25 Iconic Curly Hairstyles for Men

Embracing your natural curls can be a game-changer for your style.

Men’s curly hair offers incredible versatility and character that straight-haired guys simply can’t achieve without significant effort.

The right curly hairstyle can enhance your facial features, express your personality, and significantly reduce your styling time each morning.

Ready to make the most of your curly locks? Discover these 25 iconic curly hairstyles that will help you look your best and stand out from the crowd.

1: Classic Curly Quiff

The curly quiff combines vintage charm with modern styling. Keep the sides shorter while allowing length on top to create height and forward movement.

Use a lightweight mousse to enhance your natural curl pattern without weighing it down.

The contrast between the voluminous top and tapered sides creates a striking silhouette.

This versatile style works for both casual and formal settings, making it perfect for men who need a flexible, low-maintenance look.

2: Short Curly Fade

Embrace precision with this clean, modern cut.

The short curly fade features gradually tapered sides with slightly longer curls on top for a neat, professional appearance.

Ask your barber for a high, mid, or low fade depending on your face shape and personal preference.

The sharp contrast highlights your natural curl pattern on top.

This low-maintenance style requires minimal styling—just add a small amount of curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and let it air dry.

3: Curly Undercut

Create dramatic contrast with this bold style. The curly undercut features closely cropped or shaved sides with a full crown of curls on top.

The clear distinction between the textured top and clean sides draws attention to your curls while keeping them manageable.

Style with a sea salt spray for added definition.

This eye-catching look works particularly well for men with tight curls or coils who want to showcase their texture while maintaining a polished appearance.

4: Medium Length Curls

Embrace natural movement with shoulder-skimming curls.

This versatile medium length allows your curl pattern to fully express itself while remaining practical.

Invest in a curl-specific conditioner to maintain moisture and prevent frizz.

A regular trim every 8-10 weeks will prevent split ends while maintaining your shape.

This relaxed style projects confidence and creativity, perfect for men who want their personality to shine through their appearance.

5: Curly Fringe

Frame your face with this stylish, youthful look.

The curly fringe keeps length in the front, allowing your curls to partially cover your forehead for a casual, effortless vibe.

Work with your barber to create a length that complements your curl pattern and face shape.

Usually, keeping the sides slightly shorter creates the best balance.

Add a small amount of lightweight styling cream to enhance definition without creating crunchiness or stiffness.

6: Tight Curls with Skin Fade

Combine modern barbering with natural texture for this sharp, contemporary style.

The dramatic contrast between ultra-short sides and defined curls on top creates a striking profile.

Ask for a skin fade that gradually blends from bare skin to your natural hair.

This technique creates clean lines that highlight your curls rather than competing with them.

Maintain the shape with regular barber visits every 2-3 weeks to keep the fade looking fresh and precise.

7: Curly Pompadour

Channel vintage vibes with this statement-making style.

The curly pompadour features voluminous height at the front that gradually tapers toward the back.

Use a diffuser when blow-drying to enhance volume without creating frizz.

A strong-hold pomade will help maintain the height throughout the day.

This bold look demands attention and works particularly well for men with oval or oblong face shapes who want to make a strong impression.

8: Shoulder-Length Curls

Embrace your inner rock star with this free-flowing style.

Shoulder-length curls offer maximum impact and versatility for men comfortable with longer hair.

Invest in quality sulfate-free shampoo and conditioning treatments to keep longer curls healthy and defined.

Regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.

This confident style works with various curl patterns and allows endless styling options, from man buns to half-up looks.

9: Curly Top with Temple Fade

Create architectural precision with this stylish combination.

The curly top with temple fade maintains your natural texture while adding sharp, clean lines around the temples and ears.

Ask your barber for a fade that specifically targets the temple area while leaving fullness elsewhere.

This technique frames your face and emphasizes your curls.

Apply a curl-enhancing product to damp hair and avoid touching your curls once they’ve dried to maintain definition all day.

10: Tapered Natural Curls

Achieve a polished yet natural look with this versatile style.

The tapered natural curl cut gradually decreases in length from crown to neckline without harsh lines.

This low-maintenance option keeps your curls looking intentional without requiring extensive daily styling.

A light curl cream is all you need to enhance definition.

The subtle graduation in length creates a shape that works with your natural growth pattern rather than fighting against it.

11: Curly Comb Over

Update a classic barbershop style with curly texture.

The curly comb over features a deep side part with length swept dramatically to one side.

Create the part while your hair is wet, then apply a medium-hold styling product before allowing it to air dry.

The natural volume of your curls adds interesting dimension to this traditional style.

This sophisticated look transitions seamlessly from office to evening and works particularly well for men with looser curl patterns.

12: Curly Afro

Celebrate volume and texture with this iconic style.

The curly Afro allows your natural curl pattern to expand to its full potential in a rounded shape.

Maintain moisture with regular deep conditioning treatments and protect your hair at night with a satin cap or pillowcase.

Pick out your curls with a wide-tooth comb for maximum volume.

This bold, confidence-projecting style makes a statement while honoring the natural characteristics of your hair.

13: Curly Top Knot

Combine practicality with style in this trendy updo.

The curly top knot keeps your curls contained when needed while showcasing their texture and volume.

