Curly hair has always been a symbol of personality and boldness, but styling it in a way that complements your look can be a challenge. Over the years, men’s curly haircuts have evolved from being tough to manage into stylish and trendy looks that are easy to maintain and versatile. If you’re a man with curly hair and are looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! This article will explore 13 trendy hairstyles that focus on keeping the curls on top while allowing the sides to stay neat or shaved.
1. The Curly Top with Fade
The curly top with fade is a classic look that has been around for a long time but has never gone out of style. The fade on the sides gradually tapers down to the skin, highlighting the curls on top. This hairstyle gives you the best of both worlds – a fresh, clean look on the sides, with voluminous curls on the top.
How to Style:
- Start by applying a leave-in conditioner to damp hair to help define the curls.
- Dry your curls with a diffuser or let them air-dry for a natural look.
- Use a curl cream or mousse to give the curls definition.
- Ask your barber to fade the sides gradually, keeping the top long enough for the curls to stand out.
This style works well for most face shapes and can be adapted to your personal style.
2. The High Curly Fade
For those looking to keep their curly hair neat and bold, the high curly fade is a perfect option. In this hairstyle, the curls on top are kept fuller and higher, while the fade on the sides starts just above the ears. This creates a sharp contrast between the voluminous curls and the clean sides.
How to Style:
- Start by using a curl-enhancing product on your damp hair.
- Blow-dry your hair with a diffuser or let it dry naturally to enhance the curl.
- Ask your barber to give you a high fade, ensuring the fade line is visible but not too extreme.
The high curly fade works best for those who want to draw attention to their curls while maintaining a polished, professional look.
3. The Curly Pompadour
The pompadour is an iconic hairstyle, and when combined with curly hair, it becomes a statement. The curls on top are styled to be lifted and voluminous, while the sides are either faded or trimmed short. This style gives the illusion of more height and can work great for a night out or a professional setting.
How to Style:
- Apply a curl cream or mousse to damp hair.
- Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to lift the curls upwards and back.
- Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to keep the curls in place.
- Ask your barber to trim the sides while keeping the top long enough to create the pompadour effect.
The curly pompadour gives a sophisticated, yet edgy vibe that can be dressed up or down.
4. The Curly Quiff
If you love volume but want something slightly more modern than a pompadour, the curly quiff is the way to go. This style features curls that are brushed back and slightly to the side, creating a quiff effect. The sides can be either tapered or kept longer for a more blended look.
How to Style:
- Use a curl mousse to enhance the natural curl.
- Comb the curls back with your fingers and add some volume at the crown of your head.
- Apply a light-hold gel or styling cream to keep the curls in place without weighing them down.
The curly quiff works best for casual and semi-formal occasions, and it’s perfect for men who want to flaunt their curls with a bit of refinement.
5. The Curly Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut is a timeless, short hairstyle that has been adapted for curly hair. The curls are kept short and cropped to create a fringe-like appearance on the forehead. This hairstyle is low-maintenance and perfect for men who prefer a clean yet curly look.
How to Style:
- Start by applying a light styling cream to damp hair.
- Use a comb or your fingers to shape the curls in a slightly forward direction.
- Ask your barber to trim the curls into a short, layered style that forms a fringe over the forehead.
The curly Caesar cut is ideal for men who want to keep their curls neat and controlled without sacrificing their natural texture.
6. The Curly Mohawk
If you love bold styles, the curly mohawk could be the ultimate choice. This edgy look involves shaving or trimming the sides of your head, leaving a strip of curly hair down the center. The curls are styled to stand tall and add volume, creating a striking contrast between the top and sides.
How to Style:
- Apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair to help the curls stand out.
- Use a diffuser or blow-dry your hair upwards for maximum volume.
- Ask your barber to shave or fade the sides while leaving the top long enough to style into a mohawk.
The curly mohawk is perfect for those who want to show off their unique style and personality.
