21 Stylish Curly Hair Ideas for Men: Short, Medium, Long, Fades, and More

Curly hair men often face unique styling challenges, but with the right approach, those curls can become a defining feature of your look. Whether you prefer a short, manageable cut or long, flowing curls, there’s a style to suit every personality and occasion. In this article, we’ll explore various hairstyles for men with curly hair, providing detailed insights and practical tips to help you maintain and enhance your natural curls.

Modern Curly Look

This hairstyle features tight, well-defined curls that give a modern and stylish appearance. The hair is cut to a medium length, allowing the curls to form naturally without looking unruly. The sides are neatly trimmed, creating a clean contrast with the curly top.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: Perfect for men who want a stylish yet manageable look
• Hairstyle: Modern, clean-cut
• Haircut fade: Neatly trimmed sides

Best suited for: This style is ideal for men with naturally tight curls who prefer a modern, professional look. It’s especially flattering for those with a darker hair color, as the defined curls stand out more.

Care tips: Use a curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner to maintain the definition. A light styling cream or mousse can help control frizz and keep the curls in place. Avoid heavy gels that can weigh down the hair.

Stylist insights: Keeping the sides trimmed helps in highlighting the curls on top, giving a balanced and well-groomed appearance. This cut works well for both casual and formal settings, making it highly versatile.

Playful Curly Style

This look features loose, playful curls that give a carefree and relaxed vibe. The hair length is kept medium to long, with the curls allowed to form naturally. This style emphasizes volume and texture.

• Hair length: Medium to long
• Ideas: Great for a laid-back, youthful appearance
• Hairstyle: Casual, tousled
• Cuts for: Black or brown hair

Best suited for: This hairstyle is perfect for men with naturally loose curls. It works well for those who enjoy a more casual and carefree look. It’s also ideal for men who prefer low-maintenance styling.

Care tips: Regular conditioning is key to keeping the curls soft and manageable. Use a leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz and a lightweight curl cream to define the curls. Avoid over-washing to maintain natural oils.

Stylist insights: Embracing the natural volume of loose curls can create a dynamic and lively appearance. This style is great for everyday wear and adds a youthful touch to your look.

Classic Curly Fro

The classic curly fro is all about embracing the natural volume and texture of curly hair. This style features full, voluminous curls that create a bold and eye-catching look. The length is medium to long, allowing the curls to fully develop.

• Hair length: Medium to long
• Ideas: For a bold, attention-grabbing style
• Hairstyle: Voluminous, natural
• Hairstyles for: 3a and 3b curl types

Best suited for: This look is ideal for men with dense, curly hair who love to make a statement. It’s particularly suitable for those with a confident personality and a love for bold styles.

Care tips: Use a deep-conditioning treatment regularly to keep the curls hydrated. A curl-defining cream can help maintain the shape and prevent frizz. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage.

Stylist insights: The curly fro is a timeless style that showcases the natural beauty of curly hair. It’s important to keep the curls well-moisturized to maintain their shape and volume. This style is perfect for those who love to embrace their natural texture.

Defined Curly Fade

This defined curly fade features tightly coiled curls on top with a clean fade on the sides. The contrast between the voluminous curls and the sleek fade creates a sharp and modern look.

• Hair length: Short to medium
• Ideas: Modern and stylish
• Hairstyle: Defined, sharp
• Haircut fade: Low fade

Best suited for: This style is great for men with tight curls who want a sleek, modern look. It’s especially suitable for professional settings, offering a clean and polished appearance.

Care tips: Regularly moisturize the curls to maintain their definition. A curl-enhancing gel or cream can help keep the curls in place. Use a quality fade clipper to maintain the sides.

Stylist insights: The low fade adds a contemporary touch to the classic curly hairstyle. This look is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Natural Curly Mop

This natural curly mop is perfect for those who love a relaxed and easygoing look. The curls are kept at a medium length, allowing for a tousled, effortless style.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: Relaxed and casual
• Hairstyle: Tousled, natural
• Cuts for: Wavy to curly hair

Best suited for: This hairstyle is ideal for men with naturally wavy or curly hair who prefer a low-maintenance look. It’s perfect for a laid-back, casual style.

