Curly Taper Fade Hairstyle - Best Men's Curly Haircut with Taper Sides

Curly Hairstyles
for Men: 40 Best 2026

Every curl type, every face shape, every style. 40 complete looks with exact barber scripts, step-by-step styling, and expert product picks.

By Jessica Hamilton — Master Stylist & Creative Director

Curly Hairstyles for Men: The 2026 Guide

Curly hair rewards the right cut more than any other texture. The problem most curly-haired guys have: frizz, the triangle shape, flatness on top. Isn't a curl problem, it's a cutting problem. A barber who understands curly hair cuts it dry, or at least checks it dry, because wet curls lie flat and look completely different from when they're worn. The goal is removing bulk without removing curl, and shaping the outline without blunting the texture.

What Are Curly Hairstyles for Men?

Curly hairstyles for men are cuts that work with natural curl texture (types 3A through 4C) rather than fighting it. The cutting approach differs from straight hair: cuts are checked dry, internal weight is removed without shortening curl, and the perimeter is shaped to control the outline. Product choice and drying technique matter as much as the cut itself.

Why Curly Hair is Trending in 2026

  • ✓Natural texture is in, fades and tapers highlight curls, not hide them
  • ✓Works for all curl types: 3A loose waves to 4C coily
  • ✓Low-maintenance routines with modern curl creams and diffusers
  • ✓Pairs with beards, clean-shaven looks, and everything in between
  • ✓More styles, barber scripts, and face-shape advice than anywhere else

Quick Face Shape Guide 2026

  • Round: Add height — pompadour, fluffy top, high volume.
  • Square: Soften jaw. Textured crop, curtains, mullet.
  • Oval: Almost anything works, go bold with fades or length.
  • Heart/Diamond: Balance forehead: fuller sides or mid-length curls.
  • Oblong: Add width. Volume on the sides.

Curl Type Guide 2026 (3A–4C)

Find your curl type below to see which styles work best for you.

3A

Loose, S-shaped curls

Best styles: Loose Locks, Curtains, Mullet, Wash & Go

3B

Springy, defined ringlets

Best styles: Taper Fade, Pompadour, Brush Back, Quiff

3C

Tight corkscrew curls

Best styles: Broccoli Cut, High Top, French Crop, Blowout

4A

Coily S-pattern

Best styles: Afro, Burst Fade, Drop Fade, Sponge Twists

4B–4C

Dense coily/zigzag

Best styles: Afro, Locs, High Top, Skin Fade, Sponge Twists

How to Style Curly Hair at Home (2026 Routine)

Use this routine for any style in this guide, takes 5–10 minutes once you get the hang of it.

  1. 1

    Start with damp hair

    Never rub with a towel — gently squeeze water out. Use a leave-in conditioner on soaking wet hair if you have 3C–4C curls.

  2. 2

    Apply curl cream + lightweight gel

    Use a generous amount of curl cream first, then layer a small amount of gel for hold and frizz control.

  3. 3

    Scrunch or twist while damp

    Lift and squeeze upward (scrunch) or twist sections for definition. Work product in from ends to roots.

  4. 4

    Diffuse on low or air-dry

    Use a diffuser attachment on low heat/cool setting, or let hair air-dry completely for the best curl pattern.

  5. 5

    Finish with lightweight oil

    Once fully dry, apply a drop of argan oil or serum for shine and frizz control. Never apply oil to wet hair.

Curly Fades & Tapers

The sharpest contrasts. Fades and tapers that frame natural curls and make every texture pop.

Men's Curly Taper Fade, best for oval, square faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Taper Fade

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

The sides taper down gradually while 3B to 4A curls stay full and springy on top, giving a clean but still curly-forward silhouette. It flatters oval and square faces since the volume up top softens sharper jaw angles. Curl definition depends on moisture, so this shape struggles if hair is left to dry out between wash days.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to soaking wet hair, working in small sections.
  2. Scrunch upward from the ends to encourage clumping rather than frizz.
  3. Air-dry fully before touching curls, which can break the pattern early.

Ask Your Barber

"Taper the sides down gradually, nothing shaved to skin, and leave my curls full on top. I want the definition to stay natural, not brushed out or gelled flat."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Man with a Curly Low Taper Fade, suited to all faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Low Taper Fade

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks.
Best For:All faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

A softer version of the taper fade, this keeps the blend low near the hairline while 3A to 3C curls sit loosely on top with plenty of natural movement. It suits any face shape and holds up well with looser curl patterns that don't need heavy daily product. It grows out cleanly since the low blend hides regrowth for weeks.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply sea salt spray to damp hair for texture and light hold.
  2. Scrunch gently rather than raking through with fingers.
  3. Let curls air-dry undisturbed to keep the wave pattern intact.

Ask Your Barber

"Low taper fade, keep the blend soft near the ear, no visible line. My curls are loose so just tidy them up, don't cut the movement out."

