35 Men’s Curly Haircut Ideas

Curly hair often feels like a constant fight between natural volume and daily control. Most guys fail because they try to force their curls into straight-hair shapes instead of working with their texture.

Success comes from choosing a cut that uses the natural bounce of the hair to create a clean, modern silhouette.

1. Low Fade Curly Fringe

This style keeps the sides tight to focus all attention on the top length. Keeping length on the forehead hides a high hairline while showing off natural ringlets. It works well for guys who want to keep their morning routine under five minutes.

Best move: use a light cream to keep curls soft rather than crunchy.

• Ask for a low skin fade with 3 inches of length left on top.
• Best for oval face shapes and tight, springy curls.
• Requires a trim every 3 weeks and a light curl defining cream.

Quick win: Use an old cotton T-shirt to dry hair instead of a rough towel to prevent frizz.

2. Mid Taper Curly Quiff

This style focuses on pushing the hair forward and up for maximum presence. Brushing curls upward and back creates height that does not look over-styled. It is a great way to elongate the face and add a bit of verticality.

Worth doing: apply product to damp hair to lock in the shape early.

• Ask for a mid taper with a textured quiff left on top.
• Best for round faces that need extra height to balance features.
• Requires a trim every 4 weeks and a bottle of sea salt spray.

Most guys skip this: Apply product while hair is still 50% wet for a stronger hold.

3. Drop Fade with Curls

This cut follows the natural curve of the head for a more ergonomic look. The curved fade line follows the natural shape of the skull to keep the silhouette clean. It provides a modern edge that looks sharper than a standard straight fade.

What works: keeping the top messy to contrast with the sharp sides.

• Ask for a drop fade with a messy, textured curly top.
• Best for square jawlines and guys with thick, dense curls.
• Requires a trim every 2-3 weeks and a matte styling clay.

Best shortcut: Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to keep curl patterns intact.

4. Curly Man Bun

This style is the best way to manage long curls without cutting them all off. Tying curls back into a knot keeps hair out of the face while highlighting texture in the back. It allows for a lot of versatility depending on how high the bun is tied.

Smart shortcut: use a silk tie to prevent breakage and frizz.

• Ask for long layers with a very subtle undercut for weight management.
• Best for rectangular faces and guys with wavy to curly hair.
• Requires a trim every 3 months and a high-quality leave-in conditioner.

Quick win: Never tie the bun too tight or you risk damaging the hair follicles at the front.

5. Short Curly Caesar

This is the ultimate low-maintenance haircut for guys with curly hair. Cutting curls close to the scalp creates a uniform look that requires almost zero morning effort. It is a clean look that works well for athletes or busy professionals.

Best move: get a line-up at the temples to keep it looking intentional.

• Ask for a number 4 guard on top with a blunt, short fringe.
• Best for all face shapes and guys with coarse or very tight curls.
• Requires a trim every 4 weeks and a light hair oil for shine.

Most guys skip this: Use a soft-bristle brush to lay down the edges for a cleaner finish.

6. Curly Undercut with Length

This style uses a sharp disconnect between the shaved sides and the long top. Disconnected sides force all the attention to the volume and movement on top. It creates a dramatic look that is easy to style once the right product is applied.

Worth doing: use a blow dryer with a diffuser to add massive volume without frizz.

• Ask for a high undercut with 4 to 5 inches of length left on top.
• Best for heart-shaped faces and guys with loose, bouncy curls.
• Requires a trim every 3 weeks and a lightweight volumizing mousse.

Best shortcut: Point the blow dryer downward to keep the hair cuticles flat and shiny.

7. Tapered Curly Afro

This style focuses on a clean, rounded shape that frames the head perfectly. Gradual tapering at the neck and sideburns gives a classic afro a modern, sharp edge. It prevents the hair from looking too bottom-heavy as it grows out.

What works: picking out the hair slightly to maintain a consistent spherical shape.

• Ask for a tapered afro with rounded edges and a clean neck line.
• Best for diamond faces and guys with kinky-curly or coily hair.
• Requires a trim every 5 weeks and a moisturizing hair butter.

