Curly hair can be bold, distinctive, & full of personality; however, curly hair can also be difficult to style, especially when men want to keep it short. With short curly hairstyles for men, you can achieve a trendy, maintainable style while showing off your natural texture without having to deal with long hair.
In this blog, we feature 20 short curly hairstyles for men you can try that are trending in 2025. Whether you want a fade cut or a textured crop cut or are looking to go more edgy with a curly mohawk or some other crazy, curly style, you’ll find something for every curl type and face shape below. We’ll even show you how to keep your curly cut properly maintained with the right tools and products, because a good hairstyle starts with great maintenance.
Short curly hairstyles for men are making a big comeback in 2025. No matter how tight or loose your curls are, short styles for curly hair are stylish, trendy, and easy to maintain while showcasing your natural texture. In this short curly hairstyle guide, you will find 20 of the best short curly hairstyles for men, plus some expert advice on how to maintain each hairstyle for a fresh, clean, and confident appearance.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Short Curly Hairstyles for Men
- Low Maintenance: Easy to wash, style, and care for.
- Defined Curls: The short length of the style helps to keep the curls a bit more structured.
- Modern & Stylish: In-style looks that work for all face shapes.
- Versatile: Will work well in both casual and formal environments.
20 Best Short Curly Hairstyles for Men
1. Curly Crop Fade
- A fade on the sides and a curly top. Clean and modern.
2. Tapered Temple with Curls
- Looks sharp around the ears and temples; you can also increase the volume.
3. Curly Caesar Cut
- This is a cut inspired by the Roman emperor but still has the natural volume of your curls.
4. Short Sides, Long Top
- This is a classic look. Keep the curls fuller on top, while the sides and back can be faded or undercut.
5. High Fade with Tight Curls
- This style is a bold, high-stress cut fade with circular curls that pop.
6. The French Crop with the curls
- This style has a blunt fringe with the curly texture on top; it has a more European feel.
7. Curly Undercut
- This style is great to show off defined curls and will show off the underlying contrast.
8. Short Curly Afro
- This style looks both natural and compact at the same time; your overall look is bold but neat.
9. Curly Ivy League
- It has a professional balance in which curls can stick up while giving the impression of a hair part on the side.
10. Messy Curly Fringe
- This is a more relaxed, casual look to let your curls fall partway forward.
11. Curly Mohawk Fade
- Tight sides, a wild curly strip in the middle, edgy and cool.
12. Skin Fade with Curly Top
- Very short sides and a sharp contrast with full curls above.
13. Curly Faux Hawk
- Similar to a mohawk would be a less extreme edge.
14. Curly Buzz Cut
- All-around Short Curly Hairstyles for Men are low maintenance but with texture.
15. Side Part and Curls
- A side part with product will give you a sharp style while keeping those curls under control.
16. Brushed-Up Curls
- Brush the curls upward, using product or gel. This will give you height like the faux hawk but adds more style.
17. Curly Slick Back
- For the curls that need to be tamed, use pomade and slick them back.
18. Low Fade with Side Curls
- An easy low fade on the bottom and keep those curls brushed to the side.
19. Angular Curly Fringe
- An angular curly fringe is going to give you a sharp & edgy look with curls that are hanging forward. Short curly hairstyles for men are shaped & defined.
20. Curly Top with Line Design
- Add a stylish razor line on the fade for some extra flair.
How to Care for Short Curly Hairstyles for Men
Taking care of short curly hairstyles for men doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow a simple routine:
Use a shampoo and conditioner that are curl-friendly.
- This is important because hydrating products keep moisture and the shape of your curls.
Use a curl cream or mousse to enhance your curls.
- This will allow for curl definition and enhance your texture while not being crunchy!
Dry your hair using a diffuser or air-dry
- Using a towel can create frizz, so a diffuser lets you dry your hair without the friction of a towel, or you can air-dry if you can.
Get a trim regularly
- You should have a trim and shape every 3-4 weeks to avoid split ends.
Just let your curls be
- Unless you have protections on your hair, don’t use heat tools!
Sleep on a satin pillowcase
- This helps limit friction so Short Curly Hairstyles for Men will look fresh when you wake up.
Want to try longer styles too? Check out our guide on 33 Stylish Long Wavy Hairstyles for Men: Transform Your Look Now for bold and trendy options.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the best short curly haircut for men with round faces?
A: Try a curly crop fade or angular fringe for some definition and length to alleviate the roundness of your face!
Q2. What’s the best way to keep my short, curly hairstyle from frizzing up?
A: Use leave-in conditioner and curl cream, and don’t dry your hair with a towel.
Q3. Can men with tight curls pull off short hairstyles?
A: Absolutely! Styles like the curly Afro or buzz cut are great if you have tight curls.
Q4. How often should I wash my short, curly hair?
A: Ideally you only want to wash your curly hair 2 to 3 times per week to help prevent drying it out.
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