Curly hair on men is having a massive moment right now, and trust me, it’s not going anywhere in 2025! Those natural waves and spirals that once may have been tamed or hidden are now taking center stage in men’s hairstyling.
The beauty of curly hair lies in its versatility, texture, and the incredible dimension it brings to any look. From tight coils to loose waves, curly-haired men are embracing their natural texture more than ever and experimenting with cuts that enhance rather than minimize their curls.
I’ve noticed more and more men ditching the straighteners and embracing what nature gave them. This curl revolution isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about self-expression and breaking away from the cookie-cutter hairstyles we’ve seen for decades.
Whether you’re blessed with tight coils, bouncy spirals, or wavy locks, there’s a trendy cut that will work perfectly for your texture. The key to rocking curly hair in 2025 is finding a style that not only looks amazing but also fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
In this guide, I’m sharing 15 of the hottest curly hairstyles for men that are dominating the style scene this year. From low-maintenance looks to more styled options, these cuts showcase the incredible versatility of curly hair.
Each style has been selected for its trendsetting appeal, wearability, and how well it highlights those natural curls we’re all obsessed with right now. Get ready for some serious hair inspiration that will have you reaching for the phone to book your next salon appointment!
How often should men with curly hair get haircuts?
For men with curly hair, the ideal haircut frequency depends on your specific style and how quickly your hair grows. Generally speaking, scheduling a trim every 4-6 weeks helps maintain the shape of your cut and prevents your curls from becoming too heavy or unruly.
Shorter styles might need more frequent touch-ups around the 3-4 week mark to keep them looking sharp, especially if you have a fade or undercut component.
If you’re rocking a longer curly style, you might stretch it to 8-10 weeks between cuts, but regular trims are still important to prevent split ends which can travel up the hair shaft and cause more damage to your curls. Many curly-haired men find that their hair looks best about 2-3 weeks after a fresh cut, when the shape is still intact but the curls have had a chance to settle and gain some natural volume.
Remember, finding the right frequency is about balancing maintaining your style while allowing your natural curl pattern to shine.
What products work best for men’s curly hair?
The holy grail of men’s curly hair products starts with a sulfate-free shampoo and moisturizing conditioner as your foundation. These gentler formulas clean without stripping your hair of the natural oils that keep curls hydrated and defined.
After washing, a leave-in conditioner is absolutely essential – it provides ongoing moisture while detangling those knots that curly hair is notorious for.
For styling, curl creams and curl enhancers are your best friends as they define curls while fighting frizz. If you want more hold, lightweight gels (especially those formulated specifically for curly hair) give structure without the crunch or stiffness of traditional gels.
For those seeking volume, mousse is brilliant for adding body while still maintaining curl definition.
Oil-based products like argan oil or jojoba oil work wonders as finishing products, adding shine and taming any flyaways without weighing down your curls.
The key is finding products that enhance your natural curl pattern rather than trying to force your hair into submission. Many men get excellent results from brands specifically designed for curly hair, as they tend to focus on moisture and definition rather than just hold.
How do you prevent frizz in men’s curly hair?
Battling frizz starts in the shower with your washing routine. Trade your regular towel for a microfiber towel or even a cotton t-shirt to dry your hair – the softer material creates less friction, which significantly reduces frizz from the get-go.
Apply your styling products to soaking wet hair rather than waiting until it’s partly dry, as this helps lock in moisture and define curl patterns before frizz has a chance to develop.
The “no-touch” rule is crucial once your hair starts drying – resist the urge to run your fingers through your curls or constantly adjust your style as this breaks up the curl pattern and introduces frizz. Environmental protection is also key – on particularly humid days, use anti-humidity products with stronger hold to create a barrier against moisture in the air.
For many men with curly hair, sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase makes a noticeable difference in morning frizz, as these smoother surfaces create less friction than cotton pillowcases.
Regular deep conditioning treatments (aim for once a week) help maintain optimal moisture levels in your hair, making it less likely to seek moisture from the environment – which is exactly what causes frizz in the first place. Remember that healthy, well-hydrated curls are naturally less frizzy, so prioritizing hair health over quick fixes will give you the best long-term results.
What’s the best way to style curly hair for men?
The most successful approach to styling curly hair begins with embracing your natural curl pattern rather than fighting against it. Start with freshly washed hair and apply your styling products while your hair is still very wet – this is when your curl pattern is most defined and receptive to product. Rather than roughly towel-drying, gently scrunch your curls with a microfiber towel to remove excess water without disrupting the curl formation.
For enhanced definition, try the “praying hands” method for applying product – smooth the product between your palms and then glide your hands over sections of hair, following with scrunching motions to encourage curl formation.
Many men with curly hair get fantastic results from diffuser attachments on hair dryers, which distribute air evenly without the direct blast that causes frizz. If using a diffuser, keep the heat on medium or low and dry your hair only about 80-90% before allowing it to air dry the rest of the way.