Recommended Products

Sea Salt Spray
Curly Skin Fade on a man, a good choice for bold looks and all faces

Curly Skin Fade

Maintenance:
High
Trim:Every 1–2 weeks.
Best For:Bold looks + all faces.

About This Style

This takes the sides all the way to skin before the curls begin, creating maximum contrast against whatever curl pattern sits on top. It's a bold look that works on any face shape but needs the most upkeep of any curly cut here, since the bare skin shows regrowth within a week or two.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to wet hair before diffusing to set the pattern.
  2. Diffuse on low heat, cupping curls from underneath rather than pulling them.
  3. Keep the skin section moisturized between visits to avoid irritation.

Ask Your Barber

"Take it all the way down to skin at the sides, a real skin fade, then leave my curls untouched on top for full contrast."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Diffuser
Men's Curly Burst Fade, best for bold looks and all faces and 3c–4c curls

Curly Burst Fade

Maintenance:
High
Trim:Every 2 weeks.
Best For:Bold looks + all faces + 3C–4C curls.

About This Style

The burst fade curves around the ear rather than cutting a straight line, softening the transition into tightly coiled 3C to 4C curls on top. It's a bold statement style suited to any face shape, and because the curved fade requires precision, it needs a touch-up roughly every two weeks to stay sharp.

How to Style at Home

  1. Detangle wet hair with fingers before applying curl cream generously.
  2. Diffuse on low heat until curls are mostly dry to preserve shape.
  3. Avoid combing dry curls, which pulls the pattern apart and adds frizz.

Ask Your Barber

"Burst fade curving around the ear, not a straight line down. Keep my curls tight and full on top, I want a real contrast between the two sections."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Diffuser
Man with a Curly Drop Fade, suited to all faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Drop Fade

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:All faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

The drop fade curves downward behind the ear, following the natural curve of the skull rather than cutting straight, which pairs naturally with the rounded shape of 3B to 4A curls. It suits every face shape and needs trims every two to three weeks to keep the curved line distinct from the curls above it.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream section by section on soaking wet hair.
  2. Scrunch from ends toward roots to build natural clumping.
  3. Diffuse on low heat rather than air-drying for faster, fuller results.

Ask Your Barber

"Drop fade, let the line curve down behind my ear instead of running straight. Keep my curls bouncy on top, I don't want them thinned out too much."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Curly Taper with Volume haircut on a man, a good choice for all faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Taper with Volume

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:All faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

This version leans into height and fullness on top, using a standard taper at the sides to support noticeably voluminous 3B to 4A curls above. It works on any face shape and relies on a diffuser to build the lift, since air-drying alone tends to leave curls sitting flatter against the head.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream generously, focusing on the roots for lift.
  2. Diffuse upside down for a few minutes to encourage volume at the crown.
  3. Finish right-side up, cupping curls gently rather than raking through them.

Ask Your Barber

"I want volume up top, really let the curls stand up and out. Taper the sides down so there's a clean base underneath all that height."

Recommended Products

Diffuser

Short & Cropped Curly Styles

Clean, low-maintenance crops, fringes, and crew cuts that highlight curl texture without the length commitment.

Men's Broccoli Cut (Curly) haircut, best for round, diamond faces and 3c–4c coils

Broccoli Cut (Curly)

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks + weekly moisture mask.
Best For:Round, diamond faces + 3C–4C coils.

About This Style

The broccoli cut leaves tightly coiled 3C to 4C hair long enough on top to curl over in every direction, creating a rounded, full silhouette. It suits round and diamond faces particularly well, adding width at the crown. Because the shape depends entirely on curl bounce, a weekly moisture mask is necessary to keep coils from drying out and losing their curl.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to soaking wet coils, sealing with a light oil after.
  2. Air-dry without touching until curls are fully set and dry.
  3. Pick gently at the roots with fingers for extra height and separation.

Ask Your Barber

"Let it stay long on top so it curls over like a broccoli cut, full and rounded. Keep the sides shorter so the shape up top really stands out."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Man with a Curly Textured Crop, suited to square, diamond faces and all curl types

Curly Textured Crop

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:Square, diamond faces + all curl types.

About This Style

A cropped, textured top sits short and choppy, roughly an inch or so, letting whatever curl type is present add natural texture without extra cutting. It suits square and diamond faces by softening angular jawlines and works across all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils, since the crop length keeps things manageable.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to damp hair, focusing on the top section.
  2. Scrunch upward with fingertips rather than smoothing hair down.
  3. Leave a few pieces pulled forward for a deliberately undone texture.

