Curly hair is naturally eye-catching, full of character, and rich in texture, giving men a distinctive and stylish appearance that stands out effortlessly. Owning your curls means embracing your natural pattern, boosting confidence, and allowing your hair to express your personal style without overthinking it.
From soft, voluminous fringes to relaxed medium-length styles, today’s most popular curly hairstyles for men focus on timeless designs that balance modern flair with everyday practicality. These adaptable, sharp-looking cuts offer easy maintenance and flexible styling options, suiting different face shapes, features, and lifestyle preferences, making them ideal for any setting or occasion.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best trending curly hairstyles for men that enhance texture, boost volume, and add natural movement, helping you achieve a bold, attractive look with minimal effort.
Popular Short Curly Hairstyles
Textured Crew Cut
The textured crew cut is a great option for men with curly hair who want a neat, low-maintenance haircut that keeps the sides and back closely trimmed while leaving enough length on top for styling freedom. This balanced style lets your natural curls stand out without appearing unkempt, adding depth and character for a polished yet effortless look. To finish, apply a small amount of matte clay or lightweight styling cream to define the curls on top and boost separation, creating a soft, natural, and casually textured appearance.
Messy Curly Hair Fade
A messy curly fade is a modern, short men’s haircut that plays with contrast by keeping the sides clean and tight while leaving the top longer for a bold, textured finish. This combination creates a sharp yet relaxed look, where natural curls bring energy, movement, and personality to the style. Typically worn at short to medium length, it pairs perfectly with a trendy low or mid skin fade. For styling, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and allow the curls to air-dry for a natural effect. Using a diffuser can help increase volume, define texture, and minimize frizz for a softer, more controlled finish.
Modern Curly Mullet
The modern curly mullet combines short, tapered sides with longer curls across the crown and back, creating a style that feels both vintage-inspired and deliberately modern. This cut adds shape, flow, and movement while maintaining enough structure to stay polished, making it a great choice for men who want a bold look that still works in professional or everyday settings. To style, work a curl cream through damp hair and use a diffuser to bring out texture, boost definition, and keep the overall finish balanced and clean.
Brushed Back Curls
Brushed-back curls offer a refined and stylish option for men who want a clean, polished look by sweeping the hair away from the face while maintaining natural volume. This adaptable, timeless style blends elegant structure with organic texture, creating a sharp yet relaxed appearance. To achieve this look, apply a firm-hold styling cream to damp hair, then gently guide the curls back using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Finish by diffusing on low heat to enhance definition and set the style in place.
Fluffy Curls
Fluffy curls create a light, full-bodied style that brings out natural texture while maintaining a soft, weightless finish. This airy shape highlights bounce and flow, giving a relaxed yet fashionable look that works perfectly for everyday styling. To achieve this effect, apply a lightweight curl cream or mousse to damp hair and gently scrunch to boost lift and definition. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on low heat to preserve softness and volume without flattening the curls.
Textured Short Curls with Fade
Textured short curls paired with a sharp fade create a clean, modern hairstyle that highlights your natural curl pattern while keeping the overall look neat and professional. The precise temp fade sharpens the sides, adds definition, and enhances facial features, while the short curly top delivers volume and personality without looking bulky or untidy. For best results, start by working a curl-defining cream into slightly damp hair. Then, use a diffuser attachment while blow-drying to boost lift, enhance texture, and minimize frizz, ensuring a smooth yet voluminous finish.
Curly Buzz Cut
The curly buzz cut is a classic, easy-care hairstyle that keeps curls closely trimmed for a crisp, sharp finish that highlights strong facial features. This practical cut is perfect for men with tight curls or coily hair who want a simple, no-hassle look that stays neat and polished. To keep the style fresh, schedule regular trims to maintain its shape, and use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and prevent dryness while preserving the clean, defined appearance.
Loose, Flowing Parted Curls with Taper Fade
Loose, flowing curls paired with a subtle taper fade create a perfect mix of relaxed charm and polished style, delivering a look that feels both effortless and refined. The soft side part adds natural structure without sharp contrast, while the gradual taper enhances facial features and allows the textured top to remain the main focus. This balanced combination keeps the style versatile, stylish, and easy to wear for both casual and more formal settings.
Thick Curls with Low Fade
Thick curls paired with a low fade create a bold, full-bodied style that combines natural volume with a neat, structured finish. The fade begins slightly above the ears and tapers smoothly, keeping the top dense while enhancing the jawline and facial contours. To style, apply a firm-hold curl cream evenly through damp hair and scrunch lightly to define the curls, boosting texture and lift without weighing the hair down or causing buildup.
