Curly Hairstyles for Men :30 Modern Styles for a Sharp Looks

Curly hairstyles for men work with a natural curl pattern instead of against it, using cuts like tapers, fades, and layered crops to control volume while keeping definition. The best styles are chosen by curl type and face shape, then finished with the right cream, mousse, or gel to fight frizz and hold shape all day.

Curly Hairstyles for Men require a haircut that works with your natural curl pattern, not against it. Many men have experienced a haircut that looked great in the barber’s chair but became bulky or uneven once their curls settled at home.

Curly Hairstyle Comparison Table

Use this Curly Hairstyle Comparison Table to compare the best Curly Hairstyles for Men based on hair type, face shape, maintenance, and styling time. It makes it easier to find a curly hairstyle that matches your look, lifestyle, and daily grooming routine.

Curly Hairstyles for Men based on hair type

This Curly Hairstyle Comparison Table helps you compare the best Curly Hairstyles for Men based on hair type, face shape, maintenance, and styling time. Use it to find a curly hairstyle that suits your natural curl pattern, complements your features, and fits your daily routine.

Classic Curly Crop

Overview: Short on the sides with curls left slightly longer on top, this is the most versatile curly cut on the lista clean, everyday shape that lets natural curl pattern show without extra bulk.

Why It Works: Best suited to loose to medium curls and flatters oval or square faces, since the tapered sides keep the silhouette balanced instead of letting curls widen the face.

Styling Tip: Apply a curl cream to damp hair and scrunch upward, then let curls air-dry for natural definition without frizz.

Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks to keep the taper clean, since curly hair hides growth less than people expect once it dries. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Fringe with Taper Fade

Overview: A fuller curly fringe falls forward over the forehead while a clean taper fade handles the sides, giving sharp contrast between structured sides and loose curl texture up top.

Why It Works: Springy, well-defined curls hold the fringe shape best, and this style flatters round or oval faces by adding forward volume that breaks up roundness.

Styling Tip: Diffuse curls on low heat while scrunching upward, then twist the fringe forward with a small amount of curl gel for hold.

Maintenance: The fade needs a refresh every 3-4 weeks, though the curls on top can go longer between full haircuts. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Undercut Hairstyle

Overview: A hard undercut shaves the sides down while the top is left long enough for curls to bounce freely, creating strong contrast between the buzzed sides and full curl volume.

Why It Works: Thick, well-defined curls carry this contrast best, and it flatters oval or square faces since the disconnection draws the eye upward and keeps the sides from crowding the face.

Styling Tip: Work a leave-in conditioner through damp curls first, then follow with a curl-defining gel to lock in shape as it air-dries.

Maintenance: The undercut line needs edging every 3-4 weeks even when the curls on top are left to grow longer. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Quiff

Overview: Curls are swept up and back at the front to build height, while the sides stay shorter and tapered, giving a polished shape that still shows off natural texture.

Why It Works: Springy curls with some length hold the swept-back shape well, and this style suits oval or heart-shaped faces by adding vertical height at the front.

Styling Tip: Apply a styling cream to damp curls and use a wide-tooth comb to direct curls upward and back before air-drying or diffusing.

Maintenance: Trims every 5 weeks keep the front curls at the right length to hold the quiff shape without flopping forward. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Pompadour Haircut

Overview: This takes the quiff’s height further, building significant volume and lift at the front with curls styled back into a rounded, structured shape rather than a loose sweep.

Why It Works: Thick, springy curls with real length provide the volume needed here, and it works especially well on oval or long faces that can carry the added height.

Styling Tip: Blow-dry curls upward using a round brush or diffuser, then set with a strong-hold pomade to lock the structured shape in place.

Maintenance: This is one of the higher-effort styles daily, and the length up front needs trimming every 5-6 weeks to maintain the shape. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Low Taper Curly Fade

Overview: The taper starts low near the ears, blending gently into fuller curls on top, making this one of the most forgiving and universally wearable curly cuts.

