39 Best Curly Hairstyles For Men
Curly hair naturally stands out because of its bold look, rich texture and eye-catching movement. It gives men a stylish, confident appearance without needing complicated styl
In this article · 56
- Popular Short Curly Hairstyles men
- Textured Crew Cut
- Messy Curly Hair Fade
- Modern Curly Mullet
- Brushed Back Curls
- Fluffy Curls Hair Styles Men
- Textured Short Curls with Fade
- Curly Buzz Cut
- Loose, Flowing Parted Curls with Taper Fade
- Thick Curls with Low Fade
- Curly Mullet Fade
- Curly Mohawk Burst Fade
- Heavy Wavy Fringe with Taper Fade
- Curly Perm with Fade
- Sponged Curls
- Textured Surfer Curls with Messy Bangs
- Curly Blowout Fade
- Tousled Short Curls
- Thick, Black Curls with Mid Fade
- Classy Off-Center Curls with Tapered Sides
- Stylish Medium Mens Curly Hairstyles
- Long Curly Hair Fade
- Curly Hair Undercut
- Long Curly Fringe with Short Sides
- Medium Messy Curls
- Fluffy and Casual
- Broccoli Cut
- Messy Curly Mohawk with Temp Taper and Fringe
- Tousled Medium Curls with Full Beard
- Fluffy Medium Curls
- Curly Middle Part
- Curly Two Block
- Attractive Long Curly Hairstyles
- Long Messy Curls with Beard
- Long Brushed Back Curls
- Long, Parted Curly Hair
- Swept Back Loose Waves
- Long Curly Hair with Side Part
- Curly Wolf Cut
- Natural Afro
- High Top Fade With Curls
- Curly Faux Hawk
- Curly Pompadour
- The Most Attractive Curly Hairstyles For Men
- Curly Hair Style Men Tips
- What's The Easiest Curly Haircut To Maintain For Guys?
- FAQs - Curly Hairstyles Men's
- What is the most attractive long curly hairstyle for men?
- How can men reduce frizz in long curly hair?
- What products work best for long curly hairstyles?
- Should curly hair be air-dried or diffused?
- How often should guys with long curly hair trim it?
- What haircut is best for low-maintenance curly hair?
- How do I keep long curls looking defined all day?
- Is long curly hair men look professional?
- Final Thoughts
Curls thrive when a barber respects the pattern instead of fighting it. Scissor work on top, never thinning shears and never a razor. Tapered or faded sides do the shape work. Below are 40 cuts that cover the 2C-through-4C range. Pick by curl type and face shape, screenshot the reference before you leave the house, and read the "how to ask" line to your barber the second you sit in the chair.
Popular Short Curly Hairstyles men
Short curly cuts sit between one and three inches on top. The shape lives in the barber's scissors, not your morning routine. Ask for scissor work only, put the thinning shears down, and let a taper or fade sharpen the perimeter.
Textured Crew Cut
A textured crew cut keeps roughly an inch of curl on top, point-cut for definition, over scissor-tapered sides. Best for 2C waves through 3B ringlets. It flatters oval, square, and mildly round faces because the top height stretches shorter proportions. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, about an inch, no thinning shears, scissor taper on the sides down to a #2." Styling: rub a dime of leave-in through soaking-wet hair, follow with a pea of curl cream, air-dry hands-off.
Messy Curly Hair Fade
The messy fade builds contrast: piecey curls up top over a clean fade that starts above the ear. It reads best on 3A-3C ringlets, and flatters round or heart faces because the height pulls the eye up. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, two inches, kept intentionally uneven, mid skin fade on the sides." Styling: leave-in first, curl cream second, then scrunch with a diffuser on low speed and low heat until eighty percent dry.
Modern Curly Mullet
The modern mullet leaves the back a full inch longer than the crown, with a soft tapered side to keep it wearable. Suits 2C-3B waves. Reads best on square or oval faces that can carry a longer nape. Ask for "scissor-cut throughout, no thinning, keep the back longer than the top, low taper fade on the sides." Styling: cream on damp curls, diffuse forward, flip back once fully dry.
Brushed Back Curls
Brushed-back curls need enough length up front - three inches at minimum - to sweep away from the forehead without springing back. Best for 2C-3A patterns, and softens a sharper jaw. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, no thinning, three inches at the fringe grading shorter to the crown, scissor-blend the sides." Styling: strong-hold curl cream through wet hair, comb straight back with a wide-tooth pick, then diffuse on the underside to lock the shape.