For those with tighter curls, finger coiling can create incredible definition – simply take small sections of wet, product-laden hair and twirl them around your finger in the direction the curl naturally wants to go. The styling golden rule for curly hair is “less is more” when it comes to manipulation – the more you touch, brush, or disrupt your curls once they’re drying, the more likely you are to end up with frizz rather than definition.
1: Classic Textured Crop with Tight Curls
This textured crop showcases densely packed, well-defined curls that create a bold silhouette with sharp fade on the sides. To recreate this look, ask your barber for a mid fade on the sides while leaving 2-3 inches of length on top to work with your natural curl pattern.
The styling is surprisingly low-maintenance – just apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and use your fingers to arrange the curls forward slightly, letting them naturally dry for that perfectly imperfect finish. This versatile style works beautifully for those with tight, springy curls who want a look that’s both professional and full of personality.
2: Curly Surfer Style with Side Part
This relaxed curly style features tousled waves with natural volume and a subtle side part that creates an effortlessly cool surfer vibe. Creating this laid-back look is all about enhancing your natural wave pattern – apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch gently upward, then let air dry for that authentic beach-day texture.
The beauty of this cut lies in its versatility – it transitions perfectly from casual daytime adventures to evening outings with just a touch more product for definition. If you’ve got naturally wavy or loosely curled hair and prefer styles that don’t require daily precision styling, this low-maintenance yet incredibly stylish cut should be your next move.
3: Modern Shag with Medium Curls
This contemporary take on the classic shag features medium-length curls with loads of texture and subtle layers that create amazing movement throughout. The key to achieving this rockstar look is asking your stylist for long layers that enhance your natural curl pattern while maintaining length around the nape and sides.
When styling, apply a lightweight curl cream and diffuse on low heat with your head tilted in different directions to maximize volume at the roots. This slightly rebellious yet sophisticated style works wonderfully for guys with medium to loose curls who aren’t afraid to embrace a bit more length and make a statement with their hair.
4: Curly Top with Tapered Fade
This eye-catching style combines voluminous curls on top with a clean tapered fade that creates the perfect balance between neat and naturally textured. For this look, your barber should create a high fade on the sides while preserving 3-4 inches of length on top to showcase your curl pattern and create that striking height contrast.
The styling approach is refreshingly simple – work a curl-enhancing mousse through damp hair and either air dry or diffuse while occasionally scrunching upward to encourage volume. This versatile cut works across professional and casual settings, making it ideal for the guy who wants a low-maintenance style that still commands attention.
5: Defined Curls with Textured Fringe
This style features beautifully defined curls with a textured fringe that creates a soft, face-framing effect that’s both modern and approachable. To achieve this natural-looking definition, ask for a cut that maintains length in the front while gradually getting shorter toward the crown, with subtle layers throughout to enhance your curl pattern.
The styling routine focuses on curl definition – apply a curl cream to soaking wet hair, then use the “praying hands” method followed by scrunching to enhance your natural texture without disturbing the curl formation. This versatile look is perfect for guys with medium to tight curls who want a style that showcases their natural texture while remaining easy to manage.
6: Modern Mullet with Curly Texture
This updated take on the mullet features curly texture throughout with shorter sides and longer length in the back, creating a contemporary edge that’s gaining serious traction in 2025. To recreate this bold look, ask your stylist for a cut that maintains volume on top and length at the back while keeping the sides slightly shorter – the modern mullet is all about subtle transitions rather than dramatic contrasts.
Styling is refreshingly low-maintenance – simply apply a curl-enhancing product to damp hair and allow to air dry, occasionally scrunching to encourage natural texture. This statement-making style works especially well for guys with natural volume who want a distinctive look that stands out from the crowd.
7: Silver Fox Curls with Volume
These magnificent silver curls showcase how embracing natural gray with the right cut can create an incredibly distinguished and confident look. The cut features medium-length layers that enhance the natural spiral pattern while providing amazing volume and movement throughout.
When styling these silver stunners, use products specifically formulated for gray or silver hair – a purple-tinted moisturizing curl cream will enhance the silver tones while defining those gorgeous spirals. This sophisticated style proves that curly hair actually improves with age, offering more character and dimension as silver tones create natural highlights throughout the curl pattern.
8: Defined Curly Top with Mushroom Shape
This striking style features well-defined curls arranged in a contemporary mushroom shape that creates a bold silhouette while showcasing incredible texture. To achieve this architectural look, ask your barber for shorter sides with significant length on top, cut in a way that allows your curls to create that distinctive rounded shape. The styling technique focuses on definition – apply a strong-hold curl cream to very wet hair and use careful scrunching motions, then either diffuse or air dry without touching to maintain those perfect curl formations. This fashion-forward look is perfect for the guy with tight, well-defined curls who wants to make a statement with a style that highlights his natural texture in an artistic way.
