Curly hair is a natural gift. For a long time, many men tried to cut their curls short or hide them. Today, things have changed. Curls are more popular than ever. In 2026, embracing your natural texture is the best way to look sharp and stay on trend. Whether you have tight coils or loose waves, there is a perfect style for you.
Managing curly hair can feel like a challenge. It can get frizzy or lose its shape. But with the right haircut and a few simple tips, your curls can become your best feature. This guide will walk you through the top 36 curly hairstyles. We have broken them down by length so you can find the look that fits your lifestyle.
From clean fades to bold long looks, these styles are designed to make you look great and feel confident. Let’s dive into the best curly hairstyles for men this year.
Popular Short Curly Hairstyles
Short curly hair is perfect for men who want a low maintenance look. These styles keep the curls controlled while still showing off your texture. Short cuts are great for professional settings and active lifestyles.
Textured Crew Cut
The crew cut is a classic. When you add curls to it, you get a modern twist. The sides are kept short and neat. The top is slightly longer to let your natural curls pop. This style is very easy to manage.
To style this, use a small amount of matte clay. Rub it between your hands and mess up the top. This creates a textured look that stays in place all day. It works well for men with round or oval faces because the short sides create a slimmer look.
Messy Curly Hair Fade
The messy curly fade is all about contrast. You get a very clean fade on the sides and back. On top, you let your curls do their own thing. This creates a rugged and effortless vibe. It is one of the most requested men’s curly haircuts in 2026.
This look works best if you use a sea salt spray. Spray it on damp hair and scrunch your curls with your fingers. This gives you that “just came from the beach” feel without the frizz. It is a great choice for younger guys or anyone in a creative job.
Modern Curly Mullet
The mullet has made a huge comeback. The curly version is even better. This style is shorter on the sides and top but long in the back. It shows a lot of personality. The curls add volume and movement to the back of the head.
A modern curly mullet is not as extreme as the old school versions. It is more balanced. Use a curl defining cream to keep the back from looking messy. This style is perfect if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Brushed Back Curls
If you want a more polished look, try brushed back curls. This style keeps the curls away from your face. It looks clean and sophisticated. You will need a bit of length on top to pull this off.
Apply a medium hold pomade to damp hair. Use a wide tooth comb to push the hair back. Do not use a fine comb, as it will break up your curls and cause frizz. This is an excellent look for formal events or office environments.
Fluffy Curls
Fluffy curls are all about volume. This style lets the hair grow out a bit so the curls can bounce. It looks soft and natural. It is a very popular look for Gen Z and younger men who like a relaxed style.
To keep your curls fluffy but not frizzy, avoid heavy gels. Use a lightweight mousse instead. Work it through your hair when it is wet and let it air dry. This keeps the hair light and full of life.
Textured Short Curls with Fade
This style combines a sharp skin fade with short, defined curls on top. The fade starts very low and blends into the skin. The top is cut just long enough to see the curl pattern. It is a very clean and masculine look.
Maintenance is key here. You will need to visit the barber every two weeks to keep the fade looking sharp. For the top, a drop of hair oil will keep the curls shiny and healthy.
Curly Buzz Cut
Can you have a buzz cut with curly hair? Yes, you can. A curly buzz cut is cut very short, but the texture is still visible. It is the ultimate low maintenance style. You don’t even need to comb it.
This style looks best when paired with a line-up. A line-up is when the barber clears the edges of your hairline with a razor. This gives the short curls a very deliberate and sharp appearance.
Loose Flowing Parted Curls with Taper Fade
This is a more relaxed and artistic style. The hair is long enough to have a side part. The curls flow naturally to one side. A taper fade on the sides keeps the look from becoming too bulky.
Use a leave-in conditioner to keep the hair soft. This style is great for men with wavy or loose curls. It looks very natural and moves when you walk.
Thick Curls with Low Fade
If you have very thick hair, a low fade is your best friend. It removes weight from the sides while keeping the volume on top. This prevents your head from looking too round.
Because thick hair can get dry, use a hydrating cream. This will help the curls stay together instead of poofing out. It is a solid, reliable style that never goes out of fashion.
Curly Mullet Fade
This is a mix of the mullet and a high fade. The hair on the sides is faded high up to the temple. The curls are left long in the back and on the top. It is a bold look that screams confidence.
This cut is very popular in the sports world. It stays out of your eyes but still looks stylish. Use a strong hold hairspray to keep the top in place if you are active.
Curly Mohawk Burst Fade
The burst fade mohawk is a showstopper. The fade follows the curve of the ear, leaving a wide strip of curls from the forehead to the neck. It is a very edgy and modern look.
To keep the mohawk shape, you might need a bit of extra product. A styling gel or wax works well to keep the curls standing up. This style looks amazing on men with tight, coily hair.
Heavy Wavy Fringe with Taper Fade
If you have wavy hair, let it fall forward. A heavy fringe covers the forehead and adds a lot of mystery to your look. The taper fade on the sides keeps it looking like a haircut rather than a mop.
