Quick answer: A curly undercut keeps three to six inches of curls on top and clips the sides and back short, usually to a #1 or #2, with little or no blending. Removing side volume stops curly hair from looking round or bushy. It suits loose 2C waves through tight 4C coils and needs a trim every three to four weeks.
Curly Undercut Styles at a Glance
Every style on this page with its clipper guard, top length and trim interval. Tap a name to jump to that card.
Curly undercut haircuts solve the main problem with curly hair: width at the sides. The barber clips the sides short and leaves the curls on top to do their own thing. Below are 48 versions grouped by side length, curl type, top style, long hair, audience and beard, each with guard numbers, curl care and what to say in the chair.
What Is a Curly Undercut?
A curly undercut is an undercut cut on curly or coily hair. The sides and back go short and even, usually a #1 or #2, while the top keeps enough length for the curls to form, often three to six inches when stretched. Because curls shrink as they dry, the top looks shorter than its stretched length, so the barber should cut it dry or check it dry before finishing.
The cut works by taking the volume away from the sides, where curls make the head look wide, and keeping it on top, where height is flattering. Curls hang over the line between the sides and the top, so the join looks softer than on straight hair even when there is no blend. That makes it lower in upkeep than most undercuts.
How Is a Curly Undercut Different from a Curly Fade or Taper?
A curly fade or taper blends the sides from short to long, so the curls on top meet a gradual slope. A curly undercut skips most or all of that blend, leaving a clear change from short sides to full curls. The undercut gives a sharper, more modern outline; the fade looks softer and grows out more evenly. Our curly hairstyles gallery shows the fade versions side by side.
Use the table to compare the three by side length, join and how often you need the barber. All three can be done on any curl type; the right one depends on how much contrast you want and how often you can visit. If you are unsure, start with a short blend at the bottom of the sides: it can be turned into a harder undercut at the next visit, while a bare side takes weeks to grow back.
How Is a Curly Undercut Different from a Curly Fade or Taper?
Most curl types suit it, from loose 2C waves through tight 3C curls to 4A to 4C coils. The top needs enough density to look full next to the short sides, so men with very fine or thinning curls may prefer a shorter top. Round and square faces gain the most, since the short sides remove width at the cheeks and the curls add height. Long faces do better with curls that fall forward or to the side.
It also suits men who want curls without the round shape that comes from growing everything out. Biracial and mixed curl patterns often work well because the sides can be taken short while the top keeps its natural pattern; see haircuts for biracial curly hair for more. If your curls frizz in humid weather, the short sides at least keep half of the head under control.
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Curly Undercut by Side Length
These eight cuts keep curls on top and change only how short the sides go and where they stop. Pick the side first, then add a curl style from the sections below or see the undercut gallery.
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks. The fade softens as the bottom regrows.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 3A to 3C curly hair.
About This Style
The bottom of the sides fades from skin or a #0 up to a #2, then stops with a short line under three to four inches of curls. The fade keeps the neckline neat between visits, while the line at the top keeps the curls separate from the sides. It is the most popular way to wear a curly undercut in offices because the outline grows out evenly.
How to Style at Home
Rake curl cream through soaking wet hair and scrunch it upward.
Diffuse on low heat, cupping the curls without rubbing them.
Pull apart the larger curls with your fingers once fully dry.
Ask Your Barber
"Fade the sides from a zero up to a two with a short line where it meets the curls. Leave about four inches of curl on top, checked dry."
Trim:Every 1–2 weeks. Bare skin under curls shows stubble quickly.
Best For:Round, square faces + thick 3B to 4A curls.
About This Style
Sides and back are shaved to skin with a foil shaver or razor, with the curls on top left three to five inches. The bare sides make the curls look taller and fuller than on any other version. It shows the shape of the head clearly, so it suits smooth scalps. Expect to re-shave the sides weekly to keep the contrast sharp.
How to Style at Home
Smooth a light scalp oil over the bare sides after each wash.
Coat the curls with leave-in and scrunch them while wet.
Let the curls air-dry fully before touching them.
Ask Your Barber
"Shave the sides and back to skin with a clean line under the curls. Keep four inches of curl on top, shaped dry."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. The taper only touches sideburns and nape.
Best For:Oval, long faces + 2C to 3B wavy or curly hair.
About This Style
A short taper cleans the sideburns and nape down to a #0, while the rest of the sides stay at a #2 under the curls. The result is a soft outline that looks neat without much scalp on show. It suits workplaces and men who want the curly undercut shape with the least upkeep. The curls on top can stay a little longer, four to five inches.
How to Style at Home
Mist the curls with water and a little leave-in each morning.
Scrunch a dime-size amount of curl cream through the ends.
Leave the sides alone and let the curls dry naturally.
Ask Your Barber
"Number two on the sides, taper the sideburns and nape to a zero. Five inches of curl on top, cut dry so it sits even."
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks. High sides show regrowth on more of the head.
Best For:Round, square faces + 3C to 4B tight curls.
About This Style
The short area climbs to the parietal ridge, so the curls sit only on a narrow section of the top. That lifts the visual weight up and makes a round face look longer. Tight curls hold height on their own, so the shape stays tall without product. Long faces should avoid it, since the extra height adds length.
