Top 10 Short Curly Hairstyles for Men | Expert Tips
Embracing natural curls is more popular than ever, and finding the right short, manageable style can transform your look. This guide explores a range of short curly hairstyles for men, from bold and contemporary to subtly professional, offering options for every personality and occasion. We'll delve into the best cuts to highlight your natural texture, provide essential maintenance tips, and recommend products to keep your curls looking their best. Discover the perfect style to suit you and wear your curls with confidence.
10 Short Curly Hairstyles for Men
The following ten short curly hairstyles for men offer a blend of style and practicality, allowing you to embrace your natural texture while maintaining a sharp, manageable look.
Classic Curly Taper
The classic curly taper offers a timeless and versatile option. This style features gradually tapered sides and back, with slightly longer curls on top for a neat, natural finish. It’s ideal for those seeking to embrace their natural texture without appearing overly styled. The taper provides a clean, polished silhouette, while defined curls add volume and character. Its low-maintenance nature makes it suitable for various settings, from the office to casual gatherings.
High Fade with Defined Curls
The high fade with defined curls makes a bold, contemporary statement, highlighting the natural texture on top. The sharp contrast between the closely cropped sides and the voluminous curls creates a clean, edgy aesthetic. This style is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet distinctive cut. A touch of mousse or light pomade can further enhance curl definition and provide hold.
Curly Undercut
The curly undercut makes a bold statement by pairing shaved or closely trimmed sides with textured curls on top. This style appeals to those who enjoy experimenting with their look while maintaining a simple routine. The stark contrast draws attention to the curls, adding a modern edge. Versatile enough for tight coils or looser waves, the curly undercut is suitable for both casual and more formal occasions.
Curly Fringe
The curly fringe offers a stylish way to frame the face while showcasing natural curls. This style directs curls forward, creating a relaxed fringe that sits on the forehead. This creates a youthful look that complements oval and heart-shaped face shapes particularly well. A light curl cream can easily define and soften the fringe. This versatile style is suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.
Short Curly Afro
The short curly afro is a classic style, especially popular within the Black community, that celebrates natural volume and texture. The hair is shaped into a rounded silhouette, creating a full, balanced look that highlights natural curl patterns. This cut benefits from moisturizing products to maintain definition and minimize frizz. Regular trims maintain the shape and enhance volume. The short afro is ideal for those seeking a timeless, confident style.
Curly Burst Fade
The curly burst fade is a striking and modern option that focuses on sharp detail and texture. The fade around the ears bursts outward, blending seamlessly into defined texture on top. This haircut is bold and edgy while still maintaining a clean finish. Use a medium-hold product to enhance the shape and add structure to the overall style. The burst fade works well for those who want a unique, head-turning look.
Short Curly Faux Hawk
The short curly faux hawk offers a balance of edgy style and practicality. This cut features curls concentrated along the center of the head, contrasted by faded or shaved sides. It’s a good option for those seeking a distinctive yet manageable style. A small amount of styling product can enhance curl definition and add structure.
Curly Quiff
For a touch of refined style, consider the curly quiff. This look elevates natural texture by styling curls upward and back, creating impressive height and volume at the crown. Shorter sides provide a clean, balanced silhouette. Whether you're dressing for a night out or a professional setting, the curly quiff offers adaptable style. To maintain its shape, work a medium-hold styling wax or clay through damp hair, focusing on lifting and shaping the curls at the front.
Textured Curly Crop
The textured curly crop is a popular contemporary choice for a short, low-maintenance style. This cut features slightly longer curls on top with tapered or faded sides for a clean finish. It’s ideal for those who want to showcase their natural curls with minimal styling. A matte product can enhance texture while maintaining a natural look.
Curly Mohawk Fade
The mohawk fade is a bold style that concentrates curls in a strip down the center of the head. The faded sides create a striking contrast, giving this cut a contemporary edge. This style is well-suited for those looking to make a statement and embrace their curls dramatically. It works particularly well with tighter curls that hold their shape. Regular trims will maintain its shape.
Buzz Cut with Curly Texture
The buzz cut with curly texture offers an ultra-low-maintenance option that still showcases the natural curl pattern. This cut keeps curls closely cropped, creating a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It’s ideal for those who prefer a no-fuss style suitable for active lifestyles. Even at this short length, the natural curl texture adds visual interest. A sharp fade or line-up can further enhance the clean lines of the cut.
Short Messy Curls
Short messy curls offer a relaxed and natural aesthetic. The curls are styled with a slightly tousled finish for a casual, effortless vibe, while lightly tapered sides provide subtle structure. This style is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance cut that still showcases natural texture. A lightweight styling cream or sea salt spray can enhance curls without creating an overly polished look.
With such a wide variety of short curly hairstyles for men available, it's important to choose one that not only suits your personal style but also complements your facial structure. The next section will explore how to select the ideal cut based on your face shape.
How to Choose the Right Short Curly Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
Choosing a hairstyle that complements your face shape is key to achieving a balanced and flattering look. This section breaks down the best short curly hairstyles for men based on common face shapes, helping you find the perfect cut to enhance your natural features.
Round Face:
Round faces benefit from hairstyles that create the illusion of length and structure. Volume on top, such as with the curly high fade, is an excellent choice, as the added height elongates the face while faded sides create a slimming effect. Avoid overly short or bulky styles that can accentuate roundness. A sharp fade or taper paired with defined curls results in a clean, modern aesthetic.
