Curly hair has a personality of its own. It’s bold, textured, and full of movement—when cut and styled right, it can look phenomenal. But finding the best short hairstyles for men with curly hair isn’t always straightforward. The wrong cut can turn curls into a frizzy mess, while the right one can enhance your natural texture and give you a clean, confident look.
Whether you have tight coils, soft waves, or loose ringlets, this guide covers everything you need to know about short hairstyles for curly hair (male). From what haircut to ask for, to styles for different hair types—let’s get into it.
Why Short Hair Works Well for Curly Hair
A common question is: “Is short hair better for curly hair?” In many cases, yes. Shorter styles help manage volume, reduce tangling, and make curls more defined. It’s also easier to maintain and style daily, especially for guys on the go.
But curly hair isn’t one-size-fits-all. The key is choosing a short haircut that complements your curl type, density, and face shape.
What Is the Best Short Haircut for Curly Hair?
The “best” cut depends on what you’re working with. Here’s a quick look at options based on hair texture:
1. Short Hairstyles for Men with Thick Curly Hair
Thick curls can get bulky fast, so structure is everything. Go for a low taper fade on the sides with a bit more length on top. A textured crop, curly undercut, or short afro works great to manage volume without sacrificing your natural pattern.
Pro Tip: Ask your barber to remove bulk with thinning shears while keeping curl integrity.
2. Short Hairstyles for Men with Thin Curly Hair
If your curls are thinner, your goal is to keep them light and bouncy, not flat. Styles like a layered fringe, short Caesar cut, or messy curly crop can make your hair look fuller. Avoid overly tight fades, which can exaggerate thinness on top.
Styling Tip: Use a light curl-enhancing cream or mousse to bring out volume without weighing it down.
3. Short Hairstyles for Men with Long Curly Hair
Yes, even guys who love long curls can go short without going super short. A medium-short style with taper sides and longer curls up top keeps length and texture. A curly quiff or curly high top fade is ideal.
Trim Advice: Tell your barber you want the top shaped, not chopped. Keep enough length to maintain the curl pattern, but clean up the sides.
4. Short Hairstyles for Men with Wavy Curly Hair
Wavy curls? Lucky you. You get versatility. A textured crop, French crop, or side-part fade works perfectly. Waves don’t need as much length to show definition, so shorter styles can still bring out the movement.
Style Tip: Let your waves air-dry and scrunch them into place using sea salt spray or matte cream.
5. Hairstyles for Black Men with Short Curly Hair
Black men often have tight coils that need moisture and shape. The 360 waves, short afro fade, and high top fade are classics for a reason—they define curl texture while keeping edges sharp.
Barber Tip: Ask for a line-up or shape-up to get that clean, polished finish.
What Haircut to Ask for If You Have Curly Hair?
When you sit in the barber chair, clarity matters. Here’s what you should know:
- Know your curl type (from wavy to coily)
- Bring a photo of the style you like
- Use words like “fade,” “taper,” “textured top,” “disconnected,” or “layered” to describe the look
- Mention if you want to keep curl definition or go for a looser, messier style
Still unsure? Just ask, “Which hairstyle suits me, male curly hair?” A good barber will assess your face shape, hair density, and curl pattern before suggesting a cut.
Popular Short Hairstyles for Curly-Haired Men
Let’s break down a few trending and timeless cuts:
1. Curly Fade
One of the most popular short hairstyles for curly hair (male). High, mid, or low fades add sharpness while letting curls shine on top.
2. Curly Undercut
This style contrasts short, buzzed sides with a defined curly top. It’s bold and edgy, great for high-impact style.
3. The Curly Crop
Short, layered, and textured—perfect for low maintenance and maximum style. Works well for both thick and thin curls
4. Curly Fringe
Letting your curls fall slightly over your forehead softens your look and adds a modern twist.
5. Tapered Afro
A great choice for Black men who want shape and curl definition without going too short.
What Are Hairstyles for Curly Hair That Are Easy to Maintain?
If daily styling isn’t your thing, here are low-maintenance short curly hairstyles:
- Buzz cut with natural curls (just enough to show texture)
- Textured crop with fade (no daily shaping needed)
- Short sponge curls (just twist and go)
- Short curly mohawk (bold but simple upkeep)
Final Thoughts: Own Your Curl
Curly hair is expressive—it adds edge, personality, and uniqueness to any look. The key to nailing your style? Get the right cut, use products suited to curls, and don’t fight your natural texture. From short hairstyles for men with thick curly hair to clean cuts for thin curls, there’s a style out there that fits you perfectly. Just remember: no one curl is the same. What looks good on someone else might not work for you. That’s why “Which hairstyle suits me, male curly hair?” is always the right question to start with.