Hey, so you’ve got curly hair, right? And maybe sometimes it feels like your curls just do whatever they want. Trust me, I get it. But here’s the good news — curly hair is actually one of the coolest things you can have.
In this article, we’re going to look at 38 trending curly hairstyles for men that actually look amazing. Whether your curls are loose and wavy or super tight and coily, there’s something on this list for you. Let’s get into it!
Why Curly Hair for Men Is Having a Big Moment
Curly hair used to be something guys tried to hide. Not anymore.
Right now in 2026, curly men’s hairstyles are everywhere — on athletes, actors, models, and regular guys just walking around town. Curls look natural, confident, and full of personality.
And the best part? You don’t need to fight your hair. You just need to work with it.
Things to Know Before Picking Your Style
Before you pick a curly hairstyle, think about a few things:
- Your curl type — Are they loose waves, medium curls, or tight coils?
- Your hair length — Short, medium, or long?
- Your face shape — Round, oval, square, or heart-shaped?
- How much time you want to spend — Some styles need more care than others
Got it? Cool. Now let’s look at the best styles.
38 Trending Curly Hairstyles for Men
1. The Classic Curly Top with Fade
This is the most popular one right now. Your curls stay full and natural on top, while the sides are faded short. It looks clean and sharp.
Best for: All curl types, oval or square face shapes.
2. Curly Undercut
The sides are cut really short (or shaved), and the curls on top go wild. It’s bold and modern.
Best for: Guys who want an edgy look.
3. Medium Curly Hair with Side Part
You keep the curls medium length and part them on the side. It looks neat but still relaxed.
Best for: Office or school. Very clean and professional.
4. Long Curly Hair (Shoulder Length)
If you have patience, let those curls grow out to shoulder length. It looks amazing — kind of like a rock star vibe.
Best for: Guys with loose to medium curls.
5. Curly Mohawk
The sides are shaved or faded very short, and the curls run down the middle of your head like a strip. Super cool and attention-grabbing.
Best for: Tight or medium curls.
6. Afro (Natural and Full)
The most iconic curly style ever. Just let your natural curls grow out into a full, round afro. No products needed — just moisture and a pick comb.
Best for: Tight coily curls.
7. Curly Fringe (Curtain Bangs)
Your curls fall forward a little over your forehead, like curtains parting in the middle. Very trendy right now.
Best for: Loose to medium curls.
8. Short Curly Hair
Keep it simple with short curls all over. Easy to manage, looks great, and doesn’t take long in the morning.
Best for: Guys who don’t like spending too much time on their hair.
9. Taper Fade with Curls
Similar to the classic fade, but the taper is softer and more gradual. Looks super polished.
Best for: Any curl type, especially medium ones.
10. Curly Pompadour
Your curls are pushed up and forward at the front, giving you extra height. It’s a classic look with a modern curly twist.
Best for: Loose curls, oval face shapes.
11. Pineapple Up-Style
You gather all your curls up on top of your head — kind of like a pineapple shape. Great for guys with long curly hair.
Best for: Long, tight curls.
12. Defined Curl Pattern (Wash and Go)
Just wash your hair, add some curl cream, and let it dry naturally. This shows off your natural curl pattern without any heat or tools.
Best for: All curl types.
13. Curly Mullet
Yes, the mullet is back — but this time with curls. Short in the front, curly and longer in the back. It sounds weird but honestly looks really cool.
Best for: Medium to loose curls.
14. Surfer Curls
These are tousled, beach-wave style curls — like you just came out of the ocean. Use a sea salt spray to get this look.
Best for: Loose, wavy curls.
15. Tight Coils with High Top
A high top fade with tight natural coils on top. Very clean and striking.
Best for: Type 4 coily hair.
16. Messy Curls (Intentionally Undone)
This looks like you didn’t try — but you totally did. Apply a light curl cream, scrunch, and let it be a little messy. Looks effortlessly cool.
Best for: Loose to medium curls.
17. Curly Quiff
The front curls are pushed up and slightly back, giving a quiff shape. Very stylish for 2026.
Best for: Medium curls, oval or square face.
18. Box Fade with Natural Curls
A square or boxy fade on the sides, with natural curls on top. Very sharp and modern.
Best for: Tight or medium curls.
19. Two-Strand Twist Out
You twist your curls in small sections overnight, then untwist them in the morning for a defined, beautiful pattern.
Best for: Coily and medium curls.
20. Curly Hair with Hard Part
A shaved line (hard part) on the side of your head, with curls flowing to one side. Very clean and detailed.
Best for: Any curl type.
21. Low Fade Curly Cut
The fade starts low near your ear. Keeps most of the hair on the sides but still gives a fresh shape.
Best for: Guys who want a subtle, clean look.
22. Curly Bun (Man Bun)
Tie your long curls into a loose bun on top or back of your head. Very popular with guys who have longer curls.
Best for: Long curls.
23. French Crop with Curls
The top curls are cropped short and fall slightly forward. Very European and stylish.
Best for: Loose to medium curls, round or oval face.
