If you’re a curly-haired guy, consider yourself lucky! Your curly hair is a unique asset that can take your hairstyle game to the next level. From long, thick, luscious curls to tight coils and relaxed waves, there are so many trendy styling options for you to explore. Curly hairstyles for men are a hot topic in the men’s grooming world, as they break away from traditional norms and embrace the wild, textured allure of curls. Whether you’re looking for a style that enhances your natural charm or something bold that makes you stand out in the crowd, your curls are here to work their magic. Gone are the days when straight and sleek hair ruled; today’s gentlemen appreciate the versatility and dimension curly hair brings.
Handling curly hair may seem tough, but with the right know-how, you can embrace your natural curls with confidence. This guide is here to break down the best curly hairstyles for men, offering tips on how to master styles that suit every kind of curl, from the mullet fade haircut to more classic gentlemanly twists. It’s time to let your curls be your signature strength, adding heaps of volume, texture, and attitude to your look. So, whether you’re rocking tight curls or bouncy waves, embrace the freedom and individuality that curly hairstyles bring—because your hair is meant to turn heads wherever you go!
How to Identify and Understand Your Curl Type
What Is Your Curl Type?
Identifying your curl type is the first step in mastering your hair care routine. Curls are generally categorized into four types, ranging from 2A to 4C, each with its own unique characteristics.
- 2A-2C waves are looser, with a more relaxed texture, and often need light products that enhance their natural movement without weighing them down.
- 3A-3C curls are tighter, with more defined spirals that require moisturizers and styling creams to maintain their shape.
- For those with 4A-4C coils, the curls are much tighter and more delicate, often benefiting from richer, heavier products that provide the deep moisture and definition necessary for these textures.
Understanding which category your hair falls into is key to unlocking the best care for your specific curl type.
Why Knowing Your Curl Type Matters?
Knowing your curl type is more than just about looks—it’s about finding the right hair care and styling options that work for you. By recognizing whether you have waves, curls, or coils, you can make informed decisions on which products will give you the best results. For instance, using the wrong products can lead to wasting time and money, or worse, causing damage to your hair. With the correct knowledge, you can avoid these pitfalls and create an economical and effective hair care routine. Tailoring your grooming routine to your specific curl type not only helps your hair look its best, but it also boosts your confidence by ensuring your curls stay healthy, vibrant, and well-defined.
Best Curly Hairstyles for Men in 2024
Curly hair opens the door to a variety of stylish options that let you showcase your natural texture while maintaining a modern edge. Whether you prefer a more classic or adventurous look, curly hairstyles offer something for every occasion. Which of these styles do you think suits your personality the most? Let’s dive into some of the best curly hairstyles for men that combine elegance, ease, and personality, giving your curls the attention they deserve.
The Classic Curls and Tousled Waves
For those looking to embrace a timeless, elegant style, classic curls are always a fantastic option. This look highlights your hair’s natural shine and texture while offering a low-maintenance routine. It works for everything from casual outings to formal events. Is this the style you’d choose for a relaxed yet classy vibe? By using a curl-enhancing product and letting your curls air dry, you can achieve a relaxed, charming look. If you want something more casual, tousled waves or beachy waves created with sea salt spray add a carefree, windswept vibe that’s perfect for laid-back moments. Do you think beachy waves would fit your lifestyle? These styles allow you to embrace the uniqueness of your curls without much effort.
The Curly Undercut and Fade Haircut
For a bolder, more modern look, the curly undercut is an excellent choice. With shorter sides and back and a contrasting curly top, this hairstyle brings a striking, stylish contrast that lets your curls steal the spotlight. If you prefer a neat and polished appearance, the fade haircut offers a clean, sleek finish while keeping your curls intact. Would you go for a bold undercut or a sleek fade to highlight your curls? The gradual fading of the sides and back adds a sharp contrast to the curly top, making this style ideal for anyone who wants to stand out while still maintaining a neat look. Which of these two styles do you think complements your face shape and personality best? Both styles are versatile, working for both formal events and everyday wear.
The Man Bun and Long Curly Hair
For those who enjoy a longer, more adventurous look, the man bun is a go-to. This style allows you to gather your curls into a stylish bun, creating a blend of casual yet put-together charm. Do you think you’d enjoy the versatility of the man bun? It’s perfect for those days when you want your curls off your face but still want to exude confidence and style. For a more dramatic statement, long curly hair is perfect for embracing a bohemian, free-spirited vibe. Would you consider growing your curls long for that carefree boho look? With regular trims and deep conditioning treatments, you can maintain the health and allure of your long curls, letting them shine with their natural volume and bounce.