Gather your curls at the crown and secure loosely with a hair tie—too tight will create tension and breakage.

Leave the ends free for a relaxed, effortless appearance.

This versatile style works for various occasions and hair lengths, making it perfect for men who need their hair off their face without sacrificing style.

14: Curly Caesar Cut

Update a Roman classic with natural texture.

The curly Caesar features a short, horizontally straight fringe with slightly longer length on top and closely cropped sides.

This low-maintenance style requires minimal styling—just apply a small amount of styling cream to enhance your curl pattern after washing.

The structured shape stays put even as your hair grows out.

This practical yet stylish option works particularly well for men with active lifestyles who need a reliable, wash-and-go option.

15: Curly Faux Hawk

Create height and drama with this edgy style.

The curly faux hawk features shorter sides with a pronounced strip of length running from forehead to nape.

Unlike the traditional mohawk, the sides don’t need to be shaved—a taper or fade creates enough contrast while maintaining a more versatile overall look.

Use a strong-hold gel or paste at the roots for added height and definition along the center of your head.

16: Defined Coils with Line Up

Combine natural texture with precise edges for this sharp, contemporary look.

The defined coils with line up features your natural curl pattern enhanced by clean, straight edges along the hairline.

Ask your barber for a shape up or line up to create geometric precision around your natural hairline.

This technique frames your face and adds intentional structure to your curls.

Apply a curl-defining cream to enhance your natural pattern and maintain the precise edges with regular barber visits every 2-3 weeks.

17: Curly Shag

Embrace retro vibes with this textured, layered cut.

The curly shag features various lengths throughout with shorter layers around the face and crown for added volume.

This 70s-inspired style works with your curl pattern rather than against it, creating movement and dimension throughout.

Ask for face-framing layers to highlight your features.

Enhance the laid-back vibe by using minimal styling products—a light curl cream and natural air drying will maintain the carefree appearance.

18: Curly High and Tight

Combine military precision with natural texture.

The curly high and tight features ultra-short sides with slightly longer curls on top for a masculine, no-nonsense appearance.

This low-maintenance option requires minimal styling and looks neat as it grows out.

The short length enhances your facial features while keeping your morning routine simple.

Apply a small amount of matte-finish paste for subtle definition without adding unwanted shine or crunchiness.

19: Curly Mullet

Embrace the revival of this controversial cut with a curly twist.

The curly mullet features shorter length in the front and sides with dramatic length in the back.

Modern interpretations create a more gradual transition between lengths rather than the stark contrast of the original 80s version.

Your natural curl pattern adds interesting texture to this divisive style.

This bold choice demonstrates confidence and a willingness to experiment with unconventional trends.

20: Curly Flat Top

Make a strong statement with this structured style. The curly flat top creates a level, geometric shape on top while keeping the sides shorter for contrast.

Work with a barber experienced in textured hair to achieve the precise angles this cut requires.

Regular maintenance trims keep the flat shape looking intentional.

This confident, eye-catching style works particularly well for men with tight, springy curls who want to showcase their texture in a controlled way.

21: Curly Drop Fade

Create a striking silhouette with this contemporary cut.

The curly drop fade features a gradual taper that curves downward behind the ear, creating a unique arc shape.

The curved fade line draws attention to your jawline and profile while allowing your natural curl pattern to shine on top.

Ask your barber specifically for a drop fade technique.

This modern, stylish option requires regular maintenance but offers a distinctive look that stands out from standard fade styles.

22: Curly Frohawk

Combine two iconic styles for maximum impact.

The curly frohawk features the height and drama of a mohawk with the natural texture and volume of an afro.

Keep the center strip wider than a traditional mohawk for a more wearable, versatile approach.

The sides can be faded rather than completely shaved for a graduated contrast.

This bold, attention-grabbing style works for various curl patterns and demonstrates confident personal style.

23: Brushed-Back Curls

Create sophisticated movement with this polished style.

Brushed-back curls feature medium-length curls styled away from the face for a refined, intentional appearance.

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to direct hair backward while damp, then apply a medium-hold styling product.

Allow your natural curl pattern to create interesting texture throughout.

This versatile style works for both casual and formal settings, making it perfect for men who need a flexible look for various occasions.

24: Curly Bowl Cut

Reinvent this retro style with natural texture. The curly bowl cut features a rounded shape that creates a distinct silhouette while showcasing your curl pattern.

Modern interpretations soften the harsh line of traditional bowl cuts, working with your curls to create a more natural-looking perimeter.

The rounded shape highlights your eyes and cheekbones.

This fashion-forward choice demonstrates confidence and a willingness to experiment with unconventional styles.

25: Long Curly Layers

Embrace maximum impact with this bold, dramatic style. Long curly layers feature strategic cutting techniques that remove bulk while maintaining length and enhancing your natural curl pattern.

Ask for layers that start at chin length and continue downward to create movement and prevent the dreaded triangle shape.

Regular trims maintain the shape without sacrificing length.

This confident style requires commitment to a hair care routine but offers unmatched versatility and striking visual impact.

Conclusion

With these 25 iconic styles, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your curly hair.

Remember that embracing your natural texture not only saves styling time but allows you to express your unique personality through your distinctive look.