7. The Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is a trendy, modern style that keeps the curls on top while trimming or fading the sides short. The undercut gives your curls room to shine, and the clean sides provide a sharp contrast to the voluminous top. This hairstyle works well for men who want to keep things neat yet stylish.
How to Style:
- Start with damp hair and apply a curl cream to define the curls.
- Use a blow-dryer or let your hair air-dry to enhance the natural curl.
- Ask your barber to give you a faded undercut on the sides, keeping the top long enough to show off your curls.
This style is perfect for those who want a fresh and polished look with a bit of flair.
8. The Curly Buzz Cut
For men who love low-maintenance hairstyles, the curly buzz cut offers a bold and clean look. This style keeps the curls short all around, giving you a sharp, neat appearance with just a touch of texture on top. The buzz cut can be paired with a fade or left uniform for a more classic look.
How to Style:
- Use a curl-enhancing cream to keep the texture in place.
- Keep the curls trimmed close to the scalp to create the buzz cut effect.
The curly buzz cut is ideal for men who want a no-fuss, easy-to-maintain hairstyle that still highlights their curls.
9. The Curly Low Fade
The curly low fade is a great option for men who want a fade but prefer a more subtle, gradual look. The fade starts low near the ears and blends smoothly into the curly hair on top. This style gives your curls room to stand out while keeping the sides neat and clean.
How to Style:
- Apply a curl cream to damp hair to enhance the curl definition.
- Use a blow-dryer or air-dry your hair to let the curls form naturally.
- Ask your barber for a low fade that starts just above the ears, ensuring the transition from short to long is smooth.
This style is ideal for men who want a professional yet trendy look.
10. The Curly Crew Cut
The crew cut is another classic style that works well with curly hair. This haircut features short, uniform curls on top with the sides trimmed short. The curly crew cut is versatile and can be styled for both casual and formal occasions.
How to Style:
- Apply a light styling gel to damp hair.
- Use a comb to shape the curls on top, ensuring they’re neat but full of texture.
The curly crew cut is great for those who want a clean, fuss-free hairstyle that requires minimal styling effort.
11. The Curly Side Part
For a more refined and classic look, the curly side part is a fantastic choice. The curls are kept on top, but a side part is added to create a sleek, structured appearance. The sides can be faded or left longer, depending on your personal preference.
How to Style:
- Apply a light styling cream to damp hair.
- Use a comb to part your curls to one side, allowing them to fall naturally.
- Add a bit of pomade or styling cream to keep the curls in place.
The curly side part is perfect for men who want a sophisticated yet easy-to-style haircut.
12. The Curly French Crop
The French crop is a short hairstyle that works exceptionally well for curly hair. This look involves trimming the sides short while leaving a small amount of curls on top. The result is a stylish, structured look that requires minimal upkeep.
How to Style:
- Use a curl cream to define the curls.
- Let your hair air-dry or use a blow-dryer with a diffuser to enhance the curls.
- Ask your barber to give you a short, clean crop while leaving just enough length on top to showcase your curls.
The curly French crop is ideal for men who want a sharp, no-nonsense look that still embraces their curls.
13. The Curly Slick Back
For a polished and sleek look, the curly slick back is a timeless choice. This style involves combing the curls back and using a product to keep them smooth and controlled. The sides can be faded or left longer, depending on the look you’re going for.
How to Style:
- Apply a curl cream or mousse to damp hair.
- Blow-dry your hair backward or comb it into place while damp.
- Use a light-hold gel or pomade to slick the curls back.
The curly slick back is perfect for formal events or when you want to add a sophisticated touch to your curly hair.
Conclusion
Curly hair doesn’t have to be a challenge to manage or style. With the right products and techniques, you can create a wide variety of trendy and stylish looks that highlight your natural texture. From high fades to pompadours and slick backs, these 13 curly hairstyles will help you express your unique personality while maintaining a polished and fresh look.
Each style is customizable to fit your personal taste, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different textures, lengths, and products. Consult with your barber to find the best style for your face shape and lifestyle, and embrace the versatility and beauty of curly hair!