The Curly Crew Cut and Tapered Cut
If you’re looking for a more polished, simple style, the curly crew cut is a fantastic option. It pairs well with different fades, offering a neat appearance while still showcasing your curls on top. Is a simple, neat crew cut something that fits your day-to-day style? For something with a bit more depth, the tapered cut—with its subtle transition from shorter sides to longer curls on top—creates a sophisticated, versatile look. Do you think the tapered cut would give your curls the extra edge you’re looking for? You can even add a hard part for a bold, structured style. No matter your curl type or face shape, these cuts allow you to strike the perfect balance between modern grooming and showing off your natural texture.
The Curly Quiff and Pompadour
If you’re looking to add height and volume to your hairstyle, the curly quiff is a perfect choice. This trendy look pushes the voluminous curls forward, creating a striking quiff at the front that exudes confidence. Do you think a voluminous quiff would suit your bold side? With the help of a strong-hold gel or clay, you can emphasize your curls while adding extra volume and keeping the style sleek and polished. This hairstyle is extremely versatile, working for both formal and casual occasions. For those who prefer a more classic style, the curly pompadour never goes out of fashion. Would a classic pompadour give you the refined edge you’re after? With its suave, sleek-back look and voluminous curls at the front, this hairstyle brings a sense of refined sophistication. Are you ready to try a bold pompadour that commands attention?
High and Low Fade with Tapered Curls
For a more edgy, modern style, the high fade with a curly top gives off a bold and clean look. The sharp contrast between the closely shaved sides and the textured curls on top creates an eye-catching, fabulous look that’s sure to turn heads. Would you dare to go for a high fade that adds a dramatic flair to your curls? On the other hand, the low fade provides a more subtle, dapper appearance while still letting your curls take center stage. Which do you prefer—bold or subtle? Pairing a fade with tapered curls blends volume and neatness for a style that’s both stylish and easy to maintain. Which of these fade styles would you consider your signature look?
Mullet Styles for Curly Hair
The resurgence of the curly mullet brings a fun twist to an old favorite. The curly or wavy mullet haircut offers a versatile, medium-length style that works with both tight curls and looser waves, giving a distinct Western feel with a modern touch. Would you try this bold style that’s making a comeback? For a sleeker option, the short-sided, long-topped mullet popular in East Asia, especially Korea, uses a Korean perm to create soft waves or curls that can be styled with sea salt spray for added volume and texture. Which version of the mullet speaks to your style—the classic Western or the modern Korean twist?
The Curly Top Knot and Undercut
For those who want to keep their curls off their face while maintaining style, the curly top knot combined with an undercut is a fantastic option. This look gathers the curls into a bun at the crown, while the sides and back are either closely shaved or faded, creating a dynamic and edgy contrast. Would you go for the bold contrast of a top knot and undercut? The curly top knot adds height and volume while the undercut keeps the overall style neat and clean. Does this functional yet fashionable style fit your daily needs? You can also experiment with bangs, adding a bold statement to your curls. Are you ready to make a statement with a unique fringe?
The Curly Fringe with Taper Fade
A curly fringe combined with a classic taper fade is an excellent choice for guys who want to bring their curls into the spotlight. This hairstyle lets the curly bangs shine while the taper fade adds a sleek, clean look to the sides. Would you like to add a fringe that frames your face while keeping your look sharp? The high volume of curls at the top offers extra texture, giving a dramatic, made-you-look style. Do you enjoy styles that create a lasting impression with texture and volume?
Slicked-Back Curls and the Tapered Quiff
For a more refined, elegant look, a slicked-back short curly style offers a polished, controlled finish. This style works great for formal occasions and takes your night look to the next level. After washing your hair, apply a curl-defining cream to define your curls and add hold. Comb it evenly through the hair, creating a clean side parting to guide the direction of the slicked-back finish. A strong-hold gel or pomade will keep everything in place. To avoid disrupting the curl pattern, use a hairdryer on its lowest setting.
For a more modern, stylish approach, the textured quiff combines natural curl patterns with a cutting-edge rockabilly appeal. After towel-drying your hair, apply a curl-defining cream and use a wide-tooth comb to create a deep side parting. Blow-dry your hair from roots to ends to enhance the volume, then finish by applying a small amount of pomade or styling wax to lift the front section and comb it slightly to the side.
Versatile Mid-Length Styles
For a more adventurous vibe, the mid-length curls with a faded undercut give you the best of both worlds. This style plays with the contrast between a long curly top and a fade on the sides. The mens wolf cut is another bold, modern look that’s gaining popularity. With a fade or undercut, the longer curly top brings attention to the super-bouncy ringlets while keeping the overall look edgy and dynamic.
The Classic Afro and Short Curly Undercut
For those who love a timeless style, the classic afro celebrates natural texture and voluminous curls. Achieve this bold and confident look by working with your stylist to shape the afro into a well-rounded form. Regular trims and a good curl-defining crème are key to maintaining the afro’s fullness and enhancing curl definition. Avoid touching the curls throughout the day to maintain their shape and volume.