This style is perfect for hiding a high forehead. Use a sea salt spray to give the fringe more texture. Avoid touching it too much during the day, as oils from your hands can weigh down the waves.
Curly Perm with Fade
Many men with straight hair are getting perms to achieve this look. It features tight curls on top with a sharp fade. It gives you the volume and texture that straight hair lacks.
If you get a perm, you must use sulfate free shampoo. Regular shampoo can be too harsh and ruin the curls. This style is a huge trend for men’s curly haircuts in 2026.
Sponged Curls
For men with Afro textured hair, sponged curls are a classic. You use a hair sponge with holes in it to create small, defined twists. It is a very neat and organized way to wear curls.
This style works best on short to medium hair. Apply a twist cream before using the sponge. It only takes a few minutes to do and looks professional.
Textured Surfer Curls with Messy Bangs
This is a very casual look. It looks like you just spent the day at the ocean. The curls are loose and messy. The bangs fall over the eyes slightly.
This style does not need to be perfect. In fact, the messier it is, the better it looks. Use a light sea salt spray and let your hair air dry. It is a great summer look.
Curly Blowout Fade
The blowout fade is all about height. The hair is styled upwards to give the appearance of volume. The sides are faded down to the skin. It is a very popular look in urban fashion.
You will need a blow dryer for this style. Use a diffuser attachment to dry your curls while pushing them upwards. This creates the “blown out” effect without making the hair frizzy.
Tousled Short Curls
Tousled curls look like you just woke up looking great. The hair is cut short on the sides and back. The top is left long enough to form messy loops.
This is a great everyday style. It is easy to do and works for almost any occasion. A small amount of curl cream is all you need to keep it in place.
Thick Black Curls with Mid Fade
This style is perfect for dark, thick hair. The mid fade provides a nice balance. It is not as extreme as a high fade but cleaner than a low fade. The curls on top are left thick and natural.
This is a very strong and masculine look. It highlights the natural density of curly hair. Keeping the hair hydrated with a weekly deep conditioner will make this look even better.
Classy Off Center Curls with Tapered Sides
This is a gentleman’s version of curly hair. Instead of a hard part, the hair is naturally directed to one side. The sides are tapered with scissors for a softer look than a clipper fade.
It is a very professional style. It shows that you care about your appearance but also embrace your natural texture. Use a light shine pomade to give the curls a healthy glow.
Stylish Medium Length Curly Hairstyles
Medium length is where curly hair really starts to show its personality. It offers more styling options than short hair. However, it does require a bit more care to prevent tangles.
Long Curly Hair Fade
This style features a lot of length on top that hangs down over the faded sides. It creates a very dramatic look. The contrast between the skin on the sides and the long curls on top is very stylish.
You can wear the curls falling forward or to the side. Because the hair is longer, you will need to use a leave-in conditioner. This prevents the ends from becoming dry and frizzy.
Curly Hair Undercut
The undercut is a bold choice. The hair on the sides and back is cut to one short length. The top is left long and curly. Unlike a fade, there is no blending. There is a clear line between the short and long hair.
This is a very modern and edgy look. It works well if you have very thick curls because the undercut removes a lot of the bulk. You can even tie the top into a man bun if you want to change things up.
Long Curly Fringe with Short Sides
This style focuses on the front. The back and sides are kept short. The curls on top are grown long and styled to fall forward over the forehead.
This is a very popular look for 2026. It has a youthful and energetic feel. Use a curl activator gel to make the fringe curls pop. It is a great way to show off your curl pattern.
Medium Messy Curls
Medium messy curls are the ultimate “cool guy” haircut. The hair is cut to a medium length all over. It is styled to look disorganized but intentional.
The key to this look is using the right product. You want something with a light hold that doesn’t feel crunchy. A styling cream or a light wax is perfect. Just run your fingers through your hair and let it sit.
Fluffy and Casual
This is a very soft look. The hair is grown out so the curls are big and bouncy. It is a very natural style that doesn’t use a lot of heavy products.
This style is perfect for men with a more relaxed personality. It looks great with a casual outfit like a t-shirt and jeans. Make sure to get regular trims to avoid split ends, which can make medium hair look messy in a bad way.
Broccoli Cut
The “broccoli cut” is a major trend among younger men. It features a high fade on the sides with a large amount of curly volume on top. It gets its name because the shape resembles a head of broccoli.
While the name is funny, the look is very popular. It is all about the volume on top. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser to get as much lift as possible. It is a high energy style that looks great on camera.
Messy Curly Mohawk with Temp Taper and Fringe
This is a complex and stylish cut. It combines a mohawk shape with a temporary taper at the temples. The front curls are left long to form a fringe.
This style has a lot of movement. It looks different from every angle. It is perfect for men who want a unique hairstyle that shows off their barber’s skill. Use a sea salt spray for extra texture on the fringe.
Tousled Medium Curls with Full Beard
Curls and beards are a perfect match. The soft texture of the curls balances the rugged look of a beard. This medium length style is kept tousled and natural.