Quick win: Sleep with a silk pillowcase to keep your curls from drying out overnight.

8. Curly Side Part

This style brings a sense of order to natural curls for a more formal look. Using a comb to define a part line brings structure to otherwise wild curls. It is the best option for office environments or formal events where polish is required.

Smart shortcut: use a high-hold pomade to keep the part visible all day.

• Ask for a hard part with a tapered side and 2 inches of length on top.
• Best for oval faces and guys with medium, manageable curls.
• Requires a trim every 4 weeks and a strong-hold pomade.

Most guys skip this: Define the part while the hair is soaking wet for the cleanest line.

9. Messy Curly Shag

This cut uses layers to manage weight and add movement to the hair. Layering the hair throughout creates a shaggy look that moves naturally when walking. It is great for guys who like a more artistic or relaxed vibe.

Best move: avoid heavy gels that weigh down the natural bounce of the layers.

• Ask for a layered shag cut with a razor finish for added texture.
• Best for long faces and guys with loose, wavy hair.
• Requires a trim every 8 weeks and a light-hold texturizing spray.

Best shortcut: Shake your head while drying to let the layers fall into their natural place.

10. High Top Curly Fade

This style is for guys who want maximum height and a sharp profile. Building height straight up creates a bold silhouette that stands out in any crowd. It works best with hair that has a lot of natural structure and strength.

Worth doing: keep the sides very short to emphasize the verticality of the curls.

• Ask for a high skin fade with a flat-top curly finish.
• Best for round faces and guys with tight, dense coils.
• Requires a trim every 2 weeks and a specialized curl sponge.

Quick win: Use a curl sponge in a circular motion to define the tips of the hair.

11. Curly Pompadour Fade

This cut uses the natural height of curls to mimic a traditional pompadour. Sweeping curls back into a pompadour adds a touch of old-school cool to modern texture. It offers a more structured look than a standard messy top.

What works: using a round brush while drying to direct the curls backward.

• Ask for a pompadour top with a high fade on the sides.
• Best for square faces and guys with thick, healthy hair.
• Requires a trim every 3 weeks and a flexible styling cream.

Most guys skip this: Warm the styling cream in your hands before applying to ensure even coverage.

12. Short Sides Long Top

This is the most popular way to wear curls because it is incredibly simple to maintain. The short sides make the top curls look even more voluminous and healthy. It removes bulk from around the ears while keeping the personality on top.

Smart shortcut: air dry the hair to let the natural curl pattern form without heat damage.

• Ask for a number 2 guard on the sides and 3 inches of length on top.
• Best for most face shapes and guys with medium-sized curls.
• Requires a trim every 4 weeks and a high-quality leave-in conditioner.

Best shortcut: Only wash your hair twice a week to keep natural oils from being stripped away.

13. Curly Mullet with Taper

This style brings a classic 80s shape into the modern era with cleaner lines. Keeping length in the back while tapering the sides creates a modern take on a vintage shape. It balances a professional front with a loud, textured back.

Best move: keep the front fringe short to avoid looking too dated.

• Ask for a curly mullet with a clean temple taper.
• Best for oval and heart-shaped faces.
• Requires a trim every 6 weeks and a texturizing sea salt spray.

Quick win: Use a small amount of wax on the ends of the back length to prevent tangles.

14. Burst Fade Curly Mohawk

This cut features a curved fade around the ears that leaves a wide strip of hair in the middle. Fading the hair in a semi-circle around the ears creates a wide mohawk of curls. It provides a sporty and aggressive silhouette that looks great from the side.

Worth doing: use a curl sponge to define individual coils along the center strip.

• Ask for a burst fade with a wide curly mohawk left in the center.
• Best for square and round faces.
• Requires a trim every 2 weeks and a strong curl defining gel.

Most guys skip this: Get the back of the neck tapered to make the mohawk pop more.

15. Wavy Curly Bro Flow

This look is all about letting the hair grow out to a medium length for a relaxed vibe. Tucking the side hair behind the ears creates a laid-back look that works in any setting. It is the ultimate choice for a low-pressure lifestyle.

