20 Stylish Short Curly Haircuts for Men in 2024

20 Stylish Short Curly Haircuts for Men in 2024

By Alex
Posted On October 19, 2023

People often think that curly hair is more challenging to style than straight hair, but that’s a misconception. Curly hair offers greater versatility and can make even simple haircuts look more striking due to its added texture.

Whether you prefer your curls long or short, curly hair can enhance the appeal of your style.

The Curly Quiff

The Curly Quiff is a contemporary twist on the classic quiff, tailored for those with curly or wavy hair. This style features cropped sides and a voluminous top, creating a balanced and stylish look. To achieve maximum volume and definition, use a bit of dry shampoo near the roots. This haircut combines timeless elegance with modern flair, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your natural curls.

High and Tight

The High and Tight is a sharp, military-inspired haircut that offers a clean and rugged look. It’s a variation of the crew cut, with the back and sides buzzed very short (or even shaved) while the top is kept slightly longer. This contrast between the closely cropped sides and the longer top creates a defined, masculine appearance that works particularly well with curly hair.

The High and Tight make the most of the natural texture for men with curly hair without requiring much upkeep. The short length on the sides keeps things neat, while the longer curls on top provide some flair and dimension. This haircut requires virtually no styling — you can wake up and go, with your curls adding a touch of effortless cool.

This haircut is perfect for men looking for a polished, professional style that’s easy to maintain yet doesn’t sacrifice personality. High and Tight offers a versatile, timeless look with minimal effort, whether at the gym, in the office, or out for a night in the town.

High Fade for Curly Hair

The High Fade is an excellent choice for men with curly hair, offering a sharp, modern look while highlighting your natural texture. This haircut features a gradual fade starting high on the sides and back, leaving the top longer to showcase your curls. The stark contrast between the cleanly faded sides and the textured curls on top creates a striking, balanced style.

A High Fade is perfect for men who want a stylish yet polished look that works in both casual and professional settings. The fade keeps things neat and structured, while the curls on top add volume and personality. The high fade minimizes bulk around the sides, keeping your hair manageable and easy to style.

Whether you prefer tight, defined curls or a more natural, tousled look, the High Fade allows for versatility and ensures your curls remain the focal point. It’s an intelligent, on-trend option that lets you show off your curls without overwhelming your overall look.

Combed-Back Curls

The Combed-Back Curls hairstyle is a sleek and refined option for men who want to keep their hair off their faces while still showcasing their natural curls. This look features short sides with longer curls on top, which can be finger-combed back for a smooth, polished style. Using a styling cream to add definition and control, followed by a strong-hold hairspray, ensures your curls stay in place all day.

This style blends elegance and ease, perfect for formal occasions and everyday wear. The combination of short sides and longer, combed-back curls offers a sharp, neat appearance while maintaining the volume and texture of your curls on top. It’s an ideal look for men who want a professional yet stylish cut that requires minimal maintenance effort.

The Buzz Cut

The Buzz Cut has made a significant comeback, with both male and female celebrities embracing this bold, cropped look. This ultra-short style is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance haircut that works for all hair types, including curly hair. The beauty of the buzz cut lies in its simplicity — no need for extensive styling or products, just wash and go.

For men with curly hair, the buzz cut eliminates the challenges of managing curls while still maintaining a fresh, sharp appearance. It’s ideal for those who want a clean, minimalist style with minimal upkeep. Whether you’re looking for a statement look or just a practical cut, the buzz cut is a timeless option that never goes out of style.

Box Top

The Box Top is a standout style, particularly suited for Afro and curly hair textures. This look features a defined, squared-off top paired with a taper fade on the sides, creating a sharp contrast that enhances the natural volume of your curls.

