For a long time, men with curly hair often felt like their only option was to cut it all off to keep it manageable. However, the days of fighting against natural texture are over. Curly hair is now celebrated for its volume, movement, and unique character. Whether you have tight coils, loose waves, or something in between, embracing your curls can significantly upgrade your personal style. The key lies in understanding how to work with the hair’s natural pattern rather than trying to force it into a shape it doesn’t want to hold. With the right cut and a few simple styling techniques, curly hair can be just as versatile and easy to handle as straight hair.
Navigating the world of curly hair care involves finding a balance between moisture, control, and definition. Unlike straight hair, which can often be wash-and-go, curly hair requires a bit more intention to prevent frizz and maintain shape. This guide explores eleven effective ways to style curly hair, offering options for every length and lifestyle. From professional, tidy cuts to bold, longer styles, these suggestions will help you find the perfect look that suits your face shape and hair type. By learning these styling methods, you can turn what might feel like a daily struggle into your best asset.
1. The Curly Fringe
The curly fringe is a fantastic style for men who want to show off their texture without committing to long hair all over. This look features shorter sides and back, with significantly more length left on top, particularly at the front. The hair is styled forward to create a fringe that hangs over the forehead. This style works exceptionally well for men with high foreheads or angular faces, as the softness of the curls helps to balance sharp features. It is a youthful, energetic look that has become increasingly popular in recent years. To achieve this, you need to ask your stylist to keep the length on top while tapering the sides to keep the overall silhouette neat.
Styling the curly fringe is all about definition and volume control. After washing your hair, apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair. Scrunch the product into the curls with your hands to encourage the natural pattern. You can either let it air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to set the curls without creating frizz. The goal is to have the curls look bouncy and separated, not frizzy or undefined. Avoid brushing the hair once it is dry, as this will break up the curls and create a messy look. This style allows the curls to be the focal point of your look while keeping the rest of the hair manageable.
2. The Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is a high-contrast style that combines the best of both worlds: the ease of short hair and the style of long hair. In this cut, the sides and back are shaved very short or buzzed down to the skin, while the top is left long and voluminous. This disconnect creates a striking visual impact that draws the eye immediately to the curls on top. It is a bold choice that looks incredibly modern and edgy. If you visit a top-rated Barbershop in New York, you will see this style frequently because it is perfect for managing thick, unruly hair in a busy urban environment. It keeps the neck and ears cool while allowing for plenty of styling freedom on top.
Because the sides are so short, the maintenance for this cut focuses almost entirely on the top section. The lack of weight on the sides prevents the hair from puffing out horizontally, which is a common complaint for men with curly hair. You can style the top in various ways: letting it fall naturally, sweeping it to the side, or even tying it into a small knot if it gets long enough. To keep the undercut looking sharp, you will need to get the sides trimmed regularly, usually every two to three weeks. This style proves that curly hair can be neat, structured, and incredibly stylish all at the same time.
3. The Medium Length Flow (The Bro Flow)
For those who have a looser curl pattern or waves, the medium-length flow is an excellent option that exudes a relaxed, sophisticated vibe. This style involves growing the hair out until it is long enough to be swept back and tucked behind the ears. It relies on layers to reduce bulk and allow the hair to sit naturally without looking like a helmet. The “flow” comes from the hair moving seamlessly from the front to the back, showcasing the natural wave pattern. It is a classic look often associated with surfers or Hollywood leading men, projecting an image of effortless cool.
Achieving this look requires patience during the growing-out phase, as you will need to navigate the awkward in-between stages. Once the length is achieved, styling becomes relatively simple. The key is to keep the hair hydrated so that it moves fluidly rather than looking stiff or dry. Use a leave-in conditioner or a light styling cream on damp hair, and then push the hair back with your fingers as it dries. Avoid heavy waxes or gels that will weigh the hair down and make it look greasy. The beauty of this style lies in its movement; it should look touchable and soft, perfectly framing the face with natural texture.