24. Half-Up Curly Style
Pull the top half of your curls into a small bun or ponytail, and let the bottom half hang free. Easy and cool.
Best for: Medium to long curls.
25. Curly Blowout
Use a diffuser to blow-dry your curls and give them extra volume and lift. This makes your curls look fuller and more defined.
Best for: Any curl type.
26. Layered Curly Cut
Your stylist cuts the curls in layers so they fall in a more structured way. Reduces bulk and adds movement.
Best for: Guys with very thick or heavy curls.
27. Temple Fade with Curls
The fade goes around your temples (the sides of your forehead). Very precise and sharp.
Best for: Medium or tight curls.
28. Textured Crop
Short curls on top, skin fade on sides. Very minimal and modern.
Best for: All curl types, especially for school or work.
29. Wavy Pushed-Back Style
If your curls are loose and wavy, just push them back with your hands and a little product. Looks relaxed and handsome.
Best for: Loose waves.
30. Curly Top Knot
Like the man bun, but smaller and sitting right on top of your head. Looks cool with a beard too.
Best for: Long, loose or medium curls.
31. Natural Locs with Curly Roots
If you’re starting locs, the early stage shows beautiful curly roots. Very natural and earthy looking.
Best for: Coily hair types.
32. Curly Side Swept Style
All your curls sweep to one side of your head. Very elegant and fashion-forward.
Best for: Medium to loose curls.
33. Spiky Curls
Use a little gel to define your curls and make them point in different directions. Playful and fun.
Best for: Short to medium tight curls.
34. Curly Shag Cut
This is inspired by 70s rock. Lots of layers, kind of shaggy and messy — but in a cool way.
Best for: Loose to medium curls, shoulder length.
35. Coily High Top
Let your tight coils grow upward and outward for a high top shape. Super bold.
Best for: Type 4 coily hair.
36. Curly Caesar Cut
Short, uniform length all around with a slight fringe at the front. Very clean and simple.
Best for: All curl types, easy to maintain.
37. Twisted Fade
Small twists or coils on top with a skin fade. Great combination of texture and sharpness.
Best for: Tight coily hair.
38. Loose Romantic Curls
Long, flowing, defined curls. Looks great with longer hair. Very charming and elegant.
Best for: Loose curl types, longer length.
How to Take Care of Curly Hair (Quick Tips)
Curly hair needs a little extra love. Here’s what actually works:
- Moisturize often — Curly hair gets dry easily. Use a good leave-in conditioner.
- Don’t over-shampoo — Wash 2–3 times a week max. Too much washing dries out your curls.
- Use a microfiber towel — Regular towels create frizz. A microfiber towel is gentler.
- Scrunch, don’t rub — When drying, scrunch your hair upward. Don’t rub it.
- Try the LOC method — Liquid (water), Oil, Cream. Apply in this order for maximum moisture.
- Use a wide-tooth comb — And only when your hair is wet and has conditioner in it.
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase — Cotton pillowcases cause frizz and breakage at night.
Best Products for Men Curly Hair
You don’t need to spend a lot. Here are the kinds of products that work:
- Curl cream — Defines your curls without making them crunchy
- Gel (light hold) — Good for more defined, frizz-free curls
- Leave-in conditioner — Keep this in your routine always
- Hair oil (argan or jojoba) — Seals in moisture and adds shine
- Sea salt spray — Great for that surfer, beachy wave look
What Hairstyle Fits Your Face Shape?
Not sure which style is for you? Here’s a simple guide:
Round face — Go for styles with height on top (like a curly quiff or high fade). It makes your face look longer.
Oval face — Lucky you! Most styles work. Try anything from this list.
Square face — Softer curls on the sides balance your strong jaw. Try medium-length curls or a textured crop.
Heart-shaped face — Fuller curls around the sides and back balance your wider forehead. Medium length works great.
Want More Hairstyle Ideas?
Curly hair is awesome, but maybe you want to explore more. If you have really thick hair, check out the 50 Best Hairstyles for Men With Thick Hair — it’s a great list with tons of ideas made specifically for guys with a lot of volume.
And if you’re into classic, retro-inspired looks, you’ll love the 27 Best Mod Haircuts for Men. Those styles have a really sharp, 60s-inspired vibe that works super well with curly or wavy hair.
Talking to Your Barber: What to Say
Going to the barber can feel confusing, especially if you’re not sure what to ask for. Here’s how to keep it simple:
- Show them a photo of the style you want
- Tell them your curl type (loose, medium, tight)
- Tell them how much length you want to keep
- Ask if the style works for your face shape
- Ask about maintenance — “How often do I need to come back?”
A good barber will listen and guide you. Don’t be shy to ask questions.
Conclusion
There you go — 38 trending curly hairstyles for men that actually look amazing. Whether you want something simple and low-maintenance or something bold and eye-catching, there’s a style on this list that’s perfect for you.
The key thing to remember? Curly hair is a gift, not a problem. Work with your natural texture, keep it moisturized, and find a style that makes you feel good.
Pick your favorite from this list, show your barber, and go rock those curls. You’ve got this!
