9 Handsome Long Curly Hairstyles for Men to Try This Year

Men with curly hair are more likely to feel frustrated with their locks than men with any other hair type — yet curly hair consistently ranks among the most admired textures in global style surveys. That gap between frustration and admiration is almost entirely a styling knowledge problem. The good news? It is completely fixable.

This guide covers the 9 handsome long curly hairstyles for men to try this year — each one chosen for its wearability, versatility, and undeniable visual impact in 2026. Whether your curls are loose and beachy or tight and voluminous, there is a style on this list built for your hair type.

Key Takeaways

• 🌀 Longer curls naturally drop, creating a looser, more relaxed curl pattern — a huge advantage for men who want low-maintenance texture [4]
• ✂️ The right cut matters as much as the right product — scissor cuts, undercuts, and one-length techniques produce very different results
• 💧 Universal styling rule: apply curl cream or mousse to damp hair, diffuse on low heat, and finish with a light-hold spray for definition without crunch [3]
• 🔄 Versatility is built in — most of these styles can be worn down, pulled back, or half-up depending on the occasion
• 🧴 Frizz control starts in the shower, not after — the products you use while hair is wet set the foundation for every style here [1]

Why Long Curly Hair Is Having a Major Moment in 2026

Long curly hair for men is no longer a niche aesthetic. From red carpets to boardrooms, textured length has become one of the defining grooming statements of the decade. Celebrities like Aaron Taylor-Johnson have brought swept-back, effortlessly cool curly styles into the mainstream [4], while the natural hair movement has encouraged men across all curl types to embrace — rather than fight — what grows out of their heads.

The science backs this up, too. Longer hair weighs down the curl, which means men who grow their curls out often discover a softer, more manageable wave pattern than they had at shorter lengths [4]. That is a counterintuitive but genuinely useful fact: growing your curls longer can actually make them easier to style.

“Longer curls tend to drop more, making them ideal for men seeking looser, more relaxed curl patterns.” — Man For Himself [4]

Understanding your curl type — whether Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), or Type 4 (coily) — is the first step toward choosing the right style from the list below [7]. Each of the 9 handsome long curly hairstyles for men to try this year includes notes on which curl types it suits best.

The 9 Handsome Long Curly Hairstyles for Men to Try This Year

1. Natural Flow Long Curls

Best for: Type 2–3 curls | Maintenance level: Low–Medium

The natural flow style is exactly what it sounds like: curls allowed to grow freely, maintaining length around the sides and back while falling with full movement and shape [1]. There is no aggressive layering, no dramatic fade — just clean, healthy curls doing what they do best.

How to style it:

• Blow-dry gently on the lowest heat setting using a diffuser attachment
• Apply a styling cream to damp hair, working it through from root to tip
• Scrunch upward as you diffuse to encourage curl formation
• Finish with a light-hold spray to control frizz [1]

This is the go-to style for men who want to look put-together without spending more than ten minutes on their hair. It works exceptionally well on medium-density hair with a natural curl pattern that does not need much coaxing.

2. Swept-Back Long Curly Style

Best for: Type 2 (loose waves to curls) | Maintenance level: Low

Made famous by Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s signature look, the swept-back style is the definition of relaxed cool [4]. The hair is cut to a single length using scissors — no razors, no thinning shears — and then simply swept away from the face using fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Key details:

• One-length scissor cut preserves curl integrity
• Works best on looser curl patterns (Type 2–3)
• Requires minimal product — a small amount of curl cream or even sea salt spray is enough
• Can transition easily from casual to semi-formal with a simple tuck behind the ears

This style is ideal for men who want a laid-back, effortless aesthetic without looking unkempt. The length creates natural movement, and the swept-back direction keeps hair out of the face without needing a tie or clip [4].

3. Long Curly Fringe with Short Sides

Best for: Type 3–4 curls | Maintenance level: Medium

If you want maximum visual impact, this is your style. The long curly fringe with short sides creates a dramatic contrast between the cropped sides and the voluminous, textured length on top [3]. The fringe falls forward or to one side, emphasizing texture and movement with a youthful, fashion-forward edge.

Why it works:

• Tighter curls (Type 3–4) gain incredible height and volume on top
• Short sides make the curly top look even more impressive
• The fringe adds personality and frames the face
• Particularly effective on thicker hair with dense curl patterns [3]

Styling tip: Use a curl-defining cream on damp hair, then diffuse upward. Avoid touching the curls while they dry — the less you disturb them, the more defined they will be.