To achieve this style, use an Afro pick to lift and shape the curls on top into a clean, boxy silhouette. For curl definition and hold, products like Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Mousse Cream work well, helping to enhance your hair’s natural pattern. Alternatively, you can opt for Emerge My Everything Hair Styling Butter Cream, which is infused with pequi oil for anti-frizz benefits, and almond milk to strengthen your hair. Both products will keep your curls defined and frizz-free while maintaining the structure of the box top.

This style is excellent for those looking for a bold, structured look that embraces natural texture while staying modern and sleek. The Box Top adds height and character to your look, with the taper fade ensuring a neat and polished finish.

Grown-Out Curls with Faded Undercut

The Grown-Out Curls with Faded Undercut is a stylish and versatile option for men looking to showcase their natural curls. This haircut features longer curls on top that are left to grow out, paired with a sharp mid-fade or low fade on the sides and back. The contrast between the voluminous curls on top and the cleanly faded sides creates a bold, modern look.

This style is perfect for those who want to highlight their natural texture while maintaining a fresh, polished appearance. The longer length at the top allows for flexibility in styling — you can let your curls flow naturally, add some product for definition, or even slick them back for a more refined look.

Slicked-Back Curls

The Slicked-Back Curls hairstyle is a polished, effortless look that is perfect for men with cropped curls who want definition without sacrificing style. Although it appears simple, achieving this sleek, smooth finish takes some work.

Start by washing your hair and towel-drying it until damp. Apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to keep your curls hydrated, then follow up with a styling cream or gel that provides a light hold. A great option is the TRESemmé One Step Styler Curls Crème-Gel, which offers control and definition.

Use a wide-tooth comb to gently comb your hair back, ensuring that each curl is sleek and defined. After combing, allow your hair to dry naturally, or use a diffuser for faster drying. Finally, finish the look with a light mist of hairspray to lock everything in place and keep your curls looking slick and shiny throughout the day.

The Curly Pompadour

The Curly Pompadour is a bold and stylish option for men with curly hair who want to embrace their natural volume. This look features a lot of height and fullness at the top, with shorter, tapered sides for a sharp contrast. Unlike the airy texture of a quiff, the pompadour is brushed backward, creating a denser, sleeker appearance while still retaining the natural curl pattern.

Add volume to your curls using a mousse or styling cream to achieve the Curly Pompadour. Then, brush the hair at the top backward, directing it away from your face to create that signature sleek look. A lightweight gel or pomade can help keep the style in place while still allowing your curls to shine.

Close Cut

The Close Cut is a timeless and practical option for men with curly hair, offering a clean, low-maintenance style. This haircut keeps the hair short and close to the scalp, making it incredibly easy to manage and ideal for those with busy schedules. Despite its simplicity, the Close Cut still allows you to show off your natural curls subtly and neatly.

With minimal styling required, this look is perfect for men who want a polished appearance without spending much time on upkeep. A quick trim every few weeks keeps it looking sharp, making it a go-to choice for men on the move.

The French Crop

The French Crop is a versatile short hairstyle that works beautifully with curly hair. This cut features cropped sides—often enhanced with a fade—and a longer top with a distinctive fringe. For curly hair, the longer fringe at the top allows your natural curls to stand out, adding texture and definition to the overall look.

To get the best results with a French Crop, ask your barber for a slightly longer fringe, giving your curls room to show off their natural shape. The fade on the sides keeps the look clean and modern, while the longer top provides enough length to style and define your curls.

Short Bleached Curls

Short Bleached Curls are a striking choice if you’re looking to make a bold statement. This style combines cropped curls’ texture with platinum blonde’s dramatic flair. Bleaching your curls lightens them and adds a fresh, edgy twist to a classic haircut.

Short Bleached Curls are perfect for those who want to stand out and add a unique touch to their hairstyle. The lightened curls can bring out a new dimension to your look, offering a striking contrast against the darker tones of your natural hair. This style is ideal for those who embrace a daring and fashionable change.