4. The Curly Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic hairstyle typically associated with straight, slicked-back hair, but it looks equally stunning with curls. A curly pompadour uses the natural volume of the hair to create height and drama at the front of the head. The sides are usually tapered or faded to keep the focus on the top. Unlike the straight version, a curly pomp doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth; the texture adds interest and a modern twist to the retro shape. It is a statement style that adds verticality to the face, making it great for men with rounder face shapes.
To style a curly pompadour, you need products that provide hold without freezing the curls into a solid block. Establishing solid Haircare Routines is essential for this look because healthy, moisturized curls will hold their shape much better than dry, frizzy ones. Start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser to lift the roots at the front, directing the hair upwards and backwards. Once the hair is dry, you can use a matte clay or pomade to define the shape and keep the height in place. This style requires a bit more effort in the morning, but the payoff is a sophisticated, confident look that stands out in any crowd.
5. The Textured Crop
The textured crop is a short, low-maintenance haircut that is perfect for men with tight curls or coarse hair. It features a short length all over, with the top slightly longer than the sides. The hair on top is cut to enhance the natural texture, often with blunt or choppy layers. The defining feature is usually a short, straight or slightly messy fringe across the forehead. This style is incredibly practical because it removes the weight and bulk that can make curly hair difficult to manage, yet it still retains the unique texture of the hair. It is a rugged, masculine look that requires very little daily styling.
This cut is ideal for men who want a “get up and go” hairstyle. Because the hair is short, it dries quickly and doesn’t require heat styling. To style it, you simply need to work a small amount of texturizing paste or clay through towel-dried hair. Use your fingers to mess up the curls and create separation. This prevents the hair from looking like a uniform fuzz and instead highlights individual curls. The textured crop is versatile enough for the office but casual enough for the weekend. It is a smart solution for taming thick curls while keeping your appearance sharp and modern.
6. The Shoulder-Length Cut
For men confident enough to embrace long hair, a shoulder-length cut can be incredibly striking. This style allows the curls to fully form and weigh themselves down, which often reduces volume and frizz naturally. It works best for men with distinct curl patterns, from spirals to waves. The cut should include long layers to prevent the “triangle” shape, where the hair lies flat on top and poofs out at the bottom. Long curly hair has a romantic, artistic quality that is distinct from any short style. It shows a commitment to grooming and a comfort with one’s natural appearance.
Maintenance for long curly hair is different from short hair; washing it too often can strip natural oils, so many men opt for co-washing (using conditioner only) between shampoos. Styling revolves around moisture retention. Using creams, oils, and leave-in conditioners is vital to keep the ends healthy and the curls defined. As one of the most classic yet bold Trendy Hairstyles for men right now, long curls are seen on everything from rock stars to models. You can wear it loose, tie it back in a half-up style, or put it in a bun, giving you versatility that short cuts lack. It is a bold look that demands attention and care.
7. The Slicked-Back Curls
Slicking back curly hair creates a sophisticated, formal look that is perfect for professional settings or evening events. Unlike a straight slick-back, slicking back curls retains the ridge and texture of the wave pattern, creating a ribbed appearance that looks very elegant. This style works best with medium-length hair that is long enough to stay pushed back but not so long that it becomes unmanageable. It keeps the hair completely off the face, highlighting the jawline and eyes. It is a controlled, deliberate style that tames wild curls into a sleek silhouette.
To achieve this, you need a product with a stronger hold and some shine, such as a water-based pomade or a grooming cream. Apply the product generously to damp hair, ensuring it is distributed from root to tip. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to push the hair straight back. Avoid fine-tooth combs, as they will separate the curls too much and create frizz. Ideally, let the hair air dry to set the style, or use a diffuser on a low setting. The result is a look that is neat and tidy but still acknowledges the hair’s natural texture. It is a great way to dress up curly hair for a special occasion.
8. The Curly Side Part
The side part is a timeless gentleman’s haircut that can be adapted beautifully for curly hair. While typically seen on straight hair, a side part adds structure and asymmetry to curly hair, which can often look shapeless if left to its own devices. The barber will cut the hair shorter on the sides and leave length on top, creating a clear division where the hair parts naturally. This style brings a sense of order to curls, making it an excellent choice for business environments. A skilled Barber in New York will know how to carve out the part so that it sits naturally within the curl pattern without looking forced or awkward.