How to Style at Home
Saturate the curls with leave-in conditioner after washing.
Fluff the roots upward with an afro pick for extra height.
Shape the outline by patting the curls with your palms.
Ask Your Barber
"I'd like a number one on the sides up to the parietal ridge with a clean line. Leave three inches of tight curls on a narrow top section."
Trim:Every 4 weeks. Curls hide most of the low band.
Best For:Oval, long faces + 2C to 3B curly hair.
About This Style
Only a band just above the ears and around the nape is clipped to a #1, while the rest of the sides blend into the curls. When the curls hang down, the short band is barely visible; pushed back, it shows. It is the gentlest version for men new to short sides and the easiest to grow out. Long faces benefit from the extra width it keeps.
How to Style at Home
Spray sea salt spray through damp curls for loose texture.
Scrunch the curls toward the scalp and let them air-dry.
Tuck the curls behind your ears to show the short band.
Ask Your Barber
"Low undercut just above the ears at a number one, leave the upper sides and top long and curly, about five inches on top."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. The hard step blurs as the sides grow.
Best For:Oval, oblong faces + thick 3A to 3C curls.
About This Style
Here the sides stop at a hard horizontal step with no blend at all, so the curls on top hang over a visible ledge. The sides go to a #1 or #2 all the way up to the parietal ridge, and the top keeps four to five inches. The contrast is the point: curls look fuller when they sit over a clean, abrupt line rather than a soft gradient.
How to Style at Home
Rake curl cream through soaking-wet hair.
Flip the curls over the step so they hide the line.
Diffuse on low heat or let them air-dry.
Ask Your Barber
"Disconnected undercut, a number two on the sides up to the parietal ridge with no blending, and four to five inches of curls left on top."
Trim:Every 2 weeks. The arc around the ear loses shape quickly.
Best For:Oval, round faces + 3C to 4A curls.
About This Style
Rather than a straight band, the short area curves around each ear in a half circle and leaves the nape longer. The burst starts at skin just above the ear and blends out to a #2. Curls of three to four inches on top fall toward the back, where they meet the longer nape. Many barbers pair it with a mohawk or faux hawk shape on top.
How to Style at Home
Apply a curl cream and scrunch the curls toward the center.
Let them dry without touching to reduce frizz.
Pick the roots lightly at the crown for height.
Ask Your Barber
"Burst fade around both ears from skin into a number two, keep the nape longer, and three to four inches of curls on top pushed to the middle."
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks. The curve at the back loses its line first.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 3A to 3B curls.
About This Style
Behind each ear, the fade drops down toward the nape in a curve, so the back keeps more weight than a straight undercut. It starts at a #0.5 above the ear and blends into a #2 under the top. The top holds three to four inches of curl falling forward. This shape helps when a flat back of the head makes a standard undercut look boxy.
How to Style at Home
Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo twice a week at most.
Apply leave-in and curl cream while dripping wet.
Plop the curls in a t-shirt for ten minutes.
Ask Your Barber
"Drop fade from a half guard above the ear, curving down behind it into a number two, and three to four inches of curl on top falling forward."
Recommended Products
Leave-In
Curl Cream
Curly Undercut by Curl Type
Each curl pattern sits differently over short sides. These eight cards cover loose, tight, coily, permed, thick, fine, wavy and bleached curls, with the top length and products that suit each type best.
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Loose curls flatten if the top grows heavy.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 2C to 3A loose curls.
About This Style
Loose S-shaped curls of four to five inches fall forward or to one side over sides clipped to a #1. Loose curls lose shape when they get heavy, so the barber adds light layers to let them spring. A light curl cream or sea salt spray is enough. The cut sits between a wavy and a curly look and suits most workplaces.
How to Style at Home
Spray sea salt spray into damp hair from roots to ends.
Twist a few curls around your finger to set the pattern.
Air-dry and finish with a light touch of curl cream.
Ask Your Barber
"Can you do a number one on the sides with a short blend. Five inches of loose curls on top with light layers so they spring up."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Tight curls keep shape between visits.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 3B to 3C tight curls.
About This Style
Corkscrew curls of about three inches when dry sit over sides clipped to a #1 or #2. Tight curls hold their own height and outline, so the top looks full even when short. They need moisture more than hold, so leave-in and curl cream come first. Shrinkage is high, so ask for the length to be checked dry.
How to Style at Home
Apply leave-in and curl cream to soaking wet hair in sections.
Scrunch upward and let the curls dry without touching them.
Refresh day-two curls with a spray of water and a scrunch.
Ask Your Barber
"Give me a number two on the sides with a clean line. Three inches of tight curls on top when dry, shaped round and full."
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks. Coils need the outline shaped often.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 4A to 4C coily hair.
About This Style
Tight coils on top, two to four inches when picked, are shaped into a rounded or flat-topped outline over sides clipped to a #0 or #1 with a line-up at the front. The short sides make the coily top look sculpted. Coily hair dries out quickly, so moisture matters more than any styling product. A pick or sponge sets the shape each morning.