Curly Mullet Fade
The curly mullet fade is a modern, edgy twist on the classic mullet, blending clean structure with natural curl movement. The style features closely faded sides that contrast with longer curls at the crown and back, creating a flowing, front-to-back silhouette that’s both retro-inspired and contemporary. To style, work a texturizing paste through your curls to boost definition and separation, achieving a polished finish that keeps the look sharp while still allowing natural texture to shine.
Curly Mohawk Burst Fade
The curly mohawk with a burst fade is a bold, standout haircut that pairs dense curls on top with a sharp, rounded fade around the sides. This style highlights texture and volume while keeping the overall look clean and structured thanks to the precise shaping near the ears. Best suited for short, tight, or coarse curls, it’s low-maintenance and can be easily styled with curl-enhancing products to define the curls and preserve the edgy, sculpted appearance.
Heavy Wavy Fringe with Taper Fade
A thick, wavy fringe paired with a taper fade brings out the natural movement of dense hair, allowing waves to fall naturally over the forehead for a casual, effortless look. The gradual taper on the sides keeps the haircut tidy and well-defined, balancing volume on top with a polished silhouette. For styling, let your hair grow to medium length to fully showcase its wave pattern, and use a light curl cream or mousse, working it in with your fingers to shape and control the front and top sections without weighing them down.
Curly Perm with Fade
The curly perm with a fade delivers a sleek, contemporary hairstyle, combining soft, uniform curls on top with a clean taper around the sides and back. This look offers a polished, structured finish while still showcasing texture and movement. Because permed hair is more delicate than natural curls, it needs careful upkeep to maintain shape and prevent damage. Regular hydration, sulfate-free shampoos, and lightweight curl-enhancing products help keep the curls bouncy and healthy, while consistent trims ensure the fade stays sharp and precise.
Sponged Curls
Sponged curls are a stylish, contemporary haircut for Black men that highlights natural texture with a defined, uniform curl pattern. The look is often paired with a crisp lineup along the hairline, keeping edges sharp and well-groomed. For a polished finish, combine the hairstyle with a connected beard that blends smoothly into the fade, adding cohesion and enhancing the overall structure. Regular moisturizing and lightweight styling products help maintain curl definition while avoiding heaviness or buildup.
Textured Surfer Curls with Messy Bangs
Textured surfer curls with messy bangs create a relaxed, carefree hairstyle that radiates effortless charm and a beach-inspired vibe. The loose, tousled fringe softly frames the face, highlighting natural curl patterns, while the longer curls on top add volume and movement, striking the perfect balance between casual and deliberately styled.
Curly Blowout Fade
The curly blowout fade delivers a bold, high-volume hairstyle that balances dramatic lift with a clean, structured finish. The tall curls on top create height and elongate the face, while the sharply tapered sides enhance the contrast and showcase the hair’s natural coiled texture. For styling, work a volumizing mousse into damp hair and use a diffuser, lifting at the roots to achieve maximum volume, definition, and the signature blowout effect.
Tousled Short Curls
Tousled short curls offer a stylish blend of relaxed movement and subtle structure, giving a look that feels effortlessly cool yet polished. The hair is kept at a manageable length all around, with slightly longer, textured layers on top to create natural volume and a lightly messy finish. This shorter cut keeps curls controlled, enhancing their shape and bounce without letting them dominate the style, resulting in a professional, versatile haircut that works for both casual and formal settings.
Thick, Black Curls with Mid Fade
Pairing thick, black curls with a mid fade creates a bold, defined look that emphasizes the hair’s natural depth and texture. The dense, springy curls on top add volume and movement, while the closely cropped sides highlight the cheekbones and frame the face with a sharp, structured silhouette. The mid fade offers a smooth transition from the longer curls on top to the shorter sides, producing a balanced, masculine style that celebrates coarse curls while keeping the overall appearance clean, polished, and well-groomed.
Classy Off-Center Curls with Tapered Sides
Classy, off-center curls paired with tapered sides create a polished yet distinctive hairstyle that blends professionalism with personality. The asymmetrical design, featuring a subtle off-center part, allows the curls to flow naturally while the tapered sides maintain a clean, structured frame. To style, use a lightweight cream to define the part and gently guide the curls to one side, achieving a refined, effortlessly stylish finish that balances sophistication with a relaxed, modern edge.
Stylish Medium-Length Curly Hairstyles
Long Curly Hair Fade
A long curly hair fade keeps length and fullness on top while gradually tapering the sides, delivering a polished, structured appearance with plenty of styling options. This cut is perfect for men who want to highlight volume and natural curl texture without losing definition or a clean finish. For styling, apply a lightweight curl cream to moisturize and enhance the coils, and maintain the fade with regular trims to keep edges crisp. Opt for a high fade for dramatic contrast or a low fade for a softer, more understated look that lets the curls take center stage.
