25 Iconic Curly Hairstyles for Men: Embrace Your Natural Texture

Curly hair gives you a natural advantage in the style department.

Those coils and waves provide instant texture and dimension that straight-haired guys spend hours trying to achieve.

From classic Hollywood icons to modern-day influencers, men with curls have been setting trends and turning heads for decades.

The right cut and styling approach can transform your curls from frustrating to fantastic.

Ready to make the most of your natural texture?

These 25 iconic curly hairstyles will help you embrace your waves, coils, or spirals while keeping maintenance manageable.

1: Classic Curly Quaff

The curly quaff combines vintage appeal with modern styling for an instantly recognizable look.

Maintain length on top while keeping the sides shorter for contrast.

Apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair and use your fingers to lift the front section upward.

The natural volume of your curls will help the quaff maintain its height throughout the day.

This versatile style works for everything from casual outings to formal events, making it a true classic for curly-haired men.

2: Tapered Curly Fade

Create clean lines and structure without sacrificing your natural texture. This style features gradually fading sides that blend seamlessly into fuller curls on top.

Ask your barber for a fade that starts low and transitions up to your natural curls.

The contrast between the neat sides and textured top creates a balanced, sophisticated look.

This low-maintenance option works well for all curl types and face shapes, making it one of the most versatile styles available.

3: Medium Length Curly Shag

Channel retro vibes with this relaxed, textured cut that works perfectly with your natural curl pattern.

The layered approach removes bulk while enhancing definition.

Keep length around the collar and incorporate face-framing layers that highlight your features.

This style embraces the natural movement of your curls without trying to control them.

Perfect for guys who prefer a more laid-back, effortless approach to their hair routine.

4: Curly Undercut

Embrace the bold contrast of this modern classic that pairs closely cropped sides with voluminous curls on top.

The dramatic difference in length creates a striking visual impact.

Maintain at least three inches of length on top to showcase your curl pattern. Style with a sea salt spray for enhanced texture and separation between curls.

This style works particularly well for men with tight curls or coils, as the natural volume creates an impressive silhouette.

5: Slicked-Back Curls

Transform your curls into a sophisticated, polished look perfect for formal occasions.

Start with slightly damp hair and apply a medium-hold gel or cream.

Use a wide-tooth comb to direct your curls backward, following the natural grain of your hair.

Allow to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat for a more controlled finish.

This refined style highlights your texture while keeping your look professional and put-together.

6: Curly Fringe

Frame your face with this forward-focused style that showcases your curls right where they’ll be noticed.

Keep the top longer with gradually shorter sides for balance.

Style by applying product to damp hair and allowing your natural curls to fall forward.

The weight of your curls will create a natural fringe effect without looking overly styled.

This laid-back look works especially well for oval and rectangular face shapes, softening features while highlighting your eyes.

7: Short Curly Crop

Embrace a low-maintenance approach with this practical yet stylish option.

The short length keeps your curls manageable while still showcasing their natural texture.

Ask your barber for a uniform length all around, typically between 1-2 inches depending on your curl pattern.

This length allows enough room for your curls to form without becoming unruly.

Perfect for active lifestyles or professional environments where you need a consistently neat appearance.

8: Long Curly Man Bun

Showcase the versatility of longer curls with this trendy updo that keeps hair off your face. Grow your curls to at least shoulder length for the most impactful result.

Gather your curls at the crown of your head and secure with a hair tie, allowing the ends to cascade outward.

This creates a fuller-looking bun that highlights your texture.

This style offers practical benefits for active guys while still making a strong style statement.

9: Curly Pompadour

Create height and drama with this statement style that works beautifully with natural texture.

The pompadour maintains significant length on top while keeping the sides controlled.

Apply styling product to damp hair and use a blow dryer with diffuser to direct the front section upward and backward.

Your natural volume will help maintain the dramatic shape.

This head-turning look requires some maintenance but rewards you with undeniable style impact.

10: Curly Caesar Cut

Update this classic Roman-inspired cut by incorporating your natural texture.

Keep the length uniform throughout, typically 1-2 inches, with a straight fringe across the forehead.

The short length allows your curls to create natural texture without requiring much styling.

Apply a light cream to enhance definition without weighing down your curls.

This timeless style works for all ages and face shapes, making it a reliable option in your hairstyle arsenal.

11: Curly High Top

Make a bold statement with this vertical style that showcases the full glory of your natural texture.

Keep the sides faded or undercut to create maximum contrast with the top.

Maintain 3-5 inches of length on top, depending on how dramatic you want the look.

A pick or wide-tooth comb helps create height without disturbing your curl pattern.

This confidence-boosting style celebrates the volume and texture unique to curly hair.

12: Shoulder-Length Curls

Embrace longer locks for a relaxed, bohemian vibe that showcases the full pattern of your curls.

Allow your hair to grow past your chin to see the true weight and movement of your texture.

Incorporate long layers to prevent the dreaded triangle shape and encourage your curls to form more defined spirals.

Regular trims keep the ends healthy and prevent tangling.

This laid-back look pairs perfectly with casual style and projects an effortlessly cool attitude.