Ask Your Barber

"Textured crop up top, short and choppy, working with whatever texture my curls naturally have. Keep the sides tidy but don't take too much off the top."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Curly French Crop on a man, a good choice for teens/young men and oval, round faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly French Crop

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:Teens/young men + oval, round faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

The French crop pairs a blunt fringe across the front with cropped, textured length elsewhere, holding well with 3A to 3C curls that add natural body to the fringe. It suits teens and young men with oval or round faces and needs a texturizing spray to keep the fringe from looking flat once it dries.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply thickening spray to damp roots before any other product.
  2. Work matte clay through the fringe section for hold without shine.
  3. Press the fringe forward and flat across the forehead.

Ask Your Barber

"French crop, blunt fringe across the front but let my curl pattern show through in the texture. Keep the sides shorter, nothing too long anywhere."

Recommended Products

Matte Clay
Thickening Spray
Men's Curly Spiky haircut, best for teens/young men and round, oval faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Spiky

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:Teens/young men + round, oval faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

Curls are worked upward and outward into short spikes rather than left to fall naturally, giving an energetic look suited to teens and young men. It flatters round and oval faces by adding height, and works best with 3B to 4A curls, which hold a spiked shape more easily than looser waves.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply matte clay to towel-dried hair for hold without gloss.
  2. Pinch small sections upward between fingers to form individual spikes.
  3. Mist lightly with sea salt spray to set the shape without stiffness.

Ask Your Barber

"I want it spiky on top, not flat or smoothed down. Work with my curls to push them up into shorter spikes, keep the sides trimmed close."

Recommended Products

Matte Clay
Sea Salt Spray
Man with a Curly Faux Hawk, suited to oval, round faces and thick curls

Curly Faux Hawk

Maintenance:
High
Trim:Every 2 weeks.
Best For:Oval, round faces + thick curls.

About This Style

A faux hawk pulls thick curls upward through the center of the head while the sides taper down closely, mimicking a mohawk without shaving the sides bare. It suits oval and round faces and needs frequent trims to keep the center strip distinct from the shorter sides as everything grows.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply texture clay through the center strip while hair is damp.
  2. Pull curls upward along the center line with your fingers.
  3. Keep the sides free of heavy product so the contrast stays visible.

Ask Your Barber

"Faux hawk, pull the curls up through the middle and keep the sides tapered down close. I want a clear strip of height running front to back."

Recommended Products

Texture Clay
Curly Crew Cut on a man, a good choice for square, oval faces and all curl types

Curly Crew Cut

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:Square, oval faces + all curl types.

About This Style

A crew cut keeps curls short and even all over, generally under an inch, tapering into the sides for a neat, low-effort finish. It suits square and oval faces and works with any curl type since the short length keeps curl pattern subtle rather than pronounced, making it one of the easiest curly cuts to maintain.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a small amount of curl cream to damp, short curls.
  2. Scrunch briefly with fingertips rather than combing through.
  3. Skip further styling once dry, the length is short enough to hold shape.

Ask Your Barber

"Crew cut, keep it short and even all over with the curls, nothing that needs much styling. Just clean up the sides so it looks neat."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Men's Curly Textured Fringe, best for teens and oval, round faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Textured Fringe

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:Teens + oval, round faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

This keeps a curled, textured fringe falling forward over the forehead while the sides taper down, suited to teens with oval or round faces. It holds best with 3A to 3C curls, which give the fringe natural texture without needing much product, though thickening spray helps on finer strands.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply thickening spray to damp roots for extra body.
  2. Work matte clay through just the fringe for texture and hold.
  3. Pull the fringe forward and slightly to one side rather than centering it.

Ask Your Barber

"Keep the fringe curly and textured, falling forward over my forehead. Sides tapered down clean, but don't touch the curl pattern on top too much."

Recommended Products

Matte Clay
Thickening Spray

Volume & Lifted Curly Styles

Big, lifted, and swept styles where curls become the statement. Pompadours, quiffs, blowouts, and fluffy tops.

Man with a Curly Pompadour, suited to round, oval faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Pompadour

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

The pompadour lifts curls high at the front and sweeps them back, using natural curl volume to hold the shape rather than relying entirely on product. It suits round and oval faces and works best with 3A to 3C curls, since tighter coils resist the backward sweep needed for this style.

How to Style at Home

  1. Diffuse the front section upside down first to build height.
  2. Apply a small amount of product, then sweep the front back with a round brush.
  3. Hold the shape with your hand for a few seconds while it cools.

Ask Your Barber

"Pompadour but with my natural curl, lift it up at the front and sweep it back. Keep the sides tapered so the height on top really shows."

Recommended Products

Round Brush
Diffuser
Curly High Top on a man, a good choice for round, oval faces and 3c–4c coils

Curly High Top

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 3C–4C coils.

About This Style

The high top lets tightly coiled 3C to 4C hair grow tall and full on top while the sides fade or taper down for contrast. It suits round and oval faces, adding vertical length, and needs consistent diffusing to keep the shape rounded rather than leaning to one side as it grows.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream generously before diffusing to lock in shape.
  2. Diffuse with the dryer held underneath, lifting hair upward as you go.
  3. Pick gently at the sides of the top for even, rounded shape.

