Men’s curly hair can be simple to style. That is, if the cut is done correctly. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen guys come in with amazing curls, and walk out with a cut that completely destroys it. The best cuts for curly hair allow for some hair to poof out while other hair is held back, giving the hair structure.
When I was starting out as a barber, I had a younger client who was buzzing his hair every year because he hated his curls. He came in wanting to grow his hair out, and I told him to trust me for three months. At the second appointment, as we began to sculpt what had grown in, he absolutely lost it. He said he didn’t recognize himself at all. It was like he had been living under a rock, hiding an incredible look. That’s how powerful a curly cut is. Trendy styles will always look good but getting a cut that works with your natural texture is what matters. I’ll be honest about what will take more effort and commitment vs what will be more low maintenance.
#1: Stylish Curly Crop with Defined Curls
This stylish curly crop showcases short to medium-length hair, ideally suited for those with naturally curly hair. The defined curls offer a textured look while keeping maintenance easy for everyday styling. This cut works well for oval and square face shapes, highlighting features without overwhelming them. To maintain the curls, consider using a curl-enhancing cream. The unique aspect of this hairstyle is its versatility, allowing for various styling options while ensuring a fresh, casual appearance.
#2: Textured Short Curly Hairstyle for Men
The stylish short curly haircut enhances natural movement of the hair and features clearly defined curls that create added volume and texture. It is ideal for oval and square face shapes. The model’s hair is of medium density, and can be easily styled with a lightweight mousse or curl cream to define the curls without the added weight. This haircut is ideal for a modern and effortless look, and most importantly, a low-maintenance option! It’s perfect for anyone wanting to look fresh and youthful.
#3: Cropped Curls with a Clean Fade
I always come back to this cut because it works for so many people. The top curls are short enough to stay in shape for a long time without needing much help. The fade on the sides gives the cut structure and keeps everything looking intentional. If you have a strong face or squarer jaw, the softness from the curls will balance it out really well. Literally all you need is a bit of curl cream and that’s it, some guy’s don’t use any and it still looks good. I like that it’s not a cut trying to be anything else other than clean and easy.
#4: Curly Mullet with Real Texture
With a curly mullet, the chances of it looking great rely on the skill of your stylist. A good curly mullet has that natural, rebellious aesthetic and is not over the top and for this look to stand out, you need a good density of hair. The back of the mullet will look thin with lesser density. To maintain separated curls (not clumped together) a curl defining product should work best. This hairstyle is not for everyone, but on the right person, it looks fantastic.
#5: Layered Curls That Frame the Face
This style relies entirely on the layers to do the work. The length and movement provide the look while the curls falling around the face create an effortless appearance people want. This look is easy to keep if you have wavy or curly hair. After a few weeks, styles look good because the growing shape. The only thing I would suggest is a light curl cream to help with frizz. In my opinion, this cut is most complimenting on rounder face shapes since the framing works best.
#6: Loose Medium Curls with Natural Movement
I believe that people spend too much time elaborating on how to deal with curly hair, and this is the cut I would point to as proof that simple is best. There is enough definition to look put together, and soft enough to look effortless. It gives off the impression of looking like you haven’t tried, and to get to that point the cut needs to be precise, otherwise it can easily look messy. I like this on guys who want to acknowledge their curls, but not make them the focal point of everything. It wears well day to day and doesn’t ask a lot from you.
#7: Defined Curly Top with a Sharp Fade
Glitz and glam are key features to look for in “Real Housewives” style. For your first style element, hair is the most important. Long hair is a must, and if it isn’t your color, you can consider Omnia. Straight hair always looks the best, however waves or curls can do the trick if you want a more tousled look. If your hair is in a bun it resembles a housewife and for an added bonus you could bring a flamingo float or clown pool toys to finish it off! Secondly, you will need a wig or hair extensions. Your outfit should consist of a swimsuit and cover-up or sarong. Big sunglasses are a must along with bold makeup and a beach towel is a good touch for your prop.
