Best Hairstyles for Curly Hair Men to Try in 2026

Curly hair is one of the most expressive hair types men can have. It brings natural volume, movement, and personality without trying. The mistake many men make is fighting curls instead of shaping them. In 2026, the best hairstyles for curly hair focus on definition, control, and proportion, not flattening or over-cutting.

When curly hair is cut correctly, it looks intentional, modern, and effortless. The right shape turns curls from unpredictable to powerful.

This guide breaks down the 15 best hairstyles for men with curly hair, ranked for manageability, style impact, and everyday wear.

Also make sure to check out Best Hairstyles for Men and Best Hairstyles for Thick Hair Men.

Table of Contents

• Top 15 Hairstyles for Curly Hair Men in 2026 (Ranked)

• Why Curly Hair Needs Shape, Not Suppression

• FAQ About Hairstyles for Curly Hair Men

Top 15 Hairstyles for Curly Hair Men in 2026 (Ranked)

1. Textured Curly Crop

This is the most reliable haircut for curly hair. Keeping curls short and layered enhances definition while preventing puffiness.

Style Icon: Timothée Chalamet, often embracing natural curl texture.

2. Curly Fade

A fade cleans up the sides while letting curls do their thing on top. Low or mid fades work best to maintain balance.

Style Icon: Michael B. Jordan, known for clean, controlled curly fades.

3. Short Curly Quiff

A curly quiff adds lift and shape without forcing curls straight. The key is keeping height controlled and texture natural.

Style Icon: Bruno Mars, often styling curls with structure.

4. Curly Fringe

Letting curls fall forward adds softness and frames the face. This style works especially well for longer foreheads.

Style Icon: Kit Harington, frequently wearing forward-curled styles.

5. Curly Undercut

Curly hair pairs well with undercuts when contrast is balanced. Too extreme and it looks disconnected.

Style Icon: Jared Leto, when pairing curls with subtle undercuts.

6. Curly Ivy League

This polished style works for men who want professionalism without losing natural texture.

Style Icon: Oscar Isaac, known for refined curly grooming.

7. Short Curly Slick Back

Curls can be slicked back loosely for a controlled yet natural look. Avoid tight or wet finishes.

Style Icon: Dev Patel, often wearing relaxed slick-back curls.

8. Curly Caesar

A Caesar cut works with curls when the fringe is soft and textured. It adds structure without rigidity.

Style Icon: Russell Crowe, in curl-friendly cropped styles.

9. Short Curly Pompadour

This style adds shape while letting curls provide volume naturally. Height should stay moderate.

Style Icon: Bruno Mars, blending curls with pompadour structure.

10. Curly Taper Cut

A taper controls the neckline and sides without removing too much volume. It keeps curls looking intentional.

Style Icon: Donald Glover, known for balanced curl taper styles.

11. Curly High and Tight

This cut works best for tighter curls. Texture on top is essential to avoid a harsh finish.

Style Icon: Tom Hardy, when wearing cropped textured curls.

12. Curly Crew Cut

Short curls still show texture and personality. This is a low-maintenance option that stays sharp.

Style Icon: Ryan Gosling, in naturally textured short cuts.

13. Medium-Length Curly Top

Letting curls grow slightly longer on top adds character. Sides should be tapered to avoid bulk.

Style Icon: Joe Keery, often wearing expressive curl-forward styles.

14. Curly Bro Flow

This relaxed style works when curls naturally flow back. Minimal styling required.

Style Icon: Matthew McConaughey, known for effortless flow.

15. Curly Buzz Cut

A buzz cut can work for curly hair by keeping texture subtle and uniform. It is bold and low-maintenance.

Style Icon: Zayn Malik, occasionally embracing ultra-short looks.

Why Curly Hair Needs Shape, Not Suppression

Curly hair already provides volume and movement. The problem is not curls. It is lack of structure. The best curly hairstyles:

• Use layering to prevent bulk

• Keep sides controlled with fades or tapers

• Define curls instead of flattening them

• Avoid heavy, greasy products

Good curly haircuts work with growth patterns, not against them.

FAQ About Hairstyles for Curly Hair Men

What is the best hairstyle for curly hair men? The textured curly crop and curly fade are the most versatile options.

Should curly hair be cut short or long? Short to medium styles are easier to control, but longer curls work when shaped properly.

Do fades work with curly hair? Yes. Low and mid fades pair especially well with curls.

What products work best for curly hair? Curl creams, light leave-in conditioners, and matte styling creams.

Should curly hair be blow-dried? Only lightly, and ideally with a diffuser to preserve curl shape.

How often should curly hair be cut? Every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain shape.

Do slick back styles work for curly hair? Yes, when done loosely and without heavy shine.

Can curly hair look professional? Absolutely. Controlled curly styles are widely accepted in professional settings.

What should men with curly hair avoid? Heavy gels, over-thinning, and cutting curls too short on top.

Is curly hair harder to style? It requires different techniques, but once shaped properly, it is often easier than straight hair.