Why It Works: Works with nearly any curl pattern and flatters almost every face shape, since the low taper avoids sharp contrast that could overwhelm smaller features.

Styling Tip: A lightweight curl mousse applied to damp hair adds hold without the heaviness some creams can bring to finer curls.

Maintenance: This taper grows out gracefully, so trims every 6-8 weeks are enough to keep it looking sharp. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Top High Fade Curly Hairstyles for Men

Overview: The fade climbs high up the sides, creating sharp contrast against a full, rounded dome of curls left long on top for maximum texture display.

Why It Works: Thick or coily curls show off the fade line most dramatically, and round or square faces benefit from the added height and definition.

Styling Tip: Use a curl-defining cream and diffuse on low heat, lifting at the roots for volume that balances the closely faded sides.

Maintenance: High fades need touch-ups every 3 weeks to keep the line crisp as the sides fill back in. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Afro Black Men

Overview: Natural curl volume is left full and round rather than tapered down, celebrating coily texture at its fullest instead of cutting it back.

Why It Works: Built specifically for coily or kinky curl patterns and flatters round or oval faces by adding height and fullness that balances facial width.

Styling Tip: Apply a curl butter to damp hair and pick out gently at the roots for shape without disturbing curl definition.

Maintenance: Shape-ups every 6-8 weeks maintain the round silhouette without cutting into the length that defines this style. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Tapered Afro Haircut Male

Overview: A gentler alternative to the full afro, this style tapers the sides down while keeping a rounded curl shape on top, offering more polish for work or formal settings.

Why It Works: Suits coily or kinky hair and works well on oval or square faces, since the tapered sides keep the fuller top from overwhelming a narrower jaw.

Styling Tip: Use a lightweight curl cream and a wide-tooth pick to shape curls without weighing them down.

Maintenance: Trims every 4-5 weeks keep the taper distinct from the fuller top section. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Mohawk

Overview: Sides are shaved or faded down close, leaving a strip of full curls down the center that stands upright, making this the boldest style on this list.

Why It Works: Thick, springy curls hold this shape best, and it flatters oval or diamond faces by adding dramatic height through the center.

Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold curl gel and lift the center strip with a diffuser on low heat for maximum height.

Maintenance: This is a high-commitment style requiring fade touch-ups every 2-3 weeks to keep the shaved sides sharp. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Man Bun

Overview: Longer curls are gathered up and tied back, keeping curls off the face and neck while showing off length that’s been grown out over time.

Why It Works: Requires longer, looser curls to tie back comfortably and works on any face shape since the style sits above the hairline rather than framing it.

Styling Tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner before tying back to reduce frizz and breakage at the hairline.

Maintenance: Occasional trims every 8-10 weeks keep ends healthy without sacrificing the length needed for the bun. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Long Curly Layers

Overview: Length is kept throughout with soft layering to reduce bulk, letting curls fall naturally around the face instead of sitting in one dense mass.

Why It Works: Loose to medium curls layer most smoothly, and this style flatters oval or long faces since the framing softens angular features.

Styling Tip: Scrunch a sea salt spray or curl cream into damp hair and let it air-dry for natural movement without heat damage.

Maintenance: Layers need reshaping every 8 weeks to keep the framing effect from growing into one flat length. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Mullet

Overview: Curls are left longer at the back while the sides taper down, blending the trend-forward mullet silhouette with natural curl texture up top and out back.

Why It Works: Springy or loose curls give this style the most natural volume, and it flatters round or oval faces since the added height balances facial width.

Styling Tip: Apply a curl-defining cream and diffuse on low heat, focusing extra product on the longer back section to control frizz.

Maintenance: Trims every 5-6 weeks keep the length contrast between sides and back looking intentional. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Wolf Cut

Overview: Choppy layers stack on top for volume while feathered curl ends extend toward the back, combining shag texture with a mullet-inspired silhouette.

Why It Works: Springy curls with natural body suit this shape best, flattering oval or heart-shaped faces by adding width at the crown.

Styling Tip: Diffuse curls upside down briefly for root lift, then finish with a texture spray for separation between curl clumps.