Care tips: Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair soft. A leave-in conditioner can help control frizz and define the curls. Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh down the hair.

Stylist insights: This style is all about embracing natural texture and volume. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed and easygoing look without much fuss.

Classic Tight Curls

This classic look features tightly coiled curls that create a defined and structured appearance. The hair is kept short to medium length, allowing the natural curls to take center stage without appearing too voluminous.

• Hair length: Short to medium
• Ideas: Ideal for a neat, well-groomed look
• Hairstyle: Structured, classic
• Cuts for: Black hair

Best suited for: This style works best for men with naturally tight curls who prefer a clean and polished appearance. It’s especially flattering for those with defined facial features.

Care tips: Regularly use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep the curls moisturized. A curl-enhancing gel can help maintain definition. Trim the ends regularly to prevent split ends and keep the shape.

Stylist insights: Tightly coiled curls can create a striking and sophisticated look. This style is great for both casual and formal settings, providing versatility and ease of maintenance.

Curly Top with Fade

This hairstyle features voluminous curls on top with a sharp fade on the sides. The contrast between the full curls and the clean fade creates a modern and stylish look.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a contemporary and stylish look
• Hairstyle: Curly top with fade
• Haircut fade: High fade

Best suited for: This look is perfect for men who want to combine the natural volume of curls with the sleekness of a fade. It’s suitable for those who prefer a modern and trendy style.

Care tips: Use a lightweight curl cream to define the curls without weighing them down. Regularly maintain the fade with a quality clipper. Hydrate the curls to keep them bouncy and frizz-free.

Stylist insights: The combination of a curly top and a high fade offers a fresh and dynamic appearance. It’s a versatile style that can easily transition from day to night, making it a popular choice among fashion-forward men.

Tapered Curly Fade

This tapered curly fade showcases a smooth transition from longer curls on top to a faded cut on the sides and back. The curls are left natural and slightly tousled for a relaxed look.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: Perfect for a balanced and versatile style
• Hairstyle: Tapered curly fade
• Cuts for: Wavy to curly hair

Best suited for: This hairstyle suits men with wavy to curly hair who want a stylish yet laid-back look. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of structure and natural texture.

Care tips: Use a curl-defining mousse to enhance the natural wave pattern. Regularly trim the fade to maintain the shape. Deep condition the hair weekly to keep it healthy and hydrated.

Stylist insights: The tapered curly fade is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The tapered sides highlight the natural curls on top, creating a balanced and fashionable appearance.

Tousled Curls with Beard

This look features loose, tousled curls paired with a well-groomed beard. The hair is kept at a medium length, allowing the curls to fall naturally while the beard adds a rugged touch.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a rugged and stylish look
• Hairstyle: Tousled, natural
• Cuts for: Curly hair

Best suited for: This style is ideal for men with curly hair who also have a beard. It provides a rugged yet refined appearance, suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

Care tips: Use a curl-enhancing cream to define the curls. Keep the beard well-trimmed and moisturized with beard oil. Avoid heavy styling products to maintain the natural look.

Stylist insights: The combination of tousled curls and a beard creates a masculine and stylish look. It’s perfect for those who want to embrace their natural texture while adding a touch of sophistication.

High Fade with Curly Top

This hairstyle features a high fade with a voluminous curly top. The high fade creates a clean and sharp look, while the curls on top add texture and volume.

• Hair length: Short to medium
• Ideas: For a clean and textured style
• Hairstyle: High fade with curly top
• Haircut fade: High fade

Best suited for: This look is perfect for men who want a bold and modern hairstyle. It’s suitable for those with naturally curly hair who prefer a sharp and defined cut.

Care tips: Use a curl-defining gel to enhance the curls on top. Maintain the high fade with regular trims. Hydrate the hair to keep the curls soft and manageable.

