17 Semi Curly Hairstyles For Men With Tapered Sides

Finding the right balance for semi-curly hair is often a challenge. You want to showcase your natural texture without letting it become unruly or shapeless.

Tapered sides offer the perfect solution for the modern man. They provide a clean, masculine frame that keeps your look sharp and intentional at all times.

This combination is incredibly versatile for various professional and social settings. It allows the volume on top to shine while maintaining a groomed appearance around the ears.

Whether you have loose waves or tighter coils, these styles celebrate your natural hair. They reduce bulk where you don’t need it while highlighting your best features.

Ready to upgrade your aesthetic with a fresh cut? Here are 17 semi-curly hairstyles for men with tapered sides to inspire your next visit to the barber.

1. The Classic Tapered Quiff

The classic tapered quiff is a timeless choice for men who want a sophisticated yet textured look. By keeping the sides neatly tapered, the semi-curly volume on top creates a striking silhouette.

To achieve this look, use a medium-hold pomade to lift the front sections. This keeps the waves structured throughout the day while preventing the hair from falling flat against the forehead.

This style works exceptionally well for men with oval or square face shapes. The height of the quiff adds verticality, while the tapered sides keep the face from looking too wide.

2. Low Taper Fade with Messy Curls

This style leans into a more relaxed, effortless vibe that is perfect for younger men or casual environments. The low taper starts just above the ears, providing a subtle transition.

Maintenance for this look involves a light sea salt spray to enhance the natural curl pattern. You want the curls to look lived-in rather than overly styled or stiff with product.

It is a great option for men with thicker hair densities. The low taper removes just enough weight from the sides to make the top manageable without losing the overall fullness.

3. The Textured Fringe with Tapered Sides

A textured fringe allows your semi-curly hair to fall forward naturally over the forehead. The tapered sides ensure the look remains a deliberate hairstyle rather than a neglected mop-top.

Apply a matte clay to the damp hair and scrunch it upward to define the curls. This adds grit and hold, ensuring the fringe stays in place without looking greasy or shiny.

This cut is particularly flattering for men with high foreheads. The forward-swept curls provide coverage and balance, while the clean sides maintain a very masculine and modern edge.

4. Slicked-Back Semi-Curls

Slicking back curly hair offers a unique texture that straight hair simply cannot replicate. The waves create a ridged effect that looks expensive and well-groomed when paired with tapered sides.

Use a high-shine water-based pomade and a wide-tooth comb to push the hair back. The wide teeth of the comb allow the curls to stay clumped together rather than frizzing out.

This is the ultimate “boardroom” look for the curly-haired professional. It screams confidence and suggests that you take your grooming seriously without trying too hard to hide your natural hair.

5. The Disconnected Undercut Taper

The disconnected undercut features a sharp contrast between the long curls on top and the short tapered sides. There is no gradual blend, which creates a bold, high-fashion statement.

Because the transition is so abrupt, you will need frequent trims to keep the sides looking crisp. Letting the sides grow out too long ruins the “disconnected” effect of the hairstyle.

This style is best suited for men who aren’t afraid of a bit of attention. It highlights the volume of your curls and creates a rugged, edgy look that pairs well with streetwear.

6. The Curly Pompadour

The curly pompadour takes the vintage 1950s silhouette and updates it for the modern man with texture. The tapered sides direct all the visual focus to the dramatic sweep of curls.

You will likely need a blow dryer and a round brush to get the necessary height at the roots. Finishing with a strong-hold hairspray will ensure the pompadour doesn’t collapse during the day.

This style adds significant height, making it an excellent choice for shorter men. It creates an elongated appearance that is both regal and stylish for formal events or weddings.

7. Mid-Taper Side Part

The side part is the gold standard of men’s hair, and adding a mid-taper makes it feel contemporary. The natural wave of your hair adds a soft, approachable layer to this disciplined cut.

Ask your barber for a “hard part” if you want a more defined line. This makes styling easier every morning, as you’ll have a clear guide on where to split the hair.

This look is highly recommended for the working professional. It fits perfectly under a hat or with a tailored suit, offering a balanced mix of texture and traditional barbering.

8. The Voluminous Mop Top

This style embraces the full potential of semi-curly hair by allowing it to grow out while keeping the edges clean. The tapered sides prevent the “mushroom” look that often plagues curly hair.

A hydrating curl cream is essential here to keep the hair from becoming dry or frizzy. You want the curls to look healthy and hydrated to maintain the “premium” feel of the style.

It’s an excellent choice for men with diamond or heart-shaped faces. The volume on top balances out a narrower chin, while the tapered sides keep the cheekbones visible and defined.

9. High Taper with Tight Waves

If your curls are on the tighter side of the “semi-curly” spectrum, a high taper is your best friend. It starts high on the head, leaving a concentrated crown of texture.

This look is extremely low-maintenance compared to others on this list. A quick application of light oil or serum in the morning is often enough to keep the waves looking defined.

The high taper provides a very athletic and aggressive aesthetic. It’s perfect for active men who want a style that looks good at the gym and transitions easily to a night out.

10. The Forward-Swept Modern Crop

The modern crop is all about texture and forward movement. By tapering the sides, you create a aerodynamic look that emphasizes the messy, wavy fringe at the front of the face.

Work a styling powder into the roots to create volume and “shake” the hair into place with your fingers. Avoid brushes or combs, as they will break up the natural curl clumps.