Ask Your Barber

"High top, let it grow up tall on top with my natural coils. Taper the sides down close so there's a clean line between the two."

Recommended Products

Diffuser
Men's Curly Quiff, best for oval, round faces and 3b–3c curls

Curly Quiff

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Oval, round faces + 3B–3C curls.

About This Style

A quiff lifts curls at the front into a rounded peak that falls slightly forward rather than straight back, giving a softer alternative to a pompadour. It suits oval and round faces and works best with 3B to 3C curls, which have enough weight to hold the forward lean without collapsing.

How to Style at Home

  1. Diffuse the front section on low heat, lifting it upward.
  2. Apply a small amount of product and push the front slightly forward.
  3. Shape the peak with fingers rather than a comb to keep it textured.

Ask Your Barber

"Quiff at the front, lifted up and slightly forward, working with my curls rather than against them. Keep the sides tapered but not too short."

Recommended Products

Round Brush
Diffuser
Man with a Curly Blowout haircut, suited to round, oval faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Blowout

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

The blowout uses heat and a round brush to push curls up and out into a fuller, rounded shape on top, sitting above a tapered side. It suits round and oval faces and works best with 3A to 3C curls, which hold the lifted shape longer than very tight coils tend to.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to damp hair before blow-drying begins.
  2. Use a round brush to lift sections upward while diffusing.
  3. Toss the crown lightly with fingers once fully dry for extra volume.

Ask Your Barber

"I want a blowout with my curls, lots of volume and lift on top, nothing flat. Taper the sides down so it stays balanced with all that height."

Recommended Products

Round Brush
Diffuser
Curly Fluffy Top on a man, a good choice for fine curly hair and all faces

Curly Fluffy Top

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Fine curly hair + all faces.

About This Style

Designed for finer curly hair that doesn't hold as much natural volume, this keeps the top long enough to sit full and soft rather than tight and defined. It suits any face shape and relies on diffusing rather than product-heavy styling, since fine curls can get weighed down easily.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a light curl cream sparingly to avoid weighing hair down.
  2. Diffuse upside down briefly to lift the roots before finishing right-side up.
  3. Avoid touching curls once dry to keep the fluffy texture intact.

Ask Your Barber

"My curls are fine so keep it light, nothing heavy. Leave the top a bit longer so it stays fluffy and full instead of falling flat."

Recommended Products

Diffuser
Men's Curly Waves Fade, best for oval, square faces and 3a–3b waves

Curly Waves Fade

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 3A–3B waves.

About This Style

This pairs loose 3A to 3B waves on top with a fading taper at the sides, giving a beachy, textured finish rather than tight curl definition. It suits oval and square faces and works well with sea salt spray, which enhances the natural wave pattern without weighing hair down.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply sea salt spray to damp hair, scrunching as you go.
  2. Let hair air-dry naturally without brushing through the waves.
  3. Tousle gently with fingers once dry for a lived-in texture.

Ask Your Barber

"Keep the waves loose and natural on top, don't overdefine them. Fade the sides down gradually so it still looks put together, not just messy."

Recommended Products

Sea Salt Spray

Natural, Coily & Twist Styles

Celebrating 4A–4C coily hair with afros, sponge twists, locs, wash-and-go, and full natural texture.

Man with a Curly Afro, suited to round, oval faces and 4a–4c coils

Curly Afro

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks + weekly deep condition.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 4A–4C coils.

About This Style

The afro lets 4A to 4C coils grow out fully and evenly, forming a rounded shape rather than being tapered or faded at the sides. It suits round and oval faces by adding width and height, and depends heavily on weekly deep conditioning to keep coils hydrated, since dryness leads to breakage at this length.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a leave-in conditioner to soaking wet hair before detangling.
  2. Detangle gently with fingers, starting from the ends and working upward.
  3. Pick the afro into shape once dry, working evenly around the head.

Ask Your Barber

"Let it grow into a full afro, keep it rounded and even all around. I want the shape natural, not shaped into anything too sharp at the edges."

Curly Sponge Twists on a man, a good choice for all faces and 4a–4c coils

Curly Sponge Twists

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:All faces + 4A–4C coils.

About This Style

Sponge twists use a textured tool to coax 4A to 4C coils into small, uniform twists rather than relying on hand-twisting alone, giving a quicker route to defined curls. It suits every face shape and needs regular upkeep since new growth at the roots shows differently than the twisted sections.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to damp coils before working the sponge in circular motions.
  2. Twist small sections at the roots for a cleaner, more defined look.
  3. Seal ends with a light oil to prevent fraying between visits.

Ask Your Barber

"Sponge twists, keep them small and even all over. My coils are tight so make sure they're properly moisturized before twisting so they don't dry out."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Men's Curly Dreads / Locs, best for all faces and 4a–4c coils

Curly Dreads / Locs

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 4–6 weeks
Best For:All faces + 4A–4C coils.