13: Curly Faux Hawk

Create edgy definition without committing to a full mohawk. Keep the center strip of hair longer, with gradually shorter sides that blend rather than contrast sharply.

Style by applying product to damp hair and using your fingers to direct the center section upward.

Your natural curl texture adds volume and interest to this punk-inspired look.

This adaptable style can be made more or less dramatic depending on the occasion and your personal comfort level.

14: Defined Curly Ringlets

Enhance your natural curl pattern to create more pronounced, bouncy ringlets. This style focuses on curl definition rather than a specific cut.

Apply a curl-enhancing cream to soaking wet hair and scrunch gently to encourage curl formation.

Allow to air dry completely without touching to prevent frizz.

This approach works with various lengths and showcases the natural beauty of well-maintained curls.

15: Curly Drop Fade

Combine sophisticated tapering with your natural texture for a clean, modern look.

The drop fade curves around your ear and neckline, creating a distinctive silhouette.

Maintain length on top to showcase your curl pattern while the fade creates clean lines that require regular maintenance.

This precision balances out the natural unpredictability of curls.

The result is a polished look that works in both casual and professional settings.

16: Curly Textured Crop

Embrace the current trend of textured, forward-styled crops with your natural curl advantage.

Keep the top slightly longer than the sides, with enough length to show curl definition.

Style by applying product to damp hair and using your fingers to direct the front section forward and slightly to the side.

The natural texture creates instant depth other hair types struggle to achieve.

This contemporary look balances modern styling with practical wearability.

17: Curly Layered Bob

Push gender norms with this shoulder-grazing style that showcases your curls’ natural bounce and movement.

Strategic layers remove weight while maintaining a strong silhouette.

Ask your stylist for layers that enhance your specific curl pattern—tighter curls generally benefit from more layers than looser waves.

Regular trims maintain the shape.

This confidence-driven style makes a statement while highlighting the natural beauty of your texture.

18: Afro Texture Curls

Celebrate natural texture with this iconic style that showcases the full volume and pattern of your curls. Grow your hair out evenly to at least 3-4 inches all around.

Maintain shape with regular trims that preserve the rounded silhouette. Use a pick or wide-tooth comb to add height and volume where desired.

This classic look has stood the test of time because it perfectly highlights the beauty of natural curls and coils.

19: Curly Top with Disconnected Undercut

Create dramatic contrast with this bold style featuring a clear distinction between the curly top and closely cropped sides.

Unlike a fade, the transition is intentionally abrupt.

Maintain significant length on top—at least 3 inches—to showcase your curl pattern. The sharp contrast highlights the texture and volume of your curls.

This eye-catching look requires regular maintenance at the barber but delivers maximum style impact.

20: Curly Side Part

Add classic sophistication to your curls with this timeless style that works for any occasion.

Create a natural part where your hair naturally separates or slightly off-center.

Apply styling product to damp hair and use a wide-tooth comb to define the part. Allow your curls to dry naturally on either side of the division.

This versatile approach suits professional environments while still honoring your natural texture.

21: Curly Wolf Cut

Embrace this trending hybrid of mullet and shag that works beautifully with natural curls.

The style features shorter layers around the face and crown with longer layers at the back.

The varied lengths create natural volume at the top while the back maintains length. This cut enhances movement and reduces bulk in thicker curl patterns.

Perfect for guys who want an edgy, rock-influenced style that still looks intentional.

22: Curly Temple Fade

Focus attention on your curls with this clean, versatile fade that starts at the temples.

The gradual transition from skin to full curls creates a polished frame for your face.

Keep the top longer to showcase your natural texture while the faded sides provide contrast.

This balanced approach works well for all face shapes and curl patterns.

Regular maintenance keeps the fade looking fresh while the curly top remains relatively low-maintenance.

23: Curly Mullet

Revive this retro style with a modern twist that works surprisingly well with natural texture.

Keep length at the back while maintaining volume on top and shorter sides.

Your curls add natural texture that gives this controversial style more sophistication than its straight-haired counterpart.

Add light layers throughout for movement.

This confidence-required look makes a statement while providing practical benefits like neck coverage and face-framing.

24: Bleached Curls

Transform your look with this bold color statement that actually enhances your curl pattern.

The lightening process often creates more defined texture in naturally curly hair.

Platinum, honey blonde, or even fashion colors pop dramatically against curly texture.

The three-dimensional quality of curls showcases color dimension better than straight strands.

This commitment-required style completely transforms your look without changing your cut.

25: Natural Gray Curls

Embrace your silver strands with this distinguished look that pairs wonderfully with curly texture.

The natural volume of curls helps distribute gray areas more evenly for a salt-and-pepper effect.

Keep your cut clean and well-maintained to avoid looking unkempt. Regular conditioning is crucial as gray hair tends to be more coarse and dry.

This confidence-boosting style projects wisdom and style simultaneously—proof that curls look great at any age.

Conclusion

Embrace your natural curls with these 25 iconic styles that range from low-maintenance to statement-making.

Your texture is an asset, not a challenge—find the style that lets your curls shine at their best.