40 Curly Hair Styles for Men: Short, Medium, & Long Cuts

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Expert tips to help you find the best curly style for you
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Though there are endless men’s hairstyles, it’s often difficult to find out what works for curly hair, as it does for straight hair. If you want a new look but don’t know where to start, keep reading for 40 of the best hairstyles for men with curly hair, including short, medium-length, and long curly styles. Plus, we’ll help you know which curly hair haircuts for men may be right for you, and offer styling tips from professional hair stylists Bianca Cox and Nick Arrojo.

Top Curly Hair Styles for Men

  • Curly top fade: Has curls on top with faded sides and back.
  • Curly undercut: Top curls with a sharp, disconnected undercut on sides and back.
  • Curly quiff: Has longer hair on top styled upwards and back, with shorter sides.
  • Curly fringe: Medium-length curls, a side-swept/layered fringe, and shorter sides.
Section 1 of 4:

Short and Curly Men’s Haircuts

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  1. Step 1 Curly Buzz Cut
    Yes, you can have a curly buzz cut. It features a short, textured top and short sides. Curls remain neat, but still have volume and texture. A buzz cut differs from a crew cut in that it keeps the length uniform throughout.[1]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Bianca Cox is a hair stylist, owner of The Hair Throne, and co-owner of Bianchi Salon.

    Nick Arrojo is a master hair stylist with over 35 years of experience cutting and styling hair using precision-based hairdressing.

  2. 2
    Curly Top Fade This curly fade has curls on top; they can be tight or loose, depending on your preference. It has faded sides and a faded back to blend into the skin. A high fade starts high on the head, a mid fade midway up, and a low fade at the lowest point of the head. Choose your favorite style of fade:[3]
    • Best For: Oval, round face shape (high, mid); square face shape (mid to low)
    • A fade is a haircut where hair on the sides and the back moves from a longer length on top to a shorter length at the bottom; a fade that shortens to skin level is referred to as a “skin fade.”[4]
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl-enhancing mouse or cream on damp hair, shape curls with your fingers, and allow them to air dry.
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  3. Step 3 Curly Undercut
    A curly undercut has neat, short sides and a short back with a longer curly top. Unlike a fade, an undercut features a sharp, disconnected line between the short and long sections of the hair for effect.[5]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Apply a curl-enhancing mousse and diffuse the hair with gentle heat while scrunching with your fingers to dry.
    • Undercuts, along with tapers and fades, require regular trims. Cox recommends getting your “hair trimmed often to keep your haircut and help with the hair splitting.”[6]
  4. Step 4 Textured Crew Cut
    A textured crew cut keeps the hair on top at the slightly longer length of (1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm). The top hair can have choppy or uneven layers for texture, along with shorter sides and back. Unlike a buzz cut, a crew cut doesn’t have a uniform length all around.[7]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Blow dry using a diffuser and a curl-defining cream.
  5. 5
    Textured Crop This crop has a fade or taper on the sides and back of the hair, along with a longer top cut of (2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm). The top hair is layered and textured for a choppy, piece-y look that often helps if you’ve got thinning hair. You can also pair it with a forward fringe… try a French crop for a fringe that is super bold and defined.[8]
    • Best For: Square and rectangular face shape
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl cream on damp hair before picking up your curls using your fingers to help define them.
  6. Step 6 Fluffy Natural Curls
    To emphasize your natural curls, the sides and back are cut short, leaving enough length on top for fluffy, voluminous curls. It’s a soft and textured choice for curly hairstyles that are short.[9]
    • Best For: Most face shapes, especially oval or square
    • Styling Tips: Apply a mousse or a styling gel to damp hair, scrunch curls, and allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser.
  7. 7
    Textured Short Curls with Fade Similar to the curly top fade, this version emphasizes short, styled curls. The sides and the back fade to a much shorter length and blend into the skin.
    • Best For: Round or square (low); oval or diamond (mid)
    • Styling Tips: Style your hair+) by scrunching your curls using a curl cream for definition and to add texture.
  8. 8
    Loose Parted Curls with Taper Fade Loose curls are the focus here, with the hair on top left longer and styled for more volume and movement. Choose a loose side or middle part to frame the face and a gradual fade on the sides and back.[10]
    • Best For: Oval, round, and square face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Add a mousse for more hold and lightly pick your curls with a wide-tooth comb for added lift.
  9. 9
    Low Fade Curl This cut combines a gradual taper starting just above the ears and blending into the neckline. The top curls are left longer, while the low fade includes clean edges on the sides and back.[11]
    • Best For: Round, square, or oval face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Define your curls with your fingers and avoid combing curly hair when it’s dry.
  10. 10
    Mohawk Mullet A fade or taper on the sides contrasts with the longer hair at the top and crown. A mohawk strip of curls runs from the crown down to the back (along the center).
    • Best For: Oval, heart, and round face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Define with a mousse and use sea salt spray for volume and hold on top.
  11. 11
    Curly Mohawk Burst Fade Unlike the mohawk mullet, a curly mohawk mullet, the hair on the sides is cut and blended in a curved, semicircular shape so it wraps around the ear area to form a burst fade. The cut includes a tapered back, along with a strip of curly hair from the forehead to the nape of the neck.[12]
    • Best For: Oval or round face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Shape your curls upward with your hands when drying with a diffuser.
  12. 12
    Wavy Fringe This cut is focused on soft, natural waves and a forward-facing fringe. The fringe can either fall onto the forehead or be swept to the side. The sides and back are typically cut short.[13]
    • Best For: Oval face shape, round or heart face shape (side-swept)
    • Styling Tips: Scrunch curls with a diffuser or your hands and avoid overstyling.
  13. 13
    Curly Pompadour This pompadour is longer on top to emphasize the volume of natural curls, which are then swept back from the forehead. The sides are short and feature a gradual taper or fade for dramatic effect.[14]
    • Best For: Oval, square, or round face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair; build volume with a diffuser and a round brush.
  14. 14
    Short and Tight Curls Short and tight curls are quite versatile, but often appear with a fade or taper on the sides and back and longer curls on top. The top length can also vary—it’s important to leave a few extra inches on top because the curls will coil up when dry.[15]
    • Best For: Most face shapes, extra-curly hair
    • Styling Tips: Gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel to avoid frizz; air dry or use a diffuser.
  15. 15
    Curly Blowout Taper The most recognizable part of a curly blowout taper is the fact that the top curls are left longer and blown out to look more voluminous. It’s all about styling the top curls upwards for a bouncy, carefree look, along with a clean fade or taper.
    • Best For: Round or square face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl-enhancing mousse or cream while twirling your curls with your fingers.
  16. Step 16 Undercut Loose Perm
    For this undercut, the sides and back of the head are cut much shorter than the top (though it can include a disconnected undercut or a fade). The other key part of the style is perming the top section of hair for natural-looking waves and curls.
    • Best For: Oval and long face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Apply soft wax to define the waves; air-dry or diffuse your hair.
  17. 17
    Thick Curls with Mid Fade The top hair is left with thick, longer curls with a medium length, while the sides and back use a mid fade. The hair transitions from longer to shorter at about halfway up the sides and back of the head. It features a gradual taper to skin level to contrast with the top.[16]
    • Best For: Round or oval face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair to define curls.
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Section 2 of 4:

