Best Haircuts For Men’s Curly Hair And How To Style It?

Curly hair offers endless possibilities for unique and stylish haircuts, allowing men to embrace their natural texture while showcasing their individuality. From short, sharp fades to medium-length quiffs and long, layered styles, the right haircut can enhance your curls, adding definition and structure.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best haircuts for men’s curly hair, helping you find the perfect style to suit your personality and lifestyle.

Curly Hair Have Different Patterns

• Curly hair comes in a variety of patterns, each with its own unique characteristics.
• Understanding your curl type is key to choosing the right haircut and care routine.

Loose Waves (Type 2)

• These curls are more relaxed, forming gentle S-shaped waves.
• Often seen as beachy waves, they tend to have a softer texture and are easier to style but may lack volume.
• Haircuts that add layers can help enhance the movement and definition of these waves.

Classic Curls (Type 3)

• These curls form tight, springy ringlets that range from bouncy to corkscrew shapes.
• This type of hair is full of volume and texture, requiring cuts that reduce bulk while maintaining the shape and structure of the curls.
• A layered cut or a fade with longer curls on top can work wonders.

Coils (Type 4)

• Coily hair forms tight, dense curls or zigzag patterns.
• This curl type is often fragile and prone to dryness, making it essential to choose haircuts that minimize tension and promote moisture retention.
• Short, tapered cuts or styles that let the coils grow naturally are ideal for showing off the hair’s natural beauty.

What Challenges Do Men Face With Curly Hair?

Frizz Control

• Curly hair is prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions.
• The natural curl pattern makes it harder for the scalp’s natural oils to travel down the hair shaft, leading to dryness and frizz.

Dryness And Breakage

• Curly hair tends to be drier and more fragile than straight hair.
• The twists and turns in each strand make it difficult for moisture to reach the ends, increasing the risk of breakage and split ends.

Tangled And Knotted Hair

• The curly structure makes hair more prone to tangling, which can lead to painful knots and difficulty in detangling, often resulting in hair breakage.

Shrinkage

• Curly hair often appears shorter than it actually is due to shrinkage.
• This can make it challenging to achieve certain styles or accurately judge the length of the hair.

Maintaining Shape And Volume

• Curly hair can lose its shape easily, especially after sleeping or wearing hats.
• Maintaining a consistent, well-defined shape requires regular trims and the right products to keep curls in place without flattening them.

Finding The Right Products

• Men with curly hair often struggle to find hair care products that cater specifically to their needs.
• Using the wrong products can lead to buildup, weigh down curls, or fail to provide adequate moisture.

How To Manage Curly Hairs

• Managing curly hair can be challenging, but with the right approach and techniques, you can keep your curls looking healthy and well-defined.

Hydrate And Moisturize

• Curly hair needs extra moisture to prevent dryness and frizz.
• Use a hydrating shampoo and a rich conditioner designed for curly hair.
• Incorporate a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to lock in moisture and keep your curls soft and manageable.

Use A Wide-Tooth Comb

• Avoid using brushes on curly hair, as they can cause breakage and frizz. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair when it’s wet and conditioned.
• Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid damaging the hair.

Choose The Right Haircut

• A well-chosen haircut can make managing curly hair much easier.
• Opt for a style that complements your curl pattern, such as layered cuts to enhance volume or short, tapered styles for a neat appearance. Regular trims will also help keep your curls in shape and prevent split ends.

Apply Products When Hair Is Wet

• To define your curls and reduce frizz, apply styling products like curl creams, gels, or mousses when your hair is still wet. This helps the product distribute evenly and lock in the curl pattern as your hair dries.

Dry Hair With Care

• Avoid rough towel drying, which can lead to frizz and disrupt your curl pattern. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt. If you use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser to minimize heat damage and maintain your curl shape.

Protect Your Hair While Sleeping

• To preserve your curls overnight, consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps prevent frizz.
• You can also gather your hair into a loose pineapple bun or wear a satin bonnet to keep your curls intact.

Avoid Heat Styling

• Excessive heat can damage curly hair, leading to dryness and breakage.
• Limit the use of flat irons and blow dryers, and always apply a heat protectant when using hot tools.

Deep Condition Regularly

• Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your hair care routine at least once a week.
• This will help replenish moisture, strengthen your curls, and keep them looking healthy and vibrant.