On the other end of the spectrum, the curly undercut remains a favorite for men who want a dynamic, edgy look. This style pairs shorter sides with voluminous curls on top, providing contrast that’s both modern and timeless. The tapered curls create a gradual transition from short to long, resulting in a neat, well-groomed appearance. Whether you want to rock a bold look or something more polished, these hairstyles showcase the versatility and beauty of curly hair.
Side-Parted Curls for a Polished Aesthetic
Adding a side part to your curly hair instantly gives it a refined, polished appearance. This versatile style works well for both formal occasions, like the office or social gatherings, and more laid-back settings. The side-parted curls create a sophisticated look that highlights the natural volume and texture of your hair. A side part can bring balance to your face shape, enhancing the curls’ shape while maintaining a structured, stylish vibe.
Medium Textured Crop and Curly Mohawk
For men who prefer medium-length curly hairstyles, the textured crop is a trendy option. With short sides and longer curls on top, the strategically placed layers enhance the curls’ natural texture and create a modern, cool vibe. This look works especially well for square or diamond-shaped faces. Applying a styling cream will enhance the texture, giving you a laid-back yet effortlessly stylish appearance.
For the more daring, the curly mohawk adds an element of rebellion with its prominent strip of curls down the middle, contrasting with shaved sides. It’s a bold, memorable look that exudes confidence and a carefree, rugged appearance. Whether styled messy for a natural look or neatly defined, this hairstyle is for those who want to make a statement.
The Curly Faux Hawk
For something more adventurous, the curly faux hawk combines a playful, rebellious spirit with contemporary volume. The twist on the traditional faux hawk makes it an eye-catching, head-turning hairstyle. Adding an undercut design with intricate patterns provides a personalized touch, making this hairstyle a true expression of your creativity. Whether you prefer the bold twists of a faux hawk or the timeless curls of an afro, these looks celebrate natural curls while keeping you on trend.
Hair Care Tips for Men with Curly Hair
Choose the Right Curly Hair Products
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- Use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for curly hair to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
- Stock up on quality leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and gels to sculpt curls with bounce and structure.
- Opt for lightweight products to avoid weighing down curls while keeping them well-defined.
- Apply hydrating conditioners regularly, especially to dry ends, for extra nourishment.
- Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment for added hydration and to enhance your hair care routine.
Gentle Care for Your Curls
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- Massage shampoo gently into your scalp with your fingertips to preserve natural oils and avoid stripping moisture.
- Let water form the lather, helping curls retain hydration.
- Detangle wet hair using a broad-toothed comb or fingers to minimize breakage.
- Air drying is gentler for curls, but if blow drying, use a diffuser on low heat to enhance curls and maintain their health.
- Diffusing on a low heat setting also adds volume while preventing heat damage.
Maintenance Tips for Curly Hair
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- Schedule regular trims to prevent split ends and maintain a defined curl shape.
- Experiment with various leave-in conditioners, gels, and oils to find the right mix for your hair type.
- Opt for heat-free styling methods to avoid damage, but if you use a blow dryer, always use a diffuser on low heat to protect your curls.
- Invest in high-quality curl-enhancing products to keep hair hydrated, frizz-free, and full of life.
Latest Trends and Hot Topics in Curly Hairstyles for Men
Celebrity Influences on Curly Hairstyles for Men
The world of curly hairstyles for men has seen a significant shift, thanks in part to the influence of celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Kit Harington. These style icons have inspired men across the globe to embrace their natural curls, challenging traditional beauty norms. Their effortlessly cool, curly looks are sparking a rise in confidence, with more men venturing into the world of curly hairstyles and showing off their natural texture.
Innovation in Curly Hair Products
As curly hair becomes more popular, the importance of a proper hair care routine is also gaining attention. Men are turning to sulfate-free shampoos and regularly conditioning to maintain the health and bounce of their curls. Additionally, the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) is growing in popularity for locking in moisture, keeping curls hydrated and frizz-free.
Product Trends and Market Growth
With the growing demand for curly hair care, brands have responded by developing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of curly-haired men. Curl-defining creams, sulfate-free shampoos, and specialized conditioners are now key players in the market, offering men the tools to keep their curls well-defined and healthy. These products are making it easier than ever for men to maintain their curls with confidence, ensuring a sleek and stylish look that lasts.
Embracing Natural Curls: The New Era of Men’s Grooming
In this new era of embracing natural curls, men are confidently stepping into the spotlight with a diverse range of curly hairstyles. From afros to curly undercuts, the options are endless, allowing men to experiment and express their unique personalities. By understanding their hair type and adopting the right care routine, men can rock their natural texture with pride, making a bold statement in the world of men’s grooming. Whether you prefer classic curls, long flowing locks, or thick, voluminous styles, the key to maintaining your curls lies in using the right products and experimenting with various looks. With the right routine, any guy can confidently command attention with his curly hair, combining both style and self-expression.