Stylist insights: The high fade with a curly top is a striking and fashionable look. It’s great for men who want to stand out and showcase their natural curls in a modern way.

Curly Fade with Texture

This stylish curly fade features short, textured curls on top with a smooth fade on the sides. The contrast creates a modern, clean look while maintaining the natural curl pattern.

• Hair length: Short to medium
• Ideas: For a sharp and clean style
• Hairstyle: Curly fade
• Haircut fade: High fade

Best suited for: This hairstyle is ideal for men with naturally curly hair who want a contemporary and polished look. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer a low-maintenance yet stylish cut.

Care tips: Use a curl-enhancing cream to define the curls. Regularly maintain the fade with visits to the barber. Keep the curls hydrated with a leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz.

Stylist insights: The high fade with textured curls on top is a perfect blend of structure and natural texture. It’s a versatile style that can be easily dressed up or down, making it a great choice for various occasions.

Professional Curls

This hairstyle features loose, voluminous curls that are perfect for a professional setting. The medium length allows the curls to be styled in a sophisticated manner while retaining their natural bounce.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a professional and stylish look
• Hairstyle: Loose curls
• Cuts for: Medium to long hair

Best suited for: This look is ideal for men with naturally curly hair who need a professional and polished appearance. It’s great for business environments and formal occasions.

Care tips: Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep the curls soft. A light styling mousse can help maintain volume without weighing down the hair. Regular trims will keep the ends healthy and prevent split ends.

Stylist insights: Loose, voluminous curls offer a refined and elegant appearance. This style is perfect for those who want to highlight their natural curls in a professional setting without sacrificing style.

Tapered Curls

This hairstyle features a tapered cut with voluminous curls on top. The tapered sides and back provide a clean and structured look, while the curls on top add texture and volume.

• Hair length: Short to medium
• Ideas: For a structured yet textured style
• Hairstyle: Tapered curls
• Cuts for: Curly hair

Best suited for: This style is perfect for men with curly hair who prefer a structured and clean look with some volume on top. It’s great for both casual and formal settings.

Care tips: Use a curl-defining gel to enhance the natural curl pattern. Keep the hair hydrated with a leave-in conditioner. Regularly visit the barber to maintain the tapered shape.

Stylist insights: The tapered curls provide a balanced mix of structure and texture. This style is easy to maintain and offers a versatile look that can suit various occasions.

Defined Curls with Line Design

This bold hairstyle features defined curls on top with a sharp line design etched into a high fade. The design adds a unique and trendy element to the classic curly top.

• Hair length: Short
• Ideas: For a bold and trendy look
• Hairstyle: Curly top with design
• Haircut fade: High fade

Best suited for: This look is ideal for men who want to make a statement with their hairstyle. It’s perfect for those who love unique and trendy styles.

Care tips: Use a curl-enhancing gel to define the curls. Keep the fade and design sharp with regular barber visits. Moisturize the curls to keep them looking fresh and bouncy.

Stylist insights: The line design adds a creative and personalized touch to the classic curly top. It’s a great way to stand out and showcase your individual style.

Short Tight Curls

This hairstyle features short, tight curls that create a neat and defined look. The short length keeps the curls manageable and easy to style, making it perfect for everyday wear.

• Hair length: Short
• Ideas: For a neat and manageable style
• Hairstyle: Tight curls
• Cuts for: Curly hair

Best suited for: This look is ideal for men with naturally tight curls who prefer a low-maintenance style. It’s great for those who want a neat and tidy appearance without much fuss.

Care tips: Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep the curls soft. A light curl cream can help define the curls without making them crunchy. Regular trims will keep the shape looking fresh.

Stylist insights: Short tight curls offer a clean and defined look that’s easy to maintain. It’s perfect for those who want a stylish yet low-maintenance hairstyle.

