Curly hair is a blessing that many men don’t know how to handle. With the right cut, your curls can become your most striking feature. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance style or something more fashion-forward, there’s a perfect short haircut for every man with curly locks.
Let’s dive into 20 fantastic options that will make you fall in love with your curls all over again.
1. The Classic Curly Crop
The classic curly crop is a timeless choice for men who want to keep their curls short and manageable. This cut involves trimming the sides and back relatively short while leaving more length on top. The key to this style is to work with your natural curl pattern, allowing it to create texture and volume.
To style, simply apply a small amount of curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and let it air dry. For a more defined look, you can use your fingers to twist individual curls while drying. This versatile cut works well for various curl types and face shapes, making it a go-to option for many curly-haired men.
2. The Curly Fade
The curly fade combines the best of both worlds – the edgy look of a fade with the natural texture of curly hair. This style features closely cropped sides and back that gradually transition into longer curls on top. The contrast between the faded sides and the voluminous top creates a striking visual effect.
You can customize the fade to your liking, opting for a high, medium, or low fade depending on your preference. To style, apply a light-hold gel or mousse to damp hair and scrunch your curls to enhance their natural pattern. This cut is perfect for men who want a modern, urban look while still embracing their curls.
3. The Curly Quiff
For those who love a touch of retro charm, the curly quiff is an excellent choice. This style involves keeping the hair longer on top, especially towards the front, while tapering the sides and back. The front section is styled upwards and backwards to create the signature quiff shape.
To achieve this look, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry while using a round brush to lift the front section. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the quiff in place. The curly quiff is ideal for men with looser curl patterns and adds height to your overall appearance.
4. The Textured Curly Crop
Similar to the classic curly crop, the textured version adds an extra layer of definition to your curls. This cut involves point-cutting techniques to create varied lengths throughout the top, resulting in a more tousled, effortless look.
To style, work a texturizing paste or clay through your curls, scrunching and twisting to enhance the natural texture. This cut is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance style that still looks intentionally messy and stylish.
5. The Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is a bold choice for those who want to make a statement. This style features very short or shaved sides and back, with a dramatic contrast of longer curls on top. The key to this look is the clear demarcation between the short and long sections.
Styling can vary depending on your preference – you can let your curls fall naturally for a more relaxed look, or use products to define and separate them for a more polished appearance. This cut works especially well for men with tight, coily curls.
6. The Short Curly Fringe
For those who prefer their curls to frame their face, the short curly fringe is an excellent option. This cut keeps the hair relatively short all over but leaves slightly more length in the front to create a subtle fringe effect.
To style, apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and use your fingers to arrange the fringe how you like. This cut is particularly flattering for men with high foreheads or those who want to soften their facial features.
7. The Curly Crew Cut
The curly crew cut is a military-inspired style that works surprisingly well with curly hair. This cut involves keeping the hair very short all over, typically less than an inch in length. The uniform length allows your natural curl pattern to create an interesting texture across your entire head.
This low-maintenance style requires minimal styling – simply wash and go. It’s an excellent choice for men who want a neat, professional look that still showcases their curls.
8. The Curly Pompadour
For a dramatic, high-impact style, consider the curly pompadour. This cut features longer hair on top that’s styled upwards and backwards, with shorter sides and back. The curly texture adds an interesting twist to the classic pompadour shape.
Styling requires some effort – you’ll need to blow-dry your hair while brushing it upwards and backwards, then use a strong-hold pomade to keep it in place. This style is perfect for men who don’t mind spending a bit more time on their hair and want to make a bold statement.
9. The Curly Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut, characterized by its short, horizontally straight cut fringe, can look fantastic on curly hair. This style involves keeping the hair short all over, with the fringe left slightly longer to create the signature Caesar look.
To style, apply a light-hold gel to damp hair and use your fingers to arrange the fringe. The curly texture adds an interesting dimension to this classic cut, making it a great option for men who want a timeless look with a modern twist.
10. The Curly Faux Hawk
For those who love an edgy look, the curly faux hawk is a great choice. This style features longer hair in the center of the head, gradually getting shorter towards the sides and back. The curly texture adds volume and interest to the mohawk-inspired shape.
To style, apply a strong-hold gel or mousse to damp hair and use your fingers to push the center section upwards. You can define individual curls for a more structured look or leave them natural for a softer appearance. This cut is perfect for men who want to stand out from the crowd.
