Trendy Short Curly Hairstyles for Men

Welcome to our style guide on short curly hairstyles for men—where texture meets personality! Curly hair has its own unique charm, with natural volume, movement, and a texture that stands out in the best way. But let’s be honest—it can also bring a few challenges when it comes to styling and upkeep.

Short Curly Hairstyles for Men

Short curly hairstyles for men are all about embracing natural texture while keeping things neat and stylish. These cuts are easy to maintain and perfect for showcasing your curls with confidence.

Curly Fade

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ionut Szeica | Hairstylist | Barber (@szeicaionut)

Curly fades are like that magic trick I keep in my back pocket when a client wants to keep his curls but still look sharp and clean. There’s just something about tight faded sides that makes curls pop on top. I remember working on a model who hated his curls growing up—he said they made him look messy. But once I gave him a mid-fade with his natural texture styled loosely on top, his whole vibe changed. He looked in the mirror and went, “Damn, I didn’t know I could look like this.”

To be fair, the key here is blending. You want that transition from skin to curls to feel smooth, not choppy. I usually use a #0 at the bottom and taper it up, keeping the curls trimmed and defined on top. A curl sponge helps, and honestly, the look is low-effort but high-impact. Great for guys who want clean without losing their curls.

Taper Fade with Curls

Now, if there’s one cut I recommend to literally everyone with curls, it’s the taper fade. I’ve done this on guys who work in suits and guys who skateboard for a living—it just fits. The taper fade is like the grown-up cousin of the curly fade. It’s softer, cleaner around the ears and neckline, and lets the curls on top do their thing.

One of my models once told me he finally got compliments from his boss and his girlfriend on the same day after I gave him this cut. That was a win. The trick is to let the curls be a little wild on top, but shape the perimeter so it doesn’t feel messy. I personally like adding a bit of curl cream to enhance definition without stiffening them up. If you’re the kind of guy who hates over-styling but still wants shape, this one’s for you.

Short Curly Fringe

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 💈Fabulosa Barbearia💈 (@fabulosabarbearia)

Okay, let’s talk about curls and fringe—this combo can be underrated, but it’s got personality. I once had a model come in who was really self-conscious about his forehead. I suggested a short curly fringe and he was like, “No way, that’ll make me look like a mop.” But after I showed him a couple of inspo pics and cleaned up the sides, he was convinced.

We kept the sides tapered, left about two inches of curls on top, and shaped the fringe to sit just above his brows. It framed his face so nicely, and honestly, it softened his whole look. A little mousse and a diffuser go a long way here. This style isn’t just edgy—it’s fun. If you’ve got curls and you’re bored of pushing them back or up, try letting them fall forward a bit. It’s playful but still stylish, especially if you have natural volume.

Curly Undercut

Now this one’s bold. A curly undercut screams confidence—it’s like telling the world, “Yeah, I’ve got texture, and I’m not hiding it.” I’ve done this look for photoshoots where we wanted the curls to be the main character. One guy I worked with had the thickest, tightest coils, and we shaved the sides all the way down. When I fluffed out the top? Boom. Instant editorial look.

It’s not for the shy, I’ll be honest. But that’s what makes it great. The contrast between the clean-shaven sides and the textured top is what draws all the attention. You can slick it back, shape it into a frohawk, or just let it puff up naturally. You do need regular trims to keep the undercut sharp—this isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it style. But if you want to turn heads and show off your curl pattern? Don’t sleep on this cut.

Buzz Cut with Curls

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔬𝔩𝔡 𝔱𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 𝔟𝔞𝔯𝔟𝔢𝔯𝔰 𝔰𝔥𝔬𝔭 (@theoldtimes.barbershop)

I know what you’re thinking—how does a buzz cut work with curls? But hear me out. It’s not about removing the curls; it’s about embracing their texture even when super short. I had a guy come in during the summer heat, practically begging me to chop everything off. We went with a #2 all over, and the subtle curl pattern still peeked through. It looked textured without the bulk.

This look is practical and so easy to maintain. You can literally wake up and walk out the door. No products needed, no styling fuss. To be fair, it’s not the most dramatic or trendy choice, but for guys who want to keep it minimal and masculine, it works. Plus, the hair grows out evenly, so you’re not constantly battling shape or volume. It’s clean, cool, and—surprisingly—still curly.

Curly Caesar Cut

Ah, the Caesar cut. It’s got this classic feel to it, but when you throw curls into the mix, it becomes way more interesting. I remember doing this cut on a client who loved old-school vibes but still wanted something modern. We trimmed the curls short, brought the fringe straight across the forehead, and cleaned up the sides.

