Curly hair in men’s fashion offers great versatility. While it can be both a blessing and a challenge, curly hair provides unique styling opportunities. Choosing the right hairstyle is crucial to enhance natural texture and complement individual features. This blog presents 25 of the best curly hairstyles for men, covering various curl types, lengths, and personal styles. Whether you’re looking to embrace your curls or seeking a fresh look, you’ll find inspiration in these trendy and timeless options.
Understanding Curly Hair
Different Types of Curls:
- Wavy (Type 2): S-shaped waves
- Loose Curls (Type 3A-3B): Looser spirals or corkscrews
- Tight Curls (Type 3C): Tighter, springy corkscrews
- Coily (Type 4): Very tight, dense curls or coils
Hair Care Tips:
- Use sulphate-free shampoo
- Condition regularly
- Avoid heat styling
- Apply leave-in conditioner
- Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to dry
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase
- Deep condition weekly
- Trim regularly to prevent split ends
Top 25 Curly Hairstyles for Men
This section showcases diverse curly hairstyles for men, ranging from short to long lengths and suitable for various occasions. Each style is tailored to different curl types and includes styling tips to help you achieve the look.
Short Curly Hairstyles
1. Textured Crop
The textured crop is a low-maintenance style that works well for tight curls. It features a short length all around, with slightly more length on top for added texture.
Suitable hair types: Best for tight curls (Type 3C) to coily hair (Type 4), short length.
Styling tips: Apply a small amount of curl-defining cream to damp hair. Use your fingers to twist and define curls on top. Air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
2. Curly Fade
The curly fade combines the classic fade with natural curls on top. It offers a clean, polished look while still embracing texture.
Suitable hair types: Works for all curl types, short to medium length on top.
Styling tips: Use a curl-enhancing mousse on damp hair. Diffuse or air dry, then apply a light-hold styling cream to define curls on top.
3. Buzz Cut with Texture
This ultra-short style keeps curls under control while still showing off texture. It’s a no-fuss option that works well in professional environments and is favoured by athletes like Colin Kaepernick.
Suitable hair types: Ideal for all curl types, especially tighter curls and coils.
Styling tips: Regular trims every 2-3 weeks maintain the look. Use a small amount of leave-in conditioner to keep hair moisturised and enhance natural texture.
4. Curly Crew Cut
The curly crew cut is a classic short style adapted for curly hair. It features short sides and back with slightly more length on top to show off curl texture. This low-maintenance look is great for active lifestyles.
Suitable hair types: Works well for loose to tight curls (Type 2C-3C), short length.
Styling tips: Apply curl-defining cream to damp hair. Use fingers to style, creating separation between curls. Air dry or diffuse on low heat.
5. Short Curly Fringe
This youthful style showcases curls with a playful fringe. The sides and back are kept short, while the top is left longer to create a curly fringe.
Suitable hair types: Best for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), short to medium length on top.
Styling tips: Work curl cream through damp hair. Use a diffuser to enhance volume, focusing on the fringe area. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the fringe in place.
Medium-Length Curly Hairstyles
6. Curly Quiff
The curly quiff combines volume and style, featuring longer curls on top styled upward and back. This versatile look, popularised by stars like Kit Harington, works for both casual and dressy occasions.
Suitable hair types: Best for wavy to loose curls (Type 2-3A), medium length.
Styling tips: Apply volumising mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry with a diffuser, directing hair upward. Use fingers to shape the quiff, finishing with a light-hold pomade.
7. Shoulder-Length Curls
This effortlessly cool style lets natural curls shine. It’s a low-maintenance look that gives off a laid-back vibe, seen on celebrities like Jason Momoa.
Suitable hair types: Works for all curl types, medium to long length.
Styling tips: Use a leave-in conditioner on damp hair. Scrunch in curl-defining cream and air dry or diffuse on low heat. Finish with a light oil to add shine and reduce frizz.
8. Curly Shag
The curly shag features layers that enhance natural texture and movement. This retro-inspired cut, reminiscent of 70s rock stars, has seen a modern revival.