Mens Medium Hairstyles (Curly)

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  1. Step 1 Textured Curly Crop with Fringe
    The top hair is cut at a short to medium length; often, point cutting (cutting at an angle using the tips of the scissors) is used for a textured look. The sides and back are cut short using a fade or blending undercut. This style features a textured fringe or bangs.[17]
    • Best For: Square, oval, or heart face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Style medium hair by applying styling cream or styling clay to damp hair; use your fingers to define curls.
  2. 2
    Medium Curly Undercut This style is similar to a curly undercut, but the hair on the top is left to a medium length. The sides and back are cut very short using a fade or a buzz cut style. Leaving your top hair at a medium length allows the curls to be styled and defined.[18]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl-defining cream, along with a hair oil, to keep frizz away.
  3. 3
    Curly Fringe This fringe style has medium-length natural curls, as well as a fringe. The fringe can be cut to be styled either side-swept, layered, or messy. The sides are usually cut shorter than the top.[19]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a leave-in conditioner to help define curls and style with your fingers.
  4. 4
    Chin-Length Curly Cut with Layers With the hair cut to chin length, this cut includes lots of layers to create the desired shape. It also helps curly hair seem less heavy or bulky overall.
    • Best For: Oval or heart face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use lightweight products and encourage shape with a diffuser.
  5. Step 5 Afro Curls
    With longer hair on top, curls can have better definition for African-American hair. The sides and the back are cut shorter and layered in contrast to the top, which helps the look appear less dense.[20]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl sponge on damp hair to define the curls and a pomade for hold.
  6. 6
    Medium Messy Curls Medium-length curls between (2 inches (5.1 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm)) are the focus here, along with loads of texture and volume. Messy layers are used to add shape to curls and keep them light and loose.[21]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Build texture by moving your fingers through your curls when drying.
  7. 7
    Curly Quiff Longer hair on the top of the head (especially near the crown) is styled neatly into a quiff. Sides and a back that are shorter keep the top curls in focus.[22]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use your fingers or a comb to shape the top curls into a quiff by lifting them up and forward.
    • More than more hairstyles for men with curly hair, quiffs require a great stylist to help you get the cut you want. Arrojo believes it’s always important to "get a great haircut from someone experienced and skilled in cutting curly hair."[23]
  8. 8
    Layered Waves and Curls The curls are shaped into layers to keep them lightweight instead of looking bulky or flat. In this attractive men's hairstyle, the layers can be choppy or soft to emphasize natural curls and waves for a textured look, along with shorter sides and back.
    • Best For: Oval and long face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Air-dry or blow-dry with a diffuser while shaping curls with your fingers.
  9. Step 9 Mid-Length Curl with Side Bangs
    The curls on top are left at a length that is long enough to form curls and have a side-swept fringe. The longer side-swept bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair and give it shape.[24]
    • Best For: Round, square, or oval face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a styling cream for your side bangs to keep them looking soft.
  10. 10
    Broccoli Cut A broccoli cut is all about getting the most volume out of the top curls while showing off a natural, but messy look. The “broccoli” top can be tousled or curled, while the sides and back are kept short, usually featuring a high messy fade.[25]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use texturizing spray or get a perm if you don’t have natural curls.
  11. 11
    Messy Curly Mohawk with Fringe The mohawk strip of hair runs from the front to the back of the head; it has a longer length to emphasize the volume of natural curls. This cut keeps the mohawk messy by styling it to fall forward as a front fringe. The short sides and back bring even more focus to the texture of the mohawk.[26]
    • Best For: Round or oval face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Blow-dry with a diffuser while finger-styling to get more lift.
  12. 12
    Curly Shag This shag is known for its many choppy layers, which create movement. It also has bangs and layers to frame the face even more. The overall look is relaxed, with a focus on “tousled” curls.[27]