What works: using a salt spray to give the hair a beachy, lived-in texture.

• Ask for a mid-length scissor cut with minimal layering.
• Best for rectangular faces and guys with loose, flowing waves.
• Requires a trim every 10 weeks and a light sea salt spray.

Best shortcut: Apply product to the ends of the hair first and work your way up to the roots.

16. Taper Fade with Curly Top

This cut keeps the sides clean while letting the natural texture shine up top. It removes bulk from the ears and neck to prevent a mushroom look.

The taper fade provides a sharp transition that makes the curls look intentional rather than messy. What works: Keeping the top length at about three inches for maximum bounce.

• Ask for a #2 taper on the sides and back while leaving the top long.
• Best for oval face shapes and medium-thick curly hair.
• Clean up the edges every 3 weeks and style with a curl-defining cream.

Quick win: Apply product while hair is soaking wet to lock in the curl shape without frizz.

17. Skin Fade with Tight Curls

High contrast is the goal here for guys with tight coil patterns. The skin fade starts high to emphasize the density of the hair on the crown.

A high skin fade forces the eye upward to focus on the natural curl definition. Best move: Use a sponge to add texture to the top sections.

• Ask for a high skin fade and leave 2 inches of length on top.
• Works best for round faces and type 4 hair textures.
• Visit the barber every 2 weeks and use a curl sponge daily.

Most guys skip this: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to keep tight curls from drying out and breaking.

18. Disconnected Undercut Curly Fringe

This style creates a sharp line between the shaved sides and the long curls falling forward. It is perfect for guys who want a bold look without much daily effort.

The disconnected line creates a clear boundary that prevents the curls from looking overgrown. Smart shortcut: Use a sea salt spray to add grit and hold to the fringe.

• Ask for a disconnected undercut with significant length left in the front.
• Best for square faces and loose, wavy curls.
• Trim the undercut every 4 weeks and apply sea salt spray to damp hair.

Best shortcut: Blow dry the front with a diffuser attachment to get more volume without creating frizz.

19. Angular Fringe with Curls

This cut uses asymmetry to give curly hair a modern edge. The hair is cut shorter in the back and angled toward the forehead.

Cutting the curls at an angle prevents the front from looking too heavy or flat. What works: A matte clay to keep the fringe in place without looking greasy.

• Ask for an asymmetrical fringe with short tapered sides and back.
• Best for long or heart-shaped faces and medium curls.
• Maintain the shape every 4-5 weeks and style with a matte hair clay.

Quick win: Shake the head while hair is damp to let the curls fall naturally before applying product.

20. Temple Fade Curly Crop

This is a subtle way to clean up the look without losing too much hair. The fade is limited to the sideburns and the neck area.

Focusing the fade only on the temples keeps the silhouette narrow and professional. Worth doing: Pairing this with a lined-up beard for a complete, sharp look.

• Ask for a temple fade and a natural, tapered neckline.
• Best for diamond face shapes and very dense curls.
• Get a line-up every 2 weeks and use a leave-in conditioner for moisture.

Most guys skip this: Apply leave-in conditioner before any other styling product to maintain internal moisture.

21. Curly Hair with Hard Part

Adding a shaved line into a curly style adds immediate structure. It gives the appearance of a traditional side part but works with the hair's natural flow.

A hard part provides a clear anchor point that makes styling curls much faster in the morning. Best move: Keep the part thin so it doesn't look like a gap as it grows back.

• Ask for a razor-shaved hard part on the side that matches the hair's natural growth.
• Best for professional settings and wavy-to-curly hair types.
• Re-shave the part every 10 days and use a light-hold pomade.

Best shortcut: Use a fine-tooth comb only on the part line, never on the curls themselves.

22. Long Curly Hair with Layers

For guys who want length, layers are mandatory to avoid the "triangle" shape. Removing weight from the mid-lengths allows the curls to spring upward.

Strategically placed layers prevent the bottom of the hair from becoming wider than the top. What works: Using a wide-tooth comb to detangle in the shower.

• Ask for internal layers to remove bulk without losing the overall length.
• Best for thick hair and square or rectangular face shapes.
• Trim the ends every 8 weeks and use a moisturizing hair oil.