Haircuts For Men’s Curly Hair

Here is list of top haircut styles for men with curly hair and how to style this haircuts

Curly Fade

• The Curly Fade is a modern and versatile haircut that blends short, faded sides with longer curls on top, offering a striking contrast.
• The fade can be customized as high, mid, or low, depending on personal style preferences.
• This haircut highlights the natural curl pattern, allowing curls to remain well-defined and voluminous

How To Style It

Clean and Condition

• Start with clean, damp hair
• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for curly hair to keep your curls hydrated and manageable.

Apply Product

• Apply a curl cream or lightweight gel to your damp hair. Distribute the product evenly to enhance curl definition and reduce frizz.

Scrunch and Shape:

• Use your fingers to scrunch the product into your curls, encouraging their natural pattern and adding volume.

Choose Fade Style

• Decide on the type of fade you want (high, mid, or low) based on your preference. The fade should blend smoothly from short to longer hair.

Blend the Fade

• Ensure the fade is blended seamlessly into the longer curls on top. This usually requires regular trims to maintain the gradient and avoid unevenness.

Shape Curl

• Once your hair is dry, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to shape the curls and achieve the desired volume and bounce.

Define Curls

• Apply a small amount of curl gel or mousse to the top to define and hold the curls in place.

Adjust Shape

• Make final adjustments to ensure the curls are well-defined and the fade is clean.

Use Hairspray

• Lightly mist with a flexible-hold hairspray if needed to set the style without making it stiff.

Man Bun With Curls

• The Man Bun with Curls is a trendy and practical hairstyle that combines the elegance of a bun with the natural texture of curls.
• By gathering longer curls into a loose, stylish bun at the back, this look not only keeps hair manageable but also highlights the curls’ natural bounce and volume.
• The style offers a laid-back yet refined appearance, perfect for both casual and formal settings.
• It’s an excellent choice for men looking to showcase their curls while maintaining a sleek, organized look.

How To Style It

Clean and Condition

• Start with clean, damp hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep curls hydrated and manageable.

Apply Styling Products

• Use a curl cream or lightweight gel to define and enhance your curls. Apply it evenly through damp hair to reduce frizz and add hold.

Air Dry or Diffuse

• Allow your curls to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to enhance the curl pattern without causing frizz. Avoid rough towel drying to prevent breakage.

Define Curls:

• Once your hair is dry, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently shape and separate the curls.

Gather Hair

• Gather your curls into a high or mid-level ponytail, depending on your preference. Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail.

Form the Bun

• Twist the ponytail into a loose bun and secure it with bobby pins. You can leave some curls out to frame your face for a relaxed look.

Curly Mohawk

• The Curly Mohawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle where the curls are kept long and styled up the center of the head, while the sides are shaved or clipped short.
• This striking contrast highlights the natural curl pattern and creates a dynamic, high-impact look. Ideal for those who want to make a statement, the Curly Mohawk combines the texture of curls with a rebellious, modern twist.

How To Style It

Start Clean

• Wash and condition your hair with products designed for curly hair. Ensure it’s thoroughly dried, either air-drying or using a diffuser to enhance curl definition without frizz.

Apply Product

• While your hair is still damp, apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel evenly through your curls. This helps in defining the curls and giving them the desired hold.

Scrunch and Shape

• Use your hands to scrunch the product into your curls, encouraging their natural pattern. Shape the curls upward to form the Mohawk.

Gather Hair

• Use your fingers or a comb to gather the curls in the center of your head. Lift the hair upward to form the Mohawk shape.

Pin or Style

• Depending on your desired height and shape, you can pin the curls in place with bobby pins or use a strong-hold gel to keep them styled upwards.
• For added volume, you can backcomb the roots slightly.

Trim Sides

• Ensure the sides are well-trimmed or shaved to contrast with the long, styled curls on top.
• Regular trims will help maintain the clean look and sharp edges.

Faux Hawk With Curls

• The Faux Hawk with Curls is a striking hairstyle that combines the edgy appeal of a faux hawk with the natural texture of curls. It features longer curls styled up the center of the head, creating a bold, dynamic look while the sides are clipped shorter for a sharp contrast.
• This style highlights the curls’ natural volume and bounce, giving a rebellious yet refined edge that’s perfect for making a statement. Ideal for those who want to stand out, the Faux Hawk with Curls merges classic and contemporary elements into a single, standout look.

How To Style It 

Wash and Condition

• Start with clean, damp hair. Use a curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner to keep curls defined and hydrated.

Apply Product

• Use a curl cream or gel to enhance and define curls. Apply evenly to damp hair and scrunch to encourage curl formation.

Lift and Style

• Use your fingers or a comb to lift and shape the curls up the center of your head, forming the faux hawk shape.