    • Best For: Oval, heart, and square face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a lightweight styling cream so your hair isn’t weighed down.
  13. 13
    Curly Bob with Bangs The hair is cut to a bob, ending between the ear and shoulder, and includes layers. It also features a fringe cut that falls forward onto the forehead, but can vary in length and style.
    • Best For: Oval or square face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use your fingers to section damp hair and define curls.
  14. Step 14 Tapered Curls
    This cut has medium-length, defined curls with layers to add shape and volume. The sides and back have a mid taper that gradually shortens from the top to the temples and neckline.[28]
    • Best For: Oval or diamond face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Apply a curl-enhancing cream and consider drying your from back to front for more volume.
  15. 15
    Curly Middle Part This medium-length cut lets natural curls do their thing, while including a defined middle part. This allows for 2 distinct sections and emphasizes a messy look overall.[29]
    • Best For: Oval or heart face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Apply a curl-enhancing sea salt spray or curl cream to damp hair and use a comb to create the middle part; scrunch your hair to define the curls.
  16. 16
    Tousled Curls with Full Beard The top hair is cut to medium-length layers for a messy textured look. Add a full beard that’s not overgrown, but groomed just enough to complement the haircut.
    • Best For: Square, oval, or diamond face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Allow your hair to air dry or blow dry with a diffuser; avoid over-combing.
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Section 3 of 4:

Long Mens Curly Hairstyles

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  1. Step 1 Long Curly Mullet
    The back of the hair is notably longer than the front and sides, while the top curls are longer, so they stand out. The sides of a mullet are the shortest, using a fade, taper, or buzz cut for dramatic effect.
    • Best For: Long or rectangular face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Style long hair with a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair; use your fingers to shape the curls.
  2. Step 2 Long Brushed Back Curls
    The hair on top is long enough to keep its natural texture and volume, whether it has curls or waves. The idea is to cut the top so the curls/waves can be gently brushed back (not tightly slicked back). The sides are tapered but not shaved for a subtle contrast.[30]
    • Best For: Oval or diamond face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a curl-defining cream on damp hair; blow-dry with a vent roller brush to direct your hair backwards.
  3. 3
    Long Curly Hair Curly hair is the focus here, with a simple cut using layers for bounce and movement. The natural curls remain lightweight; the cut can be varied for the desired effect.[31]
    • Best For: Round or square face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Scrunch your curls using your fingers and a curl cream.
  4. 4
    Swept Back Loose Waves This style features longer-length hair on top with slightly shorter sides, along with layers to create movement and texture. The overall look is “windswept,” so it can look effortless.[32]
    • Best For: Round, heart, or diamond face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Blow-dry while shaping your curls around your fingers, or use a diffuser.
  5. 5
    Long Curly Hair with Side Part A defined side part is the most important part of this haircut; the part creates a sharp line. The natural curls on top are kept longish, while the sides and back are cut shorter, usually with a taper or fade.[33]
    • Best For: Oval, square, and oblong/rectangular face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a comb to create a deep side part after using gel or wax on the part itself.
  6. 6
    Man Bun with Curls Who says you can’t have curly hair and a man bun? The cut can include a taper or fade on the sides, with the hair on top left long enough to gather into a bun. The sides can even be shaved for a modern, edgy take on this relaxed classic.[34]
    • Best For: Oval face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Leave your hair unwashed for a day or 2 before gathering it into a man bun.
  7. Step 7 Curly Wolf Cut
    This trending curly version of a wolf cut focuses on the same layered and choppy texture achieved with various layer lengths. It has shorter layers at the crown to frame the face with longer, tapered ends that resemble a mullet.[35]
    • Best For: Most face shapes
    • Styling Tips: Use a small amount of a curl-enhancing cream, but keep products to a minimum.
    • To help make your curly haircut decision easy, take our quiz to find out what type of curly hair you have!
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Choose the Right Curly Hairstyle