How to Style at Home
Moisturize the coils daily with leave-in and a light oil.
Use an afro pick to lift the coils to an even height.
Pat the surface lightly with your palms to shape the outline.
Ask Your Barber
"Let's go with a number zero on the sides with a line-up at the front. Shape the coils on top to about three inches, rounded and even."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. The perm itself lasts about three months.
Best For:Oval, round faces + straight hair that needs curl.
About This Style
For straight hair, a perm adds loose or medium curls on top, and the sides are clipped to a #1 or #2 to keep the shape narrow. The perm gives volume straight hair lacks, and the short sides make it look intentional. It is common in Korean and East Asian barbershops. Plan on re-perming the top every three months.
How to Style at Home
Coat the permed top with curl cream and scrunch it upward while damp.
Diffuse on low heat, holding the curls in the diffuser cup.
Gently shake out the curls with your fingers once dry.
Ask Your Barber
"Number one on the sides with a short blend. Four inches on top permed into loose curls, sitting full and textured."
Best For:Round, square faces + thick 3A to 3C curls.
About This Style
Thick, dense curls tend to grow outward, so the barber removes bulk from the top with scissors and clips the sides to a #1. Thinning out the inside of the curls lets them sit lower and stops the top from becoming a helmet. It keeps a full look with less weight. A curl cream with some hold controls the volume.
How to Style at Home
Work curl cream through wet hair section by section.
Scrunch upward and diffuse until the curls are mostly dry.
Flatten any wide areas by pressing with your palms.
Ask Your Barber
"Take weight out of the curls on top with scissors so they sit lower, about four inches long. Number one on the sides."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Fine curls lose definition when long.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + fine or thin curly hair.
About This Style
Fine curls lose definition when weighed down, so the top is kept at about three inches and the sides at a #2 to soften the contrast. Light products are key: a mousse or a light gel rather than a heavy cream. The shorter top keeps curls bouncy and makes the hair look denser. Avoid a high undercut, which can make the top look thin.
How to Style at Home
Apply a light gel to wet hair and scrunch it upward.
Diffuse on low heat to set the curls without frizz.
Scrunch out the gel cast once the curls are fully dry.
Ask Your Barber
"I'm after a number two on the sides with a short blend. Three inches of curls on top, cut dry so they stay light and bouncy."
Trim:Every 4 weeks. Waves hold shape longer than tight curls.
Best For:Oval, oblong faces + 2A to 2C wavy hair.
About This Style
Wavy hair sits between straight and curly, and an undercut helps the waves show instead of puffing out at the temples. Leave four to five inches on top so the waves have room to form, with the sides at a #2. Sea salt spray brings out the bend without the crunch of gel. If your waves only appear at the ends, ask for fewer layers.
How to Style at Home
Spray sea salt spray into damp hair.
Scrunch upward with your palms several times.
Air-dry or diffuse on low without touching.
Ask Your Barber
"Sides at a number two, four to five inches on top with only a few long layers so the waves keep their weight and show."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. Roots and sides show regrowth together.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 3A to 4A curls.
About This Style
Bleached or honey blonde curls over dark, clipped sides make the contrast between top and sides even stronger. Bleach opens the curl's cuticle, so curls can loosen and dry out; deep conditioning every week is part of the deal. Keep the top at three to four inches and the sides at a #1 so the dark undercut frames the color.
How to Style at Home
Deep condition the blonde curls once a week.
Apply leave-in and curl cream to soaking-wet hair.
Use a purple shampoo every few washes to cut yellow tones.
Ask Your Barber
"Let's keep a number one on the sides, three to four inches of curls on top, and only trim the dry, bleached ends without thinning."
Recommended Products
Leave-In
Curl Cream
Curly Undercut Top Styles
These eight tops shape the curls in different ways over short sides, from a quiff and crop to a faux hawk and mohawk. Most need three to five inches of curl. See curly hairstyles for more shapes.
Trim:Every 3 weeks. The front curls need length to lift.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 2C to 3B curly hair.
About This Style
The front curls, about five inches, are lifted up and back into a loose quiff, while the curls behind them drop to three inches. Sides go to a #1. Curls give the quiff texture without a blow-dry, though a quick diffuse adds height. It suits round faces that need height at the front, and 2C to 3B curls hold the shape best.
How to Style at Home
Apply curl cream to damp hair and push the front up and back.
Diffuse the front curls upward to build height.
Pinch a little texture clay into the front to hold it.
Ask Your Barber
"Five inches of curl at the front for a quiff, dropping to three at the crown. Number one on the sides."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. Short curls keep their shape.
Best For:Round, square faces + 3A to 3C curly hair.
About This Style
Short curls of about two inches are pushed forward into a cropped fringe, with sides clipped to skin or a #0. The short top makes the curls look tight and neat, and it takes almost no styling. It is a good starting point for men who have not worn curls before. Curls hide the line between the sides and top naturally.
How to Style at Home
Run a pea-size amount of curl cream through wet curls.
Push the curls forward with your fingers into a short fringe.
Let them air-dry and avoid touching until they set.