#8: Short Curly Crop with a Low Fade
I appreciate how with this version, the curls on top are the perfect length to display the pattern without getting too crazy. This is a sweet spot that many guys with curly hair should be aware of because you get the added texture without any of the commitment that comes with longer hair. The low fade really completes the look. This is a no fuss cut, and I mean that in the best way possible.
#9: Bouncy Medium Curls with Full Volume
If you have the time to let your curls dry, things can start to get exciting! For reasons that I will explain, my curls use a lot of vertical space. To create some good bouncy curls, you will need to use a curl defining product (without the crunch), along with an attention diffuser. The end result will be an incredibly lively look. The great thing about this length of hair is the versatility. You can wear it tousled and loose for the weekend, or push it back for something a bit more polished. Remember, this hair style does not work with the wash-and-go philosophy, so be honest with yourself about whether or not you will style it.
#10 Defined Curls with a Clean Taper
The taper on this one is done well because it removes bulk from the sides so the curls on top don’t have to compete with anything and sit how they are supposed to. Medium length on top gives you options and the taper means you’re not dealing with that mushroom effect where curly hair starts expanding outwards as it grows. If you’ve got angular features this really highlights them. The trade off is you need trims more regularly than you might expect, probably every four weeks or so, because once the taper loses its shape the whole cut loses its point.
#11: Tight Curls with Tapered Sides
Defined curls with a taper is a hairstyle that looks good on almost everyone, which isn’t something I often get to say. Tapers work great for this hairstyle because curls can often be very big, and having a taper will provide a structure so the curls don’t take up too much space. The contrast of a lot of hair on top and clean lines on the sides is certainly nice too. I will say that with this hairstyle humidity is going to be a problem. Defined curls just don’t go well with moisture. A curl cream with good hold will help keep things together when the weather is against you.
#12: Short Curly Top with a High Fade
This haircut emphasizes the height and clean lines of the hair. The curls are kept short, but still have enough volume to allow for some height on top. The addition of a high fade gives more of a contemporary appearance without looking overly done. This style is optimal for hair that is medium to thick because the density of the curls gives the most to the fullness of the style. If the hair is finer, there may be a lack of fullness on top compared to if the hair was thicker. The fade will need to be touched up regularly to keep it looking sharp, but the short curls will be very low maintenance when it comes to keeping them at that length.
#13: Tight Crop with a Skin Fade
This is a style that is low-maintenance for certain types of hair, but still looks intentional. The curls are cut short enough to where they shape into a style by themselves, and the skin fade gives a nice clean finish. I like this for guys who want to showcase their curls, but don’t want to have to put in much work. The most important part of this style is the natural curl pattern. You’re not putting a bunch of work into defining a shape that you’re going to impose on the curls, you’re just allowing the curls to naturally exist within the structure of the cut. Use a moisturizing spray to help keep the curls defined and to avoid them drying out.
#14: Curly Shag with Layered Movement
The shag hairstyle trend is peaking and I think it works especially well on curly hair compared to straight and I’ve been getting a lot of requests for it. Layers keep curls from stacking on top of one another so they provide more room for movement while also creating a softer overall more flattering shape. The undercut hiding underneath will keep the cut from feeling too heavy and will give it more float. I recommend this style with medium density hair because very thick curls in this style can get shapeless and will need some more precise layering. This style makes the most of all the frizz control that has been used, although the styling can become pretty tedious. It’s one of the most exciting ones up here when all the work is in place.
#15: Voluminous Curly Top with a Side Taper
I often do curly cuts with tapered sides, and this particular one has a lot of volume. There is enough length on top for the curls to express themselves, and there is enough clean up on the sides. It is a good haircut. It is not trying to reinvent the wheel and it is not groundbreaking, just solid and consistently flattering. Most curly cuts worth having need to be trimmed to keep their shape and this is one of them. If you’re unsure on what direction to go, this works across a range of face shapes so it is a safe bet.
#16: Shoulder-Length Curls with Soft Layering
Reaching this point can be worth it. It will pay off as you grow out your layers. Depending on the length, the layers will help manage some of the bulk while also helping the hair appear fuller. This will allow the curls to look intentional and not overgrown. Make sure you are conditioning your hair because the length will aggravate you if you skip a day. You could also add some highlights or lowlights to create some dimension to the style.