The key here is grooming the beard as much as the hair. Keep the beard lines clean so the messy hair looks like a choice. Use beard oil to keep the facial hair as soft as the curls on your head.
Fluffy Medium Curls
Similar to the short version, fluffy medium curls are all about softness. The extra length allows the hair to move more. It is a very romantic and approachable look.
To maintain the fluffiness, do not use heavy oils. Stick to water-based mousses. If your hair gets flat during the day, just flip your head upside down and shake your hair out with your fingers.
Curly Middle Part
The middle part was very popular in the 90s and has returned. For curly hair, it creates a very balanced look. The curls frame the face on both sides.
This style works best if your hair is at least 4 to 5 inches long on top. Use a light cream to keep the part visible. It is a very trendy look that works well for men with high cheekbones.
Curly Two Block
The two block is a popular style from Korea that has gone global. It features two distinct lengths. The lower half of the head is shaved or cut very short. The top half is left long and curly, hanging over the short sections.
This is a very clean and fashionable look. It keeps the hair off your neck and ears, which is great for staying cool. It is easy to style because you only have to worry about the top section.
Attractive Long Curly Hairstyles
Long curly hair is a statement. It shows that you have the patience to grow it and the skill to care for it. Long curls are very versatile and can be worn in many different ways.
Long Messy Curls with Beard
This is the ultimate rugged look. The curls reach down to the shoulders or past them. Combined with a full beard, it gives off a very masculine, “outdoorsy” vibe.
Caring for long curls is a full-time job. You must use conditioner every time you wash your hair. Use a wide tooth comb in the shower while the conditioner is in to detangle. This prevents breakage and keeps the curls healthy.
Long Brushed Back Curls
If you have long hair but want to look professional, brush it back. You can use a bit of light gel or cream to keep the hair away from your face. The curls will still flow down the back of your neck.
This look is very elegant. It works well for weddings or business meetings. It shows off your length without being in your way. You can also use a hair tie to pull the top back into a half-up, half-down style.
Long Parted Curly Hair
A side part or middle part on long curly hair adds structure. It prevents the hair from just looking like a big cloud. It directs the volume and gives the style a specific shape.
Use a heavy cream to weigh down the curls slightly so they don’t get too frizzy. Long hair can get heavy, so you might lose some volume at the roots. A bit of root lifting spray can help keep the look balanced.
Curly Man Bun
The man bun is perfect for curly hair. Because curls have so much texture, the bun looks full and stylish rather than flat. It is the best way to keep your hair out of your face during work or exercise.
Don’t pull the hair too tight, as this can damage your hairline. Let a few curls fall out around your ears for a more relaxed look. This is a very practical and attractive style for long-haired men.
Long Curly Shag
The shag is a layered haircut that was huge in the 70s. It is back for 2026. It features layers of different lengths all over the head. This creates a lot of volume and movement.
This style is perfect if you want a rock and roll vibe. It is very low maintenance because it is supposed to look messy. The layers help remove weight, so your curls can bounce more freely.
Swept Back Loose Waves
If your curls are more like waves, this is a beautiful style. The hair is grown long and swept back. It looks very natural and effortless.
This style is all about the flow of the hair. Use a light grooming cream to give the waves some definition and shine. It is a very timeless look that works for men of all ages.
Actionable Advice for Curly Hair
Having a great hairstyle is only half the battle. You also need to know how to take care of your curls. Here are some quick tips to keep your hair looking its best.
Stop Over-Washing
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair. The oils from your scalp have a hard time traveling down the twists of a curl. If you wash your hair every day, you strip away these important oils. Try washing your hair only 2 or 3 times a week. On the other days, just rinse it with water or use a conditioner.
Use the Right Tools
Never use a regular hairbrush on dry curly hair. It will turn your curls into a frizzy mess. Only use a wide tooth comb or your fingers. The best time to detangle is in the shower when your hair is soaked in conditioner.
Dry Your Hair Gently
Don’t rub your hair with a towel. The friction causes frizz. Instead, use an old cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel. Gently squeeze the water out of your hair. If you use a blow dryer, always use the diffuser attachment. It spreads the air out so it doesn’t blast your curls apart.
Moisture is Everything
Curls need moisture to stay defined. Use a leave-in conditioner every time you get out of the shower. Once a week, use a deep conditioning mask. This will keep your hair soft and prevent the “crunchy” feeling that some products cause.
Conclusion
Curly hair is a great way to express your style in 2026. Whether you choose a sharp curly hair fade or let your curls grow long and wild, the most important thing is to embrace your natural texture.
With the 36 styles listed above, you have plenty of options. Start with a cut that fits your face shape and daily routine. Talk to your barber about which style will work best for your specific curl type.
Remember, curly hair takes a bit of extra work, but the results are worth it. A well-groomed head of curls is one of the most attractive and unique looks a man can have. Stay confident, keep your hair hydrated, and enjoy your curls