Ask Your Barber
"I'd like a number zero on the sides with a clean line. Two inches of curls on top pushed forward into a cropped fringe."
Trim:Every 4 weeks. A messy top hides grow-out well.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 2C to 3B wavy or curly hair.
About This Style
Curls of four to five inches are left to fall in every direction, with no part or set shape, over sides clipped to a #2. The messy shape suits men who want a relaxed look and little styling time. It hides grow-out well, so visits can stretch to four weeks. Sea salt spray adds grit and keeps the curls from looking too neat.
How to Style at Home
Spray sea salt spray through damp curls from the roots.
Shake your head and scrunch the curls in random directions.
Let the curls air-dry without combing or brushing.
Ask Your Barber
"Leave five inches of curls on top with layers so they fall messy in all directions. Number two on the sides."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. Curtain curls grow without losing shape.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 2C to 3A wavy or curly hair.
About This Style
A center part splits five-inch curls on top and fall to each side like curtains, over sides clipped to a #2. Curtains cover the line between top and sides from the front, so the short sides show only from the side. Loose curls work best, since tight ones do not fall into a part. It suits heart faces with a wide forehead.
How to Style at Home
Part the wet curls down the center with your fingers.
Scrunch curl cream through each side to define the curtains.
Diffuse on low heat, keeping the part in place.
Ask Your Barber
"Five inches of curls on top with a center part so they fall to each side like curtains. Number two on the sides."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. The part line needs tidying as curls grow.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 2C to 3A curly hair.
About This Style
A deep side part sends four inches of curls across the top to one side, with the sides clipped to a #1. A shaved part line can be added to keep the part visible between visits. The side-swept curls look neat enough for weddings, interviews and formal events. Loose curls fall across more evenly than tight ones, so 3C hair may need a light gel to hold the part.
How to Style at Home
Part the curls on one side with a wide-tooth comb while wet.
Sweep the curls across and scrunch in curl cream.
Hold the part with a little light gel once dry.
Ask Your Barber
"Can you do a number one on the sides, deep side part on the left. Four inches of curls on top swept across to the right."
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks. The curly ridge loses shape as sides grow.
Best For:Round, square faces + 3A to 3C curly hair.
About This Style
On top, three to four inches of curl are pushed toward the center into a ridge, over sides clipped to a #1 or skin. The curls hold the ridge shape naturally, so it needs less product than a straight-hair faux hawk. The ridge adds height to round faces. It can be worn down for work by letting the curls fall forward.
How to Style at Home
Scrunch curl cream into wet curls from the roots.
Push the curls from both sides toward the center line.
Diffuse upward to set the ridge as it dries.
Ask Your Barber
"Four inches of curls in the center of the top, shorter at the edges, so I can push them into a ridge. Number one on the sides."
Trim:Every 1–2 weeks. A narrow curly strip loses its edges fast.
Best For:Oval, long faces + 3B to 4B tight curls or coils.
About This Style
Down the center of the head runs a strip of curls two to three inches wide, with everything outside it shaved to skin. Tight curls and coils hold the strip upright without much product. It is the strongest contrast in this gallery and needs weekly side shaves. Ask for the strip to be wider at the front and narrower at the crown.
How to Style at Home
Moisturize the strip with leave-in and a little curl cream.
Lift the curls upward with an afro pick from the roots.
Shape the strip edges with your hands to keep it narrow.
Ask Your Barber
"Mohawk strip of curls about two and a half inches wide, from the forehead to the nape, everything else shaved to skin."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. Curls start to fall back across the part.
Best For:Oval, round faces + 2C to 3B curls.
About This Style
Instead of falling forward, the curls are swept across from a side part over sides at a #1. Keep four inches at the front so the curls have enough weight to lie across. A light cream gives hold without straightening them. It looks smarter than most curly tops, which makes it a common pick for interviews or office jobs.
How to Style at Home
Find your natural part while the hair is wet.
Smooth styling cream through and sweep the curls across.
Leave to dry and break up any clumps with fingertips.
Ask Your Barber
"Side part on the left, curls on top at about four inches swept across, and a number one on the sides with a short blend under the part."
Recommended Products
Styling Cream
Long Curly Undercut Styles
Long curls over short sides keep length without the width that comes from growing everything out. These eight cuts need five inches or more of curl on top; see how to grow your hair out for the stages.
Trim:Every 4–6 weeks. Long curls only need ends dusted.
Best For:Oval, long faces + 2C to 3B curly hair.
About This Style
Chin-length curls hang over sides clipped to a #1, so the curls fall freely while the sides stay short beneath. When the curls are tucked behind the ears or pushed back, the short sides show. It keeps length without bulk at the ears and suits long faces. Dust the ends every six weeks to keep the curls healthy.
How to Style at Home
Detangle wet curls with your fingers and a detangling spray.
Apply curl cream through the lengths and scrunch upward.
Air-dry or diffuse, then tuck the curls behind your ears.
Ask Your Barber
"I'm after a number one on the sides, leave the curls on top at chin length and only dust the ends to keep them healthy."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. Only the sides need regular cutting.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 3A to 4A curly hair.