Fluffy Curls Hair Styles Men
Fluffy curls prize root volume over tight definition. This one works for 2B-3A patterns because tighter coils get too dense to fluff. Suits round and oval faces since added height slims. Ask for "scissor-cut all over, two to two and a half inches, keep the weight in, no thinning." Styling: mousse into soaking hair, scrunch upward, air-dry hands-off. Clip the roots while you wait if you want more lift.
Textured Short Curls with Fade
Short textured curls sit around an inch and a half over a clean fade - a modern crop that flatters 2C through 4A curl and almost every face shape but the very long. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, textured crop shape, one and a half inches, mid skin fade on the sides." Styling: curl cream first, then a pea of matte paste worked in with fingertips, air-dry.
Curly Buzz Cut
The curly buzz cut trims the whole head to a #2 or #3 and lets the coil pattern read as texture rather than length. Perfect for 3C-4C coils. Works on any face because the buzz removes distraction and sharpens the jaw. Ask for "#3 all over, tightened to #1 at the perimeter, soft line-up if you want it clean." Styling: leave-in every day. Even short curls dry out and look dusty without hydration.
Loose, Flowing Parted Curls with Taper Fade
Longer loose curls with a natural side part and a taper fade read polished without turning stiff. Best for 2C-3A waves. Suits square and oblong faces. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, three inches, no thinning, low taper fade only around the ears and nape." Styling: leave-in, curl cream, part when damp with a comb, air-dry without touching once it starts to set.
Thick Curls with Low Fade
Thick 3B or 3C curls sit better with a low fade because the transition stays close to your natural hairline, which keeps density up top from reading top-heavy. Flatters round and square faces. Ask for "scissor-cut the top, keep two inches, no thinning, low skin fade starting just above the ear." Styling: leave-in, generous curl cream, diffuse with the bowl cupping the roots to build lift.
Curly Mullet Fade
The curly mullet fade drops the nape another inch beyond the top while keeping the sides fully faded. Retro shape, modern edges. Works for 2C-3B curl. Strongest on oval and square faces. Ask for "scissor-cut throughout, two inches on top, three to four inches at the nape, mid skin fade on the sides." Styling: cream then a touch of defining paste at the crown to pull the curls apart.
Curly Mohawk Burst Fade
A curly mohawk over a burst fade carves the sides in a curved arc behind the ear and leaves a strip of tall curl down the middle. Made for 3C-4C coils. Reads best on oval and diamond faces. Ask for "scissor-cut the mohawk strip, three to four inches, burst fade around each ear, taper the nape." Styling: leave-in, curl definer, pick the strip up from the root.
Heavy Wavy Fringe with Taper Fade
A heavy wavy fringe drops three to four inches of wave over the forehead above a low taper. Perfect for 2A-2C waves. Shortens a longer face by breaking the vertical line. Ask for "scissor-cut, four inches at the fringe with weight kept in, no thinning shears, low taper fade on the sides." Styling: sea salt mist first, curl cream second, finger-scrunch forward while damp.
Curly Perm with Fade
If your natural pattern is loose or straight, a chemical curly perm builds a 3A-3B curl. Pair it with a fade for structure. Works on most face shapes because you're choosing the curl size. Ask for "scissor-cut, two inches on top of the new curl, low or mid fade on the sides." Styling: sulfate-free wash, weekly deep conditioner, lightweight curl cream and a diffuser only. Skip gels that flake on top of chemically treated hair.
Sponged Curls
Sponge-twisted curls form uniform coils across the whole head, usually on 4A-4C hair, often paired with a crisp line-up. Great for round and heart faces because the even sphere balances proportions. See our fade haircuts for Black men guide for pairing options. Ask for "scissor-shape the top to even length, mid or high fade, sharp line-up." Styling: dampen, apply curl definer, twist with a curl sponge in tight circles.
Textured Surfer Curls with Messy Bangs
Surfer curls run longer - four to five inches - with a soft, messy fringe pushed to one side. Made for 2B-3A patterns. Best on oval and square faces because the length flops without softening the jaw too much. Ask for "scissor-cut, four to five inches, keep the weight, no thinning, natural grow-out shape around the ears." Styling: sea salt spray then a leave-in. Check our best wavy hair products roundup for what to buy, and our surfer hairstyle guide for more shape references.