Secure Curls

• Apply a strong-hold gel or mousse to the curls to keep them in place and add volume.

Trim Sides

• Ensure the sides are trimmed short or faded to contrast with the longer curls.
• Regular trims will maintain the sharp look.

Adjust Curls

• Make final adjustments to the shape and volume of the curls.

Use Hairspray

• Lightly mist with hairspray to set the style and keep curls in place.

Side Part With Curls

• The Side Part with Curls blends classic sophistication with natural texture, featuring a deep side part that directs curls to one side.
• This style offers a clean, refined look while showcasing the natural curl pattern with a polished finish.
• Ideal for those who prefer a structured yet effortless appearance, it balances elegance with the vibrant movement of curls.

How To Style It

Clean and Condition

• Start with freshly washed, damp hair. Use a curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner for defined, manageable curls.

Use Curl Cream

• Apply a curl cream or styling gel evenly through damp hair to enhance and define curls.
• This will help control frizz and add hold.

Part Your Hair

• Use a comb to create a deep side part. The part should be clean and well-defined to separate the curls naturally to one side.

Shape and Define

• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to shape and arrange the curls according to the part.
• For added volume, lift the curls at the roots while styling.

Drying

• Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a blow dryer to enhance curl definition and avoid frizz.

Adjust Curls

• Once dry, adjust the curls to ensure they fall naturally and are styled to one side as desired.

Use Hairspray

• Lightly mist with a flexible-hold hairspray to set the style without making it stiff.

Pompadour With Curls

• The Pompadour with Curls marries classic elegance with modern texture, featuring voluminous curls styled upwards and back for a dramatic lift.
• This style contrasts the full, rounded top with shorter sides, showcasing the natural curl pattern in a sophisticated, high-impact manner. Ideal for those seeking a refined yet dynamic look, it combines timeless sophistication with contemporary flair.

How To Style It

Clean and Condition

• Wash your hair with curl-friendly shampoo and conditioner to ensure curls are clean and hydrated.

Apply Styling Product

• While damp, apply a curl cream or mousse to enhance curl definition and add volume.

Blow Dry with Diffuser

• Use a blow dryer with a diffuser to dry your hair while lifting the curls upwards. This helps in achieving the desired volume and shape.

Shape Curls

• As you dry, use your fingers or a comb to guide the curls back and upwards, creating the rounded pompadour shape.

Define the Volume

• Once hair is dry, use a comb or brush to smooth the top section of curls back and upward. Aim for a rounded, voluminous look.

Secure the Style

• Apply a small amount of strong-hold gel or pomade to help maintain the shape and keep curls in place.

Adjust Curls

• Make any final adjustments to ensure the pompadour has the desired height and shape.

Use Hairspray

• Lightly mist with hairspray to set the style and keep it in place throughout the day.

Curly Undercut 

• The Curly Undercut is a daring style that pairs closely-cropped sides with a cascade of voluminous curls on top.
• The stark contrast between the shaved or short sides and the lush, defined curls creates a bold, modern look.
• This style emphasizes the natural curl texture while maintaining a sleek, edgy silhouette.
• Ideal for those who want a standout, high-contrast hairstyle, it combines dramatic flair with easy maintenance.

How To Style It

Clean and Condition

• Start with clean, damp hair using a curl-friendly shampoo and conditioner to keep curls hydrated and defined.

Apply Product

• Use a curl cream or mousse on damp hair to enhance curl definition and control frizz.

Dry Your Hair

• Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a blow dryer to define the curls on top while avoiding frizz.

Shape Curls

• Use your fingers to shape and lift the curls on top, creating a voluminous contrast with the shorter sides.

Trim Sides Regularly

• Keep the undercut fresh with regular trims to maintain the clean, shaved look. This helps in preserving the contrast with the curly top.

Manage Top Curls

• Regularly trim the curls on top to keep them healthy and prevent split ends.

Adjust Curls

• Make any final adjustments to the shape and volume of the curls.

Use Light Hold Products

• If needed, apply a light-hold gel or hairspray to set the curls and keep them in place without making them stiff.

Curly Quiff 

• The Curly Quiff is a stylish haircut that combines voluminous, textured curls with a sleek, lifted quiff at the front. This look features defined curls on top, styled back and upwards to create a bold, dynamic shape.
• The sides are typically kept shorter or tapered, emphasizing the contrast between the voluminous top and clean sides. Ideal for adding height and definition, the Curly Quiff offers a sophisticated yet playful appearance.

