13+ Curly Hairstyles For Medium Hair Men: That Get Noticed
Medium length curly hair represents the perfect balance between manageable styling and expressive personality. Men with natural curls often struggle to find hairstyles that showcase their texture while maintaining a polished appearance. The challenge lies not in the curls themselves but in understanding how to work with your curl pattern rather than against it. This comprehensive guide explores over thirteen distinctive curly hairstyles specifically designed for medium hair lengths that command attention and elevate your overall aesthetic.
The versatility of medium length curly hair offers countless possibilities for self expression. Whether you prefer classic sophistication or contemporary edge, there exists a style that aligns with your personal brand and lifestyle requirements. The following hairstyles have been selected based on their popularity, practicality, and proven ability to enhance the natural texture of curly hair while providing structure and definition.
Understanding Your Curl Type Before Styling
Before selecting any hairstyle, understanding your specific curl type proves essential for achieving optimal results. Hair professionals categorize curls into distinct classifications that determine which cuts and products work most effectively.
Type 2 hair exhibits loose waves with an S shaped pattern. These curls benefit from lightweight products that enhance bounce without weighing down the natural movement. Type 3 hair displays more defined spiral curls with considerable volume and springiness. This curl category requires balanced hydration to maintain shape and prevent frizz. Type 4 hair features tight coils with a zigzag pattern requiring intensive moisture and specialized cutting techniques.
Identifying your curl type influences product selection, cutting approach, and daily maintenance routines. Medium length hair provides enough length to showcase your curl pattern while remaining manageable for everyday styling. The right hairstyle transforms your curls from a grooming challenge into your most distinctive feature.
1. The Textured Curly Crop
The textured curly crop stands as one of the most requested hairstyles for men with medium curly hair. This cut features slightly shorter sides while maintaining substantial length on top to display your natural curls. The contrast creates visual interest while keeping the overall look clean and contemporary.
Barbers achieve this style through strategic layering that removes excess weight without sacrificing volume. The sides typically range from one to two inches while the top section measures three to five inches depending on your curl pattern intensity. This length difference allows your curls to bounce naturally while preventing the mushroom effect that plagues many curly hairstyles.
Styling requires minimal effort with the right products. Apply curl enhancing cream to damp hair, distributing evenly from roots to ends. The key involves defining individual curl clusters rather than fighting against your hair’s natural inclination. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on low heat to preserve curl definition and minimize frizz control issues.
2. Medium Length Curly Fringe
The curly fringe creates a youthful, approachable appearance while highlighting your texture. This style maintains short sides with longer curls falling forward across the forehead. The fringe adds dimension and frames your face, drawing attention to your facial features.
Professional execution requires precision cutting techniques that account for curl shrinkage. Your barber should cut the fringe slightly longer than desired, anticipating how the curls will contract when dry. The sides receive a fade or taper treatment while the top section gradually increases in length toward the front.
Maintenance demands consistent moisture application to keep the fringe soft and pliable. Use lightweight styling products that provide hold without creating stiffness or crunch. Finger styling works best for this look, allowing you to direct the fringe naturally without disrupting your curl pattern. Regular trims every four to six weeks maintain the intended shape and prevent split ends from compromising your style.
3. The Classic Curly Undercut
The curly undercut delivers maximum contrast between short sides and abundant top volume. This bold style has dominated men’s grooming trends for several years due to its versatility and striking visual impact. The dramatic difference in length creates a modern silhouette that works equally well in professional and casual settings.
Achieving this look requires significant length difference between the top and sides. Barbers typically clipper the sides to a uniform short length ranging from a number two to number four guard. The top section maintains three to six inches of length, providing ample space for your curls to express their natural characteristics.
The styling process emphasizes your curls’ inherent bounce and movement. Apply curl cream or light hold gel to damp hair, scrunching gently to encourage curl formation. The undercut naturally directs attention upward, making your curls the focal point of your appearance. This style particularly suits men with oval or rectangular face shapes who want to add width and volume to their overall look.
4. Tapered Sides with Curly Top
The taper fade with curly top represents a refined approach to curly hairstyles. Unlike the dramatic undercut, the taper creates a gradual transition from short sides to longer curls on top. This sophisticated gradient offers a more conservative option while still showcasing your natural texture.
The technical execution requires skilled barbering to create smooth transitions between different lengths. The fade typically begins at the temples and neckline, gradually increasing in length as it moves toward the crown. The top section maintains medium length, allowing your curls to display their full character without overwhelming your facial features.
