Taming natural ringlets doesn’t have to be a daily struggle for men. With the right cut, your curls become a powerful statement of style and confidence.
Modern grooming has evolved to celebrate texture rather than hide it. These 23 styles are designed to maximize your natural pattern while maintaining a sharp, masculine edge.
Whether you prefer a boardroom-ready look or a relaxed weekend vibe, there is a curly cut here for you. Let’s dive into the best ways to showcase those ringlets.
1. Tight Taper Fade with Ringlets
The tight taper fade is a classic for a reason. By keeping the sides extremely short, you create a high-contrast look that draws all attention to the volume on top.
This style works exceptionally well for men with dense, springy ringlets. It prevents the “mushroom” effect by keeping the silhouette narrow at the temples while letting the top breathe.
To maintain this look, visit your barber every two to three weeks. Use a light curl cream on the top section to ensure the ringlets stay defined and frizz-free.
2. Medium-Length Curly Quiff
A curly quiff offers a sophisticated take on traditional volume. It involves pushing the curls upward and slightly back from the forehead to create height and structure.
This style is perfect for guys who want a professional yet stylish appearance. It balances the face shape, making it an excellent choice for men with rounder or square jawlines.
Styling requires a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to set the height without blowing out the curl pattern. A medium-hold pomade will keep the shape locked in all day.
3. The Curly Man Bun
When your ringlets reach a certain length, the man bun becomes a practical and rugged option. It keeps hair out of your face while showcasing the texture at the crown.
The key to a great curly man bun is not pulling the hair too tight. Leaving a few stray ringlets loose around the ears or forehead adds a relaxed, effortless masculine charm.
Ensure you use snag-free hair ties to prevent breakage. Since curly hair is naturally drier, applying a leave-in conditioner before tying it up will keep the hair healthy.
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The messy fringe is a trending look that embraces the chaotic nature of ringlets. The hair is cut to fall forward over the forehead, creating a youthful and relaxed aesthetic.
This cut is particularly flattering for men with high foreheads or long face shapes. It adds horizontal volume and texture that softens the overall facial features.
Use a sea salt spray on damp hair to enhance the “messy” factor. Scrunch the curls with your fingers and let them air dry for the most natural, rugged result.
5. Long Loose Ringlets with Side Part
For the man who wants to fully embrace his length, a side-parted long style is the way to go. This look exudes a creative and free-spirited vibe.
The side part adds a touch of intentionality to the length, preventing it from looking unkempt. It allows the ringlets to cascade naturally over the shoulders with controlled volume.
Regular trims are essential to remove split ends, which can make long curls look frizzy. A heavy-duty curl butter will help weigh down the hair just enough to prevent excessive poofiness.
6. Drop Fade with Curly Top
The drop fade follows the natural curve of the head, “dropping” behind the ear for a sleek, contoured look. It provides a clean canvas for a mop of curls on top.
This style is ideal for guys who want a modern, urban aesthetic. The sharp lines of the fade provide a masculine contrast to the soft, organic shapes of the ringlets.
Ask your barber for a line-up at the forehead to further sharpen the look. This creates a clear boundary between the skin and the textured hair, emphasizing the curls’ definition.
7. Bleached Blonde Curly Crop
Adding color can drastically change the way light hits your ringlets. A bleached blonde crop highlights the individual twists and turns of every curl, making them pop.
This is a bold choice for men looking to make a statement. The contrast between dark roots and blonde ends adds a layer of visual depth that looks great in any light.
Be aware that bleaching can dry out curly hair significantly. You must invest in a high-quality purple shampoo and deep-conditioning masks to maintain the hair’s integrity and color.
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The wet-look slicked-back style is a high-fashion choice that works surprisingly well with ringlets. It creates a controlled, sleek appearance while maintaining the underlying texture.
This look is perfect for formal events or evening outings where you want a “sharp” aesthetic. It keeps the volume down but allows the curl pattern to remain visible.
Use a high-shine, strong-hold gel on damp hair. Comb it back with a wide-tooth comb to keep the ringlets from separating into fine, frizzy strands.
