Are you a man blessed with curly locks looking for a fresh, stylish haircut? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of 20 trendy short curly hairstyles that will transform your look and boost your confidence. From classic cuts to modern twists, there’s something here for every face shape and personal style.
Let’s dive into these 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 with curly hair. This versatile style features shorter sides and back with a slightly longer top, allowing your natural curls to shine. The key to this look is maintaining a neat, tidy appearance while embracing your hair’s natural texture.
To achieve this style, ask your barber for a graduated cut, keeping the sides and back short (around a #2 or #3 clipper guard) and leaving about 2-3 inches of length on top. This creates a balanced look that’s easy to maintain and style. Use a light-hold styling product to enhance your curls and keep them in place without weighing them down.
The classic curly crop works well for various face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with oval or square faces. It’s a great option for professional settings while still allowing you to show off your personality through your curls.
2. Curly Fade
The curly fade is a modern twist on the classic fade haircut, perfect for men who want to combine a sleek look with their natural curls. This style features closely cropped sides and back that gradually “fade” into longer curls on top, creating a striking contrast.
To get this look, ask your barber for a high, mid, or low fade, depending on your preference. The top should be left longer, typically 2-4 inches, to allow your curls to form and create volume. The fade can be adjusted to your liking – from a subtle taper to a more dramatic skin fade.
Styling this cut is relatively easy. Use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define your curls and add shine. The curly fade is particularly flattering for men with round or heart-shaped faces, as it adds height and structure.
3. Textured Curly Quiff
The textured curly quiff is a bold, eye-catching style that combines the classic quiff’s volume with the natural texture of curly hair. This hairstyle features shorter sides and back with a longer, voluminous top styled upward and slightly back.
To achieve this look, ask your stylist to keep the sides short (around a #3 or #4 clipper guard) while leaving 3-4 inches of length on top. The key to this style is creating texture and volume in the front.
When styling, use a sea salt spray or texturizing product to enhance your natural curls. Then, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to sweep the front section upward and slightly back, creating the signature quiff shape. Finish with a strong-hold hair spray to keep the style in place.
The textured curly quiff is perfect for men with oval, square, or diamond-shaped faces, as it adds height and draws attention to your best features.
4. Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is a bold and trendy choice that creates a striking contrast between closely cropped sides and a full head of curls on top. This style is perfect for men who want to make a statement with their hair while keeping it manageable.
To get this look, ask your barber for an undercut, keeping the sides and back very short (typically a #1 or #2 clipper guard) while leaving the top significantly longer, usually 3-5 inches. The transition between the short and long sections should be abrupt, not gradual.
Styling the curly undercut is all about embracing your natural texture. Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your curls and add shine. You can either let your curls fall naturally or sweep them to one side for a more polished look.
This style works particularly well for men with thick, dense curls and suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. It’s a versatile look that can be adapted for both casual and formal settings.
5. Short Curly Fringe
The short curly fringe is a playful and youthful style that brings your curls front and center. This cut features a longer section of hair at the front that’s styled forward to create a curly fringe, while the sides and back are kept shorter for contrast.
Ask your stylist to keep the sides and back short to medium length (around a #3 to #5 clipper guard) while leaving the top and front sections longer, about 2-3 inches. The front should be cut to fall just above or at your eyebrows.
To style, apply a curl-enhancing product to damp hair and scrunch your curls to encourage definition. Use your fingers to arrange the front section into a messy fringe. This style works best when it looks a bit tousled and effortless.
The short curly fringe is particularly flattering for men with longer face shapes, as it can help balance proportions. It’s a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
6. Curly Pompadour
The curly pompadour is a dramatic and sophisticated style that combines the volume of a traditional pompadour with the texture of curly hair. This look features short sides and back with a long, voluminous top styled upward and backward.
To achieve this style, ask your barber to keep the sides and back short (around a #2 or #3 clipper guard) while leaving significant length on top, typically 4-6 inches. The top should be layered to help manage volume and create shape.
Styling a curly pompadour requires some effort but the results are worth it. Start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to dry your hair while scrunching it upward to encourage volume and curl formation. Once dry, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to shape the top into the classic pompadour form, sweeping it upward and back. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
This bold style is perfect for men who want to make a statement and works particularly well for those with oval, rectangular, or diamond-shaped faces.
7. Curly Caesar Cut
The curly Caesar cut is a modern take on the classic Roman-inspired haircut. This style features a short, even cut all around the head with a slightly longer top, allowing your curls to create a textured, layered look.
Ask your stylist for an all-over cut that’s about 1-2 inches long, with the top potentially left slightly longer. The key to this style is maintaining an even length around the entire head, creating a “bowl-like” shape that follows the natural hairline.
Styling is straightforward and low-maintenance. Apply a light-hold styling cream to enhance your curls and add definition. You can either let your hair air dry for a natural look or use a diffuser for more defined curls.
The curly Caesar cut is an excellent choice for men with fine or thinning curly hair, as it creates the illusion of fullness. It suits most face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with strong facial features.