#17: Curly Bob with Definition
I have seen a lot of guys with bob hairstyles and when the curls are this defined, it looks awesome! The length is versatile and will be easy to maintain. That being said, it will require some more upkeep to keep the curls defined. As it gets longer, it will start to look dull. I love this cut’s layering that keeps it from getting too bottom heavy which is a common issue for bobs on curly hair that’s thick. Make sure to have a good curling cream!
#18: Natural Coils with Ear-Length Shape
Coils look good because of the pattern created. The shape surrounds the ears and works to frame the face instead of distracting from it. For medium to thick density this is where your hair really wants to live, and there is a case for cutting with your texture rather than against it. Moisture is the most important thing, tight coils dry out much quicker than looser curls, so invest in a good moisturizer and use it a lot.
#19: Airy Curls with Clean Tapered Sides
It feels lighter because the curl pattern is looser which gives the top an airy feeling and the taper on the sides keeps it structured. I will say also if your hair is quite fine, this might actually work better for you than some other cuts here because you don’t need a lot of density to pull it off. The curls just need enough definition to hold it and the taper does the rest. It reads equally well dressed up or dressed down which is more than I can say for a lot of cuts.
#20: Layered Curls from the Back
Many people forget to consider how a haircut looks from the back. With curly hair, that’s where the bad layering shows the most. This haircut doesn’t have that problem. The layers compliment the curl pattern instead of forcing the hair to look uncurled. The shape gives volume naturally without having to rely on products. It’s the kind of haircut that looks good walking away from people, which may feel like a small detail, but in reality is much more important than people realize. The only thing you need is a little curl cream to keep the curls looking nice, and that’s all.
#21: Soft Shoulder-Length Curls
Shoulder length curls have a special warmth to them that shorter styles can’t replicate. The soft layering creates a nice movement and manages to retain the fullness of the style. This is one of those cuts that age really well; not many styles look equal to or better 3 weeks post cut. With medium density hair, this length will be manageable and feel really natural. You’ll only need a little product to guide the curls and for the effort, the outcome is great.
#22: Textured Curly Top with a Tight Fade
The top has long curls and the sides have a fade. This combination keeps showing up because it keeps working. Styles with medium length curls add bounce while the fade offers contrast to make the curls look intentional. Height on top and closeness on the sides create a nice visual effect that make this one of the better options for rounder face shapes. This is one of the better options for rounder face shapes. The fade does need maintenance and that is the one thing to factor in. Ideally this will be maintained every two to three weeks.
#23: Curly Mullet with a Modern Taper
Compared to straight hair, mullets on curly hair look better because the texture masks the awkward transitional areas. This specific style has tapered sides and a back that has sufficient length and volume. Overall, the style has an airy feel that remains mature. To achieve this, you’ll need to collaborate with an individual who is entirely comfortable with their hair and will use a lot of styling product to maintain curl definition. If this reflects your vibe, it is worth it. This looks the best on square and oval face shapes.
#24: Medium Layered Curls with Natural Volume
This haircut demonstrates how using lots of good layers gives thickness and curls a fabulous look! With this haircut the layers break the heaviness of the triangular shape that thick curls get if they’re cut to one length. If your face shape is square or angular, the curls at this length and with this layering will work to your advantage. It’s easy but not too little to maintain. Frequent shaping will be required to maintain the right position of the layers because as curls grow, they shift the whole balance of the cut.
#25: Defined Curly Top with Short Tapered Sides
This is appropriate for hair that is of medium to fine density, which tends to receive less desirable options for curly cuts. In this case, the top curls are defined adequately for them to appear intentional, and the shorter sides help prevent it from looking thin and wispy. I would describe this as a youthful cut. Not because it places limitations on who can or should wear this, but more so due to the kind of energy it conveys. The only downside is that curl definition at this length can be somewhat difficult, so stick is to having the proper tools and be ready to invest a little time in the morning.
