Not everyone can pull off the curly style, but people who have naturally curly hair definitely enjoy the journey. Most people (meaning barbers) tend to think that the use of defining products and support structures has separated people from their curls. So many people in my position see the layering and think the worst, but it’s not a pattern, it’s a style. When my clients started receiving supportive haircuts for patterned hair as opposed to cuts that just “survived” the straight hair, they began to look completely different.
Over the past 4+ years, I’ve had a handful of clients with the same curl pattern and growth style, and I’m happy to say it’s a drastic change. So many people leave my shop looking completely different, and that’s because no one had ever cut their hair to the curl so the outlines of the shape are lost. There are so many styles that I have to hold back and say something, and it is so hard to choose a favorite look.
#1: Two Completely Different Curl Vibes, and I’m Into Both
If you have curly hair, you can enjoy lots of different styles. If you look to the left, hair with a wild, beachy, beachy look goes wherever it wants. It looks great if you have the density that supports it. The right side shows the opposite end of the spectrum with tight tight curls all groomed and looks very clean. I enjoy showing these kinds of comparisons to clients and clients because they tend to feel that curly hair looks the same. There are many factors that determine what looks you can go for. There are better looks than others, just different choices.
#2: That Effortless Curly Taper Fade Everyone Asks Me For
This is a style I can do effortlessly and it still turns out great every time. The curls stay voluminous and bouncy on top while everything neat tapers down on the sides. This is all the texture and none of the heaviness which is the style for you if you have thick hair. It takes away the bulk from where you don’t want it and keeps the good stuff where it belongs. Having a good leave-in conditioner like a leave-in conditioner for curly hair will help your morning routine get it to under five minutes.
#3: Defined Curls on Top, Clean Fade on the Sides, Zero Complaints
I appreciate that this particular cut looks effortless. The curls have definition which makes me think they are using a curl defining cream, and more than likely they are using a diffuser rather than allowing their curls to dry into a chaotic mess. The temple fades are subtle enough that it doesn’t scream ”I just left the barbershop”, but structured enough to give an overall polished intentional look. The top can grow out nicely which is rare for a style like this, so be warned that you will have to get that fade touched up every couple weeks to keep it looking crisp.
#4: Sun-Kissed Spirals That Deserve Their Own Instagram
I love the coloring technique used here! The lighter strands intertwined into the spirals create a unique, 3D effect for each curl. That takes some serious skill! If you want to add warmth or dimension to your curls, your colorist will probably get super excited if you show them this. The cut looks to be about medium length, and the volume is serious, so you will need a diffuser to dry this without messing up the curl pattern. I’m gonna be honest, with the right styling, there’s nothing better than this, but you’re gonna have a serious challenge with humidity!
#5: Long Chestnut Curls with That “I Read Poetry” Energy
Long curly hair looks good on few people. But a good thickness and correct curl pattern make it look really beautiful. Curls of this color, chestnut, have a richness that gives them a whole different vibe. Shorter lengths wouldn’t have that same effect because you need the curl. To show off the maintenance reality is that long curls get dry, especially at the ends. So a deep conditioning treatment every week or two is non negotiable. But the styling itself is practically nothing because gravity is doing most of the work for you and I respect that.
#6: Big, Loud, Unapologetic Tight Curls
Your style shows a lot of confidence and I respect it! Bounce and energy of the curls make it feel like it is alive, amazing! The volume on top is nice and creates perfect balance around the face. The only thing I would recommend is keeping it hydrated. Tight curls get thirsty, so a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will keep you free of the frizz zone, and honestly, that’s all you really need to worry about!
#7: The Rounded Silhouette That Basically Styles Itself
I recorded a version of this about three months ago, and every time he gets a compliment, he texts me, which is apparently pretty often. The shape is what stands out the most here; it’s sculpted, but not stiff or overdone. If your curls are tight and dense, this shape will maintain itself better than anything else I could give you, meaning less time in my chair and more time doing whatever it is you do. The one downside is that you may find yourself washing your hair more often than you’d like. The density of the curls can trap oil, making your hair look flat sooner than looser curl patterns.