This versatile style adapts to various professional environments while maintaining contemporary appeal. The gradual length transition provides a polished appearance suitable for corporate settings. Styling involves applying medium hold products that define curls without creating excessive shine or stiffness. The tapered sides reduce maintenance requirements while keeping your overall look sharp and intentional.
5. Shaggy Layered Curls
Shaggy layers inject personality and movement into medium length curly hair. This approach embraces a more relaxed, organic aesthetic that celebrates your hair’s natural tendencies. The layered cutting technique removes weight strategically, allowing curls to cascade with enhanced bounce and dimension.
Creating effective shaggy layers requires understanding how curls interact at different lengths. Experienced stylists cut with the curl pattern, ensuring each layer complements rather than fights against your hair’s natural direction. The result showcases texture variation throughout your hairstyle, creating depth and visual interest from every angle.
Maintenance for shaggy layers remains refreshingly simple. The intentionally undone appearance means your hair looks better with minimal intervention. Apply texturizing products to enhance separation between curl clusters. Sea salt spray works exceptionally well for this style, amplifying natural texture while providing light hold. The deliberately imperfect nature of shaggy layers means you spend less time achieving the desired look.
6. The Modern Curly Mullet
The curly mullet has experienced a remarkable resurgence in contemporary men’s hairstyling. This updated interpretation features tapered or faded sides with substantial length maintained throughout the crown and back sections. The style delivers retro appeal with modern execution, creating a distinctive look that separates you from conventional hairstyle choices.
Professional execution distinguishes the modern mullet from outdated versions. The sides receive clean fade treatment while the top and back maintain coordinated length that showcases your curl pattern. The transition between sections should appear intentional rather than accidental, requiring skilled cutting techniques and regular maintenance.
Styling the curly mullet involves enhancing your natural curl definition throughout the longer sections. Curl cream distributed through damp hair provides hold and moisture while reducing unwanted frizz. This style particularly suits men comfortable making bold aesthetic choices and willing to invest in regular barbershop visits to maintain the precise shape.
7. Side Part Curly Style
The side part brings classic sophistication to curly hairstyles while working with medium length hair. This timeless approach creates structure and polish, making it ideal for professional environments requiring conservative appearance standards. The defined part adds geometric precision to your naturally organic curls.
Creating an effective side part in curly hair requires strategic product application and styling technique. Apply styling cream to damp hair, then use a wide tooth comb to establish your part line. The part should follow your natural hairline direction, typically falling slightly off center. Allow your curls to dry naturally or use a diffuser to set the style.
The side part curly style works exceptionally well for men with looser curl patterns where individual curls remain visible and defined. This approach frames your face asymmetrically, creating visual interest while maintaining professional appropriateness. Regular conditioning treatments preserve your hair’s health and ensure your curls maintain their shape and bounce.
8. Curly Quiff with Volume
The curly quiff combines upward volume with backward styling direction, creating a statement look that projects confidence. This style requires sufficient length on top to achieve the characteristic lift while maintaining shorter sides for contrast. The quiff works particularly well for special occasions or when you want to elevate your everyday appearance.
Achieving the curly quiff demands specific styling techniques and products. Volumizing mousse applied to roots provides the foundation for lift. Direct your curls backward and upward while blow drying with a diffuser attachment. The key involves creating height without sacrificing your natural curl pattern or introducing excessive frizz.
This style suits men with medium density curls who possess enough natural volume to support the lifted shape. Face shape considerations prove important as the quiff adds vertical height that can elongate your overall appearance. Regular touch ups throughout the day may be necessary to maintain the intended silhouette, making this a higher maintenance option compared to other styles discussed.
9. Messy Curls with Low Fade
The messy curl approach celebrates intentional imperfection while maintaining clean sides through a low fade. This balanced combination provides structure around the perimeter while allowing free expression on top. The low fade begins just above the ears, creating subtle contrast without dramatic length differences.
The appeal of messy curls lies in their authenticity and effortless appearance. Rather than forcing your curls into rigid patterns, this style encourages natural texture and movement. The low fade provides definition and prevents your hairstyle from appearing unkempt despite its deliberately casual top section.
Styling involves enhancing rather than controlling your curls. Apply leave in conditioner to maintain moisture levels, followed by light hold products that define without stiffening. Scrunch your hair while drying to encourage curl formation. The messy aesthetic means you avoid the stress of achieving perfection, making this an excellent choice for men preferring low maintenance grooming routines.
10. Brushed Back Curly Style
Brushed back curls create a sleek, mature appearance while showcasing your natural texture. This refined style directs all hair backward from your hairline, creating a sophisticated silhouette appropriate for professional settings. The technique works best with medium to longer curly hair that possesses enough length to reach backward comfortably.
