The 1990s were a transformative decade in fashion, music, and pop culture. Among the standout trends was the emergence of curly hairstyles for men. From celebrities to everyday men, curly hair became a signature look that exuded both style and confidence. This article explores eight of the most iconic 90s curly hairstyles for men, providing detailed descriptions of each, their cultural significance, and how they became timeless classics. Whether you had tight curls or loose waves, these styles made a bold statement and continue to influence modern men’s hair fashion today.
8 Iconic 90s Curly Hairstyles for Men
1. The Jheri Curl: A Bold Expression of Style
The Jheri curl was one of the most recognizable curly hairstyles of the 90s. Popularized in the late 80s by stars like Michael Jackson and later adopted by many in the 90s, this hairstyle featured soft, shiny curls that gave a sleek and voluminous look. It was created through a perming process, making it perfect for men with naturally straight or wavy hair who wanted to embrace curls.
Jheri Curl Characteristics
- Loose, Defined Curls: The Jheri curl featured soft, voluminous curls that were not tightly wound but instead had a loose, flowing appearance.
- Shiny, Moisturized Finish: The hair was often treated with special moisturizers to give it a shiny, glossy appearance, which was a signature trait of the look.
- Maintenance-Heavy: The Jheri curl requires frequent maintenance, including regular moisturizing and refreshing treatments to maintain the look’s signature shine and curl definition.
This hairstyle was a symbol of individualism and was widely seen in the hip-hop and R&B scenes, influencing fashion icons like LL Cool J and Ice Cube. The Jheri curl was not just a hairstyle; it was a statement of culture and identity.
2. The Tapered Curly Fade: Clean Yet Bold
The tapered curly fade was a stylish and clean take on curly hair, blending short sides with a longer top that featured natural curls. This hairstyle was Popular among men who prefer a polished yet edgy look. The fade itself created a smooth gradient from the short sides to the fuller curls on top, making it an excellent choice for those looking to balance sophistication with a bit of boldness.
Tapered Curly Fade Characteristics
- Short Sides, Longer Top: The tapered curly fade involved shaving the sides of the hair while leaving the top longer, allowing the natural curls to stand out.
- Defined Natural Curls: The curls were allowed to grow out naturally, showing the hair’s texture, whether tight or loose.
- Versatile Styling: The tapered curly fade could be styled in various ways, from a messy, tousled look to a more controlled, combed-over style.
This style was embraced by men in a variety of professional and social settings, offering a balance between refinement and personality. It became a go-to look for athletes and actors in the 90s, who were known for sporting clean yet dynamic hairstyles.
3. The Curly Top with Shaved Sides: Bold and Distinct
Another popular curly hairstyle of the 90s was the curly top with shaved sides, a look that stood out for its bold contrast between the voluminous curls on top and the shaved, closely-cropped sides. This hairstyle became iconic due to its attention-grabbing nature and was often seen in the sports and entertainment worlds.
Curly Top with Shaved Sides Characteristics
- Contrasting Lengths: The top of the hair was left curly and full, while the sides were shaved close to the scalp, creating a sharp contrast.
- High-Impact Style: The difference in length and texture created a strong visual impact, making it a perfect choice for those who wanted to stand out.
- Easy to Maintain: While the curls on top require some maintenance, the shaved sides were easy to keep up with, making this style relatively low-maintenance compared to other curly looks.
This hairstyle was a popular choice for athletes like basketball players and musicians who wanted a clean yet edgy appearance. It became synonymous with youthful energy and rebellion.
4. The High-Top Curly Hairstyle: A 90s Classic
The high-top fade was one of the most recognizable hairstyles of the 90s, especially among African American men. While the high-top fade is often associated with the 80s, its curly iteration in the 90s became a signature look for many. This bold hairstyle featured curls on top that were styled upwards, creating a towering shape that stood out dramatically.
High-Top Curly Hairstyle Characteristics
- Tall, Defined Curls: The hair was shaped into a high, rounded top that emphasized volume and curl definition.
- Clean Sides: The sides were kept short or shaved, accentuating the height and fullness of the curls on top.