9. Afro-Textured High Top Fade
For men with tighter, coily ringlets, the high top fade is a legendary choice. It emphasizes verticality and structure, providing a clean and powerful silhouette.
This style is deeply rooted in heritage and remains a staple in modern barbershops. It requires precision cutting to ensure the top is level and the sides are perfectly blended.
Maintenance involves using a hair sponge or a curl twist brush to define the coils on top. Keeping the scalp hydrated with natural oils is vital for the health of this style.
10. Curly Undercut
The undercut features buzzed sides and a long top, creating a disconnected look that is both edgy and versatile. It is one of the most popular ways to manage heavy curls.
By removing the bulk from the sides, the “weight” of the hair is significantly reduced. This allows the ringlets on top to have more movement and bounce.
You can style the top forward, to the side, or even in a top knot. It’s an adaptable cut that transitions easily from the office to the gym.
11. Shoulder-Length Layered Curls
Layers are a curly man’s best friend. By cutting varying lengths throughout the hair, you prevent the bottom from becoming too heavy and the top from going flat.
This style is great for showcasing the natural weight and flow of ringlets. It provides a balanced, symmetrical look that frames the face beautifully.
When washing, avoid rubbing the hair with a towel, as this creates frizz. Instead, “plop” the hair with a microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt to preserve the ringlet shape.
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The “bro flow” is all about letting the hair grow back and away from the face in a relaxed, swept-back manner. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance look for medium-length curls.
This style works best for men with a natural “S” wave or loose ringlet pattern. It looks effortlessly cool and is often associated with a rugged, outdoorsy lifestyle.
To achieve the flow, use a light-hold cream or leave-in conditioner. Run your hands through your hair while it’s damp and push it back, letting it settle naturally as it dries.
13. Skin Fade with Curly Pompadour
The pompadour is a vintage classic reimagined for curly hair. By fading the sides down to the skin, the height and texture of the curls on top become the focal point.
This style requires a bit of length on top to create the “sweep” necessary for a pompadour. It’s a bold, masculine look that commands attention in any room.
Use a blow dryer and a round brush to direct the hair upward and back. Finish with a firm-hold hairspray to ensure the curls don’t collapse throughout the day.
14. Shag Cut with Ringlet Bangs
The shag is making a massive comeback. It features heavy layering and texture, often accompanied by bangs that sit right at the brow line.
This style is perfect for men with a rock-and-roll sensibility. The layers create a disorganized but intentional look that thrives on the natural movement of ringlets.
Because this look is supposed to be “shaggy,” you don’t need to worry about perfect definition. A little bit of frizz can actually enhance the lived-in aesthetic of this cut.
15. Tapered Curly Mullet
The modern mullet is far more refined than its 80s predecessor. It features a shorter front and sides with a longer, curly “party” in the back.
This style is for the man who isn’t afraid to stand out. The curls in the back add a softness to the otherwise aggressive shape of the mullet.
Keep the sides tapered or faded to keep the look modern. This prevents the hair from looking dated and ensures it looks like a deliberate style choice rather than an accident.
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Connecting your hairstyle to your facial hair creates a cohesive and rugged appearance. This involves tapering the sideburns so the curls “melt” into the beard.
This look is highly masculine and helps to frame the jawline. It’s an excellent choice for men who want a full-head-of-hair look without it feeling disconnected from their face.
Keep your beard well-groomed with beard oil to match the healthy sheen of your curls. This symmetry in texture and shine makes for a very polished overall appearance.
17. Mohawk-Inspired Curly Burst Fade
A burst fade tapers the hair around the ear, leaving a wider strip of hair from the forehead to the nape. With curls, this creates a soft, textured mohawk effect.
It’s an athletic and energetic style. It provides the edge of a mohawk without the harshness of straight, spiked hair, making it more approachable.
This style looks best when the curls are tight and well-defined. Use a curl-enhancing smoothie or gel to keep the central strip of hair looking voluminous and sharp.