4. Curly Undercut

Best for: Type 2–4 curls | Maintenance level: Medium–High

The curly undercut is one of the most versatile and structurally striking styles on this list [2]. The sides and back are clipped short (typically with clippers), while the top is left long with full curly length. The contrast between the clean, tight sides and the wild, free curls on top is what makes this cut so visually powerful.

The curly undercut suits men who want a modern, structured look that still celebrates natural texture. It is equally at home in a creative office environment and a weekend outdoor setting [2].

5. Loose and Flowing Long Curls with a Part

Best for: Type 2–3 curls | Maintenance level: Low–Medium

Consistently ranked among the most popular and attractive curly hairstyles for men, the loose and flowing style with a defined part combines elegance with ease [3]. A side part or center part divides the hair cleanly, giving structure to what might otherwise look like an undirected mass of curls.

How to create the look:

1. Apply curl cream to damp hair
2. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to create your part while hair is still wet
3. Diffuse on low heat, keeping the part in place
4. Once dry, gently separate curls with fingertips for added volume
5. Set with a light-hold spray [3]

The part adds a polished dimension to this style, making it appropriate for professional settings without sacrificing the natural beauty of the curls. Men with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces tend to find this look particularly flattering.

6. Long Brush-Back Curls

Best for: Type 2–3 curls | Maintenance level: Low–Medium

The long brush-back is listed among the most popular and versatile curly options available to men today [3]. Unlike the swept-back style (which uses fingers), the brush-back uses a natural-bristle or boar-bristle brush to smooth curls away from the forehead and temples, creating a sleeker, more intentional silhouette.

What makes it stand out:

• 🖌️ The brush adds a smooth, groomed finish that fingers cannot replicate
• Works especially well on looser Type 2 waves and soft Type 3 curls
• Creates a classic, timeless look with a modern curly twist
• Pairs well with tailored clothing and formal occasions

Pro tip: Apply a small amount of pomade or curl cream before brushing. This keeps the curls together and prevents the brushing motion from creating frizz.

7. Curly Shag with Long Layers

Best for: Type 2–3 curls | Maintenance level: Medium

The shag cut — characterized by its layered, textured, slightly disheveled look — has made a massive comeback, and the curly version is one of the most requested styles in barbershops across 2026. Long layers are cut throughout the hair to remove bulk and encourage individual curl definition, resulting in a look that is simultaneously effortless and intentional [6].

Benefits of the curly shag:

• Removes weight without sacrificing length
• Encourages individual curls to spring up and separate
• Creates a rock-and-roll, artistic aesthetic
• Suits men with naturally voluminous or thick curly hair

The key to a great curly shag is finding a barber or stylist who understands curly hair cutting techniques — specifically, dry cutting or point cutting, which preserve the curl’s natural shape rather than disrupting it [6].

8. Long Curly Hair Pulled Back (Half-Up or Full Bun)

Best for: Type 2–4 curls | Maintenance level: Low

This is less a specific cut and more a styling approach that transforms any long curly style into something entirely different. Pulling long curls back — either fully into a bun or half-up with the lower curls left loose — is one of the most practical and stylish options available to men with longer textured hair [7].

Two ways to wear it:

Full Curly Bun:

• Gather all hair at the crown or nape
• Secure with a fabric hair tie (avoid elastic bands that cause breakage)
• Pull out a few face-framing curls for a relaxed finish

Half-Up Style:

• Take the top section of curls only
• Secure loosely at the crown
• Leave the rest of the curls flowing freely

This style is particularly useful for men who are growing their curls out and navigating the awkward in-between length phase.

Both versions work across curl types and face shapes, making this the most universally flattering option on the entire list [7].

9. The Defined Curl Column (Type 4 Coily Length)

Best for: Type 4 coily hair | Maintenance level: Medium–High

The final style on this list is specifically designed for men with Type 4 coily hair — the tightest, most densely packed curl pattern. When grown to a longer length and properly moisturized, Type 4 coils create a striking, column-like silhouette that is unlike anything achievable with looser curl types [7].

