Curly hair can be both a blessing and a challenge to style, especially when it’s at a medium length. With the right techniques and products, men with medium-length curly hair can rock versatile and stylish looks. Whether you’re aiming for a casual, everyday style or something more refined, there’s a range of styling options that can bring out the best in your curls.
In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to style medium-length curly hair, providing you with simple techniques and tips to help you manage and enhance your natural curls.
Understanding Your Curls
Before we dive into styling, it’s important to understand the characteristics of curly hair. Curly hair tends to be more prone to frizz and can sometimes be difficult to manage. The natural texture varies from person to person, so it’s essential to know your curl type. Curly hair can range from loose waves to tight ringlets, and knowing what you’re working with will guide your styling choices.
Curly hair requires extra moisture and care to prevent it from becoming dry and frizzy. Using the right hair care products and applying them correctly is crucial for maintaining healthy curls. Regular trims are also important to keep the hair looking fresh and prevent split ends.
Choosing the Right Haircut
The first step in achieving the perfect style is selecting the right haircut. For medium-length curly hair, you’ll want a cut that works with your natural curl pattern. A good stylist will shape your curls to ensure they have natural movement and volume.
Popular Medium-Length Curly Hairstyles
Curly Shag: This is a popular choice for men who want a laid-back, tousled look. The curly shag works well with medium-length hair, as it allows the curls to fall naturally while keeping the overall look stylish and textured.
Curly Undercut: An undercut is a classic look that pairs well with medium-length curly hair. The hair on top is kept longer, while the sides are shaved or trimmed short. This style gives the curls on top room to shine while keeping the sides neat and clean.
Layered Curls: Layered haircuts help to enhance the shape and volume of curly hair. Layers can be added throughout the hair to create movement and prevent curls from becoming too bulky or heavy.
Pompadour with Curls: A pompadour is a timeless style that works surprisingly well with curly hair. By keeping the curls voluminous on top and styling them backward, you can achieve a stylish and sleek look that still lets the natural curls take center stage.
Essential Products for Curly Hair
To make styling easier and to keep your curls in good condition, you’ll need a few key hair care products. These products will help define, tame, and enhance your curls, giving you more control over your look.
Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so it’s essential to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for curly hair. These products will help hydrate your curls, prevent frizz, and ensure your hair stays soft and manageable.
Leave-In Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner is great for providing extra moisture and taming frizz. It also helps with curl definition, making it easier to style your curls without them becoming too unruly.
Curl Cream or Mousse: A curl cream or mousse is perfect for defining curls and reducing frizz. It helps add hold without making your hair feel crunchy or weighed down. Apply the product to damp hair and scrunch it in to enhance your curls’ natural shape.
Hair Gel or Pomade: If you’re looking for a stronger hold or a more polished style, hair gel or pomade can be used to keep your curls in place. Make sure to choose a product that offers flexible hold, as curly hair can become stiff if the product is too heavy.
Diffuser: A diffuser attachment for your blow dryer is a must-have if you want to dry your curls without causing frizz. The diffuser distributes heat evenly and helps enhance your curls’ natural shape without disrupting the curl pattern.
Styling Techniques for Medium-Length Curly Hair
Once you have the right haircut and products, it’s time to learn the best techniques to style your medium-length curly hair. Here are several styling methods to try, depending on your desired look.
1. The Natural Look
For an easy, everyday style, you can embrace the natural texture of your curls. To achieve this look, follow these steps:
- Wash and Condition: Start by washing your hair with a curly hair shampoo and conditioner. Pat your hair dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair to lock in moisture and prevent frizz.
- Scrunch with Curl Cream: Use a curl cream or mousse and scrunch it into your hair. This will help define your curls while maintaining their natural bounce.
- Dry with a Diffuser: Use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to dry your curls. Hold the diffuser close to your scalp and gently move it in a circular motion. This will help enhance the curl shape without disrupting the natural texture.
- Finish with a Light Hold Gel: If you need extra hold, apply a small amount of gel to your hair. This will keep your curls in place throughout the day.
2. The Defined Curls Look
For a more polished, defined look, you can use products that help shape each curl. This style is perfect for formal events or when you want your curls to have more structure.
- Wash and Condition: Begin by washing your hair with a curly hair-specific shampoo and conditioner.
- Apply a Curl Cream: After towel-drying your hair, apply a generous amount of curl cream. This will help define each curl and prevent frizz.
- Use a Comb or Fingers to Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair. Be careful not to disrupt the curl pattern.
- Scrunch and Diffuse: Scrunch your curls to encourage their natural shape, then use a diffuser to dry your hair. The key is to dry your hair slowly, allowing the curls to set.
- Finish with Hairspray: If needed, finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the curls intact without making them crunchy.
3. The Curly Pompadour
A pompadour is a great way to combine your curls with a classic style. This look is ideal for a more refined appearance.
- Start with Damp Hair: Begin with damp hair after washing it. Apply a leave-in conditioner to hydrate and protect the hair.
- Use a Curl Cream: Apply a curl cream or mousse to enhance the natural texture and shape of your curls.
- Blow Dry with a Round Brush: Use a round brush while blow-drying your hair to create volume at the roots. Focus on lifting the hair at the crown to create the height needed for the pompadour.
- Define the Curls: Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to shape and define the curls. Make sure the front section is slightly higher to create the pompadour effect.
- Set with Hair Gel: To keep the style in place, apply a small amount of gel to the front of your hair, smoothing it back while keeping the curls intact.
4. The Curly Shag Look
The shag hairstyle is a carefree, textured cut that works perfectly for medium-length curly hair. This style adds volume and movement while keeping things easy to manage.
- Embrace the Layers: The key to the shag look is layers. After washing your hair, apply a curl cream to enhance your curls and create texture.
- Dry Naturally or with a Diffuser: Let your curls air dry for a more natural, tousled look, or use a diffuser if you want to add more volume and definition.
- Add Texture with a Sea Salt Spray: Once your hair is dry, use a sea salt spray to add texture and make your curls look more lived-in. This gives the hair that messy, tousled shag effect.
- Messy Finish: For the perfect shag, avoid over-styling. Let the curls fall naturally and embrace a bit of controlled chaos.
5. The Curly Undercut Style
An undercut is a versatile look that can be paired with medium-length curls. The undercut involves keeping the sides short while leaving the top long enough to showcase your curls.
- Shorten the Sides: Ask your barber or stylist to shave or trim the sides and back of your hair while keeping the top longer to allow for more curl definition.
- Use Curl Cream or Mousse: After washing your hair, apply a curl cream to the longer top section. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly.
- Blow Dry and Style: Blow-dry your curls with a diffuser attachment, focusing on the top section to enhance volume and texture.
- Sleek the Sides: If you want a cleaner look, apply some pomade to the sides and comb them back to give a sharp contrast to the curly top.
Conclusion
Styling medium-length curly hair doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right haircut, products, and styling techniques, you can achieve a variety of looks that suit your personality and lifestyle. From the natural, everyday style to more defined, polished curls or edgy undercuts, the possibilities are endless. Embrace your curls and have fun experimenting with different looks that highlight your unique texture!