Creating this look requires products with stronger hold capabilities. Apply styling cream or light pomade to damp hair, then use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to direct curls backward. The goal involves creating smooth direction while maintaining visible curl definition. Some men prefer adding slight volume at the crown to prevent the style from appearing too flat.
This style particularly benefits men with receding hairlines as the backward direction creates the illusion of fuller hair coverage. The brushed back approach also keeps hair away from your face, making it practical for active lifestyles or professional environments. Regular deep conditioning treatments maintain the health required for this sleek styling approach.
11. The Curly Mohawk
The curly mohawk makes a bold statement through extreme contrast between very short sides and substantial volume along the center strip. This edgy style appeals to men comfortable with attention grabbing aesthetics and willing to commit to regular maintenance. The mohawk showcases your curls in their full glory while maintaining clean, defined edges.
Professional execution requires precision work to create symmetrical short sides while preserving perfect length along the central section. The sides typically receive clipper work creating a skin fade or very close cut. The center strip maintains three to five inches of length, providing space for your curls to express maximum volume and texture.
Styling the curly mohawk involves encouraging upward movement along the central strip. Apply strong hold gel or mousse to damp hair, then use your fingers to direct curls upward. Some men prefer blow drying with a diffuser to lock in the lifted shape. This high impact style demands confidence and works best for men with strong facial features that can balance the dramatic hair presentation.
12. Twist Out Style
The twist out technique creates defined, elongated curls with uniform appearance throughout your hairstyle. This method particularly suits men with tighter curl patterns seeking to showcase curl definition while adding length perception. The process involves twisting small sections of damp hair, allowing them to dry, then carefully separating the twists to reveal uniform curls.
Achieving quality twist outs requires patience and proper product selection. Apply generous amounts of curl cream to freshly washed, damp hair. Section your hair and twist small portions from root to tip. The size of each twist section determines your final curl size larger twists create looser curls while smaller twists produce tighter definition.
Allow twists to dry completely before separating them. This may require overnight setting or several hours of air drying. Once dry, carefully unravel each twist and gently separate the curls with your fingers. The result delivers consistent curl pattern with impressive definition and bounce. This style typically lasts several days with proper nighttime protection using a satin pillowcase or bonnet.
13. Highlighted Curly Medium Length
Strategic highlighting adds dimension and depth to medium length curly hair. This technique involves lightening select curls to create contrast and visual interest. The interplay between natural color and highlighted sections enhances your curl pattern, making individual curls more visible and defined.
Professional coloring proves essential for achieving natural looking results. Experienced colorists understand how to place highlights that complement your natural texture rather than fighting against it. The lightened sections should appear organically distributed throughout your hair, mimicking how sun exposure would naturally lighten curls.
Maintaining highlighted curly hair requires specialized care routines. Color treated hair demands extra moisture and protection from heat damage. Use sulfate free shampoos and deep conditioning treatments weekly to preserve color vibrancy and maintain hair health. The investment in highlighting pays dividends through enhanced visual texture and dimension that makes your curls stand out.
14. Natural Flow with Mid Fade
The natural flow approach emphasizes working with your curl’s inherent characteristics while incorporating a mid fade for structure. This style allows maximum expression of your natural texture without imposing rigid styling requirements. The mid fade begins halfway up the sides, creating moderate contrast that frames your flowing curls.
This versatile option suits various curl types and face shapes. The key involves finding the optimal length that allows your curls to display their natural bounce and movement without becoming unmanageable. Most men achieve best results with three to five inches of length on top, though individual curl pattern may require adjustment.
Maintenance remains straightforward with emphasis on hydration and frizz control. Apply leave in conditioner followed by curl enhancing products to damp hair. Allow natural air drying or use a diffuser on low heat. The natural flow aesthetic celebrates authenticity, making it perfect for men who appreciate low maintenance styling while still maintaining polished appearance.
Essential Styling Products for Curly Hair Success
Product selection dramatically influences your styling success with medium length curly hair. Understanding which products serve specific purposes empowers you to create and maintain your chosen hairstyle effectively.
Curl cream forms the foundation of most curly styling routines. These products provide moisture, definition, and light hold without creating stiffness or crunch. Apply to damp hair for best absorption and distribution. Look for formulations containing natural oils and butters that nourish while styling.
Leave in conditioner addresses the chronic dryness that plagues curly hair. These products remain in your hair after washing, providing continuous hydration throughout the day. The constant moisture supply helps maintain curl definition while reducing frizz control challenges.