How To Style It 

Clean and Condition

• Wash and condition your hair with products designed for curly hair to ensure your curls are hydrated and manageable.

Apply Styling Product

• While damp, apply a curl-enhancing mousse or cream to add volume and define curls.

Blow Dry

• Use a blow dryer with a diffuser to dry your hair, lifting the curls upwards and back. This helps create the volume needed for the quiff.

Shape Curls

• As you dry, use your fingers or a comb to shape the curls towards the back and upwards to form the quiff shape.

Lift and Style

• Use a comb or brush to shape the front section of curls into a quiff, lifting it upwards and slightly back. Apply a strong-hold gel or mousse to help maintain the shape.

Adjust Volume:

• For added volume, you can backcomb or tease the roots of the front section.

Final Adjustments

• Make any final tweaks to ensure the quiff has the desired height and shape.

Use Hairspray

• Lightly mist with hairspray to set the quiff and keep it in place throughout the day without making it stiff.

Daily Care of Curly Hairs

Cleansing

• Gentle Shampoo: Choose a sulfate-free, natural shampoo to cleanse your hair without stripping it of essential oils. Look for ingredients such as aloe vera, which soothes and hydrates, or chamomile, known for its calming properties.
• Co-Washing: On some days, you can use a natural conditioner to co-wash. This method involves washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo, which helps retain moisture and reduces dryness. Opt for a conditioner with natural ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.

Conditioning

• Deep Conditioning: Apply a natural deep conditioner once a week to provide intense hydration and nourishment. You can make your own deep conditioner using ingredients like honey, which is a natural humectant that draws moisture into your hair, or avocado, rich in vitamins and fatty acids that condition and strengthen curls.
• Leave-In Conditioner: Use a leave-in conditioner daily to keep your curls moisturized and manageable. Natural leave-in conditioners made from ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter can help maintain moisture and enhance curl definition.

Moisturizing

• Hydrating Spritz: Create a hydrating spritz to refresh your curls throughout the day. Mix distilled water with a few drops of essential oils (such as lavender or rose) and a small amount of natural oil (like argan or jojoba oil). This mixture will help add moisture and reduce frizz.
• Oil Treatment: Apply natural oils to the ends of your hair to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. Coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil are excellent choices. Warm a small amount of oil in your hands and apply it to the ends to nourish and protect your curls.

Detangling

• Natural Detangler: Use a detangling spray made from natural ingredients to gently comb through your curls. You can make a simple detangler by mixing water with a small amount of conditioner or using natural ingredients like aloe Vera or marshmallow root, which help to smooth and detangle hair.

Drying

• Air Drying: Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. This method reduces heat damage and helps maintain curl definition. If you must use a blow dryer, attach a diffuser and set it to the lowest heat setting to gently dry curls while minimizing frizz.
• Microfiber Towel: After washing, use a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess moisture from your hair. Avoid rubbing your hair with a regular towel, as this can cause frizz and breakage.

Night Care

• Silk Pillowcase: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction between your hair and the pillow. This helps prevent frizz and keeps curls looking smooth.
• Protective Style: Consider loosely pinning up your curls or using a satin or silk scarf to protect your hair while you sleep. This helps maintain curl shape and reduces tangling.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients

• Natural Products: Choose hair care products that are free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Opt for natural and organic ingredients to keep your curls healthy and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.

Personal Opinion

Curly haircuts are all about embracing the natural bounce and texture of your curls. With the right cut, curls can look effortlessly stylish and full of life. It’s a celebration of individuality and versatility, proving that the best styles often highlight what makes you unique.

Pros

Unique Texture

• Curly hair has a distinct texture that sets it apart, offering a unique and eye-catching look.

Volume and Body

• Curls naturally add volume and body, which can make hair appear fuller and more vibrant.

Versatility

• Curly hair can be styled in various ways, from defined ringlets to tousled waves, allowing for creative expression.

Low Maintenance Cuts

• Some curly haircuts, like the curly undercut or curly quiff, require minimal styling effort while still looking stylish.

Cons

Frizz and Dryness

• Curly hair is prone to frizz and dryness, which can make it challenging to manage and maintain.

Shrinkage

• Curls can shrink significantly when dry, making it difficult to gauge length and style accurately.

Tangles and Knots

• Curly hair is more likely to get tangled and knotted, requiring regular detangling to avoid breakage.

Complex Haircuts

• Certain curly haircuts, such as intricate fades or undercuts, may require frequent trims and specialized care to maintain their shape and prevent unevenness.