Curly Blowout Fade
The curly blowout fade pushes the top curl up and forward from a strong fade. Suits 3B-4B textures with enough density to hold the height. Reads best on oval and square faces. Ask for "scissor-cut, keep three inches on top with a rounded silhouette, high skin fade on the sides." Styling: mousse into wet hair, then diffuse upside-down with the diffuser pressed into the roots for maximum lift.
Tousled Short Curls
Tousled short curls stay just long enough to fall - two inches - with a light scissor blend into the sides so nothing looks over-designed. Works for 2C-3B. Flatters every face shape except the longest. Ask for "scissor-cut everything, two inches on top, scissor-blend to a #3 on the sides." Styling: leave-in, curl cream, rake with your fingertips, walk away.
Thick, Black Curls with Mid Fade
Dense black curls with a mid fade lift the shape without over-shaving. Ideal for 3C-4B textures. Works on oval, square, and diamond faces. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, two to two and a half inches, mid skin fade with the transition landing mid-temple." Styling: leave-in spray first, then a generous curl cream, then a pick to fluff the roots without breaking the pattern.
Classy Off-Center Curls with Tapered Sides
An off-center part with soft tapered sides splits the top into two loose sections that fall away from the eyes. Suits 2C-3A curls. Rounds out square jaws. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, three inches, taper the sides low, no fade line, leave the natural weight." Styling: cream on damp hair, comb the part in place, air-dry with your hands off after the first minute.
Stylish Medium Mens Curly Hairstyles
Medium curly cuts sit between three and five inches on top. Long enough to show the full curl pattern, short enough to control. Ask for scissor work throughout - thinning shears remain the enemy of curl at every length.
Long Curly Hair Fade
Longer curls (four to five inches) with a real fade give you height and separation with clean edges. Works best for 3A-3C patterns. Ask for "scissor-cut, four inches on top, high taper fade so the sides read short but soft." Styling: leave-in, curl cream, diffuse until damp then let the rest air-dry.
Curly Hair Undercut
The undercut takes the sides to a #1 or bald with no taper, exaggerating the contrast against four-inch top curls. Best for 3A-4A curl types on long or square faces that want a wider crown. Ask for "scissor-cut on top only, four inches with a heavy weight line, undercut the sides to a #1, hard disconnect." Styling: cream, diffuse for height, comb the sides down with a touch of pomade to keep them polished.
Long Curly Fringe with Short Sides
A dense curly fringe pushes forward from a shorter back and taper. Great for 3B-3C curl. Best on oval, diamond, and heart faces because the fringe softens a wider forehead. Ask for "scissor-cut, four to five inches at the fringe grading down to two inches at the crown, low taper on the sides." Styling: curl cream on damp hair, diffuse the fringe forward with your head tipped down.
Medium Messy Curls
Medium messy curls run three to four inches with no formal parting and blended sides. Suits every curl type from 2C to 4A. Ideal on oval and square faces. Ask for "scissor-cut all over, three inches, no thinning, no fade - keep it grown in on the sides." Styling: soak the hair, apply curl cream in praying-hands, scrunch upward, air-dry.
Fluffy and Casual
Fluffy medium curls chase root lift over tight definition. Works for 2B-3A patterns because tighter coils don't fluff the same way. Softens a long face. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, three inches, keep the weight, no thinning, natural grow-out on the sides." Styling: mousse and a diffuser held below the roots, or root clips while you air-dry.
Broccoli Cut
The broccoli cut is a round dome of curl - three to four inches - over a hard low taper fade. Works for 3A-3C. Flatters oval and diamond faces. Ask for "scissor-cut the top into a rounded shape, keep three and a half inches, low taper fade with a sharp weight line where the fade meets the top." Styling: curl cream then a spritz of light-hold spray to keep the dome shape from collapsing.
Messy Curly Mohawk with Temp Taper and Fringe
A softer mohawk that keeps hair on the sides but takes weight off at the temples. Best for 3B-4B curl. Suits oval and diamond faces. Ask for "scissor-cut the top strip, three and a half inches, temp taper only at the corners, keep length on the fringe." Styling: curl definer first, then a piecey paste worked through the peak with your fingertips.