8. Curly Buzz Cut
The curly buzz cut is a super short, low-maintenance style that’s perfect for men who want a no-fuss look while still showcasing their hair’s natural texture. This cut involves trimming the hair very short all over the head, typically with a #2 to #4 clipper guard.
To achieve this look, simply ask your barber for an all-over buzz cut, specifying your preferred length. The beauty of this style is in its simplicity and the way it allows the texture of your curls to create interest even at a very short length.
Styling is minimal – simply wash and go. You may want to use a small amount of lightweight styling cream or hair oil to add shine and define the texture of your curls.
The curly buzz cut is an excellent choice for men with strong facial features and works well for all face shapes. It’s perfect for hot weather and active lifestyles, and it can also be a great way to start fresh if your hair has been damaged.
9. Curly Faux Hawk
The curly faux hawk is an edgy, attention-grabbing style that combines the mohawk’s rebellious spirit with the softening effect of curls. This cut features shorter sides with a strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
Ask your stylist to create a graduated cut on the sides, keeping them short but not buzzed. The center strip should be left longer, typically 2-4 inches, depending on how dramatic you want the look to be.
To style, apply a strong-hold styling product to damp hair. Use your fingers or a comb to push the longer hair at the center upward and slightly inward, creating the signature faux hawk shape. You can use a blow dryer with a diffuser to add extra volume and definition to your curls.
The curly faux hawk is a versatile style that can be made more or less dramatic depending on how you style it. It’s particularly flattering for men with oval or diamond-shaped faces and is sure to make a statement wherever you go.
10. Curly High and Tight
The curly high and tight is a military-inspired cut that combines the neatness of a traditional high and tight with the texture of curly hair. This style features very short sides and back with a slightly longer top, creating a sharp contrast.
Ask your barber for a high and tight cut, keeping the sides and back very short (typically a #1 or #2 clipper guard) and the top slightly longer, about 1-2 inches. The transition between the short and long sections should be abrupt, not gradual.
Styling is minimal, making this a great low-maintenance option. Simply apply a small amount of styling cream or pomade to enhance your curls and add definition to the longer top section.
The curly high and tight is an excellent choice for men who want a neat, professional look while still embracing their natural texture. It works well for most face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with strong jawlines.
11. Curly Ivy League
The curly Ivy League, also known as the Harvard Clip, is a sophisticated and timeless style that works beautifully with curly hair. This cut features short sides and back with a longer top that’s typically styled with a side part.
Ask your stylist for a graduated cut, keeping the sides and back short (around a #3 or #4 clipper guard) and leaving the top longer, about 2-3 inches. The key to this style is the smooth transition from the shorter sides to the longer top.
To style, apply a medium-hold styling cream to damp hair. Create a side part and use a comb to sweep the top hair to the side. You can either let your curls air dry for a more relaxed look or use a blow dryer with a diffuser for more defined curls.
The curly Ivy League is a versatile style that works well in both casual and formal settings. It’s particularly flattering for men with oval or square face shapes and adds a touch of classic elegance to any look.
12. Curly French Crop
The curly French crop is a stylish and modern cut that works wonderfully with curly hair. This style features short sides and back with a longer top that’s cut forward to create a short fringe.
Ask your barber for a French crop, keeping the sides and back short (typically a #2 or #3 clipper guard) and the top longer, about 1-2 inches. The fringe should be cut straight across or slightly textured, depending on your preference.
Styling is relatively simple. Apply a light-hold styling product to damp hair and use your fingers to arrange the fringe. You can either let your curls air dry for a natural look or use a diffuser for more defined curls.
The curly French crop is a great option for men who want a low-maintenance style with a modern edge. It works well for most face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with high foreheads.
13. Curly Textured Crop
The curly textured crop is a trendy and youthful style that embraces the natural texture of curly hair. This cut features short sides and back with a longer, heavily textured top.
Ask your stylist for a textured crop, keeping the sides and back short (around a #2 or #3 clipper guard) and the top longer, about 2-3 inches. The key to this style is the heavy texturing on top, which helps to enhance your natural curl pattern.
To style, apply a sea salt spray or texturizing product to damp hair. Use your fingers to scrunch and tousle your curls, encouraging them to form in their natural pattern. You can either let your hair air dry or use a diffuser for more defined curls.
The curly textured crop is perfect for men who want a stylish, low-maintenance look that showcases their natural texture. It works well for most face shapes and adds a cool, effortless vibe to any appearance.
14. Curly Side Part
The curly side part is a classic, sophisticated style that adds a touch of elegance to curly hair. This cut features shorter sides and back with a longer top that’s styled with a defined side part.
Ask your barber for a classic side part cut, keeping the sides and back short to medium length (around a #3 to #5 clipper guard) and the top longer, about 3-4 inches. The key to this style is creating a clean, defined part.
To style, apply a medium-hold styling cream to damp hair. Create a deep side part using a comb, then style the longer section to one side. You can either let your curls air dry for a more relaxed look or use a blow dryer with a diffuser for more definition.
