Curly hairstyles for men: types, cuts, and products

Men’s curly hair needs the right products to define and enhance its natural texture. Choose suitable cuts and hairstyles, and use products like Clover Cream for a defined, natural-looking style.

Many men with curly hair make a common mistake: they think it’s enough to “just leave it as it is”. In reality, men’s curls are among the most fascinating and distinctive features there are. They express personality, warmth, and naturalness. But to let them truly shine, they need care: not excessive styling, but conscious gestures and products designed to support their movement.

Well-defined curls enhance the face, tell a story of character, and at the same time convey a relaxed, authentic energy. Whether short and compact or long and full of volume, men’s curly hair can become your best calling card: you just need to learn how to understand it and choose the right tools.

In this article you’ll find everything you need: curl types, ideal cuts, hairstyles, and styling routines designed for the modern curly-haired man who wants to enhance his look without losing naturalness.

Not all men have the same type of curl: some have soft, light waves, others defined spirals, and others compact, highly structured afro curls. Understanding your curl type is essential because each curl reacts differently to products, cuts, and drying techniques.

Wavy hair (type 2)

Recognizable by a wide, soft wave, especially visible on the lengths. At the roots it tends to lie flatter, while the movement opens toward the ends.

Generally:

• loses definition as length increases;
• gets weighed down easily;
• develops more lateral than vertical volume.

It usually looks best with lightweight products that follow the movement without stiffening it, and with gentle drying methods that maintain the width of the wave.

Curly hair (type 3)

The spiral is fully formed and tends to compact as it dries, appearing visually shorter than when wet.

It is characterized by:

• noticeable elasticity;
• volume that also distributes at the roots;
• uniform structure along the length.

It finds balance with products that combine definition and elasticity, paired with cuts that work on volume distribution without weighing down the top.

Afro hair (type 4)

It has a tight spiral or zig-zag pattern and represents the curl type with the highest visual density.

Often:

• shrinks significantly during drying;
• shows higher porosity than other types;
• requires gentler handling to preserve its shape.

Here, more enveloping formulations and consistent application techniques are preferred, along with well-proportioned cuts and progressive drying that maintain continuity in the spiral.

Once you’ve identified your curl type, you can move on to choosing the most suitable cut and styling based on structure and movement.

Short curly hair for men is practical, versatile, and modern. The key is maintaining a balance between definition, volume, and side fades.

Choosing dynamic cuts like High Fade or Low Taper allows you to:

• highlight the natural texture;
• lighten the sides without flattening the head;
• leave more volume on top, where curls can really express themselves.

For styling, opt for a lightweight styling cream to maintain elasticity, or a defining gel (such as Twist’n Go) for a more polished effect. Always apply products to damp hair and dry with a diffuser at low speed (without touching the hair) to prevent frizz and maintain compactness.

In short: choosing the right cut is important, but it’s not enough. To truly enhance your curls, you need a consistent Curly Routine—simple but effective.

When men’s curls are medium or long, the possibilities become endless: volume, texture, soft or more structured shapes. Lengths, however, require more care to avoid knots and dryness: working in sections allows for more even product distribution and more consistent curl definition.

Here are the best men’s curly hairstyles for medium or long lengths:

Greek Curl

Inspired by the curls of classical statues, this is a natural, full, and harmonious style. It’s achieved by treating the hair with a nourishing mask and then a styling cream, drying with a diffuser at low temperature to preserve elasticity and volume.

“Surfer” cut

Ideal for wavy or medium curly hair, it’s created by lightly working on the lengths to soften movement and encourage volume. For styling, a modeling spray (like our Just Waves) is enough for a spontaneous beach wave effect.

Curly slick back

Perfect for long, thick hair. It’s created by sweeping the top section back and fixing it with a curl-specific styling gel, while leaving the lengths free. A neat look with strong personality.

Curly mullet

Short on the sides and longer at the back, it enhances the natural three-dimensionality of curls and adds character. With light styling (mousse or spray), it becomes a modern, distinctive look.

Whatever hairstyle you choose, remember: curls should not be forced, but guided.

Styling is the moment when curls take shape: structure, softness, or natural waves—all depend on the product you choose. If you want compact, tidy curls without stiffness, the ideal solution is Clover Cream from the CurlyMan line: a styling cream that enhances elasticity and definition, leaving hair soft to the touch.

When you’re looking for stronger hold, tighter spirals, and a more structured result, the most effective product is Twist’n Go, the gel that provides long-lasting definition without a “crunchy” effect, and that you can “break” with your hands at the end of drying for a natural finish.

If you want to define wavy hair in just a few steps and add movement without weighing it down, the best choice is Just Waves, the spray that adds body and perfect waves, ideal even for quick styling.