35 Stylish Curly Hairstyles for Men: Top Cuts, Fades, and Textured Looks

Curly hair for men is versatile, stylish, and full of personality, but finding the perfect haircut to complement your natural texture can be a challenge. From tight coils and loose waves to messy curls and defined ringlets, curly hairstyles offer endless options for adding volume, movement, and character to your look. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance fade, a textured top, a classic afro, or modern twists, the right haircut can enhance your curls while keeping your style sharp and professional. In this guide, we’ve compiled 35 of the best curly hairstyles for men, covering everything from casual, everyday looks to bold, statement-making cuts—helping you embrace your natural curls with confidence and flair.

Popular Curly Hairstyles for Men

Popular curly hairstyles for men embrace natural texture, volume, and individuality, offering a wide range of looks for every personality and occasion. From the classic afro and curly high top to modern textured curls, taper fades, and short curly crops, these hairstyles highlight the hair’s natural movement while maintaining a sharp, stylish finish. Men with loose waves can opt for medium-length layered cuts or messy curls, while those with tight coils often prefer fade cuts, curly frosts, or defined ringlets for a bold statement.

Many styles are complemented by facial hair, hard parts, or shaved designs, giving added character and versatility. Whether aiming for a low-maintenance everyday cut or a standout, high-contrast fade, these popular curly hairstyles provide inspiration for men looking to celebrate their natural curls while staying trendy and well-groomed.

Textured Crew Cut

The textured crew cut is a perfect curly hairstyle for men seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look. This cut keeps the sides and back short while allowing length on top, giving your natural curls space to shine without appearing unruly. Its layered texture adds dimension, personality, and effortless style, making it ideal for men who want a clean, professional appearance with minimal upkeep. For styling, use a matte clay or lightweight styling cream to define curls, create separation, and achieve a relaxed, lived-in finish that enhances your hair’s natural movement.

Messy Curly Hair Fade

The messy curly hair fade is a bold, textured haircut for men that combines structure with natural movement. Featuring tight, faded sides and a longer, unruly top, this style creates striking contrast while showcasing your curls’ full personality. Ideal for short to medium-length hair, it often pairs with a low or mid skin fade to enhance the overall sharpness and modern appeal. For styling, apply a curl cream to damp hair and let your curls air dry for a natural finish, or use a diffuser to add volume and maintain softness without stiffness. This haircut is perfect for men who want a trendy, low-maintenance style that emphasizes their natural curls.

Modern Curly Mullet

The modern curly mullet is a trendy haircut for men that blends retro vibes with contemporary style. With short, tapered sides and longer curls on the crown and back, this look creates natural movement while maintaining structure and balance. It’s perfect for men who want an expressive yet professional hairstyle that stands out without looking messy. To style, apply a curl cream to damp hair and use a diffuser to enhance texture, boost volume, and achieve a clean, defined finish that highlights your natural curls.

Brushed Back Curls

Brushed-back curls are a sophisticated hairstyle for men looking to combine natural texture with a sleek, polished appearance. By styling the curls away from the face, this look creates controlled volume and clean lines, making it versatile for both casual and professional settings. To achieve the style, apply a strong-hold styling cream to damp hair, then use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently brush the curls backward. Finish by diffusing on low heat to enhance curl definition and maintain a long-lasting, refined look. This hairstyle is perfect for men seeking a classic yet contemporary curly haircut that highlights natural movement without sacrificing elegance.

Fluffy Curls

Fluffy curls are a stylish curly hairstyle for men that emphasizes natural volume, bounce, and movement. This soft, airy look enhances your hair’s texture while maintaining a relaxed, casual vibe—perfect for everyday wear or a laid-back, trendy appearance. To style, apply a lightweight curl cream or mousse to damp hair, then gently scrunch to encourage lift and definition. Let the hair air dry or use a low-heat diffuser to preserve softness without weighing the curls down. Fluffy curls are ideal for men seeking a versatile, low-maintenance curly haircut that looks effortlessly stylish.

Textured Short Curls with Fade

Textured short curls with a sharp fade are a modern hairstyle for men that perfectly balances natural texture with a clean, professional appearance. The temple fade creates structure and sharp definition along the sides, highlighting the face, while the cropped curly top adds volume, movement, and personality without looking bulky. To style, apply a curl cream to damp hair and use a diffuser attachment while blow-drying to enhance lift, maintain curl definition, and reduce frizz. This look is ideal for men who want a trendy, low-maintenance curly haircut that’s both polished and stylish.

