9 Best Curly Hairstyles for Men to Try Right Now

Men with curly hair spend an average of 40% more time trying to tame their texture than men with straight hair — yet curly styles consistently rank among the most searched men’s grooming topics in 2026. That’s a massive opportunity hiding in plain sight. If you’ve been fighting your curls instead of working with them, this guide is your turning point.

The 9 best curly hairstyles for men to try right now cover everything from low-maintenance fades to bold statement looks. Whether your curls are tight coils, loose waves, or somewhere in between, there’s a style here that fits your face shape, lifestyle, and skill level. Let’s break them all down.

Key Takeaways 🔑

• Curly hair is an asset, not a problem — the right cut amplifies your natural texture instead of fighting it.
• Fades and tapers are the most versatile tools for managing curly hair at the sides while letting the top shine.
• Proper product use (curl jelly, diffusers, curl-defining shampoo) makes or breaks any curly style.
• Face shape matters — certain styles flatter oval faces, while others work better for square or round faces.
• Low-maintenance styles like the crew cut and tapered curls are perfect for beginners; advanced styles like the pompadour reward extra effort.

Why Curly Hair Is Having Its Biggest Moment Yet

Before diving into the list, it’s worth understanding why curly men’s hairstyles are dominating barbershop conversations in 2026. Social media has shifted grooming culture dramatically. Men are embracing their natural texture rather than suppressing it with heavy pomades or flat irons. Barbers are training specifically in curl-cutting techniques. And product brands are finally formulating for men’s curly hair needs.

“The best haircut for curly hair isn’t the one that controls it — it’s the one that celebrates it.”

This cultural shift means more style options than ever before. The 9 best curly hairstyles for men to try right now reflect this evolution, blending classic barbershop techniques with modern texture-forward thinking.

The 9 Best Curly Hairstyles for Men to Try Right Now

1. Tapered Curls

Best for: All curl types | Maintenance level: Low to medium

Tapered curls have grown steadily in popularity over the last five years and show absolutely no sign of declining [2]. The reason is simple: this style pairs clean, polished lines at the sides with the full, natural texture of your curls on top.

A taper differs from a fade in that it gradually reduces hair length rather than blending down to skin. This creates a softer, more natural transition that suits both professional environments and casual settings.

How to style it:

• Apply a lightweight curl cream to damp hair
• Scrunch upward from the ends toward the roots
• Air dry or use a diffuser on low heat
• Finish with a light-hold gel for definition

Face shapes it suits: Oval, oblong, diamond

2. Crew Cut with Curls ✂️

Best for: Tight to medium curls | Maintenance level: Low

The crew cut is one of the most popular and attractive curly men’s hairstyles, noted for being easy to get and effortless to style [3]. It keeps hair short all over while leaving just enough length on top to show off your curl pattern.

This is the go-to starter style for men who are new to embracing their curls. It’s clean, versatile, and works in nearly every setting — from the office to the gym.

Pro tip: Ask your barber for a “textured crew cut” to ensure they understand you want your curl pattern preserved, not cut away.

3. Curly Pompadour 🔥

Best for: Loose to medium curls | Maintenance level: Medium to high

The curly pompadour combines serious volume on top with shorter, cleaner sides for a bold, statement-making look [1]. It’s one of the most eye-catching styles on this list and works especially well for men who want their hair to be a defining feature of their appearance.

The key to pulling off a curly pompadour is volume management. Too little and the style falls flat; too much and it loses its shape.

How to achieve it:

1. Start with freshly washed, damp hair
2. Apply a volumizing mousse from roots to mid-lengths
3. Use a wide-tooth comb to direct hair upward and back
4. Scrunch the top section to encourage curl formation
5. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to lock in the shape

Face shapes it suits: Round, square (adds height to balance width)

4. Tight Curl Fade

Best for: Tight coils and kinky curls | Maintenance level: Medium

The tight curl fade features short, tapered sides with longer curls on top, emphasizing natural curl patterns while maintaining a polished, structured appearance [4]. This style is particularly powerful for men with Type 3 or Type 4 curl patterns.

The fade can be customized — low, mid, or high — depending on how dramatic a contrast you want between the sides and the top.

“A well-executed tight curl fade is one of the most technically impressive cuts in barbering — and one of the most flattering for natural curl texture.”

Fade options:

• Low fade: Subtle, professional, great for offices
• Mid fade: Balanced, works for most settings
• High fade: Bold, modern, best for casual or creative environments

5. Heavy Fringe with Curls

Best for: Loose to medium curls | Maintenance level: Medium

A heavy fringe (or curtain fringe) with curly hair creates a romantic, effortless aesthetic that’s been surging in popularity [3]. The curls naturally soften the fringe, preventing it from looking too blunt or severe.

This style works best when the fringe falls just above or at the eyebrows, with the rest of the hair kept at a medium length to balance the front weight.

Styling tips:

• Use a curl-defining cream to shape the fringe while damp
• Avoid blow-drying directly — use a diffuser instead
• Part the fringe slightly to the side for a more relaxed look
• Refresh with a water-based curl spray on day two

Face shapes it suits: Oval, heart, long/oblong (fringe shortens the face visually)

6. Slicked-Back Short Curly Hair

Best for: Loose waves and soft curls | Maintenance level: Low to medium

Slicked-back short curly hair provides a refined, elegant style suitable for day-to-night transitions [2]. This is the curly man’s answer to the classic slick back — and it works surprisingly well for formal occasions.

The secret is using a curl-enhancing cream (not a heavy wax or pomade) that provides definition and hold without weighing the curls down or making them look greasy.