Curly Hair Undercut
The curly hair undercut is a modern, stylish cut for men that plays with bold contrasts, highlighting thick, textured curls on top. The sharply shaved sides accentuate the voluminous curls above, creating a high-impact look that adds dimension while slimming the face. Enhance this style by pairing it with a well-groomed beard that connects naturally to the undercut, emphasizing the jawline and overall structure. Maintain the sharpness of the sides with regular trims, and use a lightweight texturizing product on top to define curls and preserve their natural movement without weighing them down.
Long Curly Fringe with Short Sides
A long, curly fringe with shorter sides creates a dynamic look that highlights texture and natural movement, adding a youthful and energetic vibe. The curls are allowed to fall freely over the forehead, while the shorter sides keep the overall cut tidy and easy to manage. This style works especially well with thicker, tighter curls, offering shape and volume without adding unnecessary bulk. Using a lightweight curl cream or mousse on damp hair enhances the natural pattern, and gently lifting the fringe with a diffuser helps boost definition and volume. Finish with a touch of light-hold hairspray to maintain the style throughout the day while keeping frizz under control.
Medium Messy Curls
Medium, messy curls highlight natural volume and movement, giving hair a lively, effortless vibe. The loose, slightly unstructured shape works for everything from relaxed waves to tighter coils, creating a casual style that feels playful without looking overdone. Enhancing the curls with a lightweight cream on damp hair helps define the texture while keeping it soft and touchable. Letting the hair air dry preserves its natural movement, and avoiding aggressive fades or undercuts maintains the carefree, tousled character that makes this style stand out.
Fluffy and Casual
The fluffy, casual look focuses on natural volume and a soft, relaxed texture, giving hair an effortlessly approachable vibe. Medium-length curls are allowed to flow freely, creating a style that feels airy and dynamic while still appearing intentional. To enhance the hair’s natural bounce, gently scrunch damp strands with a lightweight mousse, then let them air dry. This preserves softness and movement while keeping enough subtle structure to ensure the style looks deliberate without appearing stiff or overworked.
Broccoli Cut
The broccoli cut is a striking, youthful hairstyle that pairs a short fade or taper on the sides with a dense, curly top full of volume. Its rounded, textured shape on top reminiscent of broccoli florets gives the style a playful, high-energy appearance, which has helped it gain popularity online. This bold cut works especially well for those wanting to showcase natural curls while making a statement. Maintaining the shape is simple with regular trims, and using lightweight styling products helps enhance the curls’ texture without weighing them down, keeping the look lively and full of character.
Messy Curly Mohawk with Temp Taper and Fringe
A messy, curly mohawk with a temporary taper and fringe combines edgy flair with precise styling, making for a standout, modern look. The taper gradually fades down to the skin around the temples, providing a clean frame for the face while letting the curls on top take center stage. To achieve the style, work a strong-hold paste through the curls to create definition and lift, then use your fingers to shape the fringe into a deliberately undone, piece-y finish. This approach keeps the mohawk textured and dynamic without appearing overworked.
Tousled Medium Curls with Full Beard
Tousled medium curls paired with a full beard create a rugged yet approachable style, balancing natural softness with defined structure. The curls are kept at a manageable length, long enough to showcase movement but short enough to remain easy to style and maintain. Enhancing texture with a lightweight cream or salt spray on damp hair helps the curls separate naturally, while a touch of light oil keeps coarser strands smooth and frizz-free. A well-groomed beard, maintained with conditioning balm and regular combing, completes the look, adding cohesion and masculine definition to the overall style.
Fluffy Medium Curls
Fluffy medium curls create a style that highlights natural volume and texture while staying controlled and easy to manage. The medium length allows curls to form fully, offering a look that’s lively and dynamic without becoming overwhelming. To maintain shape and definition, gently work a curl-enhancing cream into towel-dried hair, then use a diffuser while blow-drying to lift the roots and bring out the curls’ natural bounce. This method preserves softness and movement, keeping the hairstyle practical for everyday wear.
Curly Middle Part
A curly middle part blends balanced symmetry with natural, free-flowing texture, letting the curls frame the face while creating a relaxed, bohemian vibe. The center part keeps hair away from the eyes, giving the style a soft, romantic appeal that feels effortless yet intentional. To enhance the curls, start with damp hair and carefully define the part using a fine-toothed comb. Follow with a lightweight leave-in conditioner to nourish the strands and support natural curl formation, keeping the style soft, bouncy, and manageable throughout the day.
