Curly hair can feel like a daily battle. One day it looks great, the next it’s a frizzy mess.
What people fail to learn after years of trial and error. Your curls aren’t the problem. The styling approach is.
Most men with curly hair simply don’t know which styles work best for their curl type.
This blog covers practical curly hair styles for men that actually work. Just simple styles that make your curls look their best.
You will see ideas for all short, medium, and long curly hairstyles for men. No complicated routines or expensive products needed.
The Importance of Knowing Your Curl Type
Before you pick a hairstyle, you need to know what you’re working with. Curls come in different patterns, and each one behaves differently.
- Type 2 waves are loose and S-shaped. They’re the easiest to manage.
- Type 3 curls are springy and form tight spirals. They need more moisture.
- Type 4 coils are the tightest and most prone to dryness.
The style that works for wavy hair won’t work for coily hair.
You’ll waste time and money trying the wrong techniques. Know your curl type first, then choose styles that complement it.
Curly Hair Styles for Men – Ideas and Inspos
Here are curly hair men’s styles that work for different curl types and lengths. Pick what suits your lifestyle and hair texture.
Short Curly Hair Styles for Men
Short curly hairstyles for men are low-maintenance and look sharp. These styles keep your curls under control with the tiniest effort.
1. The Tight Fade with Curly Top
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This style keeps the sides clean while letting your curls shine on top. The fade adds structure.
Ask your barber for a high or mid fade, and keep at least two inches of length up top. It works for all curl types.
2. Short Curly Afro
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A classic that never goes out of style. Keep your curls trimmed to a uniform length of about 1 to 2 inches all around.
Use a pick to shape it. This style works best for Type 4 coils and gives you a clean, rounded look.
3. Curly Buzz Cut
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You can buzz curly hair. Keep it at a number 3 or 4 guard.
Your curls will still show texture, but stay very short. This is perfect if you want the tiniest styling time and a fresh look every day.
4. Textured Crop
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The crop is big right now. Keep the top short and textured, with a blunt fringe.
Your curls add natural volume. The sides can be faded or kept short. Use a light styling cream to define the curls without making them stiff.
5. Short Curly Quiff
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Lift the front curls up and back for a modern quiff. You’ll need about two to three inches on top.
Use a blow dryer with a diffuser and a bit of mousse. The sides should be shorter to make the top stand out.
6. Curly Side Part
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Part your curls on one side for a polished look. Keep the hair short to medium length.
This style works well for Type 2 and Type 3 curls. Use a comb while your hair is wet to set the part.
7. Short Curly Mohawk
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Keep the sides very short or shaved, and leave a strip of curls down the middle. The curls on top should be two to four inches long. This gives you an edgy look without going full punk.
8. Tapered Curls
Credit: Modern Gentleman Magazine
A taper gradually shortens your hair from top to bottom. Your curls stay fuller on top and get shorter toward the neckline.
This creates a clean, professional shape. It’s less dramatic than a fade but still structured.
9. Curly Crew Cut
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The crew cut works great with curls. Keep the top about 1 to 2 inches and fade the sides.
Your curls will add texture to this military-inspired style. It’s practical and looks good in any setting.
10. Short Curly Fringe
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Let your curls fall forward onto your forehead. Keep the length short, around two inches.
The fringe should cover part of your forehead but not your eyes. This style is casual and youthful.
11. Curly High Top
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Think flat top but with curls. The sides are cut very short, and the top is left tall and flat across. You’ll need at least three inches of length on top. Use a pick to maintain the height and shape.
12. Short Ringlets
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If you have tight Type 3 curls, let them form natural ringlets. Keep the length short, around two to three inches.
Use a curl-defining cream to make each ringlet pop. The sides can be faded for contrast.
13. Curly Temple Fade
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This fade focuses on the temples, creating a sharp line. The top keeps your natural curl length.
It’s a subtle way to add structure without taking away too much length. Works well for professional settings.
14. Short Curly Undercut
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The undercut keeps the sides and back very short or shaved. The top has all the length and curl volume.
You can push the curls back, to the side, or let them fall naturally. Very trendy right now.
15. Messy Short Curls
Credit: Modern Gentleman Magazine
Don’t overthink it. Keep your curls short and let them do their thing. Use a light product to prevent frizz, but don’t try to control every curl.
This style looks effortless and works for casual settings.
Medium Curly Hair Styles for Men
Medium length gives you more styling options. Your curls have room to form their natural pattern.
16. Medium Curly Shag
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The shag has layers throughout. It adds movement and prevents your hair from looking too heavy.
Ask for layers that start around ear level. This style works for all curl types and looks relaxed.
17. Curly Man Bun
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Pull your curls back into a bun at the crown or back of your head. You’ll need at least six inches of length. Leave some curls loose around your face for a softer look. Great for hot weather.
18. Medium Length Loose Curls
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Let your Type 2 waves hang naturally. Keep the length around four to six inches. Use a sea salt spray for texture.
This style is beachy and laid-back.
19. Shoulder Length Curls
Credit: Modern Gentleman Magazine
Grow your curls to shoulder length for maximum impact. You’ll need regular trims to prevent split ends.
Use a leave-in conditioner to keep them healthy. This length makes a statement and shows off your curl pattern.