18. Disconnected Undercut with Curls
In a disconnected undercut, there is a sharp line between the shaved sides and the long hair on top. There is no blend, creating a dramatic and high-fashion look.
This style is perfect for men who want to show off their curl texture while keeping their look incredibly clean and managed. It’s a favorite in urban fashion circles.
Because the sides are so short, you’ll need to visit the barber often to keep the “disconnection” looking sharp. The top can be left long enough to fall over the sides for a versatile look.
19. Side-Swept Curly Ivy League
The Ivy League is a slightly longer version of a crew cut. When applied to curly hair, it allows for a neat, side-swept look that is the epitome of “preppy” style.
This is a great option for professional men who want a conservative cut that still acknowledges their natural texture. It’s tidy, smart, and easy to style.
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20. Voluminous 70s Retro Curls
The 70s are back in style, and that means big, voluminous hair. This style involves letting your ringlets grow out into a rounded, halo-like shape.
This look works best for men with high-volume hair and medium-to-tight ringlets. It’s a confident, bohemian style that celebrates natural texture in its fullest form.
Avoid heavy products that weigh the hair down. Instead, use a lightweight volumizing mousse on damp hair and pick it out slightly at the roots once dry for maximum height.
21. Low Fade with Tight Coil Definition
A low fade starts just above the ears and stays close to the hairline. It’s a subtle way to clean up the edges while leaving plenty of room for ringlets to shine.
This is an excellent “entry-level” fade for men who aren’t ready for the dramatic look of a high or skin fade. It adds just enough structure to keep the curls looking intentional.
Focus on “twisting” individual ringlets with a little bit of gel to create maximum definition. This “coiling” technique makes the hair look organized and healthy.
22. Surfer Curls with Sun-Kissed Ends
The surfer look is characterized by medium-to-long length and a relaxed, salt-air texture. It’s the ultimate casual style for the laid-back man.
If you don’t spend all day at the beach, you can mimic the “sun-kissed” look with subtle highlights at the tips of your ringlets. This adds dimension and a sense of movement.
Sea salt spray is the primary styling tool here. Apply it liberally and scrunch the hair, letting it air dry while you’re on the go for a perfect “just off the beach” vibe.
23. Professional Short Tapered Curls
For the man in a high-stakes corporate environment, this short tapered cut is the gold standard. It keeps the hair close to the head while still allowing the curl pattern to be visible.
It’s a low-maintenance, high-impact style. It looks just as good with a three-piece suit as it does with a t-shirt and jeans, making it incredibly versatile.
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How often should men with curly hair wash their hair?
Most men with curly hair should aim to wash their hair 2-3 times per week. Curly hair is naturally prone to dryness because scalp oils have a harder time traveling down the coiled hair shaft. Over-washing strips away these essential oils, leading to frizz and breakage.
What is the best way to dry curly hair without frizz?
The best way to dry curly hair is to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Avoid rubbing your hair with a standard cotton towel; instead, gently pat it or use a microfiber towel to squeeze out excess moisture. Rubbing disrupts the curl pattern and creates instant frizz.
Do I need special shampoo for natural ringlets?
Yes, using a sulfate-free shampoo is highly recommended for curly hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can be too drying for ringlets. Look for “moisturizing” or “curl-specific” formulas that contain natural oils and proteins to strengthen the hair.
How can I make my curls look more defined?
Definition comes from moisture and the right styling products. Applying a curl cream or gel to soaking wet hair helps “clump” the curls together. For even more definition, try the “finger coiling” technique, where you wrap individual ringlets around your finger while the hair is damp.
Is it better to cut curly hair wet or dry?
Many expert barbers prefer a “dry cut” for curly hair because curls shrink significantly when they dry. Cutting the hair while it’s in its natural, dry state allows the stylist to see exactly where the ringlets will fall, ensuring a more balanced and accurate silhouette.
Can men with thin hair pull off curly styles?
Absolutely. Curls actually add a lot of natural volume and texture, which can make thin hair appear thicker than it really is. Shorter styles with faded sides, like a curly crop or a taper fade, are often the best choice for men with finer curly hair.