- Effortlessly Cool: This hairstyle exuded a carefree, cool vibe and was often worn by musicians and young people who wanted to showcase their individuality.
Popularized by figures in hip-hop culture, the high-top curly hairstyle became iconic in the 90s, especially with the rise of boy bands and artists like Kid ‘n Play and Will Smith’s character in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The high-top was not just a hairstyle; it became a symbol of the 90s youth culture.
5. The Curly Mohawk: Edgy and Rebellious
The curly mohawk was a daring and edgy look that fused the rebellious nature of the traditional mohawk with the natural texture of curly hair. This hairstyle was for the bold man who wasn’t afraid to experiment and make a statement.
Curly Mohawk Characteristics
- Central Strip of Curls: The hair was shaved or cut short on the sides, while the top was left long and styled into curls, creating a central strip of curly hair.
- Radical and Bold: The curly mohawk demanded attention, with its spiky, defined curls forming a sharp, edgy contrast against the shaved sides.
- Punk Influence: The mohawk was associated with punk rock culture, and its curly version allowed men to showcase their natural curls while embracing a nonconformist look.
The curly mohawk was often seen in subcultures and among individuals who wanted to break the mold. It was a look that screamed confidence and individuality.
6. The Loose Curly Perm: A Softer Approach
While the Jheri curl was more defined, the loose curly perm provided a softer, more natural-looking curly hairstyle that was also popular in the 90s. Men with naturally straight hair could achieve this look by perming their hair to create soft, loose curls that added volume and texture.
Loose Curly Perm Characteristics
- Relaxed Curls: The curls were larger and looser than those in the Jheri curl, giving the hair a softer, more natural appearance.
- Textured Volume: The loose curls added volume and movement to the hair, making it appear fuller and more dynamic.
- Low Maintenance: Compared to more defined curly styles, the loose curly perm required less daily upkeep, as the curls naturally fell into place.
This hairstyle was perfect for men who wanted to add a little personality to their look without going for a drastically different appearance. It became popular among those who embraced a relaxed, surfer-inspired style.
7. The Curly Flat Top: A Fusion of Two Styles
The curly flat top was a unique blend of two popular 90s hairstyles—the flat top fade and the curly texture. This hairstyle combined the flat, squared shape of a traditional flat top with the natural curls that were synonymous with the 90s.
Curly Flat Top Characteristics
- Square-Shaped Top: The top of the hair was styled flat, creating a squared shape that contrasted with the natural curls on the sides.
- Natural Curls: The sides were kept curly, while the top was sculpted to maintain a flat appearance, creating a distinct layered effect.
- Bold and Structured: This style had a strong structure, making it an excellent choice for those who wanted a hairstyle with both shape and texture.
The curly flat top was popular among urban youth in the 90s and was often paired with streetwear and hip-hop fashion. It was a hairstyle that demanded confidence and added to a man’s individuality.
8. The Curly Caesar: A Simple, Classy Look
The curly Caesar was a more understated and classy curly hairstyle that featured short, controlled curls in the front, similar to the Caesar cut. This style was perfect for men who wanted a curly hairstyle that was both practical and stylish, without being overly bold.
Curly Caesar Characteristics
- Short Curls: The curls in the front were kept short and neatly trimmed, while the sides were slightly shorter.
- Low Maintenance: The curly Caesar required little upkeep, making it a great option for busy men who wanted a stylish yet easy-to-manage look.
- Classic Shape: The hairstyle had a clean, geometric shape, making it versatile for various occasions, from professional settings to casual outings.
This style was popular among men in the corporate world or those who wanted a sharp, clean look without sacrificing their natural curls.
Conclusion
The 90s was a decade of experimentation with hair, especially for men with curly hair. These eight iconic curly hairstyles—ranging from the bold Jheri curl to the more controlled curly Caesar—defined an era that embraced individuality, style, and personality. Whether it was for a night out or a professional setting, men in the 90s knew how to rock their curls with confidence. These hairstyles continue to influence modern trends and serve as a reminder of the boldness and creativity that defined the 90s.