About This Style
Curls on top of eight inches or more are tied into a loose bun at the crown, with sides clipped to a #1 or skin. Curly buns look fuller than straight ones, and short sides keep the bun from looking heavy. Tie it loosely to avoid breaking the curls. Read the man bun guide for bun positions.
How to Style at Home
Gather damp curls toward the crown without brushing them.
Tie a loose bun with a soft elastic or scrunchie.
Rub a drop of argan oil over frizz at the hairline after tying.
Ask Your Barber
"Keep all the curl length on top so I can tie it into a bun. Number one on the sides and back."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Short sides keep the knot looking neat.
Best For:Long, oval faces + 3A to 3C curly hair.
About This Style
The top panel of curls, six to eight inches stretched, are gathered into a small knot high on the head, and the sides and back are clipped to a #0. Curls make the knot look fuller and softer than straight hair does. Only the top has to grow, so it ties up sooner than a full curly bun, and it stays practical for the gym and hot weather.
How to Style at Home
Collect the curls on top into a high ponytail with your fingers.
Twist the ponytail loosely into a knot and secure it.
Leave a few curls loose at the front for a softer look.
Ask Your Barber
"Number zero on the sides and back up to the parietal ridge. Leave six to eight inches of curl on top for a high knot."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Sides need cutting while the back grows.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 2C to 3B curly hair.
About This Style
Three-inch curls at the front and top contrast with longer curls past the collar at the back, while the sides above the ears are clipped to a #1. Curls give the mullet natural texture at the nape without styling. The short sides keep the shape from looking bushy. See the modern mullet guide for back lengths.
How to Style at Home
Scrunch curl cream through the whole head while wet.
Diffuse the back to keep the longer curls defined.
Push the front curls forward with your fingers.
Ask Your Barber
"Three inches of curls on top and curls past the collar at the back. Number one on the sides above the ears."
Trim:Every 4–5 weeks. Only the sides need clipping.
Best For:Oval, oblong faces + 3A to 3C curls.
About This Style
Seven inches or more of curl on top is pulled back into a low ponytail at the crown, while the sides and back below stay at a #1 or #2. With the ponytail out, it reads as a long curly undercut. The short sides keep the tied look neat because there are no flyaways at the temples. Use a soft fabric band to prevent breakage.
How to Style at Home
Smooth the curls back with a little curl cream.
Tie them loosely at the back of the crown with a fabric band.
Change the ponytail position each day to avoid tension.
Ask Your Barber
"Keep all the top length for a ponytail, clip the sides and back at a number two, and leave a clean line where the curls start."
Trim:Every 4–6 weeks. Undercut sides are the main upkeep.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 3A to 3B curls.
About This Style
Only the front section of curls is tied back at the crown, leaving the rest to hang loose to the jaw. The undercut sits under the hanging curls and shows only when they move. Six inches of length is the minimum for the front to reach the tie. It keeps curls out of the eyes while still showing length.
How to Style at Home
Gather the top front curls in one hand.
Tie them into a small knot at the crown.
Fluff the loose curls with fingers.
Ask Your Barber
"Leave six inches or more of curl on top, clip a hidden undercut on the sides at a number two, and keep the length below the jaw."
Trim:Every 6–8 weeks. Curly ends and the hidden undercut need tidying.
Best For:Oval, long faces + thick 3A to 3C curls.
About This Style
Curls grown to the shoulders cover a hidden undercut at a #1 to #2, which removes the side bulk that makes long curly hair look triangular. The undercut sits only from the temple down, so the curls above fall naturally over it. Thick hair benefits most, since this cut takes out a large share of the weight without shortening the length.
How to Style at Home
Detangle curls in the shower with conditioner.
Apply leave-in and curl cream, then scrunch.
Pineapple the curls on top of your head overnight.
Ask Your Barber
"Keep the curls to the shoulder, cut a hidden undercut at a number one from the temples to the nape, and only dust the ends."
Trim:Every 5–6 weeks. Layers lose their shape when curls get heavy.
Best For:Oval, heart faces + 2C to 3B curls.
About This Style
Shag layering through five to six inches of curl gives a rounded crown and shorter curls around the face, while the sides below are clipped to a #2. The undercut stops the shag from widening into a triangle. Layers are cut dry, curl by curl, so the shape matches how your hair actually sits once styled.
How to Style at Home
Apply curl cream to wet hair section by section.
Diffuse with your head tilted to lift the crown.
Pull the face-framing curls forward with your fingertips.
Ask Your Barber
"Dry-cut curly shag with layers around the face and crown, five to six inches on top, and a number two undercut on the sides."
Recommended Products
Curl Cream
Curly Undercut by Audience
These eight cuts adjust the curly undercut for Black, biracial and Latino curls, boys, teens, older men, thinning hair and round faces. Each card names the side guard and curl length that work best for that group.
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks. Line-ups and short sides need fresh edges.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 4A to 4C coily hair.
About This Style
Coils on top, shaped to two or three inches, sit over sides clipped to skin or a #0 with a sharp line-up at the front and temples. Sponge curls or twists on top are common variations. Crisp edges against coily texture give clear definition. Shaved sides can bring razor bumps, so ask for a #0 if your skin reacts; the black men haircuts gallery has more options.