Suitable hair types: Ideal for wavy to tight curls (Type 2B-3C), medium length.
Styling tips: Apply curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair. Diffuse or air dry, then use a texturising spray to enhance the messy, lived-in look.
9. Side-Parted Curls
This classic style adds structure to curly hair. The side part creates a polished look while still showcasing natural texture, making it suitable for various settings.
Suitable hair types: Works well for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), medium length.
Styling tips: Apply styling cream to damp hair. Create a deep side part while blow-drying with a diffuser. Use a small amount of pomade to define curls and hold the part in place.
10. Curly Pompadour
The curly pompadour combines volume on top with shorter sides for a bold, statement-making look. This style, favoured by Bruno Mars, adds height and drama to curly hair.
Suitable hair types: Best for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), medium length on top with shorter sides.
Styling tips: Apply mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry with a round brush to create volume and shape. Use a strong-hold pomade to slick back the top and sides.
Long Curly Hairstyles
11. Long Curls with Centre Part
This effortless style lets long curls flow freely. The centre part adds symmetry and frames the face nicely. It’s a look often associated with bohemian style.
Suitable hair types: Works for all curl types, long length.
Styling tips: Apply leave-in conditioner and curl cream to damp hair. Air dry or diffuse on low heat. Use a small amount of hair oil to tame frizz and add shine.
12. Man Bun for Curly Hair
The man bun is a practical way to style long curly hair. It can be worn sleek for formal occasions or messy for a more casual look.
Suitable hair types: Suitable for all curl types, long length.
Styling tips: Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. Gather hair at the crown and secure it with an elastic. Pull out a few curls around the face for a softer look.
13. Long Curly Undercut
This edgy style combines the boldness of an undercut with the softness of long curls on top. It offers versatility in styling and a strong visual contrast.
Suitable hair types: Works for all curl types, long length on top.
Styling tips: Apply curl-defining cream to the longer top section. Air dry or diffuse. Use a small amount of pomade to define individual curls and add texture.
14. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are a stylish way to manage very curly or coily hair. They can be worn in various lengths and styles, from shoulder-length to waist-length.
Suitable hair types: Best for tight curls to coily hair (Type 3C-4C), long length.
Styling tips: Regular maintenance is key. Use residue-free shampoo and apply oil to the scalp to keep it moisturised. Twist and separate locks as needed.
15. Long Layered Curls
Layers help manage volume and enhance curl definition in long hair. This style, seen on actors like Heath Ledger, offers a romantic, flowing look.
Suitable hair types: Works for all curl types, long length.
Styling tips: Apply curl cream to damp hair. Scrunch to enhance curl pattern. Air dry or diffuse on low heat. Use a light-hold gel to define curls and control frizz.
Formal/Professional Curly Hairstyles
16. Slicked-Back Curls
This polished look tames curls for a sleek, professional appearance. It’s a go-to style for formal events and business settings.
Suitable hair types: Works best for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), medium to long length.
Styling tips: Apply a strong-hold gel to damp hair. Use a fine-toothed comb to slick hair back. Air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
17. Short Curly Crop with Fade
This clean-cut style combines professionalism with a modern edge. The short curls on top maintain a neat appearance while the fade adds a contemporary touch.
Suitable hair types: Best for tight curls to coily hair (Type 3C-4C), short length.
Styling tips: Apply a small amount of curl-defining cream. Use fingers to arrange curls neatly. Air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
18. Classic Side Part for Curly Hair
A timeless style that works well in professional settings. The side part adds structure to curly hair while maintaining a polished look.
Suitable hair types: Suitable for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), short to medium length.
Styling tips: Apply styling cream to damp hair. Create a deep side part and comb hair into place. Use a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style.
19. Curly Pompadour with Tapered Sides
This style combines the volume of a pompadour with the neatness of tapered sides, creating a look that’s both stylish and office appropriate.
Suitable hair types: Works for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), medium length on top.
Styling tips: Apply mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry with a round brush to create volume. Use a strong-hold pomade to shape the pompadour and smooth the sides.
