Styling curly hair can be challenging, but things get less complicated once you find the right products and a suitable hairstyle. You must cut your hair a certain way to achieve the right look. The slick back design would not work for men with long or short hair.
Similarly, the side part would not suit men with longer hair. Hence, factors like texture and length must be considered to get attractive curly hairstyles for men. And if you are struggling to find the right hairstyle, this piece is for you.
In addition to discussing the hairstyles for curly hair, we will also go through some of the best styling products to hold these styles. Since curly hair also has multiple textures, there is no single product that would suit them all. Thus, besides knowing the best hairstyles, it is also pertinent to know the right products that go with them. So, let’s get straight to it.
Best Hairstyles For Curly Hair
Styling curly hair can be challenging, but things get easier once you find the right haircut and styling products. Let’s look at some of the best hairstyles for different lengths.
Curly Hair With Fringe
Fringes are men’s versions of bangs that have become very popular recently. The hairstyle suits men with medium-length hair. It makes the front hair fall on the forehead, where it lays flat like bangs. The best part about fringes is it works with all textures of curls, including kinky, wavy and coily.
Since the bangs only require a certain length of front hair, it offers the liberty to cut the rest of the hair however you want. You have many options to style the remaining hair, including French Crop, Faded Sides, and Fringe Undercut.
Short Curly Hair Side Part
Men with short hair have two options when it comes to side parts. You can either go with a Side Part Undercut Fade or Deep Side Parted Curls. The Side Part Undercut Fade creates an edgy and sharp look while maintaining the texture of the hair on the top. You also have the freedom to select the fade height per your preferences. You can pick between standard, bold, low, or high, depending on your lifestyle.
Deep Side Parted Curls have been in trend since the Roaring Twenties, and somehow, there is still hype around them. It is one of the easiest haircuts, so barbers are unlikely to make mistakes while styling it. You can flex the curls with this haircut as well.
Messy Curly Hairstyles
Messy curly hairstyles can be a great option for men with shorter lengths, especially those with a wave texture. You can get the perfect messy curls by leaving the length at the top and trimming it at the back and sides.
Furthermore, it takes very little effort to style. You only have to apply a curl enhancer and run your fingers through the hair. It will provide that perfect carefree messy hairstyle.
Curly Man Bun
Man Bun is a top-rated hairstyle for men with curly hair. There are several ways to get a man; contrary to common belief, men with shorter hair can crown it. In fact, it is better to design a bun with shorter hair when living in humid conditions.
Depending on the bun’s thickness you want, leave the length at the top and fine-trim the remaining hair. The length of the top should be such that it could be tied with a rubber band.
Curly Comb Over
Curly Comb Over haircuts provides a neat look while flexing the curls on the tops. It has several variations, but the most popular ones include Comb Over with Hard Part and Caesar Cut. Men can rock the small curly hair on the top while trimming the sides and back with the Hard Part. The line separating the top from the sides and back has to be prominent to provide a perfect look.
Caesar Cut is relatively difficult, but it looks attractive on men with short hair and darker skin tones. The basic difference between it and the Hard Part is the length of the sides and back. You have to trim the back and sides finer, in addition to creating a more prominent separation line. It provides a perfectly polished and gentlemanly look.
Slick Back Curly Hair
Slick Back is a popular classic hairstyle that looks elegant and improves sex appeal. It looks the best on men with wavy hair textures. Men with coils would have to put in too much work to style them. There are several variations, and the difference is usually the length at the back and sides.
However, we recommend using medium trimming on the sides and back to achieve a perfect look. If you go with finer sides, it would look edgy and sharp, which most people who opt for such hairstyles do not want.
Furthermore, the height of the sides also impacts the overall look. The higher length provides a neater look, and the lower length is more on the casual side. You should pick the side and back length based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Curly Hair Undercut
Curly Hair Undercut is perfect for men who want to flaunt their curls. It spreads the top hair out to provide a sexier and hotter look. The best part about undercut hair is it looks perfect on all hair lengths. You need to trim the sides and back without creating a fade or a separating line.
The length of the top should be such that it covers a portion of the trimmed sides and back. Furthermore, the length of the crown also plays a role in defining the looks. You can get an edgy appearance with an angular top cut, whereas a longer length makes the curl look fine and adds volume.
Short Sides + Curly Hair On Top
Parted Sides and fade are the two most popular Short Sides + Curly Hair on Top styles. However, some man buns can also fall into this category, provided that they have fine sides and backs. Such hairstyles are the best ways to maintain a cleaner and neater look while flexing the curls simultaneously.
Furthermore, it does not take much effort to style them, and most of them do not even require any styling products. At best, you would need a curl enhancer if you are attending a party or another formal event.
Curly Hair Fade
Curly Hair fade can solve the challenges associated with styling curly hair. It removes unwanted volume and leaves a manageable length at the top. And it is exactly what makes it a preferred style for most men with curls. You can select the length and height of the fade based on personal preferences.
