Short Curly Hairstyles for Men That Win in 2025 (Without the Fuss)

Short curly hairstyles for men are bold, low-maintenance, and full of personality.

Whether you’ve got tight coils or soft waves, the right cut can elevate your style—without killing your routine.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top short curly hairstyles for men in 2025, how to choose the best one for your face shape, and how to keep your curly hair looking fresh every day.

Trending Short Curly Hairstyles for Men

Whether you want sharp fades, bold shape, or relaxed texture, these short curly hairstyles for men let your natural curls take the spotlight—no compromise needed.

Classic Curly Taper

Low-maintenance, high style—this cut never misses.

• Works best with loose to medium curls

• Great for oval and square face shapes

• Tapered sides keep it clean and professional

• Defined curls on top add natural volume

• Style with light curl cream for a soft, touchable finish

If you want an easy win for curly hair, this one’s a classic for a reason.

High Fade with Defined Curls

Sharp contrast, bold texture—this cut makes a statement.

• Ideal for medium to tight curls

• Suits round, heart, and oval face shapes

• High fade adds edge and draws focus upward

• Curl definition is key—use mousse or curl cream

• Great choice for a standout look with low effort

This is the cut that turns heads—let your curls do the talking.

Curly Undercut

Modern, confident, and built for bold curls.

• Pairs well with tight curls or looser waves

• Fits oval, square, or longer face shapes

• Undercut sides create high contrast

• Keep curls loose or sculpt with matte clay

• Perfect for a sharp, fashion-forward finish

This is your go-to if you want your curls to lead the look.

Curly Fringe

Easygoing and stylish—it puts your curls front and center.

• Works great with loose to medium curls

• Best for oval and heart-shaped faces

• Fringe falls forward to frame the face

• Use curl cream for definition and softness

• Light, relaxed style with plenty of personality

If you like your curls to hang loose with a modern edge, this is the one.

Short Curly Afro

@patty_cuts

Iconic, powerful, and built for natural coils.

• Designed for Black men with tight coils and dense textures

• Complements round and square face shapes

• Rounded silhouette enhances natural volume and shape

• Daily hydration is key—use leave-in conditioner or curl butter

• Regular shaping cuts keep the fro crisp and full

This style isn’t just a haircut—it’s a statement of culture, confidence, and pride.

Curly Burst Fade

@giooo.fadez

Fresh, sharp, and made to stand out.

• Ideal for tight curls or coils

• Flatters oval and round face shapes

• Burst fade curves around the ear for a clean finish

• Style the top with medium-hold product for lift and control

• A detailed cut with big visual payoff

If you want clean lines and textured edge—this is a top-tier choice.

Short Curly Faux Hawk

Edgy in the middle, clean on the sides—this cut strikes the perfect balance.

• Curls are concentrated down the center for bold shape

• Best for oval, diamond, or longer face shapes

• Faded or shaved sides create strong contrast

• Style with matte clay or curl cream for lift and hold

• Great choice if you want style without sacrificing practicality

It’s the faux hawk reimagined—for men who wear their curls with attitude.

Curly Quiff

Volume, texture, and polish—all in one refined cut.

• Ideal for medium to loose curls

• Works best on oval and square face shapes

• Sides stay short while curls are styled upward and back

• Use medium-hold wax or clay to shape and lift at the front

• Perfect for day-to-night flexibility

If you want height and clean structure, the curly quiff delivers every time.

Textured Curly Crop

Laid-back. Sharp. Effortlessly modern.

• Curls are left slightly longer on top for a textured finish

• Faded or tapered sides keep it clean and low-maintenance

• Great for round, heart, or triangle face shapes

• Style with matte cream or mousse to enhance separation

• Quick styling with all the right structure

This is the cut for guys who want natural curl definition with minimal effort.

Curly Mohawk Fade

@mosotrioart

Fearless, sharp, and unapologetically bold.

• Curls are focused in a strip down the center of the head

• Faded sides bring clean contrast and edge

• Works best with tight curls or coils

• Use curl cream or light mousse to define shape

• Keep edges lined up for that crisp, modern finish

This one’s for men who want their curls loud, proud, and impossible to ignore.

Buzz Cut with Curly Texture

Minimal cut, maximum impact.

• Buzz cut length keeps things clean and simple

• Best for tight curls or coils with natural pattern

• Great for oval, square, or round face shapes

• Pair with a sharp fade or line-up for structure

• No styling required—just keep it fresh with regular trims

This is the ultimate low-maintenance curly cut that still shows off your texture.

Short Messy Curls

Relaxed, casual, and full of movement.

• Looser curls styled with a slightly tousled finish

• Best for wavy or soft curly hair

• Light taper on the sides gives shape without overdoing it

• Use sea salt spray or light styling cream to boost natural texture

• Great for an effortless look that still feels styled

If your vibe is laid-back but put together, short messy curls are the move.

