. Messy Curly Top
There’s a certain charm in looking effortlessly stylish, and the messy curly top is all about that casual coolness. This style lets your curls do their thing, with minimal shaping or defining. It’s a low-maintenance look that doesn’t require perfection. Just scrunch some curl cream or light mousse into damp hair and let it air dry. It’s ideal for guys who love a more laid-back, beachy appearance and don’t want to spend too much time styling.
6. Curly Pompadour
Taking inspiration from the classic pompadour, this modern twist lets your curls add texture and volume to a retro silhouette. With the sides faded or slicked back and the top styled up and backward, it creates a dramatic, structured look that still feels natural. The curly pompadour works best with medium to thick curls and can be worn casually or dressed up for formal events. Use a strong-hold product to maintain shape without crunching your curls.
7. Medium-Length Curls
Medium-length curls strike a balance between maintenance and expression. This length gives your curls room to move and form their natural shape, making your hair feel fuller and more dynamic. It’s a great option if you’re growing your hair out and want to experiment with different styles along the way. You’ll want to invest in a good leave-in conditioner and curl-enhancing products to prevent dryness and keep definition.
8. Curly Faux Hawk
If you’re feeling adventurous but not ready for a full mohawk, the curly faux hawk is a stylish middle ground. This cut keeps the curls centered on top and tapers the sides gradually, creating a spiked silhouette without being too extreme. It’s edgy and modern but still wearable for daily life. Add a little gel or curl cream to define the top section, and you’re good to go.
9. Tight Curls with Skin Fade
This bold style features very short or shaved sides, creating a sharp contrast that highlights the tightness and density of your curls. A skin fade is great for men with type 4 curls or coils, as it puts the focus on the unique texture up top. This look is low on maintenance but high on impact, offering a clean and powerful aesthetic. Keep the curls hydrated to maintain shape and reduce shrinkage.
10. Curly Quiff
The curly quiff adds volume and height, making it one of the most flattering styles for men with full, bouncy curls. This style involves brushing or lifting the curls upward and slightly back from the forehead. It’s classy and stylish, especially when paired with a taper fade or undercut. Styling can take a few extra minutes, but the result is polished and modern—ideal for dates, parties, or professional environments.
11. Shoulder-Length Curls
Growing your curls to shoulder length is a commitment, but it can yield stunning results. Long curls command attention and exude confidence. This style works well with looser curls or waves that flow naturally. It’s important to keep the ends trimmed regularly and use moisturizing products to prevent split ends or frizz. A long curly mane makes a strong fashion statement and allows for occasional updos like a bun or ponytail.
12. Curly High Top
This style, often inspired by ‘90s fashion, keeps the curls long and shaped upward while maintaining a defined edge or fade along the sides. It’s particularly popular among men with tighter coils or afro-textured hair and is perfect for showcasing volume and structure. Maintaining the shape requires regular visits to the barber, but it’s a powerful and stylish look that carries retro appeal with modern flair.
13. Side Part with Curls
The side part adds structure to even the most unruly curls. By simply parting your hair to one side and allowing the curls to follow, you can achieve a look that feels both intentional and effortless. It works well for both short and medium-length curls and gives you a more refined, traditional vibe. A little pomade or cream can help emphasize the part while keeping frizz under control.
14. Curly Bun or Man Bun
The curly man bun is as practical as it is stylish. For men with medium to long curls, tying the hair back into a bun helps keep it off your face while still letting the curls shine. Whether you go for a full bun or a half-up, half-down style, this look suits both casual and semi-formal settings. Use a satin scrunchie to avoid breakage and keep your curls smooth.
15. Natural Afro
There’s power in wearing your hair just as it grows. The natural afro is about embracing your curl pattern and letting your hair flourish. This style demands regular moisture, detangling, and shaping, but the payoff is huge—a bold, iconic look that expresses pride and individuality. Barbers can shape the afro to fit your face shape and add sharp lines for a more sculpted appearance.
16. Curly Mullet
Once a fashion faux pas, the mullet is back—especially in curly form. With short sides and a longer back, the curly mullet lets you show off your natural texture while adding a rebellious edge. It’s a fun, unexpected style that works particularly well on men with thick, bouncy curls. For best results, keep the back layers defined and the front slightly styled for balance.
FAQs About Curly Hairstyles for Men
How can I make my curly hairstyle last all day?
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair, then apply a curl cream or gel while damp. Let your curls air dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Avoid over-touching your hair during the day to prevent frizz and preserve the curl pattern.
Are curly hairstyles hard to maintain?
They can be more demanding than straight styles due to dryness and tangling, but with the right routine—hydration, proper products, and regular trims—it becomes much easier. Consistency is key.
What products are best for curly hair?
Go for sulfate-free shampoos, silicone-free conditioners, leave-in creams, curl enhancers, and natural oils like argan or jojoba. Avoid heavy waxes or gels that weigh curls down or cause buildup.
Can I straighten my curls temporarily?
Yes, with a flat iron or blow dryer, but do so sparingly. Always use heat protectant to prevent damage, and avoid frequent straightening if you want to maintain healthy curls long-term.
How often should I wash curly hair?
Typically, 1–3 times a week is enough. Overwashing can strip natural oils, making curls dry and brittle. Instead, use co-washes or just rinse and condition in between shampoo days.
Conclusion
Curly hair is anything but boring. With the right cut, products, and care routine, curls can be your most eye-catching feature. Whether you lean into clean cuts like the taper fade, go wild with a curly mullet, or let your curls grow long and untamed, the key is to embrace the natural texture and work with it—not against it. Take time to experiment with different styles and find the one that fits your personality and lifestyle. With a little effort, curly hair becomes less of a challenge and more of a signature.