Gels offer stronger hold for styles requiring more structure. Modern curl gels differ significantly from outdated formulations that created helmet like stiffness. Contemporary options provide flexible hold that maintains shape while allowing natural movement. Apply to very wet hair and allow complete drying before touching to avoid disrupting curl formation.
Maintenance Techniques for Long Lasting Style
Proper maintenance extends the life of your hairstyle while preserving your hair’s health and appearance. Developing consistent care routines prevents common curly hair problems and reduces daily styling time.
Washing frequency significantly impacts curl health. Most curly hair types thrive with washing two to three times weekly rather than daily cleansing. Overwashing strips natural oils that provide essential moisture and protection. Use sulfate free shampoos that clean gently without harsh detergents.
Nighttime protection prevents morning styling disasters. Cotton pillowcases create friction that disrupts curl patterns and increases frizz. Switch to satin or silk pillowcases that allow your hair to glide smoothly during sleep. The pineapple technique gathering hair into a loose high ponytail protects longer curls overnight.
Regular trimming maintains shape and removes split ends that travel up the hair shaft causing breakage. Schedule barber visits every six to eight weeks for optimal results. Consistent trimming prevents the need for dramatic length removal later while keeping your chosen style looking intentional and well maintained.
Professional Consultation Benefits
Seeking professional guidance accelerates your journey toward perfect curly hair management. Experienced barbers and stylists possess knowledge about curl behavior, cutting techniques, and product recommendations that books and articles cannot fully convey.
A skilled barber evaluates your specific curl type, face shape, and lifestyle requirements before recommending appropriate styles. This personalized assessment ensures you select hairstyles that complement your natural features while fitting your daily routine. Professional execution of complex cuts like fades and tapers proves difficult to replicate at home.
Establishing a relationship with a curl specialist barber provides ongoing support as your hair grows and your style preferences evolve. These professionals track your hair’s response to different products and techniques, making adjustments based on observed results. The investment in professional services pays dividends through improved appearance and reduced frustration with home styling attempts.
Conclusion
Medium length curly hair offers exceptional versatility for men willing to embrace their natural texture. The thirteen styles presented provide diverse options ranging from conservative professional looks to bold contemporary statements. Success lies in understanding your curl pattern, selecting appropriate cuts, and maintaining consistent care routines.
The revolution in men’s curly hair acceptance means more resources, products, and professional expertise exist than ever before. Your curls represent a distinctive feature that sets you apart when properly managed and styled. The journey toward mastering your curly hair requires patience, experimentation, and willingness to invest in quality products and professional guidance.
Transform your curls from a grooming challenge into your signature feature. Select styles that align with your personality and lifestyle while respecting your hair’s natural characteristics. With proper technique, suitable products, and regular maintenance, your medium length curly hair commands attention and elevates your entire presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should men with curly medium hair wash their hair?
Men with curly medium hair should wash two to three times weekly using sulfate free shampoo. Overwashing strips essential natural oils that provide moisture and frizz control. Between washes, use dry shampoo or simply rinse with water to refresh your curls without removing beneficial oils.
What face shapes work best with medium curly hairstyles?
Medium curly hairstyles complement most face shapes when properly executed. Oval faces suit virtually any curly style. Round faces benefit from styles with height and volume on top that elongate appearance. Square faces work well with softer, flowing curls that balance angular features. Consult your barber for personalized recommendations based on your specific facial structure.
Can you straighten curly hair occasionally without permanent damage?
Occasional heat straightening using proper protection products and temperature controlled tools typically causes minimal damage. Always apply heat protectant spray before straightening and use the lowest effective temperature setting. Limit straightening frequency and follow with deep conditioning treatments to maintain hair health. Regular straightening eventually causes cumulative damage affecting curl pattern quality.
Which products prevent frizz in humid weather?
Anti humidity products containing silicones or oils create protective barriers against moisture absorption. Apply curl cream with anti frizz properties to damp hair before styling. Finish with light oil or serum on dry hair focusing on the outer layer. Avoid touching your hair throughout the day as hand contact introduces oils and disrupts curl formation increasing frizz appearance.
How long does it take to grow medium length curly hair?
Growing curly hair to medium length typically requires eight to fourteen months depending on your natural growth rate and starting length. Curly hair appears shorter than straight hair due to curl contraction. Regular trims during the growing process maintain health and shape while preventing split ends. Patient consistent care during the growth phase ensures you achieve desired length with optimal texture and definition.
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