Styling a curly side part requires finding the natural separation in your hair. Once you locate the part, use a comb to define the line while the hair is wet. Apply a medium-hold product to the top section and sweep the hair to the side, away from the part. The shorter side can be brushed down or faded for a cleaner look. You don’t need to make the hair perfectly flat; letting the curls volume up slightly on the longer side adds a nice modern touch. This balance of structure and texture makes the curly side part a versatile and handsome option for men of all ages.
9. The High Top Fade
The high top fade is an iconic style that celebrates the volume and structure of tight curls or afro-textured hair. Popularized in the golden era of hip-hop, this style features very short or shaved sides that transition abruptly to a tall, flat, or rounded top. The height of the hair is the defining feature, creating a strong, geometric silhouette that elongates the face. It is a bold, architectural look that makes a serious statement. While the classic version has a flat top, modern variations often leave the top natural and curly for a softer, more contemporary finish.
Maintaining the shape of a high top fade requires regular visits to the barber to keep the sides crisp and the top structured. Styling at home involves using a pick or a specialized sponge brush to shape the curls and maintain volume. You will also need to keep the hair moisturized with oils or sprays to prevent it from becoming brittle and breaking. This style is less about movement and more about shape and presence. It is a powerful way to wear tight curls, turning the hair’s natural tendency to stand up into a deliberate and stylish design feature.
10. The Messy Shag
The messy shag is a carefree, rock-and-roll inspired hairstyle that is perfect for men with wavy to curly hair. This cut features layers of varying lengths throughout the head, creating a choppy, textured look that is meant to look undone. It usually involves bangs that fall across the forehead and longer hair at the back of the neck. The shag works with the hair’s natural movement, allowing it to do what it wants rather than forcing it into a strict shape. It is the ultimate low-maintenance cool, ideal for men who prefer a more relaxed aesthetic.
Because the shag is designed to look messy, styling is incredibly easy. Sea salt spray is the best friend of the shag haircut. Spritzing it into damp hair adds grit and enhances the wave pattern, giving that “just came from the beach” look. You can scrunch the hair with your hands and let it air dry. There is no need for precision or neatness here; the more lived-in it looks, the better. This style grows out well, meaning you can go longer between haircuts. It is a great option for creative professionals or anyone who wants a stylish look without the hassle of a strict grooming routine.
11. The Man Bun or Top Knot
For men with long curly hair who need to keep it out of their face, the man bun or top knot is a practical and stylish solution. This style involves gathering the hair and tying it up at the crown or the back of the head. It works particularly well for curls because the texture adds volume and size to the bun, making it look fuller than it would with straight hair. A top knot is typically paired with an undercut or shaved sides, while a full man bun uses all the hair on the head. Both variations are functional, keeping you cool and tidy while showcasing your hair length.
To style a curly man bun, simply pull the hair back with your fingers—using a brush can make it too frizzy or tight. Gather the hair into a ponytail and loop it through a hair tie, stopping halfway on the last loop to create a bun. You can pull a few strands loose around the face to soften the look. It is important not to tie the hair too tightly, as this can cause breakage and traction alopecia over time. This style is perfect for the gym, outdoor activities, or simply when you want a change from wearing your hair down. It is a utilitarian style that has become a modern classic.
Conclusion
Styling curly hair doesn’t have to be a battle against your genetics. By choosing a haircut that complements your specific curl pattern and face shape, you can transform your hair into a defining feature of your personal style. Whether you prefer the sharp contrast of an undercut, the professional look of a side part, or the relaxed vibe of a messy shag, there is a solution for every man. The key takeaway is to work with moisture and products designed to enhance, rather than suppress, your natural texture.
Remember that curly hair often requires a trial-and-error approach to find the perfect product combination. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different creams, mousses, and gels until you find what works best for you. With the right cut and a simple routine, you can keep your curls healthy, defined, and stylish every day. Embrace the volume and movement that comes naturally to you, and enjoy the versatility that curly hair provides.