Curly Two Block
The curly two-block haircut maintains fullness on top while keeping the back and sides closely trimmed, creating a sharp, contemporary silhouette. This cut works especially well with loose to medium curls, letting natural texture and volume shine while allowing the fringe to fall freely for a relaxed yet structured look. Enhance the curls by gently working a lightweight curl cream into damp hair, then either air-dry for a softer finish or diffuse for more defined texture. Keeping the contrast between the top and sides sharp is easy with regular trims, ensuring the style stays fresh and well-proportioned over time.
Attractive Long Curly Hairstyles
Long Messy Curls with Beard
Long, messy curls paired with a beard create a relaxed, self-assured style that feels effortless yet polished. The free-flowing curls add natural movement, while a full, shaped beard balances the face and adds definition. Maintaining this look is simple with lightweight leave-in conditioners and curl creams that tame frizz and enhance curl pattern without weighing the hair down. Regular beard grooming keeps the style cohesive, ensuring both hair and facial hair complement each other seamlessly.
Long Brushed Back Curls
Long, brushed-back curls offer a sophisticated and versatile look, blending flowing length with natural texture for a striking, confident appearance. The extended curls add movement and volume, giving the style a refined, cinematic feel that works for both casual and formal settings. To maintain the look, gently work a lightweight styling cream through damp hair, then use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to sweep the curls back. This method preserves the hair’s natural curl pattern while creating a smooth, dynamic shape that stays controlled yet effortlessly stylish.
Long, Parted Curly Hair
Long, parted curly hair adds balance and structure to extended lengths, helping curls maintain shape while framing the face elegantly. The parted design highlights your natural curl pattern, giving coils plenty of space to form and move freely. Enhance the style by applying a leave-in conditioner and curl cream to damp hair, then either air-dry or diffuse for added volume and definition. A lightweight hair oil can help smooth flyaways, keeping the overall look polished while preserving natural texture and bounce.
Swept Back Loose Waves
Loose, swept-back waves create a relaxed yet modern style, perfect for men who want effortless movement without heavy maintenance. Shaggy layers add dimension and texture while keeping the overall look soft and approachable, rather than overly tight or structured. Enhance the waves by working a texturizing sea-salt spray through damp hair, then sweep the strands back as they air-dry to lock in a natural, windswept finish. This method maintains flow and volume while giving the hair a deliberately undone, casual appeal.
Long Curly Hair with Side Part
Long curly hair with a side part gives a natural style a touch of refinement and structure. The asymmetrical part adds volume and direction, allowing curls to fall intentionally while maintaining a soft, effortless appearance. Work a lightweight curl cream into damp hair and gently shape the curls with your fingers, letting them air-dry to preserve texture and movement. This approach keeps the style relaxed yet defined, highlighting natural curl patterns without looking stiff or overstyled.
Curly Wolf Cut
The curly wolf cut is a bold, standout style that fuses shaggy layers with an extended mullet, giving a modern twist on a retro ’70s glam-rock look. The choppy layers work perfectly with curls, adding texture, movement, and an effortless, lived-in vibe. To showcase the hair’s natural character, let the fringe fall forward and embrace the curls’ organic shape. Using a lightweight curl cream or texturizing product enhances definition and bounce, keeping the overall look dynamic, playful, and full of personality without appearing over-styled.
The Most Attractive Curly Hairstyles For Men In 2026
Some of the most sought-after curly hairstyles for men include the crew cut, heavy fringe, short messy curls with faded sides, long brushed-back curls, burst fade mohawk, loose flowing curls with a part, modern mullet, blowout taper, medium-length tousled curls, and middle-parted styles. These versatile looks are designed to enhance natural curls rather than fight them, making styling effortless while still delivering a polished, modern appearance.
To keep curls healthy and manageable, start with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Follow with a lightweight cream to hydrate, tame frizz, and define curls, and use a strong styling clay when more structure, control, or lift is needed. This combination ensures your curls look intentional, full of texture, and easy to maintain day-to-day.
What’s The Easiest Curly Haircut To Maintain For Guys?
For men looking for the easiest curly haircut to maintain, a short crew cut fade is hard to beat. It keeps hair neatly cropped while still allowing natural curls to show, making styling quick and effortless. Other low-maintenance options include slightly longer, textured styles like the broccoli cut or messy fringes. These looks are wearable and stylish without requiring heavy daily effort, especially when paired with healthy hair habits and lightweight moisturizing products to enhance curl definition and control frizz.
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