About This Style

Locs let 4A to 4C coils lock together permanently into rope-like sections rather than being cut or styled loose. They suit every face shape and, once mature, need far less daily attention than any other curly style here, though the roots require periodic retwisting to keep new growth from loosening the pattern.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a small amount of argan oil to the scalp between retwists.
  2. Keep locs dry between washes to avoid loosening immature sections.
  3. Wrap with a silk or satin cloth at night to reduce friction.

Ask Your Barber

"I want to start locking my hair, keep the sections even from the start. Just work with my natural coil pattern, don't force anything too uniform."

Recommended Products

Argan Oil
Man with a Curly with Beard, suited to all faces and any curl type

Curly with Beard

Maintenance:
Medium
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks.
Best For:All faces + any curl type.

About This Style

This treats the beard as an extension of the curl pattern on top rather than a separate feature, keeping both textures consistent in density and shape. It works for every face shape and any curl type, though maintaining two curly areas at once means slightly more time spent on moisture and detangling overall.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply beard oil daily to keep facial hair as soft as the curls above.
  2. Detangle the beard with a wide-tooth comb before it fully dries.
  3. Trim the beard line at the same visits as the hair on top.

Ask Your Barber

"Keep my beard curly and full like the top, don't shave it too clean at the edges. I want the two to look like they belong together."

Curly Wash & Go haircut on a man, a good choice for low-maintenance lovers and all faces and 3a–4c curls

Curly Wash & Go

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks.
Best For:Low-maintenance lovers + all faces + 3A–4C curls.

About This Style

This is the lowest-effort route for curly hair: cut to a length that looks finished straight out of the shower with no blow-drying or diffusing required. It suits every face shape and works across the full range of curl types, though very tight coils may need a bit more cream to avoid shrinkage looking too short.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to soaking wet hair immediately after washing.
  2. Scrunch once, then leave hair completely alone while it air-dries.
  3. Avoid touching curls until fully dry to prevent frizz.

Ask Your Barber

"I want a real wash and go, cut so it looks good straight out of the shower without any styling. Nothing that needs a diffuser every morning."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Men's Curly Man Bun, best for relaxed cool style and all faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Man Bun

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks.
Best For:Relaxed cool style + all faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

Curls are grown long enough to gather into a small bun or knot at the crown, while the sides stay lower maintenance underneath. It suits every face shape and holds especially well with 3B to 4A curls, which have enough grip to hold a bun without slipping loose during the day.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply styling cream to damp hair before it fully dries.
  2. Gather curls loosely at the crown, avoiding pulling them too tight.
  3. Secure with a soft elastic and let a few curls fall free at the front.

Ask Your Barber

"I'm growing it out for a bun, so keep the sides neat while the curls on top get long enough to tie back comfortably."

Recommended Products

Styling Cream

Long & Flow Curly Styles

Shoulder-length and longer curly styles — mullets, loose locks, curtains, mid-length flow, and brush backs.

Man with a Curly Mullet, suited to oval, round faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Mullet

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Oval, round faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

A curly mullet keeps shorter, tapered curls at the front and sides while the back is left long, giving the classic short-long contrast a curl-forward twist. It suits oval and round faces and works with 3B to 4A curls, which give the back section natural bounce rather than a flat, stringy fall.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply texture clay to the front and sides only.
  2. Leave the back untouched by heavy product to keep its bounce.
  3. Check the back length periodically so it stays even, not ragged.

Ask Your Barber

"Curly mullet, keep the front and sides shorter and tapered, but leave the back long with the curl pattern intact. I want it obviously intentional."

Recommended Products

Texture Clay
Curly Brush Back haircut on a man, a good choice for square, oval faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Brush Back

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Square, oval faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

This pushes curls straight back off the forehead using a brush and light hold product, rather than letting them fall forward naturally. It suits square and oval faces and works best with 3B to 4A curls, since looser waves tend to slip back down rather than staying swept.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a small amount of light pomade to damp curls.
  2. Brush the top straight back from the hairline in one motion.
  3. Set with a wider comb once mostly dry to hold the direction.

Ask Your Barber

"Brush my curls back off my forehead instead of letting them fall forward. Keep the sides tapered, and use something light so it doesn't look greasy."

Recommended Products

Light Pomade
Pomade
Curl Cream
Men's Curly Loose Locks haircut, best for all faces and 3a–3b loose curls

Curly Loose Locks

Maintenance:
Very Low
Trim:Every 4 weeks.
Best For:All faces + 3A–3B loose curls.

About This Style

This leaves 3A to 3B loose curls essentially untouched in shape, trimming only to remove split ends and maintain length rather than cutting in a defined style. It suits every face shape and needs the least frequent trims of any curly option here, since there's no specific shape to maintain between visits.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a leave-in conditioner to wet hair before it starts to dry.
  2. Avoid brushing dry hair, which disrupts the loose curl pattern.
  3. Let hair air-dry completely undisturbed for the most natural look.