Essential care steps for Type 4 length:

• Deep condition weekly to maintain moisture and elasticity
• Apply a leave-in conditioner before any styling product
• Use the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) for maximum moisture retention
• Diffuse or air dry — never rough-dry with a towel
• Refresh curls daily with a water-based curl refresher spray [7]

This style requires more maintenance than others on the list, but the visual payoff is extraordinary. The defined curl column is a bold, confident, and deeply personal style statement that celebrates natural texture at its most powerful.

Universal Styling Guide for Long Curly Hair

No matter which of the 9 handsome long curly hairstyles for men to try this year you choose, the core styling technique remains consistent [3]:

Step-by-step universal method:

1. Start with clean, conditioned hair — curly hair needs more moisture than straight hair; use a sulfate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner
2. Apply product to damp (not soaking wet) hair — curl cream, mousse, or gel depending on your hold preference
3. Scrunch upward — work product in from the ends toward the roots using a scrunching motion
4. Diffuse on low heat — high heat disrupts the curl pattern and causes frizz; patience is key [1]
5. Do not touch while drying — the “hands off” rule is the single most impactful habit for defined curls
6. Scrunch out the crunch — once fully dry, scrunch gently to break the cast left by gel or mousse, revealing soft, defined curls
7. Finish with light-hold hairspray — this locks in the style without making hair stiff [3]

Product Cheat Sheet

How to Choose the Right Style for Your Curl Type

Not every style works equally well on every curl type. Use this quick reference guide to narrow down your options:

Type 2 (Wavy): Styles 1, 2, 5, 6, 8
Type 3 (Curly): Styles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Type 4 (Coily): Styles 3, 4, 8, 9

Face shape considerations:

• Oval face: Any style works — you have the most flexibility
• Round face: Styles with height on top (3, 4, 9) add length and balance
• Square face: Looser, flowing styles (1, 2, 5) soften strong jawlines
• Heart face: Volume at the sides and bottom (7, 8) balances a wider forehead

Common Mistakes Men Make with Long Curly Hair

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are the most common errors:

❌ Using a regular towel to dry curls — the rough texture creates friction and frizz; use a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt instead

❌ Brushing dry curly hair — this separates the curl clumps and creates a frizzy, undefined mess; always detangle on wet, conditioned hair

❌ Skipping conditioner — curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair because the curl shape prevents scalp oils from traveling down the hair shaft

❌ Using too much heat — high heat settings on blow dryers damage the curl pattern over time; always use a diffuser on low or medium heat [1]

❌ Getting the wrong cut — a barber who cuts curly hair as if it were straight will ruin the shape; seek out someone with specific curly hair experience [4]

Conclusion: Your Best Curly Hair Year Starts Now

The 9 handsome long curly hairstyles for men to try this year represent the full spectrum of what long curly hair can achieve in 2026 — from the effortlessly casual natural flow to the boldly structured curly undercut, and from the timeless swept-back style to the powerful defined curl column for Type 4 coils.

The common thread across all nine? Embracing your natural texture rather than fighting it. The men who look best with long curly hair are not the ones with the most expensive products — they are the ones who understand their curl type, choose a style that works with their natural pattern, and follow a consistent care routine.

Your actionable next steps:

1. Identify your curl type (Type 2, 3, or 4) using a curl type chart as a reference
2. Choose one style from this list that matches your curl type and lifestyle
3. Book a consultation with a barber or stylist who specializes in curly hair
4. Build a simple product kit — start with a curl cream and a diffuser; add from there
5. Give it 30 days — curly hair transformations take time; commit to the routine before judging the results

Your curls are not a problem to solve. They are an asset to develop. Start today. 🌀

References

[1] Curly Hairstyles For Men – https://forteseries.com/blogs/hairstyles/curly-hairstyles-for-men

[2] rush.co.uk – https://www.rush.co.uk/blog/hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men/73526

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

[4] 99 Curly Hairstyles For Men – https://manforhimself.com/posts/99-curly-hairstyles-for-men/

[5] Watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9wrf3pPNiI

[6] Curly Hairstyles For Men – https://www.bosshunting.com.au/style/grooming/curly-hairstyles-for-men/

[7] Curly Hairstyles For Men 20 Ideas For Type 2 Type 3 And Type 4 Curly Hair – https://therighthairstyles.com/curly-hairstyles-for-men-20-ideas-for-type-2-type-3-and-type-4-curly-hair/