Maintenance: The layered structure needs reshaping every 6 weeks to keep the choppy top from flattening out. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Shag Haircut Men

Overview: Heavy layering throughout gives curls a loose, feathered shag quality, letting natural texture do most of the styling work with minimal effort.

Why It Works: Loose to medium curls carry the layered shag shape best, flattering round or oval faces by breaking up density and adding movement.

Styling Tip: Air-dry with a curl cream scrunched through damp hair for an undone, natural finish with no blow dryer needed.

Maintenance: Because it’s built on layers rather than a defined line, this style tolerates 8+ weeks between trims. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Caesar Cut

Overview: A short, uniform length across the top with curls pushed forward into a horizontal fringe, keeping this cut clean, low-maintenance, and easy to grow into repeatedly.

Why It Works: Tight, springy curls hold the short forward shape well, and this style flatters oval or square faces by adding a clean line across the forehead.

Styling Tip: Apply a small amount of curl cream and press curls forward with fingers rather than a comb, which can disrupt curl clumping.

Maintenance: One of the lowest-maintenance cuts here, needing trims only every 6-7 weeks since the uniform length grows out evenly. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Crew Cut

Overview: A classic crew cut adapted for curls, with short tapered sides and slightly longer curls left on top for texture rather than a flat crop.

Why It Works: Works across nearly any curl type and flatters round or square faces by keeping the overall silhouette close and neat.

Styling Tip: A dab of matte curl paste is usually enough to define texture without adding shine or weight.

Maintenance: This cut is easy to maintain, holding its shape well for 5-6 weeks between trims. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Side Part Men

Overview: A defined side part brings structure to curly hair, dividing curls to one side for a polished shape that reads more formal than most curly styles.

Why It Works: Loose curls take a side part most naturally, and this style suits oval or long faces particularly well by adding visual balance.

Styling Tip: Apply a styling cream to damp hair and comb the part in while curls are still wet, letting them set as they air-dry.

Maintenance: Trims every 5-6 weeks maintain the part’s definition as curls grow past the divide. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Comb Over

Overview: Curls on top are combed to one side over a tapered or faded side section, giving a sharp, directional shape that still shows off natural curl texture.

Why It Works: Loose to springy curls sweep over most cleanly, and this style flatters oval or square faces thanks to its diagonal, elongating line.

Styling Tip: Use a light-hold gel on damp curls and comb them over in the direction you want them to dry.

Maintenance: The faded side needs a refresh every 3-4 weeks, while the swept-over top can go slightly longer. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Bro Flow

Overview: Medium-length curls are left to flow naturally back from the face with minimal layering, creating a relaxed, athletic look that needs little daily effort.

Why It Works: Loose curls with natural movement suit this style best, flattering oval or heart-shaped faces by keeping curls off the forehead.

Styling Tip: Scrunch a lightweight mousse into damp curls and let them air-dry for natural hold without stiffness.

Maintenance: This low-effort style holds its shape well for 6-7 weeks between trims. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Buzz Fade

Overview: Hair is buzzed short and uniform all over with a fade at the sides, keeping just enough length for coily or kinky texture to show through as subtle waves.

Why It Works: Best suited to coily or kinky curls that hold shape even at very short lengths, and flatters round or square faces by adding clean definition.

Styling Tip: A small amount of curl cream rubbed through damp hair keeps the short texture defined rather than flat.

Maintenance: This is one of the easiest styles to maintain, needing a refresh every 2-3 weeks to keep the buzzed length even. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly French Crop

Overview: The classic blunt French crop fringe is adapted for curls, keeping the top short and textured with curls pressed forward rather than swept back.

Why It Works: Tight, springy curls hold the blunt fringe shape best, and this style works well on square or round faces by adding a defined line at the forehead.

Styling Tip: Use a matte curl paste on the fringe only, pressing forward for a textured, piece-y finish.

Maintenance: Low-fuss overall, with trims needed every 6 weeks to keep the fringe from growing past the eyebrows. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Faux Hawk

Overview: Rather than shaving the sides fully, this style uses product to push curls into a faux hawk shape at the center while the sides stay shorter but not shaved.