What I love about the curly Caesar is how it frames the face without looking too styled. You get that horizontal fringe that adds structure, while the curls give it softness and movement. It’s one of those cuts where the shape does all the talking—you don’t need gels or waxes. Just a bit of curl cream and you’re good to go. Honestly, it’s super flattering on guys with strong jawlines and smaller foreheads. It’s neat, structured, and full of quiet confidence.

Textured Crop

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Custom Men’s Club (@custom.barbers)

This is the one I’ve been doing non-stop lately. The textured crop with curls is seriously having a moment. One of my go-to models has this head of loose curls, and we’ve been experimenting with different lengths and angles. The best one? Cropped short on the sides with messy, textured curls on top.

It looks effortless but has so much attitude. I usually use sea salt spray for definition and let it air-dry—no need for heat tools unless we’re going for a super styled shoot. The trick is to keep the top uneven in the best way, so it looks like natural movement rather than a perfect shape. Guys who don’t like spending time in front of a mirror love this. It’s laid-back, stylish, and looks like you just woke up like that—even when you didn’t.

High Top Fade with Curls

High top fades are straight-up retro cool. I love bringing this one back, especially on guys with tight curls. There’s something bold and nostalgic about the high shape paired with natural texture. I once styled a model for a streetwear shoot with this look, and people kept stopping us during the shoot to ask who did his hair. That’s the power of a good high top.

It does take some shaping though. I use clippers to get those super clean fade lines and then shape the top with scissors so it’s tall but not bulky. You’ve gotta be ready to maintain this one, because if the sides grow out too much, it loses that cool silhouette. But if you want to stand out and love big curls? This cut is it. Just make sure you’ve got a solid mirror and a stylist who knows how to work with height.

Temple Fade with Defined Curls

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peto Torosyan 💈 (@barberrr__p)

This one’s a sleeper hit. The temple fade is so subtle, but when done right, it’s super sleek. I had a model with really springy curls who didn’t want to lose length but still wanted something polished. So, I faded out the temples and neckline while keeping everything else full. It was a total game-changer.

Defined curls are the star here. I always recommend a curl-defining cream or gel, scrunch it in while the hair’s damp, and then diffuse or air dry. It gives you that glossy, well-shaped curl without the crunch. This style works especially well for guys who wear glasses or want a frame around their face without bulk. It’s soft around the edges but still intentional. Honestly, it’s one of those cuts where people can’t quite figure out what changed, but they know you look better.

Mini Afro

The mini afro is such a vibe. It’s timeless but still super modern when shaped right. I’ve done this on so many guys who are just starting to grow their curls out and aren’t ready for a full afro yet. It’s a sweet spot—keeps the volume, shows off the curls, but still feels fresh and manageable.

I had a client who used to wear a hat all the time because he didn’t know what to do with his texture. We shaped his curls into a mini afro with a slight taper on the sides, and it was like he discovered a whole new confidence. He texted me a week later saying he hadn’t worn a hat since. That’s the power of the right cut. Keep it moisturized, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, and trim regularly to keep the shape tight. This one’s simple but speaks volumes.

Styling Tips for Short Curly Hair

Keeping short curly hair looking fresh and defined doesn’t have to be a struggle—it’s all about using the right techniques and products. With a little care, you can bring out the best in your natural curls while keeping your style sharp and low-maintenance. Here are some easy and effective tips to help:

• Use a curl-enhancing cream or gel: These products help define your curls, reduce frizz, and hold the shape throughout the day without making hair stiff.

• Avoid brushing dry curls: Brushing when dry can cause frizz and break the natural curl pattern. Instead, detangle in the shower with a wide-tooth comb.

• Apply leave-in conditioner for moisture: Curly hair tends to be drier, so a good leave-in conditioner keeps it hydrated, soft, and manageable.

• Use a diffuser when blow-drying: A diffuser attachment helps evenly distribute heat and enhance your curl definition without creating frizz.

• Visit the barber regularly for shape maintenance: Regular trims keep your style clean, prevent split ends, and maintain the overall shape of your haircut.

With the right care routine, your short curls can look naturally defined, healthy, and effortlessly cool every day.

FAQ

What is the best short hairstyle for curly hair?

The best short hairstyle depends on your curl type and face shape, but popular options include the curly fade, textured crop, and curly undercut for a modern, low-maintenance look.

How often should I trim my short curly hair?

It’s recommended to get a trim every 3–5 weeks to maintain the shape and keep your curls looking fresh and tidy.

Can I brush my short curly hair daily?

No, it’s best to avoid brushing curly hair when dry. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb while your hair is wet and conditioned to prevent frizz and breakage.

What products should I use to style short curly hair?

Use a curl-enhancing cream or gel, a leave-in conditioner for moisture, and a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain healthy, defined curls.