Ask Your Barber

"Don't cut a specific shape, just trim the ends so it stays healthy. I want my loose curls left alone, just neater and less split at the ends."

Man with a Curly Mid-Length Flow, suited to oval, heart faces and 3b–3c curls

Curly Mid-Length Flow

Maintenance:
Very Low
Trim:Every 4 weeks.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 3B–3C curls.

About This Style

Hair is left at a mid-length that lets 3B to 3C curls flow naturally without being pulled back or cut into a defined shape, suiting oval and heart faces particularly well. It's one of the lowest-maintenance curly options since there's no specific line to keep sharp between the infrequent trims it needs.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to wet hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
  2. Scrunch gently and let curls air-dry without interference.
  3. Tuck stray pieces behind the ears rather than cutting them shorter.

Ask Your Barber

"Keep the length where it is, just trim what needs it. I want my curls to flow naturally at this length, nothing cut into a defined shape."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Curly Curtains on a man, a good choice for all faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Curtains

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:All faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

Curls are parted in the center and swept toward each side of the face, framing it symmetrically rather than falling forward over the forehead. It suits every face shape and works with 3A to 3C curls, which hold the swept direction better than very tight coils tend to.

How to Style at Home

  1. Diffuse with a center part already established while hair is damp.
  2. Use a round brush to sweep each side outward and slightly back.
  3. Tuck any curls that fall back toward the center behind the part line.

Ask Your Barber

"Curtains with my curls, parted in the middle and swept to each side. Keep the sides tapered underneath so the top does most of the work."

Recommended Products

Round Brush
Men's Curly Long Flowing Curls, best for oval, heart faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Long Flowing Curls

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 4–6 weeks.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

This grows 3A to 3C curls out to a longer overall length, letting them fall and move freely rather than being shaped or cropped. It suits oval and heart faces and needs infrequent trims, roughly every four to six weeks, since the goal is length and movement rather than a maintained silhouette.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a lightweight oil to the ends to prevent dryness at length.
  2. Detangle gently from the ends upward while hair is still wet.
  3. Let curls air-dry completely rather than using heat, which can cause frizz.

Ask Your Barber

"I'm growing it long, so just trim the ends and let my curls do their own thing. No shaping, just keep it healthy while it gets longer."

Bold & Edgy Curly Styles

Maximum contrast, undercuts, disconnected tops, hard parts, line designs, and rocky shag styles.

Man with a Curly Undercut, suited to square, heart faces and 3b–4a curls

Curly Undercut

Maintenance:
High
Trim:Every 2 weeks.
Best For:Square, heart faces + 3B–4A curls.

About This Style

An undercut shaves the sides down close or to skin while leaving 3B to 4A curls full and untouched on top, creating maximum contrast between the two sections. It suits square and heart faces and needs upkeep every two weeks, since the shaved sides grow back noticeably faster than the curls above them.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream to the top section, avoiding the shaved sides.
  2. Diffuse the top to keep curls defined against the closely cut sides.
  3. Keep the shaved sides trimmed at home between full visits if needed.

Ask Your Barber

"Undercut, shave the sides down close, but leave my curls completely full on top. I want a real contrast, not a gradual blend between the two."

Recommended Products

Matte Clay
Curly Shag on a man, a good choice for oval, heart faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Shag

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

A shag layers curls throughout rather than keeping one uniform length, giving a looser, more textured overall shape. It suits oval and heart faces and works well with 3A to 3C curls, since the layering lets different curl sizes show through rather than clumping into one dense mass.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply sea salt spray to damp hair before scrunching through the layers.
  2. Scrunch from the ends upward to define the different lengths.
  3. Let hair air-dry completely for the most textured, layered finish.

Ask Your Barber

"I want a shag, layered throughout rather than one length. Let my curls show through the layers, don't cut it too uniform or blunt."

Recommended Products

Sea Salt Spray
Men's Curly with Hard Part, best for professional-bold looks and all curl types

Curly with Hard Part

Maintenance:
High
Trim:Every 2 weeks.
Best For:Professional-bold looks + all curl types.

About This Style

A shaved line cuts directly into the hair to mark a permanent part, contrasting against 3A to 3C curls that fill in the rest of the top. It suits a professional-yet-bold look on any face shape, and the shaved line needs a touch-up roughly every two weeks as new growth softens its edge.

How to Style at Home

  1. Diffuse curls while keeping the part line area free of product buildup.
  2. Avoid combing directly over the shaved line to keep it visible.
  3. Touch up the line at home with clippers if it starts to blur.

Ask Your Barber

"Give me a hard part shaved into the side, then let my curls do their thing on the rest. I want that line to stay sharp and visible."

Recommended Products

Matte Clay
Man with a Curly Disconnected haircut, suited to edgy styles and thick curls

Curly Disconnected

Maintenance:
High
Trim:Every 2 weeks.
Best For:Edgy styles + thick curls.