Quick win: Air dry the hair instead of towel-rubbing to prevent the curls from fraying.

23. Modern Bowl Cut for Curls

This style uses a heavy fringe and a uniform length around the head. It works because curls break up the harsh line of a traditional bowl cut.

The uniform length around the head creates a rounded silhouette that highlights curl consistency. Worth doing: Keeping the back of the neck tapered for a cleaner finish.

• Ask for a blunt cut around the head with a slight taper at the nape.
• Best for high foreheads and loose, bouncy curls.
• Trim every 4 weeks and use a texturizing spray for volume.

Most guys skip this: Use a microfiber towel to pat hair dry to keep the curl clusters together.

24. Bald Fade with Curly Volume

This style is all about the contrast between bare skin and high-volume curls. The fade goes all the way down to the skin, making the hair on top pop.

The bald fade eliminates all side volume to make the top look even taller. Smart shortcut: Use a pick to lift the roots if the curls start to look flat.

• Ask for a high bald fade and leave 3 inches of length on top.
• Best for shorter guys wanting to add height and round faces.
• Fade maintenance every 2 weeks and use a hair pick for volume.

Best shortcut: Only wash the hair with shampoo twice a week to keep natural oils in the curls.

25. Scissor Cut Curly Texture

This is a low-maintenance look that uses only scissors for a softer finish. It avoids the harsh lines of clippers for a more natural, "lived-in" vibe.

Using only scissors allows the barber to follow the natural growth pattern of each curl. What works: A light cream-wax to define the ends without making them stiff.

• Ask for a full scissor cut with no clippers used on the sides.
• Best for guys who want a soft, natural look and oval face shapes.
• Trim every 6 weeks and style with a light hair cream-wax.

Quick win: Scrunch the hair with the hands while it dries to boost natural volume.

26. Curly Faux Hawk with Fade

This style concentrates the curls along the center of the head from the forehead to the crown. It offers a rebellious look that is still manageable for daily wear.

The concentrated volume in the center creates a vertical line that elongates the face. Best move: Use a high-hold gel to keep the center section upright.

• Ask for a high taper or burst fade on the sides to emphasize the center.
• Best for round or wide faces and tight curl patterns.
• Maintain every 3 weeks and use a high-hold styling gel.

Most guys skip this: Apply styling product to the back of the head first to avoid a product clump in the front.

27. Shadow Fade Curly Top

A shadow fade provides a smoother transition than a skin fade, leaving a light dusting of hair on the sides. It is a great middle-ground for guys who want a clean look without a shaved feel.

The shadow fade creates a soft frame that makes the curls on top look more blended. Worth doing: Keeping the top slightly messy for an effortless appearance.

• Ask for a #1 or #2 shadow fade on the sides and back.
• Best for fair skin tones and medium-sized curls.
• Maintain the fade every 3 weeks and use a light styling foam.

Best shortcut: Use a hair dryer on the cool setting to set the style without causing heat damage.

28. Curly French Crop with Fade

This takes the classic European crop and adapts it for texture. The fringe is kept short and blunt, which works well to control wild curls.

A short, blunt fringe provides a structured frame for an otherwise chaotic hair type. Smart shortcut: Apply a matte paste to the tips of the fringe for extra definition.

• Ask for a short French crop with a high skin fade.
• Best for receding hair lines and thick, unruly curls.
• Trim every 3 weeks and use a matte hair paste for styling.

Quick win: Pull individual curls forward with the fingers to customize the look of the fringe.

29. Side Swept Curls with Taper

This style pushes the volume to one side for a more relaxed, beachy vibe. It relies on a low taper to keep the bottom edges looking sharp and intentional.

Directing the curls to one side adds a sense of movement that balances out a static face shape. What works: Using a heavy-duty conditioner to keep the long side from frizzing.

• Ask for a low taper and long, textured layers on top.
• Best for heart-shaped faces and wavy-to-curly hair.
• Trim every 5-6 weeks and use a deep conditioner once a week.

Most guys skip this: Rinse the hair with cold water at the end of a shower to seal the hair cuticle.