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  1. Step 1 Consider your face shape.
    If you want a hairstyle that works for most face shapes, go for a broccoli cut or one with medium messy curls. Square and rectangular faces pair well with many types of fades, while oval and round shapes fit styles like curly mohawk burst fade and thick curls with a mid fade.
  2. 2
    Decide which cut fits your curl type. Finding the best hairstyle may also depend on what type of curls you have. A longer hairstyle or one with longer curls on top might work better for tighter, dense curls, while a short, cropped style can work for nearly any type of curl. Here are the main curl types you might have:[36]
    • Wavy: Loose, S-shaped curls
    • Curly: Tighter, springier curls
    • Coily/Kinky: Dense, tight coils with lots of volume
  3. Step 3 Choose a haircut that fits your lifestyle and look.
    Getting a short curly crop is much lower maintenance than styling a curly pompadour, for example. If you have time for a higher-maintenance cut, go for it. If you decide you want a style that you have to do very little with before leaving the house in the morning, choose that kind instead.
    • Ultimately, the look you’re going for (clean, messy, loose, or dramatic) all depends on what you like best. Speak to an experienced barber or hair stylist to help you decide before getting the cut!
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.rush.co.uk/blog/hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men/73526
  2. ↑ Bianca Cox. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  4. ↑ https://premierbarberinstitute.com/what-is-a-fade-haircut/
  5. ↑ https://vagazine.com/blog/haircuts-for-men/curly-hairstyles-for-medium-hair-for-men/
  6. ↑ Bianca Cox. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.rush.co.uk/blog/hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men/73526
  8. ↑ https://www.beautycon.com/article/15-haircuts-for-guys-with-curly-hair
  9. ↑ https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hairstyles/curly-hairstyles-for-men/
  1. ↑ https://www.beautycon.com/article/15-haircuts-for-guys-with-curly-hair
  2. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  3. ↑ https://www.beautycon.com/article/15-haircuts-for-guys-with-curly-hair
  4. ↑ https://www.beautycon.com/article/15-haircuts-for-guys-with-curly-hair
  5. ↑ https://vagazine.com/blog/haircuts-for-men/curly-hairstyles-for-medium-hair-for-men/
  6. ↑ https://vagazine.com/blog/haircuts-for-men/curly-hairstyles-for-medium-hair-for-men/
  7. ↑ https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hairstyles/curly-hairstyles-for-men/
  8. ↑ https://vagazine.com/blog/haircuts-for-men/curly-hairstyles-for-medium-hair-for-men/
  9. ↑ https://www.beautycon.com/article/15-haircuts-for-guys-with-curly-hair
  10. ↑ https://vagazine.com/blog/haircuts-for-men/curly-hairstyles-for-medium-hair-for-men/
  11. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  12. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  13. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/curly-hairstyles-for-men
  14. ↑ Nick Arrojo. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  16. ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/broccoli-haircut/
  17. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  18. ↑ https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hairstyles/curly-hairstyles-for-men/
  19. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/curly-hairstyles-for-men
  20. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  21. ↑ https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hairstyles/curly-hairstyles-for-men/
  22. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/curly-hairstyles-for-men
  23. ↑ https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hairstyles/curly-hairstyles-for-men/
  24. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/curly-hairstyles-for-men
  25. ↑ https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
  26. ↑ https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/curly-hairstyles-for-men
  27. ↑ https://www.modernmanbarberstudio.com/which-hair-cut-is-best-for-curly-hair-a-complete-guide-for-men

About This Article

Bianca Cox
Co-authored by:
Bianca Cox
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Bianca Cox and by wikiHow staff writer, Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.. Bianca Cox is a Hair Stylist, Licensed Cosmetologist, Owner of The Hair Throne, and Co-Owner of Bianchi Salon. Her salons pride themselves on their modernity, individuality, art, and professional services. You can check out The Hair Throne and more of Bianca's hairstyling on Instagram @hairthrone and on her personal Instagram @biancajcox.
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