Step-by-step styling:

1. Apply curl-enhancing cream to damp hair
2. Use your fingers (not a comb) to sweep hair back
3. Scrunch lightly to maintain curl definition
4. Allow to air dry or use a diffuser on the lowest setting
5. Finish with a small amount of lightweight serum for shine

This style transitions beautifully from a work meeting to a dinner date without needing a touch-up.

7. Short Messy Curls with Faded Sides 💈

Best for: All curl types | Maintenance level: Low

Short messy curls with faded sides are among the most popular and effortless styles available for curly-haired men [3]. The “messy” descriptor is actually a feature, not a flaw — this style is designed to look lived-in and natural.

The fade at the sides keeps the overall look sharp and intentional, so the messiness on top reads as stylish rather than unkempt.

Maintenance hack: This style actually looks better on day two or three, when the curls have relaxed slightly. A quick scrunch with a curl refresher spray is all you need.

8. High Volume Curls

Best for: Medium to loose curls | Maintenance level: Medium to high

High volume curls are the boldest style on this list and the one that requires the most intentional care routine. When done right, this look commands attention in the best possible way.

Achieving and maintaining high volume curls requires a specific approach [2]:

The care routine:

1. Wash with a curl-defining shampoo and conditioner
2. Apply a hydrating curl jelly to damp hair while scrunching upward
3. Dry using a hairdryer’s diffuser attachment on a low setting
4. Avoid touching the hair while it dries (this causes frizz)
5. Finish by gently separating curls with your fingers for maximum volume

“High volume curls are not a lazy style — they’re a commitment. But the payoff is a look that’s genuinely unforgettable.”

Products to look for: Curl jelly, hydrating conditioner, diffuser attachment, anti-frizz serum

9. Burst Fade Mohawk

Best for: Tight to medium curls | Maintenance level: Medium

The burst fade mohawk is the most daring and fashion-forward style on this list [3]. It combines the dramatic silhouette of a mohawk with the technical precision of a burst fade — where the fade curves around the ear in a semicircular pattern.

This style works particularly well for men with tighter curl patterns, as the curls on top create a natural, textured strip of height that looks intentional and bold.

Is it right for you?

• ✅ You want a head-turning, statement look
• ✅ You’re comfortable with regular barber visits (every 2–3 weeks)
• ✅ Your curl pattern is defined and consistent
• ❌ You need a conservative, office-friendly style
• ❌ You prefer low-maintenance grooming

Styling tip: Keep the top section moisturized with a curl cream daily to maintain definition and prevent the mohawk strip from looking dry or frizzy.

How to Care for Curly Hair: The Essentials

No matter which of the 9 best curly hairstyles for men to try right now you choose, the foundation is always the same: proper curl care. Here’s a quick-reference guide to the non-negotiables.

The Curly Hair Care Checklist ✅

Washing:

• Use a sulfate-free, curl-defining shampoo 2–3 times per week
• Always follow with a hydrating conditioner
• Consider a weekly deep conditioning treatment for tight curl patterns

Styling:

• Apply products to damp (not soaking wet) hair
• Scrunch upward — never rub or brush when wet
• Use a microfiber towel or old T-shirt to blot dry (regular towels cause frizz)

Drying:

• A diffuser attachment is your best friend [2]
• Always use low heat settings
• Avoid touching hair while it dries

Maintenance:

• Visit your barber every 3–6 weeks depending on your style
• Trim regularly to prevent split ends from traveling up the curl shaft
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz overnight

Choosing the Right Style for Your Face Shape

Not every curly style suits every face shape. Use this quick guide to narrow down your options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I get a haircut if I have curly hair?
Most curly styles look best with a trim every 4–6 weeks. Fade styles (tight curl fade, burst fade mohawk) need a touch-up every 2–3 weeks to keep the fade sharp.

Q: Can I use regular shampoo on curly hair?
Most standard shampoos contain sulfates that strip moisture from curly hair, leading to frizz and dryness. A sulfate-free, curl-specific formula is strongly recommended [2].

Q: What’s the single best product for men with curly hair?
A curl-defining cream or curl jelly is the most versatile product for most curl types. It provides hold, definition, and moisture without weighing curls down.

Q: Do I need a specialist barber for curly hair?
Ideally, yes. Look for a barber who advertises experience with textured or curly hair. A barber unfamiliar with curl patterns may cut your hair when it’s wet (which causes it to spring up shorter than expected when dry) [4].

Conclusion: Your Curls Are Your Superpower

The 9 best curly hairstyles for men to try right now prove one thing clearly: curly hair isn’t a challenge to overcome — it’s an advantage to leverage. From the low-maintenance crew cut to the bold burst fade mohawk, there’s a style that fits your personality, your lifestyle, and your curl type.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Identify your curl type (Type 2 = wavy, Type 3 = curly, Type 4 = coily) — this determines which styles will work best for you.
2. Choose one style from this list that matches your face shape and maintenance tolerance.
3. Book a consultation with a barber experienced in textured hair before committing to a cut.
4. Invest in three core products: a sulfate-free curl shampoo, a hydrating conditioner, and a curl jelly or cream.
5. Get a diffuser attachment for your hairdryer — it’s a game-changer for definition and volume.

Your curls have been waiting for this moment. Give them the cut and the care they deserve, and they’ll reward you with a look that’s genuinely, unmistakably yours.

References

[1] Rush Hair & Beauty – https://www.rush.co.uk/blog/hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men/73526

[2] Curly Hairstyles For Men – https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hairstyles/curly-hairstyles-for-men/

[3] Curly Hairstyles For Men – https://www.relentlessgrooming.com/blogs/hair/curly-hairstyles-for-men

[4] 10 Best Curly Hairstyles Haircuts Advice Tips For Men – https://peteandpedro.com/blogs/the-pedro-post/10-best-curly-hairstyles-haircuts-advice-tips-for-men