How to Style at Home
Moisturize the coils with leave-in after every wash.
Rub a curl sponge in circles over the top to form curls.
Use an edge brush to keep the line-up neat.
Ask Your Barber
"Skin on the sides with a sharp line-up at the front and temples. Three inches of coils on top, shaped round so I can sponge it."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Mixed curl patterns need even shaping.
Best For:Oval, round faces + mixed 3B to 4A curls.
About This Style
Biracial hair often mixes curl patterns on the same head, so the barber shapes the curls dry to even out the outline. The sides are clipped to a #1 and the top kept at three to four inches. Moisture and a defining cream help the mixed pattern look consistent. See the biracial curly hair guide for more options.
How to Style at Home
Apply leave-in and curl cream to wet hair in small sections.
Twist larger sections around your finger to match the pattern.
Diffuse on low heat and scrunch once fully dry.
Ask Your Barber
"Three and a half inches of curls on top, shaped dry so the different curl patterns sit even. Number one on the sides."
Trim:Every 4 weeks. Short sides keep curls off the ears.
Best For:Ages 6–12 + curly, wavy or loose coily hair.
About This Style
For boys, keep three inches of curls on top and clip the sides to a #2, gentler than skin for young scalps. The curls stay off the ears and out of the eyes, and the cut needs only a spray of water and curl cream in the morning. Most schools accept it. Parents can ask for a softer line if the child dislikes clippers.
How to Style at Home
Spray the curls with water and a little leave-in each morning.
Scrunch a small amount of curl cream into the ends.
Use a mild kids shampoo only two or three times a week to protect the curls.
Ask Your Barber
"Let's go with a number two on the sides with a soft line. Keep about three inches of curls on top and keep them out of his eyes."
Trim:Every 4 weeks. A #2 side grows out without looking messy.
Best For:Oval, square faces + gray or thinning curls.
About This Style
Gray or salt-and-pepper curls are kept at about three inches above #2 sides, with a short taper at the nape. Gray hair often turns coarser and drier, so moisture keeps the curls soft. The #2 sides look neat without showing much scalp, and a shorter top hides thinning at the crown better than long curls do.
How to Style at Home
Use a moisturizing leave-in on gray curls after washing.
Scrunch a small amount of styling cream through the curls.
Let the curls air-dry to avoid heat damage.
Ask Your Barber
"I'm after a number two on the sides with a taper at the nape. Three inches of curls on top, shaped to hide thinning at the crown."
Trim:Every 2 weeks. Skin sides and line-up need fresh edges.
Best For:Oval, round faces + thick 2C to 3B curls.
About This Style
In many Latino barbershops this cut pairs a skin undercut with a sharp line-up and two to three inches of defined curl falling forward. The curls are often lightly texturized so they clump rather than frizz. Barbers finish the forehead and temples with a razor. The result is shorter and neater than most curly undercuts, which keeps it tidy for work.
How to Style at Home
Apply curl cream to wet hair and push the curls forward.
Let them dry without a towel rub.
Brush the edges with a soft edge brush.
Ask Your Barber
"Skin on the sides and back, a sharp line-up at the forehead and temples, and two to three inches of curls on top falling forward."
Trim:Every 4 weeks. Teens' hair grows fast at the sides.
Best For:Teens + loose or medium curls of any density.
About This Style
For teenagers, a curly undercut with three to four inches of messy curls on top and a #2 on the sides keeps school rules happy while still looking current. Fluffy, broccoli-style curls are a common request. Teach your teen to use a leave-in instead of brushing dry curls, which causes frizz. It also grows out evenly if they skip a month.
How to Style at Home
Apply leave-in to wet hair after showering.
Scrunch curls upward and leave them to dry.
Reset second-day curls with water spray.
Ask Your Barber
"My son wants a number two on the sides with a soft blend and three to four inches of messy curls left on top. Please keep it school-friendly."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Shorter curls must stay dense to cover.
Best For:Oval, square faces + thinning curly hair.
About This Style
Curls naturally disguise thinning because they overlap, so keeping them shorter, about two inches, makes the top look denser. Sides go to a #1 so they do not look thicker than the top. Avoid heavy creams that clump curls and show scalp; a light mousse or sea salt spray adds lift instead. Thinning at the crown is better hidden with curls pushed back than forward.
How to Style at Home
Spray sea salt spray or thickening spray into damp roots.
Diffuse on low heat for lift at the crown.
Pat curls into place instead of combing.
Ask Your Barber
"Two inches of curls on top so they look denser, number one on the sides, and please do not thin out the top at all."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Side width returns quickly on round faces.
Best For:Round, full faces + 3A to 3C curls of any density.
About This Style
Round faces gain length when the curls stack upward and the sides stay very short. A #0.5 to #1 on the sides, four to five inches of curl on top pushed up, and no fringe falling over the forehead give an oval-looking outline. Avoid a center part, which widens the cheeks. A faux hawk shape on top adds even more height.
