Curly hair can be difficult to style and cut for many men. The texture and volume of curls requires careful styling to look their best. However, when done right, curly hair cuts can look fantastic and give men a stylish, defined look. Here’s an overview of the most popular curly hair cut for men and tips for making them work for your curls.
The Curly Crop
A cropped curly haircut is a great option for men with tight curls. This style keeps the sides and back trimmed close, tapering up to longer curls on top. The curls are shaped and defined but not too short that the texture is lost. It’s a minimal maintenance style perfect for curly hair.
To get the look:
- Ask your barber for a high taper fade on the back and sides
- Keep hair longer on top, around 2-4 inches depending on curl size
- Use pomade or curl cream when styling to define curls and reduce frizz
- Finger style curls into place rather than brushing
Curly Faux Hawk
The faux hawk puts a trendy spin on curly hair. It works well for looser curl patterns or afro-textured hair. The style features longer hair down the middle of the head that stands up resembling a faux mohawk.
To create this style:
- Get a high fade on the sides to accentuate the fullness on top
- Leave around 3-5 inches of length on top depending on curl size
- Use a strong hold gel or wax to define the curl pattern
- Brush hair up and into the middle to create the faux hawk shape
The Curly Quiff
A curly quiff is created by brushing the front of the hair up and away from the forehead. This gives a nice lift that shows off the texture and volume of your curls. It’s a great style for gentlemen with longer curly locks.
How to style a curly quiff:
- Grow curly hair out longer on the top, around 4-6 inches
- Taper the back and sides shorter with clippers or scissors
- Apply a grooming cream and blow dry hair upward with a round brush
- Brush the front up and away from the face
- Set with a medium hold pomade
Curly Pompadour
A curly pompadour is all about volume and height. It’s perfect for guys with bouncy, loose curls. Hair is brushed upward and backwards away from the face.
Tips for the curly pomp:
- Grow out hair on top longer, around 5+ inches
- Taper or fade the sides and back close
- Blow dry hair with a round brush upward and backwards
- Tease the roots for extra height and lift
- Use a strong hold pomade to keep the shape
Natural Curls with Tapered Sides
This style keeps curl pattern intact up top while sides are trimmed neat and tight. It’s great for curly hair that looks best worn naturally.
How to get it:
- Ask your barber for a high bald fade on the sides
- Leave 5+ inches of length on top
- Define curls with curl cream and scrunch
- Let hair air dry or diffuse for extra volume
- Finger style curls into place, do not brush
No matter what curly hair style you choose, proper hair care is key. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners made for curly hair. Air dry instead of harsh blow drying. Apply products like leave-in conditioner and curl cream when hair is wet. And embrace your natural texture – the best curly hair cuts work with your curls rather than against them.
FAQs About Curly Hair Cuts for Men
How short can I cut curly hair?
It’s best to keep curly hair longer than straight hair. Curly hair shrinks up quite a bit when dry so be cautious about going too short. Generally 2-3 inches of length is shortest recommended to maintain curl pattern.
Should I get layers cut into curly hair?
Layers can work well for curly hair depending on the curl type. Looser curls tend to benefit most from layered cuts as it reduces weight and encourages bounce. Tighter coils do best with a more even length.
What products work best for styling curly hair?
Look for moisturizing products like curl creams, leave-in conditioners, and oils to hydrate curls. Pomades, gels, and waxes help define the curls and provide hold. Always apply products to wet hair.
How often should men with curly hair get a trim?
Curly hair grows more slowly than straight hair. Plan to get a trim every 8-12 weeks to maintain the style. Taking off 1/4 to 1/2 inch is usually plenty.