Why It Works: Thick, springy curls hold the styled center ridge best, and oval or square faces suit the added height well.

Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold curl gel, pinching curls upward at the center while diffusing to build the ridge.

Maintenance: Because the shape comes from styling rather than cutting, trims every 6 weeks are enough to maintain it. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Disconnected Undercut

Overview: A hard line separates completely shaved or very short sides from a full curly top, with no blending between the two lengths for maximum contrast.

Why It Works: Thick or coily curls carry the strong disconnection best, and oval or square faces suit the sharp shape without it looking too severe.

Styling Tip: Style the top with curl-defining gel for hold, keeping the shaved sides product-free to preserve the crisp line.

Maintenance: The disconnection needs edging every 3 weeks, even though the top can be left to grow for longer stretches. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Perm for Straight Hair

Overview: A chemical perm adds curl and volume to naturally straight or fine hair, giving guys without natural texture the fuller, curl-forward look on this list.

Why It Works: Designed specifically for straight or fine hair that lacks natural texture, and works well on round or oval faces thanks to the added volume.

Styling Tip: Use a curl cream on damp hair post-perm to enhance definition without disrupting the curl pattern.

Maintenance: Perms need a touch-up every 3-4 months, with regular trims every 6 weeks in between to keep the shape fresh. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Top with Full Beard

Overview: Any curly cut from this list, paired with a full, well-groomed beard, using facial hair to balance volume on top with structure at the jaw.

Why It Works: Works across all curl types and is particularly strong on square or oval faces, since the beard adds weight at the jaw that balances curl volume up top.

Styling Tip: Use a beard oil daily to keep facial hair soft and matched in shine to the curl cream used on top.

Maintenance: Trim the beard weekly to keep its shape sharp alongside the curly cut’s 5-6 week haircut schedule. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Middle Part

Overview: Curls are parted down the center and allowed to fall evenly to either side, framing the face symmetrically instead of sweeping in one direction.

Why It Works: Loose curls part most naturally down the center, and this style flatters oval or heart-shaped faces by softening the forehead on both sides.

Styling Tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner and curl cream to damp hair, parting with fingers rather than a comb to keep curl clumps intact.

Maintenance: Trims every 6-7 weeks keep both sides even as curls grow out from the center part. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Textured Crop

Overview: This combines the popular textured crop shape with natural curl texture, giving a choppy, piece-y top that tapers into shorter sides for a clean finish.

Why It Works: Springy curls hold the choppy texture best, and the cropped shape works well on round or square faces by adding forward movement.

Styling Tip: Rub a texturizing curl powder between fingers and press into roots for lift without added shine.

Maintenance: This is one of the easiest curly cuts to maintain, since growing texture still looks intentional for 6-7 weeks. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Short Curly Crop for Receding Hairlines

Overview: Kept short all over with curls left just long enough to show texture, this cut minimizes the contrast between hairline and scalp that longer curls can highlight.

Why It Works: Works with any curl type and flatters oval or square faces especially well, since the short, even length draws less attention to a receding line.

Styling Tip: A small amount of matte curl cream defines texture without adding shine that can highlight scalp visibility.

Maintenance: This style is very low-maintenance, holding its shape for 4-5 weeks between trims. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Salt-and-Pepper Curly Crop

Overview: This variation embraces natural gray or salt-and-pepper curls instead of covering them, pairing a classic curly crop shape with an unforced, distinguished finish.

Why It Works: Works with any curl type and is especially flattering on oval or square faces, since gray curls often read as more mature without needing extra volume.

Styling Tip: A matte curl cream avoids the shine that can make gray curls look overly slick or dated.

Maintenance: Low-fuss overall, with trims every 6 weeks and no color upkeep required. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Other Hairstyle

Check out our guide to beard fade styles for ideas that complement textured curls and help complete your overall look.

Complete your curly look If you want to add a sharper finish to your curly hairstyles for men, explore our guide to high fade haircuts for men.