Tousled Medium Curls with Full Beard
Medium curls (three to four inches) balanced by a full, shaped beard. Any curl type from 2C to 4A. The beard weight balances a long face; a shorter beard suits round. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, three inches, no thinning, soft scissor blend on the sides, and clean up the beard line." Styling: leave-in for the hair, a drop of beard oil for the beard, done in two minutes.
Fluffy Medium Curls
Fluffy medium curls chase root volume with medium-length definition. Suits 2C-3B. Ask for "scissor-cut on top, three inches, no fade, taper only around the ears." Styling: mousse into soaking hair, flip your head down, diffuse until eighty percent dry, flip back up.
Curly Middle Part
A middle part on curly hair works when both sides carry equal weight - a symmetrical scissor cut with no thinning. Great for 2C-3B. Evens out asymmetric features. Ask for "scissor-cut, three to four inches, equal length either side of the crown, natural taper only around the ears." Styling: part when soaking wet, apply cream from the roots down, diffuse each side separately.
Curly Two Block
The two-block sets a long, weighty top disc over shaved back and sides. Suits 2C-3B curls on long or square faces. Ask for "scissor-cut the top disc, keep four inches, hard undercut on the back and sides to a #1, no blend." Styling: cream, diffuse the top for shape, keep the sides clipper-fresh every two to three weeks.
Attractive Long Curly Hairstyles
Long curly hair (five inches and up) needs scissor work more than any other length. A razor or thinning shears here will visibly frizz and split for months. Ask for point-cutting throughout and internal layering with scissors only. Wash less, condition more.
Long Messy Curls with Beard
Long messy curls (six to eight inches) paired with a shaped beard read effortless when the cut is properly layered. Suits 2C-3B. Too tight a curl becomes a triangle. Ask for "scissor-cut with internal layers, no thinning, no razor, keep the ends full." Styling: leave-in generously, curl cream, air-dry. Refresh on day two with a spritz of water and a pea of cream.
Long Brushed Back Curls
Long brushed-back curls need five to seven inches at the fringe to sweep back and hold. Suits 2B-3A. Ask for "scissor-cut, six inches at the fringe grading to four inches at the crown, keep the weight for control." Styling: strong-hold curl cream, comb backward with a wide-tooth pick, diffuse on the underside to lock the shape.
Long, Parted Curly Hair
Long parted curls put the pattern on display when the layers actually match the curl size. Great for 3A-3C. Ask for "scissor-cut, six inches, internal layers cut on dry hair so we can see the pattern, no thinning ever." Styling: leave-in, curl cream, a cream-gel cocktail if you need day-two hold, air-dry.
Swept Back Loose Waves
Swept-back loose waves sit at five to six inches with plenty of internal layers to let the wave form. Suits 2A-2C. Ask for "scissor-cut, six inches, long layers cut into the crown, no thinning." Styling: sea salt spray, sweep back while damp, air-dry hands-off.
Long Curly Hair with Side Part
A side part on long curls adds structure without stiffening the shape. Suits 2C-3B. Works on oval and heart faces. Ask for "scissor-cut, six inches, keep the natural weight, minimal layering." Styling: cream on damp hair, comb the part in place, diffuse the roots for lift while leaving the lengths alone.
Curly Wolf Cut
The wolf cut piles heavy layers into a shaggy silhouette with a longer nape. Suits 2C-3B curl. Ask for "scissor-cut with lots of internal layers, keep the ends full, longer at the back like a soft mullet, curtain fringe if you want it." Styling: curl cream, diffuse for shape, tousle with fingertips.
Natural Afro
A shaped afro trims the whole head to an even sphere while celebrating the natural coil. Made for 4A-4C. Ask for "scissor-cut the whole head to an even four inches, round-shaped, no taper, no fade unless you want one." Styling: shampoo weekly, deep-condition weekly, leave-in daily. Pick from the roots to lift the shape into a full sphere.
High Top Fade With Curls
The high top fade stacks tall curls (four to five inches) over a very short fade that starts high on the sides. Best on 3C-4C coils. Ask for "scissor-shape the top into a flat or rounded silhouette, keep four inches, high skin fade." Styling: leave-in and curl cream on damp hair, pick to full height. See our wider curly haircuts guide for more high-top options.