However, the most popular of them are drop fade and high fade. The drop fade offers a cooler look and looks great with long length. Whereas the high fade would work for men who want to improve the crown’s volume. Creating a fade at the top concentrates the hair on top and makes the crown look voluminous.
How To Style Curly Hair
Before getting to the details of products, it is important to know the basics which are must to style the hair appropriately. These include:
1. Create a Good Hair Care Routine
Different hair types have varying requirements, which warrant different care routines. Curly hair tends to be dry because the sebum from the scalp cannot travel to the entire length of the hair.
You must avoid excessive shampooing because it would strip whatever oil is present in the hair. Furthermore, a conditioner must be used on curly hair to protect the moisture and seal the hair cuticles.
The dryness of the hair also makes it brittle and becomes prone to breakage. Hence, you should resist the urge to comb or brush curly hair. Just run your finger through them after a shower, and it would be enough to detangle them.
Furthermore, do not use dryers at high temperatures because it will make them vulnerable to breaking. Use the dryer at a moderate temperature and use your fingers to style them.
2. Obtain A Great Men’s Haircut
Be it straight or curly, a haircut can make or break your style. It determines the versatility you have while styling the hair. Depending on personal preferences, cut the hair to a length that allows you to style it in different fashions. The slick back is a go-to design for men who prefer a mature hairstyle, whereas fades are ideal who want contemporary looks.
However, be mindful that going with either of these styles would limit the styling options. Hence, think it through before getting a haircut, especially one that involves trimming to a finer length. Because once you get one, you would have to stick to it for at least a couple of months.
3. Purchase Quality Men’s Curly Hair Products
We have established that curly hair is slightly more sensitive to breakage and damage than straight hair. Thus, special care must be taken while selecting hair care products.
You must avoid certain chemicals like sulfate, parabens, and formaldehyde that are used in these products to increase shelf life. These chemicals adversely affect the hair and lead to several problems, including extensive hair loss.
Best Men’s Curly Hair Products
It takes a range of products to take care of curly hair, and some of the important ones include:
1. Shampoo And Conditioners
Curly hair experiences more build-up than straight hair, mainly because of the sebum layer on the scalp. You need a shampoo with ingredients like Sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and sodium lauroyl glutamate to clear the build-up without stripping too much oil from the hair. Shampoos that contain paraben and sulfates should be avoided as much as possible.
The conditioning requirements of curly hair are also different and higher than straight hair. You need products that lock the moisture in and consequently prevent the hair from breaking.
K+S Men’s Shampoo
Krieger + Sohne Shampoo uses a blend of tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and a mixture of vitamins and rinsing chemicals. It not just cleanses the scalp from the buildup but also heals the hair by providing them with the necessary nourishment.
Brickell Men’s Daily Strengthening Shampoo
Brickell’s Strengthening Shampoo contains all organic ingredients, including tea tree oil, aloe vera, amino acids, and peppermint. The ingredients nourish the hair, which adds natural volume and imparts shine to it. Furthermore, it is free of chemicals that can react with color-treated hair. Thus, men with dyed hair can also use this shampoo.
Art Natural Argan Oil Hair Conditioner
Art Hair Conditioner is a paraben and sulfate-free product that men can use without causing any adversity to the hair. Furthermore, it is rich in argan oil, a natural moisturizer that locks the hair’s moisture. Best part? It leaves little to no residue in the hair, preventing build-up even if used frequently.
K+S Men’s Conditioner
K+S Men’s Conditioner is ideal for men who experience excessive dandruff. It contains a blend of vitamins and peppermint oil which washes away all dandruff and prevents it from returning. Furthermore, tea tree oil is also in the ingredients of this conditioner which offers several medicinal benefits.
Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioners
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is one of the most credible and scientifically-validated chemicals for moisturizing hair. It is rich in vitamin E, which is known to promote hair growth, impart shine and improve the overall health of the hair.
2. Styling Products For Men’s Curly Hair
The market offers several hairstyling products for men, and each of them has unique characteristics. While some work better on hair that is long, others are ideal for shorter lengths. It is important to understand the mechanisms of these products to find the appropriate one for your hair. Some of the popular hair styling products include:
Curl Enhancing Cream
Curl-enhancing cream is for men who want to flaunt their curly hair. It eliminates frizz, amplifies natural curls, and holds the hair in its place. An added advantage of enhancing creams is their moisturizing capabilities. And as we have discussed, it is probably the most important element of the curly hair routine.
That said, these products’ hold is not as strong as some other products. So, it would work best for men who appreciate a casual look without compromising the health of their hair.
Shea-Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Shea-Moisture is tailored-designed for curly hair, which offers hydration all day long. It also imparts shine to the hair and provides a slight hold. Furthermore, the shea butter scent of the cream imparts a pleasant odor to the hair.
