Curly hair can be both a blessing and a challenge when it comes to styling. For men with curly locks, finding the right haircut that complements the texture while keeping it manageable and stylish can sometimes feel like a tricky task. Fortunately, some of the most stylish men in Hollywood have perfected the art of rocking curly hair, offering plenty of inspiration.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 celebrity-inspired haircuts for men with curly hair, from short and sharp to longer, more relaxed styles. Whether you want to embrace your curls or tame them, these haircuts will help you elevate your curly hair game.
1. The Classic Curly Top (Justin Timberlake)
Justin Timberlake is no stranger to curly hair, and over the years, he’s embraced different curly hairstyles that exude both elegance and a laid-back vibe. One of his most iconic looks is the classic curly top. This cut involves keeping the hair on the top longer and allowing natural curls to form, while the sides and back are kept short and neat. It’s a great way to keep your curls under control while showing off their natural texture.
How to Style:
- Keep the top curly and full by applying a lightweight mousse or curl cream to damp hair.
- Use a diffuser when blow-drying to encourage curls without causing frizz.
- The sides and back should be kept trimmed short for a clean look.
2. The Curly Fade (Drake)
Drake is known for his versatile hairstyles, and his curly fade is one that’s both trendy and low-maintenance. This haircut features short sides that fade into a longer curly top. The gradual transition from short to long allows the natural curls to stand out, while the fade gives it a modern, sharp finish. This style works well for men with naturally curly or wavy hair, adding structure to their curls.
How to Style:
- Use a curl-enhancing cream or gel to define the curls on top.
- For the fade, ask your barber to gradually reduce the length of your hair as they move down the sides.
- Use a small amount of hair product to keep the curls looking defined without making them too crunchy.
3. The Curly Pompadour (Zac Efron)
Zac Efron has often been seen sporting a curly pompadour, a bold and timeless look that combines volume and curl definition. This style works best for men with thicker curls, as it lifts the hair at the front and top, while the sides are neatly tapered. It’s a versatile option that can be styled for both formal and casual occasions.
How to Style:
- Apply a lightweight styling gel or mousse to damp hair.
- Blow-dry your curls forward and upward using a round brush to add volume.
- Once dry, use a bit of pomade or wax to define and hold the pompadour in place.
4. The Short Curly Cut (Chris Hemsworth)
For a more manageable, everyday curly hairstyle, look no further than Chris Hemsworth’s short curly cut. This style is clean and neat, with tight curls kept short on the sides and slightly longer on the top for some natural volume. It’s perfect for men who want to embrace their curls without worrying about too much maintenance.
How to Style:
- Use a curl cream or gel to define curls on top.
- Apply a small amount of styling mousse to the sides for control.
- Keep the length on the top between 1–2 inches, depending on how tight your curls are.
5. The Curly Undercut (Harry Styles)
Harry Styles’ iconic curly undercut is one of the most popular curly hairstyles among men. This cut keeps the curls on top long and voluminous, while the sides are shaved or trimmed short for a stark contrast. The undercut gives the style a lot of structure while allowing the natural curl pattern to shine.
How to Style:
- Let your curls grow long on top, while keeping the sides short and faded.
- Use a curl cream to define and separate curls, ensuring they remain bouncy and natural.
- Use a lightweight styling gel or pomade to keep the curls in place throughout the day.
6. The Curly Caesar Cut (John Legend)
John Legend is known for his sharp, dapper look, and his curly Caesar cut is the perfect blend of sophistication and practicality. The Caesar cut is a classic style that works well for men with tight, shorter curls. The hair is cut to about an inch in length all around the head, with the fringe cut straight across the forehead for a clean finish.
How to Style:
- Apply a smoothing cream to damp hair to avoid frizz.
- Keep the top curls trimmed at about 1 inch and comb them forward to create the Caesar fringe.
- A small amount of styling cream or pomade will help keep the curls controlled throughout the day.
7. The Curly Quiff (Jaden Smith)
Jaden Smith is often spotted with his signature curly quiff, which adds height and volume to curly hair while keeping the sides neat and tapered. This style is perfect for curly-haired men who want to experiment with a modern twist on the classic quiff, without losing the natural texture of their curls.
How to Style:
- Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair to add lift.
- Use a blow-dryer and a round brush to push the curls upward at the front of your hair.
- Lightly scrunch with your fingers to define the curls, and finish with a touch of hairspray for hold.
8. The Tapered Curly Cut (Michael B. Jordan)
Michael B. Jordan’s tapered curly cut is a sleek and sophisticated style that works for men with medium to coarse curly hair. The top is left slightly longer to showcase the natural curl, while the sides are gradually tapered to create a clean, sharp look. This is a versatile style that works for both professional and casual settings.
How to Style:
- Use a curl-enhancing cream to define and separate your curls.
- Ask your barber for a taper on the sides, blending the hair gradually as it moves down the head.
- Finish with a small amount of hair wax to maintain control and texture.
9. The Curly Bro Flow (Shamar Moore)
Shamar Moore’s curly bro flow is an effortlessly cool and natural hairstyle that’s perfect for men with longer curls. The hair is left longer all over, with the curls flowing freely around the face. This style works especially well for men with looser curls or waves and is ideal for those who want to embrace a more relaxed, low-maintenance look.
How to Style:
- Let your curls grow to shoulder length or just past the ears.
- Use a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to keep the curls soft and hydrated.
- Avoid using too much product to maintain a natural, free-flowing appearance.
10. The Curly Top with Beard (Idris Elba)
Idris Elba’s curly top with beard is a sharp and masculine style that combines natural curls with facial hair for a rugged, handsome look. This style keeps the curls on top slightly longer, while the sides are tapered and the beard is neatly groomed. This look is perfect for men who want a fuller, more bold appearance.
How to Style:
- Apply a curl cream to enhance natural curls.
- Ask your barber to taper the sides and fade them into the top.
- Maintain your beard with regular trims and use beard oil to keep it soft and well-groomed.
Conclusion
Curly hair can be one of the most unique and stylish features for men when paired with the right haircut. From classic cuts to more daring styles, these 10 celebrity-inspired looks offer a range of options for every man with curly locks. Whether you prefer a shorter, more polished look or a longer, more relaxed style, embracing your curls can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
Talk to your barber about which of these styles will best suit your hair type and face shape, and don’t be afraid to experiment with products that enhance and define your curls. With the right haircut and styling routine, you’ll be ready to rock your curls like a celebrity!