20. Curly Mid Fade
Credit: Mayte Forment
The fade starts around the middle of your head. The top has medium-length curls, around three to five inches. This balances the fade with enough curl volume on top.
It’s clean but not too short.
21. Half-Up Curly Style
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Tie the top half of your curls up, and let the bottom half hang. You’ll need at least five inches of length.
This keeps hair off your face while showing off your curls. Use a small hair tie.
22. Curly Pompadour
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Sweep your curls up and back for a voluminous pomp. You’ll need four to six inches on top.
Use a strong-hold product and blow-dry with a diffuser. The sides should be shorter for contrast.
23. Medium Curly Fringe
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Let your curls fall onto your forehead with more length than the short version. Keep them around three to five inches.
Part them in the middle or sweep them to one side. This looks youthful and stylish.
24. Tousled Medium Curls
Credit: Modern Gentleman Magazine
Scrunch your curls with your hands after applying product. Don’t comb or brush them. This creates a tousled, lived-in look.
It’s perfect for Type 2 and Type 3 curls.
25. Curly Mullet
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Yes, the mullet is back. Keep the top and sides medium length, and let the back grow longer. Your curls add texture to this retro style.
It’s bold and not for everyone.
26. Side-Swept Curls
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Push all your curls to one side. You’ll need a medium length, around 4 to 6 inches.
Use a light gel to hold them in place. This asymmetrical look is modern and different.
27. Medium Curly Top Knot
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Gather your curls into a knot on top of your head. Similar to a man bun but positioned higher. You’ll need at least six inches of length.
The sides can be any length you prefer.
28. Defined Medium Curls
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Use a curl cream to define each curl. Don’t brush or comb after applying the product.
Let your curls air dry or use a diffuser. This style showcases your natural curl pattern beautifully.
29. Curly Wolf Cut
Credit: Katelynn
The wolf cut combines shag layers with a mullet shape. It’s choppy and textured.
The top is shorter, and the back is longer. Your curls add to the wild, untamed look.
Long Curly Hair Styles for Men
Long curly hair takes commitment. But if you’re willing to put in the care, these styles look incredible.
30. Long Flowing Curls
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Let your curls grow past your shoulders and flow naturally. You’ll need a solid hair care routine. Deep condition weekly and use a wide-tooth comb. This style is bold and makes a strong impression.
31. Curly Ponytail
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Pull your long curls back into a low or high ponytail. You’ll need at least eight inches of length.
Some face-framing curls can be left out. Simple but effective for keeping hair out of your face.
32. Long Curly Layers
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Add layers to prevent your long curls from looking triangular. Layers create shape and movement.
Ask your stylist for long layers that start below your chin. This prevents the bottom-heavy look.
33. Long Curls with Bandana
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Use a bandana to push your curls back. Tie it around your head like a headband. Your curls cascade behind it.
This adds a bohemian vibe and keeps hair off your forehead.
34. Long Curly Hair Down
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Sometimes, simple is best. Wear your long curls loose and down. Make sure they’re well-moisturized and defined. Use an oil on the ends to prevent dryness.
Let your curls be the main focus.
35. Braided Long Curls
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Braid sections of your curls. You can do one braid down the back or multiple smaller braids.
This protects your hair and looks stylish. Works especially well for Type 4 coils.
36. Long Curls with Undercut
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Shave or buzz the sides and back, but keep the top long. Your curls on top can be eight inches or more.
The contrast between the short sides and the long top is dramatic and eye-catching.
37. Long Curly Bun
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Pile all your long curls into a bun. It can be messy or neat. You’ll need at least ten inches of length.
This is practical for work or workouts while still looking put together.
38. Center Part Long Curls
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Part your long curls down the middle. Let them fall evenly on both sides of your face. This creates a symmetrical, balanced look.
39. Long Curly Dreadlocks
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If you have Type 3 or Type 4 curls, consider locs. They’re formed by letting your hair mat and lock naturally or through techniques like twisting.
This is a long-term commitment but creates a unique style.
40. Long Curls with Highlights
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Add some color to your long curls. Highlights or balayage can add dimension.
Choose colors that complement your skin tone. This improves your curl pattern and adds visual interest.
41. Long Curly Half Braid
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Braid only the top section of your hair, leaving the rest down. You’ll need at least eight inches.
This style combines the practicality of a braid with the fullness of loose curls below.
Tips for Managing Curly Hair
- Wash your hair only two to three times a week to avoid drying out your curls.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo because sulfates strip the natural oils your curls need.
- Apply products to soaking wet hair for better absorption and curl definition.
- Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to dry your hair instead of regular towels.
- Never brush dry curls because it causes frizz and breaks the curl pattern.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb in the shower while conditioner is in your hair.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz overnight.
- Get regular trims every six to eight weeks to remove split ends and keep curls healthy.
- Deep condition once a week to keep your curls moisturized and manageable
Final Thoughts
You have seen the best curly hair styles for men, options for every length and curl type.
Shortcuts that keep things simple. Medium styles that give you flexibility. Long hair that makes a statement. Work with your curls, not against them. Find your curl type first.
Pick a style that fits your lifestyle. Follow the basic care tips shared.
They won’t look exactly like anyone else’s, and that’s the point. Stop trying to make them behave like straight hair.