About This Style

This leaves a visible gap in length between thick curls on top and much shorter sides, rather than blending the two smoothly together. It suits an edgy look on any face shape and needs regular trims to keep the disconnected step looking deliberate as both sections grow at different rates.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply matte clay to the top section, working from roots to ends.
  2. Diffuse the top separately from styling the shorter sides.
  3. Keep the sides free of heavy product to preserve the visible contrast.

Ask Your Barber

"I want it disconnected, a clear step between my curls on top and the much shorter sides. Don't blend it smooth, keep that line obvious."

Recommended Products

Matte Clay
Curly with Line Design on a man, a good choice for creative men and all faces

Curly with Line Design

Maintenance:
High
Trim:Every 1–2 weeks.
Best For:Creative men + all faces.

About This Style

A shaved line or pattern is cut into the side or temple against a base of curly hair, aimed at creative men who want a personal detail rather than a standard shape. It works on any face shape, though designs grow out fast and need touch-ups roughly every one to two weeks to stay crisp.

How to Style at Home

  1. Keep the design area completely dry, since wet hair hides the lines.
  2. Diffuse the rest of the curls without letting product build up near the design.
  3. Avoid brushing over the design directly to keep the shaved lines sharp.

Ask Your Barber

"Shave a design into the side, maybe a line or pattern through the fade. Keep the rest of my curls natural so the design really stands out."

Fresh, Modern & Versatile Curly Styles

Everyday styles that work for every occasion. Executive, middle part, for boys, and totally versatile.

Men's Curly Middle Part, best for oval, square faces and 3a–3b curls

Curly Middle Part

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 3A–3B curls.

About This Style

A center part divides 3A to 3B curls evenly, letting each side fall naturally rather than sweeping in one direction. It suits oval and square faces by framing the forehead symmetrically, and works best with looser curl patterns that fall cleanly on either side of the part without frizzing upward.

How to Style at Home

  1. Diffuse with a center part already set while hair is still damp.
  2. Apply styling cream evenly to both sides for a matching finish.
  3. Avoid brushing once dry, which can pull curls out of the part.

Ask Your Barber

"Middle part with my curls, even on both sides, nothing swept to one direction. Keep it natural looking, just neat enough for the part to hold."

Recommended Products

Styling Cream
Man with a Curly Executive haircut, suited to professional men and all faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly Executive

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3 weeks.
Best For:Professional men + all faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

This keeps curls conservative and controlled enough for office settings, using a light pomade to tame volume without flattening the natural pattern entirely. It suits professional men across every face shape and works with 3A to 3C curls, which hold a neater shape than very tight coils tend to.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply light pomade to damp curls, working from roots to ends.
  2. Comb gently into a neat shape rather than an aggressive part.
  3. Reapply a small amount midday if curls start to lift with humidity.

Ask Your Barber

"Something professional but keep my curl pattern, don't straighten it out. Just controlled enough for the office, nothing too loose or wild looking."

Recommended Products

Light Pomade
Pomade
Curly for Boys haircut on a man, a good choice for boys/teens and all faces and 3a–3c curls

Curly for Boys

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks.
Best For:Boys/teens + all faces + 3A–3C curls.

About This Style

A simple, low-maintenance cut for boys and teens that keeps 3A to 3C curls at a manageable length without heavy styling requirements. It suits every face shape and prioritizes ease for parents and kids alike, needing only occasional product and infrequent trims to stay looking tidy.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply a small amount of curl cream after bath time on damp hair.
  2. Scrunch gently, then let hair air-dry without further styling.
  3. Skip daily product unless curls look particularly dry or frizzy.

Ask Your Barber

"Keep it easy for him, work with his natural curls rather than fighting them. Just trim what's needed so it stays manageable for us at home."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream
Men's Curly Versatile haircut, best for all faces and all curl types

Curly Versatile

Maintenance:
Low
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks.
Best For:All faces + all curl types.

About This Style

This is a flexible curly cut with no single defined style, kept at a length that adapts to a wash-and-go day or a more styled, product-heavy look depending on the occasion. It suits every face shape and curl type, which is exactly the appeal for guys who don't want to commit to one specific silhouette.

How to Style at Home

  1. Apply curl cream on wash-and-go days and let hair air-dry.
  2. Diffuse and add extra product on days you want more defined styling.
  3. Adjust part or direction day to day since the cut supports both looks.

Ask Your Barber

"I want something versatile with my curls, works wash and go but can also be styled up when I need it. Don't lock me into one look."

Recommended Products

Curl Cream

Maintenance Tips for Curly Hair 2026

  • →Trim every 3–4 weeks (or every 2 weeks if you have a fade or taper for sharp contrast).
  • →Deep condition weekly with a moisture-rich mask to keep curls hydrated and defined.
  • →Use sulfate-free shampoo only 2–3 times per week to avoid stripping natural oils.
  • →Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and breakage overnight.
  • →Avoid heat styling whenever possible. Embrace air-drying or low-heat diffusing.