Curly Buzz Cut

The curly buzz cut is a classic, low-maintenance hairstyle for men with tight curls or coily hair. This haircut keeps the hair closely cropped, creating a clean, sharp, and well-defined look that highlights strong facial features. It’s an ideal choice for men seeking a practical, no-fuss style that requires minimal daily upkeep. To maintain the haircut, schedule regular trims to preserve the shape, and use a light leave-in conditioner to keep the scalp and hair hydrated without weighing down the curls. The curly buzz cut combines simplicity, style, and ease, making it perfect for busy men who still want a polished appearance.

Loose, Flowing Parted Curls with Taper Fade

Loose parted curls with a taper fade are a stylish haircut for men that perfectly balances natural texture with polished structure. The soft side part adds subtle definition and order, while the taper fade on the sides and back keeps the look clean and flattering without overpowering the curls on top. This versatile style highlights free-flowing, voluminous curls while maintaining a refined, professional appearance. To style, let your curls air dry or use a diffuser for enhanced texture, and apply a light curl cream or leave-in conditioner to define strands, reduce frizz, and achieve a natural, effortless finish.

Thick Curls with Low Fade

Thick curls with a low fade are a trendy haircut for men that combines natural volume and texture with a clean, polished appearance. The low fade, starting just above the ears, tapers down smoothly to emphasize the jawline and cheekbones while keeping the top full and voluminous. This style highlights coarse, thick curls without letting them appear unruly, making it perfect for a controlled yet stylish look. To style, apply a strong curl cream evenly to damp hair, then gently scrunch to enhance definition while avoiding product buildup. This haircut is ideal for men seeking a modern, low-maintenance curly hairstyle that balances natural movement with sharp structure.

Curly Mullet Fade

The curly mullet fade is a bold, modern hairstyle for men that combines natural curls with sharp, edgy structure. Featuring tight, faded sides and longer curls cascading down the back, this look creates dynamic movement from front to back while maintaining a clean, contemporary silhouette. It’s a perfect choice for men who want a trendy, statement-making curly haircut that nods to retro styles without sacrificing modern appeal. To style, apply a texturizing paste to damp curls to enhance separation and definition, achieving a look that is sharp, tidy, and effortlessly stylish.

Curly Mohawk Burst Fade

The curly mohawk burst fade is a bold, modern hairstyle for men that pairs tight, textured curls on top with a sharp, rounded burst fade around the sides. This edgy haircut emphasizes volume and curl definition while maintaining a clean, well-groomed silhouette, making it perfect for men with short, coarser curls. The rounded fade around the ears adds structure without sacrificing the natural movement of the curls. To style, use curl-enhancing products on damp hair to maintain shape, boost texture, and keep your look defined with minimal daily effort. This cut is ideal for men seeking a trendy, statement-making curly haircut with easy upkeep.

Heavy Wavy Fringe with Taper Fade

The heavy wavy fringe with a taper fade is a stylish haircut for men that highlights natural texture and movement in thick hair. The waves cascade freely over the forehead, creating a relaxed, effortless vibe, while the tapered fade keeps the sides clean and sharp, balancing volume and lift with a polished finish. For the best results, grow your hair to a medium length to allow your natural wave pattern to develop fully. Style by finger-shaping the top with a lightweight curl cream or mousse, controlling the fringe and enhancing texture without weighing it down. This haircut is perfect for men seeking a trendy, low-maintenance look that combines structure with natural flow.

How to maintain Curly Hairstyles at home?

Maintaining curly hairstyles at home ensures your curls stay defined, healthy, and stylish between barber visits. Curly hair requires moisture, gentle handling, and the right styling products to prevent frizz and preserve texture. Here’s how to keep your curls looking fresh:

1. Wash and Condition Properly

Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse without stripping natural oils. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to keep curls soft and manageable. For tighter curls or coily hair, consider a deep conditioning treatment once a week to restore moisture and prevent breakage.

2. Detangle Gently

Always detangle curls when your hair is damp and conditioned. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to avoid disrupting the natural curl pattern. Start from the tips and work your way up to the roots to prevent breakage.

3. Apply Styling Products

Use curl creams, mousses, or lightweight gels to define curls, enhance volume, and control frizz. Work the product evenly through damp hair, then allow it to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat to maintain shape and texture. Avoid heavy waxes that can weigh curls down.

4. Refresh Between Washes

Curly hair doesn’t need daily washing. Instead, spritz with water or a leave-in conditioner and lightly scrunch to revive curls. For tighter styles, a small amount of curl cream can redefine texture without making hair greasy.

5. Protect at Night

Reduce friction while sleeping by using a silk or satin pillowcase or wearing a silk scarf/bonnet. This keeps curls from frizzing or breaking overnight and helps maintain your style longer.

6. Regular Trims

Even at home, schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to remove split ends and keep your curls looking fresh and healthy. This prevents the hair from becoming weighed down or losing shape.

With these steps, you can maintain, define, and protect your curly hairstyle from home while keeping it looking salon-fresh.