30. Natural Curls with Tapered Neck

This is the ultimate low-effort look that focuses on hair health over styling. The only maintenance is at the neck and ears to keep the growth from looking sloppy.

Cleaning up only the neck and sideburns allows the natural volume to take center stage. Best move: Use a curl refresher spray on days the hair is not washed.

• Ask for a clean taper on the neck and sideburns only.
• Best for guys with very thick hair and any face shape.
• Clean the neck every 2 weeks and use a curl refresher spray daily.

Best shortcut: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase prevents frizz and "bed head" in the morning.

31. Relaxed Taper Curly Crop

This style keeps things short on the sides without going all the way to the skin. The top layers are cut at different lengths to prevent the hair from looking like a helmet. What works: Keeping the sideburns clean to make the curls on top pop.

• Ask for a tapered crop with weight left on top.
• Works best for oval faces and medium curl patterns.
• Maintenance every 4 weeks; use a matte hair clay.

Most guys skip this: Drying with a t-shirt instead of a towel prevents unnecessary frizz.

32. High Volume Curly Quiff

This look uses the natural lift of curly hair to create height at the front. The hair transitions from shorter lengths at the crown to maximum length near the forehead. Best move: Using a blow dryer with a diffuser to set the shape without blowing the curls apart.

• Ask for a curly quiff with a low taper.
• Works best for round faces needing vertical height.
• Maintenance every 3 weeks; requires a sea salt spray.

Quick win: Apply product while hair is damp to lock in the curl shape before it air dries.

33. Textured Curly Wolf Cut

This is a modern take on a shag that focuses on heavy layering around the ears and neck. It embraces wild volume while keeping the face framed by shorter, curly bangs. Smart shortcut: Ask the barber to use thinning shears only on the ends to reduce bulk without losing the curl.

• Ask for a curly wolf cut with internal layers.
• Works best for thick, tight curls and angular faces.
• Trim every 6-8 weeks; use a curl-defining cream.

Best shortcut: Avoid washing every day to let natural oils keep the curls heavy and defined.

34. Tapered Curly Ivy League

A professional look that doesn't sacrifice personality or texture. The curls are kept short and tidy on top with a visible fade that blends into the skin. Worth doing: Keeping the neckline squared off for a sharper, more intentional appearance.

• Ask for an Ivy League with a #2 taper on the sides.
• Works best for professional settings and square jawlines.
• Maintenance every 2-3 weeks; use a light-hold pomade.

Most guys skip this: A silk or satin pillowcase prevents the flat-head look in the morning.

35. Scissor Cut Curly Bob

This mid-length style relies entirely on the barber's ability to shape hair without using clippers. The hair falls naturally around the jawline to emphasize the weight and bounce of the curls. Best move: Leaving the edges soft rather than perfectly straight to keep the look effortless.

• Ask for a mid-length scissor cut with face-framing curls.
• Works best for heart-shaped faces and loose wave patterns.
• Maintenance every 10 weeks; use a leave-in conditioner.

Quick win: Scrunch the hair upwards while it's drying to boost the natural bounce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare my hair before arriving at the event?
Please arrive with your hair clean, dry, and in its natural curl pattern without any heavy styling products. This helps our barbers see how your curls naturally fall so they can give you the most accurate and flattering cut.

How long does a typical curly haircut session take?
Most appointments last between 45 and 60 minutes to allow for a detailed consultation and precision cutting. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to relax and enjoy the event atmosphere before your turn.

Will the stylists provide advice on maintaining my curls at home?
Yes, every session includes a personalized walkthrough of the best products and techniques for your specific texture. You'll leave the chair with a simple, effective routine to keep your curls defined and healthy.

Is this event suitable for all types of curly and coily hair?
Our expert barbers are trained to work with the full spectrum of textures, from loose waves to tight kinky coils. No matter your curl type, we have the specialized tools and experience to enhance your natural look.

Should I bring reference photos for the style I want?
Bringing a few photos is a great way to help your stylist understand your goals. We'll discuss your inspiration and adapt the look to perfectly suit your face shape and hair density.