Redken Cream Serum
Redken Serum Cream leaves a very thin film on the hair, which is not visible to the naked eye. The film protects the hair’s moisture and enhances the natural curls. Furthermore, the product also provides a decent hold which is enough for casual hairstyles.
Styling Cream
Styling cream for curled hair works almost similarly to curl creams, but their holding capabilities are slightly stronger than the latter. It also moisturizes the hair like curl cream and also imparts shine to the hair, which looks great, especially at night.
Living To Proof No Frizz Nourishing Cream
Living Proof has little to no weight, and the formula is designed without dairy products. It works best in humid conditions, which take moisture away from the hair. Applying a layer of this cream on the hair would lock the moisture in and protect the brittle hair from breakage.
Smooth Viking Hydrating Fiber Cream
As the name indicates, Smooth Viking is a hydrating solution with the added benefit of a medium hold. You can use it to style the hair almost in every manner without exposing it to breakage. Furthermore, the hold of the cream looks natural and imparts a natural shine to the hair.
Layrite Natural Matte Cream
Layrite Natural is a water-based cream that would not weigh the hair down. It offers a firmer hold which is ideal for slick-styled hair. Furthermore, when applied on wet hair, it produces a light hold. Hence, the product offers versatility to style hair in multiple manners, which might be enough for most men.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea Salt Spray is an ideal styling product for hair prone to static. It is a blend of water and salt, hence the name sea salt. After applying these sprays, the hair would look like it had been dipped in seawater.
It adds volume to the hair and also improves the texture. But it does not offer a firmer hold, meaning you have the liberty to style the hair all day long. Men who are fond of carefree looks would find these products very likable.
Byrd Texturizing Surf Spray
Byrd Surf Spray is a paraben and sulfate-free solution to achieving that carefree beach look without taking a dip in salt water. Furthermore, coconut water, vitamin B5, and certain other ingredients in the spray provide the natural scent of seawater. Men who love the smell of the beach would find it very appealing.
Pomade
Pomades offer a much firmer hold than the products that have been mentioned previously. Depending on the hair type, you can opt for either oil, wax, or water-based products.
Typically, the oil and wax-based pomade work better for curly hair. Men who want to hold their hair in place without making it look wet would find pomades suitable for their styling needs.
Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade
Savetico is a silicon-free solution to hold the hair perfectly in place. Furthermore, the product has a nice spread, making it easy to apply to all hair. You also do not get the stiffness that is a problem with most pomades.
Mousse
Mousses are used to provide more volume to hair. The volume provided by these products is almost three to four times more than other products that have been mentioned so far. They also add shine to the hair and make it feel softer. However, be mindful that these products work well only if they are used on semi-wet hair.
Design Essential Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
Essential Natural is a paraben and sulfate-free formula rich in natural ingredients like avocado oil. It adds volume and provides the hair with the required nourishment to make them healthier and shinier.
Kenra Extra Volume
Kenra Extra is an excellent product for men who want volume and live in higher temperatures and humidity areas. It is a silicone-free solution that is free of odor; thus, the volume and the hold it provides would appear natural. Furthermore, the product does not cause hair to stick or stiff, contributing to its natural appearance.
Gel
Gels are probably one of the oldest types of hairstyling products. These are used to style the hair in a certain manner and hold it in place for a longer time. You have to apply it while the hair is damp and use a dryer to style the hair in a certain fashion.
Royal Locks Curl Cream Gel
Royal Locks offer a solution rich in Vitamin E and Argan Oil; it is also free of paraben or sulfate free. The formula provides the hair with ingredients needed for healthier growth in addition to defining curls on almost all curl types, be it wavy, coily, or classic. Furthermore, the cream also moisturizes and provides a firm hold of the style.
Wax
Waxes are oil-based hair styling products that work especially well for curly hair. It not just holds the hair perfectly in place but also locks the moisture in to protect the hair. Unlike gels, these products are used on drier hair.
TIGI Bed Head Workable Hair Wax
TIGI workable hair wax offers a stronghold of the style and locks the moisture. Furthermore, it leaves no residue or thick film, making the style appear natural. Men who want style with a natural finish would love to get their hands on this product.
Clay
Styling clay is ideal for men who want to add volume to their hair without weighing it down because of the product. You can use it on the hair if you want to add volume and style the hair in a spice-like style. It also offers other benefits, including drawing impurities from the hair without stripping the natural oil from it.
Smooth Viking Hair Clay
Viking Hair Clay is a paraben and sulfate-free formula that uses beeswax, quinoa, green leaf extract, and soybean oil. These ingredients work together to retain moisture, prevent breakage, soothe the scalp and rejuvenate the hair.
It offers a stronghold that would be suitable for slick hair, especially while participating in a formal event. The matte finish provided by the clay provides an elegant look.
