hairstyles for men with short curly hair

28 Trendy Short Curly Haircuts For Men in 2024

Start the new year with the right haircut.

People often assume that curly hair types are trickier to style than straight hair types — but that’s a myth. Curly hair allows for more versatility and can often make even simple haircuts appear more attractive because of all the extra texture they offer.

This is true, irrespective of whether you like to wear your curls long or short.

If you’re on the hunt for the best short haircuts for men with curly hair, we’ve got the perfect edit for you. Below, we’ve rounded up 28 cropped cuts, perfect for men with curls.

Also read: How to Style Curly Hair for Men

28 Short Curly Hairstyles for Men to Try in 2024

1. The Curly Quiff

Man with short curly hair in a quiff
Photo by cottonbro studio/Pexels

This modern iteration of a classic quiff is perfect for anyone with curly or wavy hair. It’s got cropped sides and a voluminous top that you can enhance with a bit of dry shampoo near your roots.

2. Combed-Back Curls

Man with curly combed back hair
Photo by Olha Ruskykh/Pexels

If you prefer to keep your hair off your face, a slicked back look like this one may be for you. With short sides, you can finger comb the longer sections at the top with some styling cream and finish with a hairspray like the TRESemmé Two Freeze Hold Hair Spray that offers 24-hour humidity-resistance.

3. Box Top

man with short curly hair in a box top style, outdoors in the sun

A box top paired with a taper fade is a great choice for Afro and curly hair textures.

Get this style by picking out the top using an afro pick. Use Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Mousse Cream to help define and hold natural curl patterns. Or try a product like Emerge My Everything Hair Styling Butter Cream made with pequi oil (known for anti-frizz along with curl definition) and almond milk (excellent for its strengthening properties).

4. High and Tight

Man with high and tight short haircut
Photo by PNW Production/Pexels

This variant of the crew cut features a buzzed back and sides, with a slightly longer top. The best part? This requires no extra time for styling.

5. Slicked-Back Curls

Man with a slicked back short curly hairstyle
Photo via Pexels

This seemingly effortless look is perfect for cropped curls that still want to look defined. Don’t be fooled, though — it takes a bit of effort.

Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Next, apply a moisturising leave-in conditioner through the hair, followed by a styling cream or hair gel that offers some hold. We like the TRESemmé One Step Styler Curls Crème-Gel for this.

Use a wide tooth comb to comb the hair all the way back. Give it a few minutes to dry and finish with a light layer of hairspray.

6. High Fade for Curly Hair

Man with high fade on curly hair
Photo by Kindel Media/Pexels

Fade haircuts are a great choice for men with curly hair. They’re super smart and also let you show off your curly texture.

7. Medium Fade for Curly Hair

Man with medium fade on curly hair
Photo by Darlene Alderson/Pexels

If a high fade isn’t your style, try its subtler version: the medium fade, where the transitional gradient is placed somewhere in the middle of the head. This is often considered the most universally flattering fade style, so you can’t really go wrong with it.

8. The French Crop

Man with a French crop
Photo by Sarah Khan/Pexels

This short hairstyle for men works just as well on curly hair too. The French crop is characterized by cropped sides (usually with a fade) and a longer top that features a fringe.To really show off your curls, ask your barber for a longer fringe at the top of the head.

9. The Buzz Cut

Man with a buzz cut
Photo by Natan/Pexels

We’ve recently seen a huge buzz cut resurgence, with many male and female celebs sporting this cropped look. It’s a great, low maintenance style for all hair textures — curls or no curls.

10. The Curly Pompadour

Man with a curly pompadour
Photo by Ralph Rabago/Pexels

This voluminous style is another great choice for men with curly hair. Similar to a quiff, it features loads of height and volume at the top of the head, with shorter sides. The main difference is that unlike the poofy, airy nature of the quiff, a pompadour is brushed backwards for a denser, more sleek look.

11. Grown-Out Curls with Faded Undercut

Man with ruffled curly short hair
Photo by Artem Podrez/Pexels

With a longer length at the top of the head and a mid-fade or low fade on the sides and back of the head, this is a popular haircut for men with curly hair who really want to show off their natural hair texture.

12. Short Bleached Curls

Man with bleached curly hair
Photo by Israel Humberto/Pexels

Ever considered going blonde? Give your cropped curls an extra edge by turning them platinum.

13. The Curly Fringe

Man with short blonde curly hair with a fringe
Photo by William Larsen/Pexels

Irrespective of whether you wear your hair long or short, a curly fringe can add an extra dose of charm to any hairstyle, on both men and women.

14. Heavy Top

man with Heavy Top

Unleash your thick curls and allow them to do what they were meant to. Use the SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Defining Cream to add moisture and help define your curls.

15. Close Cut

man with Close Cut

This short haircut for curly hair is one of the most popular since it’s easiest to maintain. If your schedule is busy, you may want to try this one.  

16. Short Afro

man with Short Afro

The key to the perfect short afro is a leave-in conditioner to nourish your strands. Give Suave Men Leave-In Conditioner With Shea Butter & Coconut Oil a try. 

17. Loose Waves

man with Loose Waves

Your hair may not be completely curly, but it still can pull off many of the popular curly haircuts for men. Loose waves show off a bit of texture and are quick to style.

Style your waves with a product like AXE Natural Look: Softening Cream. 

18. High Top, Low Sides

Man with High top, low sides hairstyle

This short, curly hairstyle for men is classic. Use a bit of AXE Natural Look: Understated Cream when you’re looking for big results. 

19. Slicked-Back Sides

man with Slicked-back Sides

Grab some gel or styling mousse to transform your curls in a matter of minutes. This polished look fits the bill whether you’re going out day or night. Try TRESemmé Curl Hydrate Combing Cream to easily detangle curls while also preventing frizz.

20. Hat Styled

man with Hat Styled

Tuck in your curls when you’re on the move and get a timeless look in return. 

21. Finger Waves

man with Hand Styled

Leave the combs in the drawer and use your fingers to get this sophisticated look. By using your fingers, you’re less likely to cause breakage or split ends. It’s a win-win. 

22. Full Layered Bangs

man with Full Layered Bangs

If you’re a fan of bangs, you’ve got to try this layered look. Layers will make your hair appear fuller and are perfect for those with fine hair.

23. Chestnut Bangs

man with Chestnut Bangs

Have a bit of length on top that you want to show off? No problem. Add some color and let your curls roam freely.

24. Flipped Curls

man with Flipped Curls

Show your true texture without the need for your closet full of styling products. Let your hair curl and flip as it may.

25. Tossed Curls

man with Tossed Curls

This tossed curls look is easier than you think. Wake up, give your curls a shake, and you’re ready to go.

26. Combed-Through

man with Combed Through

For the mornings when time is on your side, spend it grooming and setting your hair perfectly. Piece together this look with your favorite styling cream.

27. Piecey Blonde

man with Piecey Blonde

Those with thin and fine hair will appreciate this piecey blonde curly haircut for men. By separating strands it gives your hair the fullness you’re looking for.

28. Mop Top

man with Mop Top

Let the top of your hair hang freely. It’s an awesome style if you’re looking to grow out your undercut.

 

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