#8: Short Sides, Curly Top, Maximum Personality
This haircut always makes me think of how many guys likely have this exact curl pattern, but it’s hidden under some boring buzz cut and they have no clue what’s possible. With the neat short sides, the curls on top are the stars of the show, and those curls are so defined that people are bound to ask, “do you style your hair like that?” That’s the ultimate compliment. Of course, humidity will do its thing, so you may want to carry a little anti-frizz in your bag, but this style is about as low-maintenance as curly hair gets while still looking amazing.
#9: Mixed Texture Magic That Shouldn’t Work But Absolutely Does
Maintaining an unkempt style can be tough, but it’s not so bad on this hairstyle. The way the hair is cut creates lots of movement, especially with the combined tight and loose curls. If the hair is of medium length, it won’t get too wild, either. If your curls are misbehaving and seem to be going in multiple directions, this is the cut for you! The only maintenance this cut requires is conditioning regularly and trust me your curls will appreciate it.
#10: Sharp Fade Meets Natural Curls in the Best Way
I appreciate versatility in cuts, and this is a good example of how a style can do business and pleasure seamlessly, even into the weekends. This fade is nice and even all the way around the temples to emphasize the jawline, and the curls up top are short enough that you’d be required to use product if you didn’t want to. With how frequent you’d need to come in for fade maintenance, the impact of this cut will be gone too quickly if you let it grow out. On a daily basis, though, you won’t have much styling commitment, and the grown out impact won’t be a styling commitment.
#11: A Curly Bob for Men, and Yes I’m Serious, It’s Great
I understand that some people may be turned off by the name bob, but I assure you that this is one of the most complimentary cuts for thick curly hair in recent memory! The coil definition and length of the hair create silhouettes that are perfect for round/oval faces. I didn’t even have to do something overly complicated with the layers. The cut almost speaks for itself. It’s the type of cut that you put some curling cream in and let the curls do their thing, which for the amount of stunning result, feels almost unfair. With the density of the curls, you may need a bit more product than anticipated, but that is a small trade off for something that looks this amazing with such little effort.
#12: Wavy, Layered, and Perfectly Undone
I like to say that this look changes every 6 weeks, and I have people saying that strangers compliment them on this style, and I act shocked, though I’m not. The layers do some important work here, adding movement and a soft shape around the face without looking like you put a ton of effort into your hairstyles. If your hair tends to be more on the wavy or curly side and you aren’t sure what to do with it, here is the answer. The length does require some care as the shape gets lost when it grows out, so don’t skip your trims. It looks amazing during the growing-out stage and is so easy to manage.
#13: Bouncy Curls with a Tapered Back That I Genuinely Love Cutting
The way that the taper hugs the head and the curls bloom from the top as if they have somewhere to be is something to appreciate. It doesn’t look stiff and is tailored style. The neckline is clean enough to show that you are polished all the way around, including the back which people notice, more than you think. The bouncy curls do mean you have to stay hydrated and not skip the conditioner, I mean it. Despite how bouncy the curls are the cut is forgiving enough not to make you panic if you sleep on it wrong.
#14: The Curly Shag That Makes Me Want to Be Twenty Again
I am a little envious of how young people can pull this off without looking like they’re trying to reclaim their youth. This style is playful, it’s lively and all around fun. It isn’t too much, but the right amount of fun and style. The best part is how adaptable this style is; messy is the goal. Still quite a win if the curls aren’t perfect and the styling still looks intentional. I love the messy look wet look with product scrunched in. It really does work. I wish for more hair cuts to have this much flexibility!
#15: Full, Natural Curls Worn Like a Crown
He looks great with that hairstyle, particularly with the curls. The volume on top contrast with the tighter curls on the sides. The overall look is great. There appears to be a deliberate design in the differing textures of the hair. It really has to be wonderful to have tight textured curls, and wear them like this in such an elegant style. To avoid frizz, stay away from it by using a cream that defines curls on damp hair. The curls are completely self-sufficient; they definitely don’t need any extra help.
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