If you’re enjoying these Curly Hairstyles for Men, take a look at our guide to warrior haircuts for men. Warrior-inspired styles combine bold texture, longer lengths, and confident styling, making them a great option for men who want a distinctive look that pairs well with naturally curly hair.

Looking for more hairstyle inspiration beyond Curly Hairstyles for Men. Explore our guide to spiky hairstyles for men for fresh ideas that emphasize texture, volume, and a modern finish. Whether you prefer a relaxed or bold appearance, these styles offer another great way to upgrade your look.

How to Choose the Right Hairstyle

Picking the right curly hairstyle comes down to matching the cut to your curl pattern and face shape rather than copying whatever a celebrity is wearing.

By Curl Type:

• Loose curls (2A-2C): Handle sweeping shapes well try the Curly Side Part or Long Curly Layers, since the looser pattern falls naturally into these directions.
• Springy, well-defined curls (3A-3B): These curls hold structured shapes best the Curly Quiff or Curly Pompadour both rely on that bounce and definition.
• Coily, tight curls (3C-4A): Volume is the strength here the Curly Afro or Tapered Afro let that natural fullness shine.
• Kinky, coarse curls (4B-4C): Short, defined cuts work best the Curly Buzz Fade or Curly Caesar Cut keep texture clean without needing daily detangling.

By Face Shape:

• Oval faces: Most versatile nearly every style on this list works, including the Classic Curly Crop and Curly Side Part.
• Round faces: Look for added height and tapered sides, like the High Fade Curly Top or Curly Afro, to elongate the face.
• Square faces: Softer, rounded options like the Curly Textured Crop or Curly Caesar Cut balance strong jaw angles.
• Long faces: Volume at the sides rather than height works better try the Curly Middle Part or Long Curly Layers.

How to Ask Your Barber

Curly hair gets butchered more often than any other type simply because the wrong words get used at the chair. Use these six tips to get it right:

• Bring a reference photo of your exact curl pattern, not just a style you like on someone with different hair
• Ask your barber to cut curls dry, or at least check the shape dry before finishing, since curls shrink and shift once they’re cut wet
• Specify the fade or taper level (low, mid, high, or skin) rather than leaving it to guesswork
• Mention your daily styling routine so your barber can shape the top to match your effort level
• Ask about layering versus bulk removal, since curly hair often needs thinning rather than simple length reduction
• Confirm your maintenance schedule preference, since some curly cuts need trims every 3 weeks and others can wait 8

Product Recommendations

• Curl Cream Best For: Defining curl clumps on loose to springy curl types without heaviness How To Use: Apply to soaking-wet hair, scrunching upward from the ends toward the roots
• Curl Gel Best For: Strong hold on springy or coily curls prone to frizz How To Use: Rake through wet hair section by section, then scrunch to encourage clumping
• Diffuser Attachment Best For: All curl types wanting faster drying without disrupting curl pattern How To Use: Cup curls into the diffuser bowl on low heat and low speed, drying in sections
• Leave-In Conditioner Best For: Coily or kinky hair prone to dryness and shrinkage How To Use: Apply to damp hair before any styling product to lock in moisture
• Shampoo Best For: All curl types, ideally a sulfate-free formula that won’t strip natural curl oils How To Use: Use 2-3 times weekly to avoid over-drying, focusing on the scalp rather than the lengths
• Curl Butter Best For: Thick, coily, or kinky curls needing extra moisture and definition How To Use: Warm a small amount between palms and work through damp hair from ends to roots

Final Thoughts

Curly Hairstyles for Men are some of the most versatile styles a barber can create when the haircut is designed to enhance your natural curl pattern. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance Curly Crew Cut or a bold Curly Pompadour, there’s a style to suit your curl type, face shape, and daily styling routine.

To get the best results, bring a specific Curly Hairstyles for Men inspiration photo to your next barber appointment. Ask about dry cutting, layering, and the right products to keep your curls defined, healthy, and easy to manage every day.

FAQs