How to Style at Home
Diffuse curls upward with your head tilted back.
Pick the roots at the crown to add height.
Keep the curls off your forehead.
Ask Your Barber
"Sides as short as a half guard to a number one, four to five inches on top, and shape the curls so they build height rather than width."
Recommended Products
Afro Pick
Curl Cream
Curly Undercut with Beard or Design
A beard, line-up or design changes how the curly undercut frames the face. These eight cards pair short sides and curls with facial hair or a sharp edge. See line-up vs edge-up for edge styles.
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Trim the stubble every few days.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 2C to 3B curly hair.
About This Style
Stubble of a few millimetres on the jaw blends into #1 sides, so short hair runs evenly from temple to chin and the curls are the only long feature. The light beard adds definition at the jawline without hiding the face shape. Trimming it twice a week is about all the beard care it needs.
How to Style at Home
Trim the stubble with a short guard every few days.
Keep the neckline clean with a trimmer above the Adam's apple.
Define the curls on top with a small amount of curl cream.
Ask Your Barber
"Let's go with a number one on the sides, blended into my stubble at the sideburns. Four inches of curls on top and clean my neckline."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. The beard needs shaping monthly.
Best For:Oval, long faces + thick curly hair and beard.
About This Style
An inch or more of full beard, often curly itself, matches the texture of the curls on top and adds width at the jaw. The #1 sides fade into the beard at the sideburns so there is no bare gap. This helps long faces most, because the lower face gets wider. Beard oil keeps a curly beard soft and stops it frizzing.
How to Style at Home
Work beard oil through the beard every morning.
Shape the curly beard with a brush, working from the cheeks down.
Scrunch curl cream into the curls on top while damp.
Ask Your Barber
"Could I get a number one on the sides faded into my beard. Shape the beard at an inch and a half and leave four inches of curls on top."
Trim:Every 1–2 weeks. Lines blur as the sides regrow.
Best For:Oval, square faces + 3B to 4C curly or coily hair.
About This Style
One or two lines are cut into the #1 sides with a trimmer, often curving from the temple back under the curls. The lines draw attention to the short sides and contrast with the round curls above. Designs fade in about a week. Ask for lines that follow the curve of your head so they grow out evenly.
How to Style at Home
Avoid scratching the design while it is fresh.
Apply a light scalp oil to the short sides daily.
Book a touch-up after a week to keep the lines sharp.
Ask Your Barber
"Number one on the sides with two curved lines cut from the temple back. Three inches of curls on top."
Trim:Every 1–2 weeks. Line-ups lose their edge quickly.
Best For:Oval, round faces + 3C to 4C curly or coily hair.
About This Style
Straightening the hairline at the forehead and temples, a sharp line-up frames the curls on top and the short sides. The line-up makes curly hair look neater and gives the face a defined outline. It needs touching up every week or two, since the edges blur quickly. Avoid pushing the line back, which can raise the hairline.
How to Style at Home
Use an edge brush to keep the hairline neat each morning.
Moisturize the curls on top with a leave-in after every wash.
Book a quick line-up touch-up with your barber every week or two.
Ask Your Barber
"I'd like a number one on the sides with a sharp line-up at the natural hairline, do not push it back. Three inches of curls on top."
Trim:Every 3 weeks. Goatee edges and sides are cleaned together.
Best For:Round, oval faces + 3A to 3C curls.
About This Style
With bare cheeks and short sides, a goatee draws the eye down the center of the face and balances the volume of curls on top. The goatee is kept to the chin and mustache with a #2 guard and clean edges. Sides at a #1 do not need to connect to anything, so the cut stays simple. It suits round faces, since the pointed chin adds length.
How to Style at Home
Shave the cheeks and jaw every two or three days.
Trim the goatee with a #2 and shape the edges.
Style the curls with cream and air-dry.
Ask Your Barber
"Number one on the sides, three to four inches of curls on top, and tidy my goatee at a number two with clean edges at the jaw."
Trim:Every 2–3 weeks. Beard lines and undercut need cleaning together.
Best For:Oval, long faces + 3A to 4A curls and dense beards.
About This Style
Sharp cheek lines and a squared jaw on a short boxed beard give structure under soft curls. The beard is around a #3 with a defined neckline, and the sideburns are faded from the #1 undercut into the beard. The firm lines of the beard contrast with the round shape of the curls, which works well on long faces by adding width at the jaw.
How to Style at Home
Comb beard balm through to keep hairs in line.
Use a trimmer to clean the cheek line every few days.
Style the curls forward with cream.
Ask Your Barber
"Fade the sideburns from the number one sides into my beard, box the beard at a number three with sharp cheek lines, and leave the curls on top."
Trim:Every 3–4 weeks. Mustache length and sides need trimming.
Best For:Oval, oblong faces + 2C to 3B curls.
About This Style
Pairing a thick chevron or walrus-style mustache with a clean-shaven jaw gives the curly undercut a 1970s feel. The mustache is kept full but trimmed at the lip line, and the sides are clipped to a #2 so the curls and mustache are the only volume on the head. It suits oblong faces, since the horizontal line of the mustache breaks up length.