#26: Full Curly Top with a Side Fade
There’s a reason why voluminous curls with a fade is a classic. The top has enough texture and dimension to be fun and the fade keeps everything neat so it doesn’t get too messy. This is one of those styles that looks just as good in person which isn’t always the case. Medium to thick hair is ideal for this look, and the best products to use are going to be the ones that define the curls without weighing them down. Look for something with a light hold and will allow the curls to maintain their natural shape.
#27: Curly Mohawk with Color
Thank you for your comment! The shape of the mohawk curls adds height and dimension, and the blue tips make it more expressive. I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who isn’t already comfortable with being seen, because you will be. The cut itself is solid, short sides and volume on top, but the color is what makes it. Colored curls need extra conditioning because the processing can dry your hair out. If you’re going to do it, commit to the maintenance or the color will fade unevenly and the whole thing loses its impact.
#28: Cropped Natural Curls with Tight Definition
It may seem easy to achieve short, tight, and defined cuts, but it takes skill and careful cutting to achieve this look. At this length, your curl pattern is fully visible, which allows the true texture of your curls to stand out. For those with thick hair, this length is ideal for managing your hair, while still showcasing all the visual curl interest. To maintain an intentional shape, plan to come in for trims every three to four weeks. Otherwise, it may look like you haven’t had a haircut in a while.
#29: Clean Curly Fade with Tight Coils
No doubt, the fade under defined coils is the way to go. The look is stunning with the long flattering neck line and smooth skin paired with defined curls on top. This cut is perfect for thick coily hair. Keeping the coils separated and defined with product is awesome, but you don’t have to do a lot because the length is perfect. Cuts like these tend to ask very little but still do a lot, and this is a perfect example of that.
#30: Lively Curly Top with a Structured Taper
The way the curl is defined is great here, and it is the taper that gives it that space. Without the taper pulling in at the sides, the top curls would have to deal with too much bulk and would lose their definition. This is a cut that really benefits from having naturally defined curls, if your pattern is good the cut really enhances it. You may not achieve this exact look without some effort if your curls are a little looser or less defined. It’s important to keep up regular trims because the taper is doing some structural work and once it grows out, the proportions are going to shift.
#31: Medium Defined Curls with Full Body
This style relies on your natural curls to do the talking, and with a texture this good, not much else is needed. The length is a perfect medium, the body is full enough to fill the frame nicely, and the movement is the type that will catch the light in an interesting way. Because the curls do the fractal job of framing the style, it works across various face shapes. It is mostly maintenance is about using defining curl products, and a bit of patience when it comes to styling. Google it, look up the trouble for this; it sure is worth it for a look with personality!!
#32: Thick Curly Top with Trimmed Sides
Obtained a new hairstyle that accentuates your deeply textured curly hair? You can be very careful during the process. Making sure that the cut doesn’t disrupt the curly pattern is the top priority. Side lengths are cut so that the focus can be put on the top. It is also very clear that nothing on the top sticks out or is excessive due to the careful volume distribution. The fade blends into the hair to help keep it maintained and clean. The hairstyle requires more time than the rest on the list because it is longer. The effort is worth it because it is one of the more unique and stylish looks to obtain.
#33: Curly Top with a Sharp Undercut
The combination of an undercut with curly hair has been around for quite some time. It has lasted this long most likely because of the contrasting elements. Where the undercut looks sharp, curls are bouncy and soft, and this creates a pleasing visual tension that comes across as intentional, which isn’t really the case for a lot of curly hairstyles. The undercut requires some level of commitment because you do have to get it maintained regularly, and that usually means a trip to the barber to keep the line looking fresh. Depending on how your curls naturally sit, you may be able to style them to be a little looser, so that the focus is more on the sides of your head. This style is especially flattering on oval face shapes.
#34: Curly Mullet with a Gradual Fade
Here is our third mullet and it definitely deserves a spot for how the gradual fade on the sides flows into the fuller back. This mullet is sleeker than a lot of curly mullets which tend to have more abrupt shifts. That gradual taper keeps it from looking choppy. If your hair is thick and curly, this gives the hair some directional flow in the back while keeping the overall profile clean. This is the personality haircut for guys who want to make a statement with their hair. The curls in the back need to be defined or else they will look tangled rather than textured so be sure to have your products ready!
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