Curly Faux Hawk
The curly faux hawk narrows the top strip without shaving the sides, so you keep the option to slick down. Suits 2C-3C curl. Ask for "scissor-cut, three to four inches down the center, tapered scissor blend on the sides, no clipper line." Styling: cream first, then a firm paste worked up the center strip with fingertips.
Curly Pompadour
The curly pompadour sweeps a tall front section back and up. Great for 2C-3B. Adds retro edge to any of the curly hairstyles for men covered above. Ask for "scissor-cut, four to five inches at the front grading shorter to the crown, low or mid fade on the sides." Styling: curl cream and mousse in the front, diffuse up and back, finish with a light hold spray.
The Most Attractive Curly Hairstyles For Men
The strongest curly styles right now: the textured crew cut, long curly fringe, short curls with a burst fade, brushed-back curls, curly mohawk, loose parted curls, modern mullet, blowout fade, medium tousled curls, and the middle-parted look. Each one shapes the curl instead of hiding it.
Build a routine that supports the cut. Sulfate-free wash. Rich conditioner every wash. Leave-in for hydration. Curl cream for definition. A light mousse or gel if you need day-long hold. See more curly haircut inspiration on our Pinterest.
Curly Hair Style Men Tips
Four rules keep curly hair looking its best.
- Wash less, condition more. Shampoo two or three times a week with a sulfate-free formula. Condition every wash and every rinse-only day. Deep-condition once a week to reset moisture and stop the ends from going brittle.
- Cut with scissors only. Insist your barber puts the thinning shears down and swaps the razor for point-cutting. Scissor work keeps the cuticle intact, and an intact cuticle is what holds curl definition.
- Product order matters. Leave-in first, curl cream second, gel or mousse third if you need extra hold. Apply everything to soaking-wet hair, not damp. Scrunch upward, do not rake down.
- Dry hands-off. Either air-dry or diffuse on low heat and low speed with the bowl cupping the roots. Touching wet curls breaks the clump. Once the curl is set, a pick lifts the roots without disturbing the pattern.
What's The Easiest Curly Haircut To Maintain For Guys?
The lowest-effort curly cut is a short crew cut or a buzz over tapered sides. The barber does the shaping, so your morning routine drops to leave-in and go. If you want more length, the broccoli cut and short textured crop both hold shape between washes as long as the sides stay fresh. Book a fade touch-up every three to four weeks and a full cut every six.
FAQs - Curly Hairstyles Men's
What is the most attractive long curly hairstyle for men?
Brushed-back curls, long messy curls with a beard, and loose swept-back waves top the list. All three showcase real curl pattern without looking overdone, and all three depend on scissor-cut internal layers to move properly.
How can men reduce frizz in long curly hair?
Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo. Condition every wash. Apply a leave-in on damp hair. Dry with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt - never a terry towel. Touch the curl as little as possible while it dries.
What products work best for long curly hairstyles?
A layered kit: sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, a leave-in spray, a curl cream, and either a light gel or mousse for hold. A finishing oil tames flyaways once the curl is fully set.
Should curly hair be air-dried or diffused?
Both work. Air-drying gives softer, looser curl and takes thirty to sixty minutes. Diffusing on low heat with the bowl cupping the roots builds more lift and finishes faster. Keep the heat setting low - too hot and you dry the strand out from the inside.
How often should guys with long curly hair trim it?
Every eight to twelve weeks. Long curls need less frequent cuts than short shapes, but split ends spread fast on curly hair. Trim before you see damage, not after.
What haircut is best for low-maintenance curly hair?
Short crew cut fades, buzz cuts, and short textured crops need the least daily effort. All three depend on the barber's shape, so book a fade touch-up every three to four weeks to keep the outline sharp.
How do I keep long curls looking defined all day?
Apply curl cream to soaking-wet hair. Let it dry undisturbed. Leave the curls alone until you need to refresh. A curl refresher spray, or a spritz of water plus a pea of cream, brings day-two curl back without a full wash.
Is long curly hair men look professional?
Yes. A side part, a brushed-back shape, or a low ponytail all read polished. The trick is a clean cut with tapered edges and a consistent product routine. Unkempt reads unprofessional, not length.
Final Thoughts
Curly hair rewards patience. Find a barber who leads with scissors. Learn your curl type. Build a routine of leave-in, curl cream, and low-heat drying. Any of the 40 shapes above will work when you match it to your pattern and your face shape - and when you say "no thinning shears, no razor" the moment you sit down.