The curly side part is a versatile style that works well in both professional and casual settings. It’s particularly flattering for men with oval or square face shapes and adds a touch of timeless class to any look.
15. Curly Taper Fade
The curly taper fade is a stylish and modern cut that combines the neatness of a fade with the texture of curly hair. This style features a gradual fade on the sides and back, with longer curls on top.
Ask your barber for a taper fade, specifying how high you want the fade to start. The top should be left longer, typically 2-4 inches, to allow your curls to form and create volume.
Styling is relatively easy. Apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and scrunch your curls to encourage definition. You can either let your hair air dry or use a diffuser for more defined curls.
The curly taper fade is a versatile style that can be adjusted to suit your personal taste and face shape. It’s particularly flattering for men with round or heart-shaped faces, as it adds height and structure.
16. Curly Messy Top
The curly messy top is a relaxed, carefree style that embraces the natural texture and volume of curly hair. This cut features shorter sides and back with a longer, deliberately tousled top.
Ask your stylist to keep the sides and back short to medium length (around a #3 to #5 clipper guard) while leaving the top significantly longer, about 3-4 inches. The top should be cut in a way that encourages your natural curl pattern.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair. Use your fingers to scrunch and tousle your curls, creating a deliberately messy look. The key is to embrace the natural chaos of your curls rather than trying to tame them.
The curly messy top is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance style with a cool, effortless vibe. It works well for most face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with strong facial features.
17. Curly Slick Back
The curly slick back is a sleek and sophisticated style that tames curly hair into a smooth, polished look. This cut features shorter sides and back with a longer top that’s styled backward.
Ask your barber to keep the sides and back short (around a #2 or #3 clipper guard) while leaving the top longer, about 3-4 inches. The top should be long enough to slick back smoothly.
Styling requires some effort but the results are worth it. Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair. Use a comb to smooth your hair backward, working the product through from roots to tips. You may need to use a blow dryer to help set the style.
The curly slick back is an excellent choice for formal occasions or professional settings. It works particularly well for men with oval or rectangular face shapes and adds a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to any look.
18. Curly Top Fade
The curly top fade is a bold and stylish cut that creates a striking contrast between closely cropped sides and a full head of curls on top. This style is similar to the curly fade but with more length and volume on top.
Ask your barber for a high fade on the sides and back, keeping the top long, typically 3-5 inches. The fade can be adjusted to your liking – from a subtle taper to a more dramatic skin fade.
To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and scrunch your curls to encourage definition. You can either let your curls air dry for a natural look or use a diffuser for more defined curls. The key is to embrace the volume and texture of your curls on top while maintaining the clean lines of the fade on the sides.
The curly top fade is a versatile style that works well for various face shapes and hair textures. It’s particularly flattering for men with oval or diamond-shaped faces and adds a modern, edgy touch to your appearance.
19. Curly Mohawk
The curly mohawk is a bold, attention-grabbing style that combines the edgy look of a traditional mohawk with the softening effect of curls. This cut features shaved or very short sides with a strip of longer curly hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
Ask your stylist to create a mohawk shape, keeping the sides very short (typically a #1 or #2 clipper guard) or even shaved completely. The center strip should be left significantly longer, usually 3-5 inches, depending on how dramatic you want the look to be.
Styling a curly mohawk can be fun and creative. Apply a strong-hold styling product to damp hair. Use your fingers or a comb to push the longer hair at the center upward and slightly inward, creating the signature mohawk shape. You can use a blow dryer with a diffuser to add extra volume and definition to your curls.
The curly mohawk is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their hair. It works well for oval, diamond, or square face shapes and is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
20. Curly Shag
The curly shag is a relaxed, retro-inspired cut that embraces the natural texture and movement of curly hair. This style features layers of varying lengths all over the head, creating a deliberately messy, lived-in look.
Ask your stylist for a shag cut, with layers that frame your face and taper towards the back. The overall length can vary but is typically medium-short, with the longest layers around 3-4 inches.
Styling a curly shag is all about enhancing your natural texture. Apply a lightweight curl cream to damp hair and scrunch your curls to encourage definition. You can either let your hair air dry for a more relaxed look or use a diffuser for more defined curls. The key is to embrace the tousled, effortless vibe of the style.
The curly shag is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance style with a cool, retro edge. It works well for most face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with fine or thinning curly hair, as the layers can create the illusion of fullness and volume.
Conclusion:
These 20 stylish short curly hairstyles for men offer a wide range of options to suit different tastes, face shapes, and lifestyles. Whether you prefer a neat and tidy look for the office or a bold statement style for nights out, there’s a curly hairstyle here for you. Remember, the key to rocking any of these looks is confidence and proper hair care. Embrace your natural curls, use the right products, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to find the one that makes you feel your best.
When visiting your barber or stylist, bring along pictures of the styles you like and discuss how they can be adapted to suit your specific hair texture and face shape. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the shape of your chosen style and keep your curls looking their best.
With the right cut and styling techniques, your curly hair can be your best asset. So go ahead, choose a style that speaks to you, and let your curls shine!