Best Products for Curly Hair Men 2026

→

Curl Cream / Leave-In Conditioner

The foundation for definition and moisture, use on every wash day.

→

Lightweight Gel or Mousse

Provides hold without crunch or heaviness. Best for 3A–3C curls.

→

Argan Oil or Serum

Seals in moisture, adds shine, and controls frizz on fully dry hair.

→

Sea Salt Spray

Creates beachy texture on 3A–3B wavy curls. Avoid on 4A–4C.

→

Texturizing Powder

Instant lift for fine or flat curls — especially Fluffy Top and Blowout.

→

Sponge Twist Tool

Essential for 4A–4C coils to create clean defined twist patterns.

Curly Hairstyles for Men FAQ 2026

1. What are the best curly hairstyles for men in 2026?+
The top trends are Curly Taper Fade, Broccoli Cut, Curly Mullet, Curly Pompadour, and Curly Undercut. These styles highlight natural texture while keeping sides clean and modern with fade or taper contrasts.
2. Which curly hairstyle suits a round face?+
High-volume styles like Curly Pompadour, Curly Blowout, or Curly Fluffy Top add height and elongate the face, making round faces appear more balanced. The Curly High Top also works very well for round faces.
3. What is the best curly hairstyle for square faces?+
Textured crops, mullets, or curtains soften the strong jawline with movement and side volume. Curly Mullet and Curly Curtains are the top picks for square faces in 2026.
4. How do you style curly hair for men at home?+
Follow the 2026 routine above: damp hair → curl cream + lightweight gel → scrunch or twist → diffuse on low or air-dry → finish with argan oil. It takes 5–10 minutes once you build the habit.
5. How often should men with curly hair get a haircut?+
Every 3–4 weeks for most curly styles. If you have a fade or taper, go every 2 weeks to keep the contrast sharp.
6. What products are best for curly hair men in 2026?+
Curl cream, leave-in conditioner, lightweight gel, and argan oil are the essentials. Avoid heavy butters and sulfate shampoos. For wavy 3A–3B curls, add sea salt spray. For 4A–4C coils, a sponge twist tool is invaluable.
7. Can curly hair men wear fades?+
Yes. Curly Taper Fade, Curly Skin Fade, Curly Burst Fade, and Curly Drop Fade are some of the biggest trends in 2026. The sharp fade contrast makes curls pop dramatically.
9. How do you maintain curly hair for men?+
Deep condition weekly, use sulfate-free products, sleep on silk, trim regularly, and avoid heat. Consistency is the key to healthy, defined, frizz-free curls in 2026.
10. What is the best curly hairstyle for thin curly hair?+
Fluffy Top styles or Textured Crops paired with volumizing powder give the illusion of thicker, fuller curls without weighing them down. Avoid heavy products that flatten fine curls.
11. Which haircut works for my curl type (3A to 4C)?+
Looser 3A–3B curls suit longer, layered styles and a curly fringe or flow. Tighter 3C–4A curls love a textured crop or a high top. The tightest 4B–4C coils are made for sponge twists, an afro, or a high-top fade where the shape is sculpted. Tell your barber your curl pattern shrinks when dry, so they cut conservatively.
12. What fade looks best with curly hair?+
A taper or a mid fade is the safest bet: it keeps the curls as the star while cleaning up the sides. A skin fade gives the sharpest contrast against a curly top but needs a touch-up every couple of weeks. Ask for the fade to blend into the curl rather than leave a hard line, so the texture flows out of the fade naturally.
13. How do I ask my barber for a curly cut without losing the curl?+
Say 'cut it dry, or check it dry, so you can see where my curls actually fall.' Curly hair shrinks up to half its length when it dries, so a barber cutting it wet can take off way more than you wanted. Ask them to work with the curl pattern and point-cut to shape, not thin it out with thinning shears, which can cause frizz.
Written & Reviewed by
Jessica Hamilton — Master Stylist and men's hairstyle expert✓
Jessica HamiltonVerified Expert

Master Stylist & Creative Director

15+ Years ExperienceLicensed CosmetologistMen's Hairstyle Specialist

Jessica Hamilton is a Master Stylist and Creative Director with over 15 years of professional hairstyling experience, specialising in precision cutting, advanced colour theory, and trend-forward men's styles. She shares expert guidance at menhaircuts.net to help every man walk out of the barber chair with confidence.

Read Full Bio

Final Takeaway

Curly hairstyles for men in 2026 are all about embracing your natural pattern with clean lines and effortless texture. With 40 styles, face-shape advice, and exact barber scripts, this guide has everything you need in one place. Pick your favorite, show your barber the photo and script, and own your curls.

Stop fighting your curls. In 2026, they are your greatest style asset.

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