11. The Curly Temple Fade
The curly temple fade is a stylish variation of the classic fade that works particularly well with curly hair. This cut involves fading the hair very short or to the skin around the temples and nape of the neck, while leaving more length on top and at the back of the crown.
This style creates a unique shape that accentuates your curls while providing a clean, sharp look around the edges. To style, simply apply a curl-enhancing product to damp hair and let it air dry. The curly temple fade is ideal for men who want a modern, urban look that’s still professional enough for the office.
12. The Curly High and Tight
The high and tight is a military-inspired cut that can look surprisingly stylish on curly hair. This style features very short sides and back, with slightly more length on top. The curly texture adds an interesting dimension to this traditionally severe cut.
Minimal styling is required – simply apply a small amount of styling cream to enhance your curl pattern. This cut is perfect for men who want a no-fuss style that still looks sharp and intentional.
13. The Curly Ivy League
The Ivy League cut, also known as the Harvard clip, is a classic preppy style that works well with curly hair. This cut is similar to a crew cut but leaves slightly more length on top, especially at the front to allow for side-parting.
To style, apply a light-hold gel and use a comb to create a neat side part. The natural curl adds texture and interest to this otherwise conservative cut, making it a great option for professional settings.
14. The Curly Buzz Cut
For those who want to embrace their curls while keeping things ultra-low maintenance, the curly buzz cut is an excellent choice. This style involves cutting the hair very short all over, typically with electric clippers.
The short length allows your natural curl pattern to create an interesting texture across your entire head. No styling is required – simply wash and go. This cut is perfect for men who want a bold, confident look with minimal effort.
15. The Curly French Crop
The French crop is a stylish cut that works beautifully with curly hair. This style features a short back and sides with a longer top that’s cut forward to create a small fringe. The curly texture adds volume and interest to the fringe area.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair and use your fingers to arrange the fringe. This cut is versatile and can be styled neat for a professional look or tousled for a more casual appearance.
16. The Curly Disconnected Undercut
The disconnected undercut creates a dramatic contrast between the top and sides of your hair. With curly hair, this style features very short or shaved sides and back, with a clear transition to longer curls on top. Unlike a regular undercut, there’s no gradual fade between the two lengths.
Styling can vary – you can let your curls fall naturally or use products to define and separate them. This bold style is perfect for men who want to make a statement with their hair.
17. The Curly Textured Crop
The textured crop is a modern, edgy style that works exceptionally well with curly hair. This cut features short sides and back with a longer, textured top. The stylist uses point-cutting techniques to create varied lengths throughout the top, which enhances your natural curl pattern.
To style, work a small amount of texturizing paste through your curls, scrunching to enhance the natural texture. This cut is ideal for men who want a fashionable, low-maintenance style that embraces their curls.
18. The Curly Side Part
The side part is a classic style that can look very sophisticated on curly hair. This cut involves keeping the hair slightly longer on top, with shorter sides and back. The defining feature is a neat side part that adds structure to your curls.
To style, apply a medium-hold gel to damp hair and use a comb to create a clean side part. Allow your curls to air dry or use a diffuser for more definition. This style is perfect for men who want a polished look that still showcases their natural texture.
19. The Curly Taper Fade
The taper fade is a versatile cut that looks great on curly hair. This style features hair that gradually gets shorter as it goes down the sides and back of the head, blending seamlessly into the skin. The top is left longer to show off your curls.
Styling is simple – apply a curl-enhancing product to damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser. The taper fade is an excellent choice for men who want a clean, modern look that’s still professional.
20. The Curly Textured Slick Back
For a sophisticated yet edgy look, consider the curly textured slick back. This style involves keeping the hair longer on top, with shorter sides and back. The top section is styled backwards, creating a sleek look while still maintaining the natural curl texture.
To achieve this style, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair and use a comb to slick it back. You can either let it air dry for a more textured look or use a blow dryer for a sleeker finish. This cut is perfect for men who want a versatile style that can be dressed up or down.
In conclusion, these 20 short haircuts for men with curly hair offer a range of options to suit different preferences and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance cut or a high-impact style, there’s a perfect option for every curly-haired man. Embrace your natural texture and experiment with these cuts to find the one that makes you feel confident and stylish.