No matter your vibe, these short curly hairstyles for men prove one thing—short curly hair isn’t just a look. It’s a flex.

Best Short Curly Hairstyles for Your Face Shape

Want a cut that actually flatters your face? Matching your hairstyle to your face shape can completely level up your look—bringing structure, balance, and style to your natural curls.

Round Face

Add height. Keep the sides tight.

• Choose cuts with volume on top like the curly quiff or high fade

• Faded or tapered sides help slim and elongate the face
  

• Use edge-ups or sharp lines to define your features
  

A little lift on top adds serious shape and structure.

Oval Face

You’ve got options—just don’t cover your face.

• Most short curly styles will suit you

• Try a curly fringe or textured crop for balance
  

• A subtle fade or undercut adds sharp contrast
  

With an oval face, your curls can go in any direction—literally.

Square Face

Let your jawline shine.

• Strong cuts like undercuts, faux hawks, and high fades work best

• Add curl volume up top to balance bold facial angles
  

• Use styling product to define and shape curls on top
  

This is the face shape made for bold, structured styles. Own it.

Heart-Shaped Face

Soft texture = perfect balance.

• Messy fringes and curly crops help even out a wider forehead

• Avoid heavy volume at the crown—it can throw off proportions
  

• Let curls fall forward to soften the chin

The right cut smooths the angles and keeps your style in check.

Not sure what your face shape is? This quick guide by FashionBeans breaks it down in minutes—then scroll back here and find the curly cut that fits.

Choose the shape that matches your features—and let your curls take it from there.

How to Maintain Short Curly Hairstyles for Men

A good cut is just the beginning—how you treat your curls every day determines whether they stay sharp or fall flat.

1. Stay on Top of Trims

Curly hair doesn’t grow in a straight line.

• Uneven growth throws off the shape faster than you think

• Book a trim every 3–4 weeks for cropped cuts, 5–6 for longer styles

• Keep the neckline, sides, and curl weight balanced
  

Skip the trims, and your style loses its edge—literally.

2. Use Curl-Friendly Products Only

Your hair needs more than just “hold.”

• Lightweight mousse = volume and bounce

• Curl creams = softness and shape

• Matte clays = structure without shine

• Sea salt spray = texture and grit for messier styles
  

Cheap gel isn’t doing your curls any favors—upgrade your lineup.

3. Don’t Skip Moisture

Dry curls are frizzy curls—period.

• Wash 2–3x a week max with sulfate-free shampoo

• Condition every wash to restore hydration

• Apply leave-in conditioner or curl butter post-shower

• Drink more water—hydration starts inside
  

The healthier the curl, the better it holds its shape.

4. Master the Morning Routine

This is where most guys drop the ball.

• Dampen curls with water or a curl refresh spray

• Work product through with your hands—don’t brush

• Air-dry for a natural finish or diffuse on low heat

• Hands off once dry—touching ruins definition
  

Have a system. Stick to it. Get better results every day.

Treat your curls right, and any of the short curly hairstyles for men listed above won’t just look good—they’ll define your whole look.

Styling Products for Short Curly Hairstyles for Men

The right cut needs the right tools—and the products you use can make or break your curls.

Mousse

Lightweight hold + volume = a curly guy’s best friend.

• Adds body without weighing curls down

• Perfect for styles like the curly quiff or faux hawk

• Apply to damp hair and scrunch for shape and lift
  

Use it when you want bounce and natural movement.

Curl Cream

Soft hold, clean definition. No crunch.

• Defines curls and reduces frizz

• Great for looser styles like messy curls or curly fringe

• Apply to damp hair and let it air dry or diffuse
  

Ideal for an effortless look that still feels styled.

Matte Hair Clay

Serious texture with zero shine.

• Best for structured styles like the curly faux hawk or undercut

• Medium hold keeps curls in place without stiffness

• Warm it in your hands, then apply to dry or damp hair
  

Use it when you want control and definition that lasts.

Sea Salt Spray

Rough, rugged texture without buildup.

• Adds grit and shape to messy or tousled styles

• Boosts volume for thinner hair or looser curls

• Spray onto damp hair and air dry or diffuse
  

Perfect for casual curls that still look dialed in.

Short curly hairstyles for men work best when your products work with your texture—not against it.

Conclusion: Short Curly Hairstyles for Men That Just Work

Short curly hairstyles for men aren’t just practical—they’re powerful. The right cut can highlight your texture, complement your face shape, and turn heads without demanding hours in the mirror.

Whether you prefer sharp fades, laid-back curls, or bold, modern shapes, there’s a short curly style out there that fits your vibe and your routine.

Choose the one that speaks to you. Style it your way. And wear your curls with confidence—because they weren’t meant to be hidden.