This style is ideal for men with receding hairlines. The forward sweep of the curls can cleverly disguise thinning at the temples while the tapered sides keep the overall look sharp.

11. Ivy League Taper for Curly Hair

The Ivy League is essentially a longer crew cut that allows for a side-swept front. When done with semi-curly hair, it looks relaxed, scholarly, and exceptionally clean.

Use a light-hold cream to keep the hair in place without making it look “crunchy.” You want the hair to move naturally when you walk, showcasing the health of your curls.

This is a “safe” bet for any man entering a conservative workspace. It honors your natural texture while adhering to traditional grooming standards that never go out of style.

12. The Modern Mullet Taper

The modern mullet has seen a massive resurgence, and semi-curly hair is the best texture for it. The tapered sides keep it from looking dated, while the back and top flow freely.

Focus your styling product on the back section to ensure the curls stay defined rather than bushy. A bit of leave-in conditioner can help keep the length looking lush and intentional.

This style is for the man with a bold personality. It’s a “business in the front, party in the back” look that feels updated for the 2020s thanks to the precision of the tapered sides.

13. Skin Taper with Curly Top

A skin taper fades all the way down to the scalp at the ears, creating a very clean and high-contrast look. This makes the curly hair on top appear even more voluminous and dark.

Because the skin is exposed, you’ll need to take care of the scalp on the sides of your head. Regular moisturizing will prevent any flaking that might distract from the sharp taper.

This is a popular choice for men with darker hair tones, as the contrast between the skin and the hair is more pronounced. It’s a sharp, urban look that requires bi-weekly barber visits.

14. The Brushed-Up Taper

The brushed-up style is similar to a quiff but involves the entire top section of hair being directed upwards. The tapered sides provide the necessary foundation for this vertical height.

A blow dryer is your most important tool for this style. Use it on a medium heat setting to “train” your curls to stand up, then lock it in with a matte-finish paste.

This look is perfect for men with rounder faces. The added height on top helps to elongate the face, making it appear leaner and more angular than it actually is.

15. Natural Texture with Burst Taper

The burst taper curves around the ear, leaving more hair at the back of the neck. It’s a unique take on the taper that complements the organic flow of semi-curly hair.

This style looks best when the hair is allowed to air-dry. Using a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer can also help set the curls without creating the frizz associated with towel-drying.

It’s a great mid-point for men who want something more unique than a standard taper but aren’t ready for a full-on mohawk or mullet. It feels artistic and custom-tailored.

16. Angular Fringe with Tapered Sides

The angular fringe involves cutting the front section at an angle, which looks particularly interesting with the “S” curves of semi-curly hair. The taper keeps the rest of the head neat.

To style, use a sea salt spray and blow dry the hair forward and to one side. Use your fingers to pull individual curls down to emphasize the asymmetrical, angular look.

This is a very modern, youthful style. It works well for men with strong jawlines, as the sharp angles of the hair complement the bone structure of the lower face.

17. The Salt and Pepper Taper

For the distinguished older man, a taper is the best way to manage graying curly hair. The shorter sides often show more of the “salt” while the top retains more of the “pepper” color.

Use products specifically designed for gray hair to prevent yellowing and to add shine. Gray curly hair can often feel coarser, so a softening conditioner is a must-have in your routine.

This style exudes maturity and wisdom. It proves that you don’t need to dye your hair to look stylish; you just need a great cut that works with your hair’s natural evolution.

How often should I get my sides tapered?

To keep a tapered haircut looking its best, you should visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks. While the hair on top can grow for months without losing its shape, the hair around the ears and neck grows noticeably fast. Frequent touch-ups ensure the “clean” look that defines the taper remains sharp and professional.

What is the best product for semi-curly hair?

For most men with semi-curly hair, a medium-hold cream or a sea salt spray is the best starting point. Creams provide hydration and light control without making the hair stiff. Sea salt spray adds grit and volume, which is perfect for “messy” styles. Avoid heavy waxes or gels, as they can weigh down the curls and make them look greasy.

How can I stop my curls from getting frizzy?

Frizz is usually caused by dryness or over-handling the hair. To prevent it, never rub your hair dry with a towel; instead, pat it gently. Apply your styling products while the hair is still damp to “lock in” the moisture. Additionally, using a sulfate-free shampoo will prevent the natural oils from being stripped away, keeping the hair cuticle smooth.

Will tapered sides work for a receding hairline?

Yes, tapered sides are actually one of the best choices for a receding hairline. By shortening the hair on the sides, you reduce the contrast between the bare skin at your temples and the hair. This makes the thinning less obvious. Styling the curls on top forward into a textured fringe can further disguise a maturing hairline.

Do I need a blow dryer for these styles?

While you can air-dry many of these looks, a blow dryer offers much more control and volume. For styles like the pompadour or the brushed-up taper, a blow dryer is essential to “set” the roots in an upward direction. Always use a heat protectant spray before drying to prevent heat damage, which can make curly hair brittle.

Can I do a taper at home?

Tapering is a high-skill barbering technique that involves blending different hair lengths seamlessly. While you can trim your own neck hair, achieving a professional-grade taper at home is very difficult and often results in visible lines. For the best results, it is highly recommended to see a professional who understands how to blend curly textures.

17 Semi Curly Hairstyles for Men with Tapered Sides