9: Wavy Quiff with Subtle Fade
This sophisticated style features loose waves swept upward into a subtle quiff with clean, faded sides that create a polished yet effortlessly cool vibe. For this look, ask your barber for a medium fade on the sides while leaving 3-4 inches on top with subtle layering to enhance your natural wave pattern. Styling focuses on creating directional movement – work a texturizing cream through damp hair and use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to direct the hair upward and slightly back at the front. This versatile cut works beautifully for guys with wavy to loosely curled hair who want a style that can transition seamlessly between professional and casual settings.
10: High Top Fade with Tight Curls
This striking high top fade showcases tightly coiled curls with impressive height and a clean fade on the sides, creating a bold geometric silhouette. To recreate this showstopping look, ask for a high fade that gradually transitions to 3-4 inches of length on top, with the hair cut to enhance your natural coil pattern. The styling approach focuses on maximizing definition and height – apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel to very wet hair and use a pick at the roots to create lift while maintaining those perfect coil formations. This confident style is perfect for showcasing the beautiful texture of tight curls while creating a look that commands attention in any room.
11: Curly French Crop with Textured Fringe
This contemporary style features a curly variation of the French crop with a textured fringe that falls naturally forward, creating a youthful yet sophisticated look. For this cut, ask your barber to keep the fringe slightly longer while maintaining a gradual taper on the sides and back, with the top cut to enhance your natural curl pattern. The styling approach is wonderfully low-maintenance – simply apply a lightweight curl cream to damp hair and use your fingers to arrange the fringe forward, allowing it to air dry for that perfectly imperfect finish. This versatile style works particularly well for guys with looser curls who want a put-together look that doesn’t require heavy styling or products.
12: Tapered Curls with Precision Shape
This meticulously crafted style features tapered curls with a precision shape that creates a clean, architectural silhouette while showcasing natural texture. To achieve this refined look, ask for a cut that maintains volume on top while creating a subtle taper toward the sides and back, with careful shaping that follows your natural curl pattern.
The styling approach focuses on definition and control – apply a medium-hold curl cream to damp hair and use finger coiling on select sections to enhance your natural curl formation. This sophisticated style is perfect for the guy who appreciates precision in his look while still wanting to showcase his natural curl pattern.
13: Sleek Curly Undercut
This dramatic style pairs voluminous curls on top with a sleek undercut, creating a bold contrast that highlights the texture and movement of the curls. For this head-turning look, ask your barber for a disconnected undercut with the sides taken very short while leaving significant length on top to showcase your curl pattern. Styling focuses on enhancing definition while maintaining volume – apply a curl-defining gel to very wet hair and diffuse on low heat, occasionally scrunching upward to encourage volume at the roots. This confident style is perfect for the guy who wants to make a statement and isn’t afraid to embrace a look that commands attention.
14: Curly Mullet with Modern Edge
This contemporary take on the mullet features defined curls throughout with a distinctive shape that creates an edgy, fashion-forward silhouette. To achieve this boundary-pushing style, ask for a cut that maintains volume on top and length at the back while keeping the sides slightly shorter, with layers throughout to enhance your natural curl pattern.
The styling approach is surprisingly effortless – simply apply a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair and either air dry or diffuse on low heat, occasionally scrunching to encourage natural texture. This bold style works particularly well for guys with defined curls who want a distinctive look that stands out from conventional cuts.
15: Natural Coils with Tapered Sides
This authentic style showcases beautifully maintained natural coils with tapered sides that create a clean silhouette while allowing the texture to take center stage. To achieve this look, ask your barber for a shape that follows your natural growth pattern with a subtle taper on the sides and back, maintaining length on top to showcase your coil pattern.
The styling routine focuses on moisture and definition – apply a leave-in conditioner followed by a coil-enhancing cream, then use the “shake” method (gently shaking your head with your hands lightly touching your hair) to help coils form naturally.
This celebration of natural texture is perfect for guys with tight coils who want a style that highlights their hair’s beautiful pattern while keeping maintenance relatively simple.
Embracing Your Curls in 2025
As we’ve seen through these 15 amazing styles, 2025 is absolutely the year to embrace your natural curls and waves. The current trend leans heavily toward enhancing rather than hiding texture, with cuts that work with your curl pattern instead of against it. Remember that finding the right stylist who understands curly hair is crucial – look for someone who cuts your hair dry and shapes each style based on how your unique curl pattern falls.
With the right cut, products, and minimal styling techniques, your curls can become your signature feature rather than something to tame. Whether you opt for a bold statement cut or something more subtle, the key is embracing what nature gave you and finding a style that makes those curls work for your lifestyle and personality.