Oval Face:
Oval faces are highly versatile and suit a wide range of hairstyles. Styles like the short textured crop or curly fringe are particularly flattering, showcasing curls while maintaining a balanced, proportional appearance. Avoid styles that obscure the face, as this can disrupt the natural symmetry. This face shape allows for considerable flexibility in styling.
Square Face:
Square faces, characterized by a strong jawline and broad features, are best complemented by hairstyles that emphasize clean lines. Cuts like the curly undercut or high fade with defined curls enhance facial structure while softening sharp angles. These styles draw attention to the top of the head, highlighting curls and creating balance. A sharp fade or neatly trimmed sides contributes to a polished, structured finish.
Heart Face:
Heart-shaped faces benefit from softer, textured hairstyles that balance a wider forehead and narrower chin. A messy curly fringe is a good option, drawing attention to the curls and framing the forehead without adding excessive weight. Styles with volume lower on the head, such as the short curly crop, can also create a more balanced silhouette. Avoid excessive volume at the crown, which can accentuate the forehead's width.
Key Takeaways:
- Round Faces: Opt for volume on top, like a curly high fade, to elongate the face.
- Oval Faces: Experiment with versatile styles like short crops or fringes.
- Square Faces: Highlight clean lines with undercuts or sharp fades.
- Heart Faces: Choose softer, textured styles to balance the face shape.
Choosing a short curly hairstyle that complements your face shape is essential for highlighting your best features and achieving a flattering look. Whether you prefer bold or understated styles, understanding your face shape is the first step toward finding a cut that truly suits you.
Tips for Maintaining Short Curly Hairstyles
Maintaining healthy and well-defined curls requires a few key practices, from regular trims to proper hydration. These practical tips will help you manage and enhance your short curly hairstyle.
Schedule Regular Trims:
Regular trims are essential for maintaining any of these short curly hairstyles for men. Because curly hair grows unevenly, the style can lose its shape over time. Visiting a barber or stylist every 4–6 weeks helps maintain the structure of your cut, whether it’s a high fade, undercut, or curly fringe, and minimizes split ends for healthy, manageable curls.
Use Products Designed for Curly Hair:
Choose products specifically formulated for curly hair, as not all products are suitable. Lightweight styling wax or matte clay can shape curls without weighing them down or creating a greasy feel. Medium-hold products are ideal for maintaining definition in styles like the curly quiff or textured crop. Avoid heavy gels, which can create stiffness or a crunchy texture. For a natural look, apply a small amount of product to damp hair and scrunch gently.
Keep Your Hair Hydrated:
Hydration is crucial for preventing frizz and dryness, common concerns for curly hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner designed for curls to lock in moisture without stripping natural oils. A leave-in conditioner or curl cream provides additional hydration and helps prevent frizz throughout the day. Maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water also contributes to healthy hair.
Develop a Simple Daily Routine:
A simple daily routine can significantly simplify styling. Lightly dampen your hair in the morning with water or a conditioning spray. Apply a small amount of styling product to define curls and shape your desired style. For added volume or texture, use a diffuser on your hairdryer at a low heat setting.
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can maintain any of these short curly hairstyles for men with ease.
Styling Products for Short Curly Hair
The right styling products are essential for enhancing and maintaining the natural beauty of curly hair. Whether you prefer a polished or relaxed style, the following products can help you achieve your desired look.
Mousse:
Mousse is a lightweight foam ideal for boosting volume and defining curls without weighing hair down. It works well for styles like the curly quiff or high fade, where lift and structure are important. Apply a small amount to damp hair, scrunching gently to encourage curl formation. The result is full, bouncy, and naturally defined curls. Mousse is particularly effective for those with fine or loose curls seeking added body.
Styling Creams:
Styling creams provide a soft hold and enhance natural curl texture for an effortless, touchable feel. They are well-suited for relaxed styles like the messy curly fringe or textured crop. Applying a small amount to damp or dry hair helps control frizz and maintain soft, flexible curls. Unlike gels, styling creams avoid a crunchy finish, making them ideal for daily use.
Matte Hair Clay:
For a structured, matte finish, matte hair clay is an excellent option. It provides medium hold, ideal for styles like the curly faux hawk or curly undercut that require definition and control. Matte clay works well on damp or dry hair, creating a natural, shine-free finish. Warm a pea-sized amount in your hands before applying for even distribution.
Sea Salt Spray:
Sea salt spray is ideal for achieving a relaxed, beachy texture. It works well with casual styles like the curly fringe or textured crop, adding grit and volume while enhancing natural curl patterns. Spray onto damp hair and air dry for a tousled effect, or use a diffuser for added volume. Its lightweight formula leaves hair feeling fresh.
Key Takeaways for Styling Products:
- Mousse: Best for adding volume and bounce to curls.
- Styling Creams: Ideal for a soft, natural look without stiffness.
- Matte Hair Clay: Provides medium hold and definition with a matte finish.
- Sea Salt Spray: Perfect for a textured, beachy appearance.
Choosing the right product can enhance your curls and help you achieve your desired style. Experiment to find the best product for your hair type and desired look.
Conclusion: Short Curly Hairstyles for Men
Short curly hairstyles for men offer a wealth of options for expressing personal style while embracing natural texture. From bold undercuts to classic tapers and relaxed fringes, there's a cut to suit every face shape and preference. By choosing a style that complements your features, maintaining a consistent care routine, and using the right products, you can achieve a polished and confident look.
Explore the short curly hairstyles for men outlined in this guide, experiment with different products, and discover the perfect short curly hairstyle to showcase your unique curls.
