7 Game-Changing Tips on How to Style Men’s Curly Hair

From frizzy and greasy to tangling to not even knowing what’s going on, styling curly hair as a man can be a hassle on most days. Worse is when you use styling products designed for curly hair, and your hair still comes out a mess.

So, you begin to wonder, can you ever get your hair styled right? We say, “Yes, you can!” And in this article, we’ll be showing you how to style men’s curly hair the right way. After all, the success with curly hair routine comes down to 7 basic rules.

Styling Wavy and Curly Hair: Tips for Men

When it comes to styling curly hair, men often face unique challenges and considerations. Curly hair can be unpredictable, but with the right techniques and products, it can also be a fantastic asset that exudes confidence and style. We are here to provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to style curly hair for men, offering practical advice on grooming routines, product recommendations, and techniques to achieve the desired look.

1. Understand Your Hair Texture and Type

The natural texture of curly hair is different from any other and as such, what works for straight hair may not work for curly hair. Furthermore, curly hair can be broken down into different pattern types ranging from subtle waves to tight coils. It’s important for you to know this so that you can be better prepared at styling your hair. For instance, what hairstyle may suit a head of coils may not turn out well on a loose curl type.

To identify your curly hair type, clarify your locks, gently squeeze extra moisture with a towel and, without brushing your hair, observe the strands when they’re wet. Wavy hair has strands that resemble the letter “S” while curly hair has strands that look like the cursive letter “E”. On the other hand, coily hair can have a tight corkscrew or Z-pattern and features the most shrinkage as it goes from wet to dry.

Of course, it is hard to identify any pattern in male hair that’s cut very short. However, if your hair seems puffy and frizzy, chances are high it’s curly, so you might want to grow it out a bit to see the actual shape of the curls you can achieve.

@mohagan66614

2. Wash Hair Less

First of all, reduce shampoo washes to once or twice a week and ditch any sulfate-based products. This is because while they cleanse your hair, these ingredients remove natural oils (sebum) from the scalp and dry out your hair. The result is usually a dry scalp and frizzy curls. Having a good hair care regimen will not only make it easier for you to style your curls but will also keep your hair healthy.

@sami_barbershop

3. Never Skip the Conditioner

When it comes to styling curly hair for men, one cardinal rule is to never skip the conditioner. Curly hair tends to be dry and prone to frizz, so using a quality conditioner is essential to keep your curls hydrated, defined, and manageable. Look for a conditioner specifically designed for curly hair, preferably one that is moisturizing and nourishing.

After shampooing, apply a generous amount of conditioner from root to tip, focusing on the ends where the hair tends to be drier. Gently comb through your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to ensure even distribution. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly.

In addition to a regular conditioner, using a leave-in conditioner is highly recommended for styling curly hair for men. Leave-in conditioners can help to define your curls, add softness and shine, and provide an extra layer of protection against external factors like humidity and heat styling.

Regular conditioning will not only improve the health and texture of your curls but also make them easier to style and control. So, remember, never underestimate the power of a good conditioner in your curly hair care routine!

@mattjbarbers

4. Dry Your Hair the Right Way

When you want your hair dry, blow drying seems a quick and easy way to get the job done. Still, it is a sure “No” for men’s curly hair.

After washing, get rid of the excess water by wrapping a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt around it. Then, air dry or diffuse the damp hair. When you use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, better opt for a cool setting as high heat can damage your hair.

@crispy_jeannie

5. Use the Right Styling Products

For a perfect wash-and-go style, you will need a cream or a gel that will make your clumps more defined and will help them last. There are products designed for different curl types and it’s important for you to use what’s suitable for you:

• For wavy hair, the products should be more lightweight. Try a Brickell Men’s Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. Lightweight and alcohol-free, it promises volume and enhanced natural curls and waves. Another great option to shop for is a Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream.
• If you have type 3 curly hair, try a Man Made Hair Pomade for a long-lasting medium hold with a shiny finish that lasts all day. R+Co Turntable curl-defining creme is a great way to add moisture and create defined curls without leaving them crunchy.
• For coily hair, stock on CURLSMITH curl conditioning oil-in-cream which is excellent at moisturizing and hydrating natural hair. The 10 Coily Collection will also help you moisturize hair, taming the frizz.

It is ok if your hair feels crunchy after using gel – you can use SOTC (scrunch out the crunch technique) to fix it. After allowing the product to dry, start gently scrunching or squeezing the hair with your hands to break the cast created by the styling product, revealing soft and defined curls underneath. This technique helps to achieve a more natural and touchable look while still maintaining the desired hold and definition.

@curlfactor

6. Don’t Brush Your Hair

Unlike straight hair, curly hair is more prone to frizz and loses its natural shape when brushed. Brushing can disrupt the curl pattern and cause unwanted volume or puffiness. Instead, opt for using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your curls when they are wet or have creme or conditioner in them. This will help preserve the shape and definition of your curls while minimizing frizz.

@ceejayfadez

7. Choose Flattering Men’s Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Choose men’s curly hairstyles that make your curls thrive while keeping your look neat and polished. A popular choice is to pair a curly top with a closely clipped undercut or fade. You may also opt for medium-length hairstyles and push wavy or curly locks to the back. The mullet cut and its modern variation, the men’s wolf cut, is high on trend and looks great on curly hair too. Long curly hair for men will be an ultimate hair envy and you can always grab it into a men’s bun too.

@coiffeurstory

Among curly hairstyles for coily hair, buzz cut, fade, and undercut haircuts, showing off neatly-shaved sides and back with naturally piled coils on top, are very popular. A frohawk is also a great style to try! Unlike Mohawk, it is specifically designed for people with coily hair. The frohawk is achieved by shaving both sides and leaving coils free in the middle. Cornrows are another splendid choice and they also act as a protective hairstyle, letting your hair rest from daily wear and tear.

@mattjbarbers

Say goodbye to the days when you struggled with how to style curly hair. With the tips and recommendations we have provided to you, you should be able to step up your curly hair styling game. If you are ready to start your curly hair journey, exploring the Curly Girl Method will also help. While it has the “girl” in the title, this will be a good reference for basic rules, recommendations, and styling routines. Good luck, we’re rooting for you!

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