High Top, Low Sides

The High Top, Low Sides is a classic and stylish choice for men with curly hair. This haircut features a prominent, voluminous top with shorter, tapered sides, creating a clean contrast that highlights your natural curls. The high top provides ample space for your curls to stand out, while the low sides keep the overall look neat and structured.

The High Top, Low Sides offers a timeless, polished appearance that works well for both casual and formal occasions, making it a versatile and enduring choice for curly-haired men.

The Curly Fringe

The Curly Fringe is a versatile and stylish option that adds a touch of charm to any hairstyle, whether your hair is long or short. This look features a fringe of curls that falls across the forehead, creating a playful and dynamic element that enhances the overall appearance.

For men, the curly fringe can be incorporated into various hairstyles, from longer, flowing curls to shorter, more structured cuts. The fringe frames the face, adding a youthful and trendy vibe while showcasing the natural texture of your curls.

Finger Waves

Finger Waves offers a sophisticated, vintage-inspired hairstyle that’s both elegant and gentle on your curls. Instead of relying on combs or brushes, this technique uses your fingers to create smooth, sculpted waves in your hair. This method is not only effective for achieving a polished look but also minimizes the risk of breakage and split ends.

Finger Waves are versatile, working well for casual and formal occasions, and ideal for those looking to embrace a classic, chic style with their natural curls.

Heavy Top

The Heavy Top is a dynamic hairstyle showcasing your thick curls’ natural volume and texture. You embrace their natural shape by allowing your curls to take center stage with a fuller, longer top and provide a bold, eye-catching look.

To perfect the Heavy Top, apply SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Defining Cream. This product adds essential moisture to your curls, helping to define and enhance their natural pattern. It also reduces frizz and provides a smooth finish.

Apply the cream to damp hair, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout your curls. Use your fingers to scrunch and shape your curls, encouraging them to form naturally without disrupting their pattern. Let your hair air-dry, or use a diffuser to enhance the volume and definition.

Loose Waves

Loose Waves are a fantastic way to embrace and enhance your hair’s natural texture, even if your hair isn’t fully curly. This style provides a relaxed, effortless look that showcases subtle waves and adds a touch of texture to your overall appearance.

To achieve Loose Waves, apply a styling product such as AXE Natural Look: Softening Cream. This cream adds definition and manageability to your waves while keeping the look natural and soft.

Hat Styled

The Hat Styled look is a practical and stylish choice for managing your curls while on the go. This approach involves tucking your curls under a hat, giving you a neat, polished appearance that complements a range of outfits and occasions.

The Hat Styled look is ideal when you want to keep your curls under control or need a quick, classic style. It’s perfect for both casual and more formal settings, offering a simple yet effective way to manage your hair while still looking put together.

Chestnut Bangs

Chestnut Bangs are a stylish way to add a touch of flair and color to your curly hairstyle. This look features a bit of length on top, allowing your curls to have room to roam freely, while the rich chestnut color enhances the overall appearance.

The Chestnut Bangs style is perfect for those who want to showcase their curls while adding a touch of sophistication and color. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or down, offering a modern and fresh appearance.

Mop Top

The Mop Top is a relaxed, carefree hairstyle that allows the top of your hair to hang freely, creating a fun, voluminous look. It’s an excellent choice if you’re in the process of growing out an undercut or just want to embrace a laid-back, effortlessly cool style.

The Mop Top is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. It’s ideal for showcasing natural texture while keeping the overall appearance laid-back and easy-going.

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Alex

Alex

Alex Olimiya is a Senior Content Creator for All Things Salon and joined the team in 2020. With a passion for hairstyling and beauty, she writes, produces, and curates content focused on the latest hair trends, expert styling tips, and personalized hair care solutions. Alex Olimiya covers a diverse range of topics, from viral hairstyles like the wolf cut to tailored haircuts for specific face shapes. Born and raised in New York, Sophia's love for creative hairstyling is matched only by her obsession with discovering new beauty products. When she's not writing, you can find her experimenting with different hair techniques or enjoying a quiet weekend at the beach.