How to Style at Home
Brush the mustache down and trim over the lip.
Shave the cheeks and chin daily or every other day.
Scrunch curls with a light cream.
Ask Your Barber
"Clip the sides to a number two, keep three to four inches of loose curls on top, and trim my mustache to the lip line keeping it full."
Trim:Every 1–2 weeks. Designs fade fast in short sides.
Best For:Oval, round faces + 3B to 4A curls.
About This Style
A zigzag line, usually two or three peaks, is shaved into the #1 side just above the ear. The sharp pattern contrasts with the soft curls above. Barbers cut it with a detailer trimmer and finish the edges with a razor. Because the line sits in very short hair, it blurs within a week or two, so plan regular touch-ups.
How to Style at Home
Keep the design clean by washing the sides daily.
Rub a little scalp oil over the lines after washing.
Style the curls with cream so they do not cover the design.
Ask Your Barber
"Number one on the sides with a zigzag design above the right ear, two or three peaks, and three inches of curls on top."
Recommended Products
Scalp Oil
Curl Cream
How Do You Ask Your Barber for a Curly Undercut?
Tell the barber the side guard (a #1 leaves 1/8 inch, a #2 leaves 1/4 inch), where the short sides should stop, if you want a hard line or a short blend, and how long the curls on top should look when dry. Ask for the top to be cut dry or checked dry, because wet curls look two or three times longer than they sit. The clipper guard numbers chart lists the other guard sizes.
Bring a photo of a similar curl type, not just a similar shape. Point to where the sides should stop on your own head, and say if you want the curls to fall forward, to the side or stand up. A barber who works with curly hair will usually shape the top with scissors or a curl-by-curl method rather than clippers.
Clipper Guards Used in Curly Undercut Styles
A clipper guard is the plastic comb that clips onto the blade and sets how much hair is left: a #1 leaves 3 mm (1/8 inch), each step up adds about 3 mm. The right column lists the cards on this page that call for each guard. See the full clipper guard numbers guide for the complete chart.
Curls do most of the work. Apply curl cream or leave-in to soaking wet hair, scrunch upward, then air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat without touching the curls until they are dry. Our diffuser guide shows the technique. Once dry, scrunch out any crunch and separate larger curls with your fingers. Coily hair benefits from a pick or curl sponge.
The short sides need little attention beyond moisture. Wash curls two or three times a week rather than daily, since shampoo dries them out, and rinse with conditioner on the other days. In humid weather a light gel over the curl cream holds the shape; frizz control has more tips. Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a durag to keep the curls from flattening overnight, and refresh them in the morning with a spray of water and a quick scrunch instead of a full wash.
What Curly Undercut Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Cutting the top too short while wet is the most common one; curls spring up as they dry and can end up an inch shorter than you wanted. Another is leaving the sides too long, which brings back the width the cut is meant to remove. Brushing dry curls breaks them into frizz, so use fingers or a pick instead, and avoid heavy pomade, which flattens the curl pattern.
Book visits around your curls, not the clock. The sides need a clean-up every three to four weeks, while the top can go six to eight weeks if you are growing it. Ask for the sides only between full cuts to save time and keep the curls growing. Finally, do not judge the cut on the day; curls often settle into their real shape after the first wash at home, so give it a few days before asking for changes.
Which Curly Undercut Is Right for You?
Pick your hair type and how much upkeep you will put in. The matches below come from the Best For and Maintenance notes on each card. Upkeep follows the Maintenance badge: low means a cut every 3 to 6 weeks and almost no daily styling, high means weekly line-ups or daily product.
Q1: What guard should I use for a curly undercut?+
Most curly undercuts use a #1 or #2 on the sides, leaving 1/8 or 1/4 inch. A #1 gives more contrast against the curls, while a #2 hides the scalp and grows out more gently. Coily hair often needs a touch longer to look the same as straight hair at the same number.
Q2: How long should curls be for an undercut?+
Three to six inches stretched is the usual range. Under three inches, curls may not form a clear pattern. Over six inches, the curls start to fall and can cover the sides. Remember that curls shrink by up to half as they dry, so ask for the length to be checked dry.
Q3: Can you get an undercut with 4C hair?+
Yes. Tight coils on top work well with short sides, often with a line-up at the front. The top is usually shaped with a pick and scissors into a rounded or square outline. Twists, sponge curls and locs on top are also common with an undercut on 4C hair.
Q4: How do you keep a curly undercut from getting frizzy?+
Apply curl cream or leave-in to wet hair, avoid touching the curls while they dry, and use a diffuser on low heat. Wash with a gentle shampoo two or three times a week. In humid weather, a light gel over the cream helps the curls keep their shape.
Q5: How often do you need to trim a curly undercut?+
The sides need a clean-up every three to four weeks to keep the contrast. The curls on top can go six to eight weeks between cuts, depending on how long you want them. Many men book a quick side trim between full cuts.
Q6: Does a curly undercut suit a round face?+
Yes. The short sides remove width at the cheeks and the curls on top add height, which makes the face look longer. Keep the curls taller on top rather than falling forward, and avoid curls that hang at the sides of the face.