20. Neat Afro
A well-maintained afro can be a professional and sophisticated look. Keeping it shaped and at a moderate size ensures a neat and tidy look.
Suitable hair types: Ideal for tight curls to coily hair (Type 3C-4C), medium length.
Styling tips: Use a wide-toothed comb to shape the afro. Apply a light moisturising cream to keep hair hydrated. Trim regularly to maintain the shape.
Casual/Everyday Curly Hairstyles
21. Messy Curly Top
This relaxed style embraces natural texture for an effortless, casual look. It’s perfect for everyday wear and requires minimal styling.
Suitable hair types: Works for all curl types, short to medium length on top.
Styling tips: Apply curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair. Scrunch to encourage curl formation. Air dry and tousle with fingers for a messy finish.
22. Curly Fringe
A playful and youthful style that works well for casual settings. The curly fringe adds personality and frames the face nicely.
Suitable hair types: Best for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), medium length.
Styling tips: Apply curl cream to damp hair, focusing on the fringe area. Use a diffuser to enhance volume. Finger-style the fringe to desired position.
23. Curly Top Fade
This low-maintenance style keeps sides neat while allowing curls to shine on top. It’s perfect for active lifestyles and casual environments.
Suitable hair types: Suitable for all curl types, short to medium length on top.
Styling tips: Apply a small amount of curl-defining cream to damp hair on top. Air dry or diffuse. Use fingers to separate and define curls as desired.
24. Long Curly Ponytail
A practical yet stylish way to manage long curly hair. It’s great for casual outings or active days when you want to keep hair out of your face.
Suitable hair types: Works for all curl types, long length.
Styling tips: Apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair. Collect your hair at the nape of your neck or the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic. Gently pull out a few curls around your face to create a softer appearance.
25. Curly Bowl Cut
This trendy style puts a curly twist on the classic bowl cut. It’s a bold, fashion-forward look that works well for casual and creative settings.
Suitable hair types: Best for loose to medium curls (Type 2C-3B), medium length.
Styling tips: Apply curl-defining cream to damp hair. Use a diffuser to enhance volume and curl definition.
How to Choose the Right Curly Hairstyle
Face Shape Considerations:
- Oval: Most styles suit this versatile shape
- Round: Add height on top to elongate; avoid wide styles
- Square: Soften angles with volume on sides
- Heart: Balance wider forehead with fuller sides
- Diamond: Highlight cheekbones with volume at temples
- Rectangular: Add width with fuller sides; avoid excess height
Lifestyle and Maintenance:
- Low maintenance: Short cuts, buzz cuts, or wash-and-go styles
- Medium effort: Medium-length styles, textured crops
- High maintenance: Long styles, complex cuts like fades or undercuts
- Consider your morning routine and willingness to use styling products
Personal Style:
- Classic: Side parts, neat crops, or well-defined curls
- Edgy: Undercuts, fades, or asymmetrical styles
- Relaxed: Tousled looks, longer lengths, or natural texture
- Professional: Shorter styles, controlled curls, or slicked-back looks
Book Your Hair Appointment Now
Ready for a new curly hairstyle? Visit RUSH today to have our expert stylists bring out the best in your natural texture. Book your appointment now and start your journey to amazing curls!
FAQ's
Which hairstyle is best for curly hair men?
The best hairstyle varies depending on curl type and personal preference, but textured crops, curly fades, and medium-length styles often work well for many men.
Does curly hair look good on men?
Absolutely! Curly hair can add character and style to a man’s appearance, offering versatility and a unique look.
Which face shape is best for curly hair men?
Curly hair suits most face shapes, but it’s particularly flattering for oval and diamond-shaped faces. However, with the right cut, curly hair can complement any face shape.
What length is best for curly hair men?
The ideal length depends on personal preference and curl type. Medium-length styles (2-4 inches) often provide a good balance of manageability and style versatility.
What are the best curly hairstyles for men with short hair?
Popular short curly hairstyles for men include textured crops, curly fades, short afros, and buzz cuts with texture.