Voluminous Curly Fade

This voluminous curly fade features full, bouncy curls on top with a high fade on the sides. The style creates a striking contrast, making the curls the focal point.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a bold and defined style
• Hairstyle: Voluminous curls with fade
• Haircut fade: High fade

Best suited for: This style is ideal for men with naturally curly hair who want a bold and contemporary look. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy a high-contrast hairstyle.

Care tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance the curls. Regularly maintain the fade to keep the style sharp. Hydrate the curls to keep them looking full and healthy.

Stylist insights: The high fade with voluminous curls offers a modern and eye-catching look. It’s perfect for those who want to make their curls the star of the show while maintaining a clean and polished appearance.

Casual Medium Curls

This hairstyle features medium-length curls that are left loose and natural. The casual look is perfect for a relaxed and effortless style.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a natural and laid-back look
• Hairstyle: Loose curls
• Cuts for: Medium length hair

Best suited for: This look is ideal for men with naturally curly hair who prefer a low-maintenance and relaxed style. It’s great for everyday wear and casual settings.

Care tips: Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to keep the curls soft. Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh down the hair. Regular trims will keep the ends healthy and prevent split ends.

Stylist insights: Loose, medium-length curls provide a natural and effortless look. This style is easy to maintain and perfect for those who want to embrace their natural texture.

Defined Curls with Fringe

This hairstyle features defined curls with a fringe, creating a unique and stylish look. The curls are kept at a medium length, with the fringe adding a modern twist.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a stylish and unique look
• Hairstyle: Curls with fringe
• Cuts for: Medium length hair

Best suited for: This style is perfect for men with naturally curly hair who want to add a stylish twist to their look. It’s great for those who enjoy experimenting with different styles.

Care tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance the curls. Regularly trim the fringe to maintain the shape. Hydrate the hair to keep it looking fresh and bouncy.

Stylist insights: The fringe adds a modern and unique element to the classic curly hairstyle. This look is perfect for those who want to stand out and showcase their individual style.

Classic Tight Curls

This hairstyle features classic, tight curls that create a neat and defined look. The short length keeps the curls manageable and easy to style.

• Hair length: Short to medium
• Ideas: For a neat and classic style
• Hairstyle: Tight curls
• Cuts for: Curly hair

Best suited for: This look is ideal for men with naturally tight curls who prefer a low-maintenance and classic style. It’s great for both casual and formal settings.

Care tips: Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep the curls soft. A light curl cream can help define the curls without making them crunchy. Regular trims will keep the shape looking fresh.

Stylist insights: Short tight curls offer a clean and defined look that’s easy to maintain. It’s perfect for those who want a stylish yet low-maintenance hairstyle.

Natural Curly Mop

This hairstyle features medium-length curls that are kept natural and slightly tousled. The relaxed and effortless look is perfect for a casual style.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a relaxed and natural look
• Hairstyle: Tousled curls
• Cuts for: Medium length hair

Best suited for: This look is ideal for men with naturally curly hair who prefer a low-maintenance and casual style. It’s great for everyday wear and relaxed settings.

Care tips: Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to keep the curls soft. Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh down the hair. Regular trims will keep the ends healthy and prevent split ends.

Stylist insights: The tousled curls provide a relaxed and effortless look. This style is easy to maintain and perfect for those who want to embrace their natural texture.

Messy Curls with Volume

This hairstyle features messy, voluminous curls that create a bold and dynamic look. The curls are kept at a medium length, adding texture and volume to the style.

• Hair length: Medium
• Ideas: For a bold and voluminous style
• Hairstyle: Messy curls
• Cuts for: Medium length hair

Best suited for: This look is perfect for men with naturally curly hair who want a bold and dynamic style. It’s great for those who enjoy experimenting with different looks and textures.

Care tips: Use a curl-enhancing mousse to add volume and define the curls. Hydrate the hair to keep it looking fresh and bouncy. Regular trims will maintain the shape and prevent split ends.

Stylist insights: The messy curls with volume offer a bold and dynamic look that’s perfect for those who want to stand out. This style is great for showcasing the natural texture and volume of curly hair.