Curly hair has a mind of its own, and medium length gives it even more room to show off. If you have curls and you’re not sure what to do with them, you’re in the right place. Men’s haircuts for curly medium hair can look sharp, low effort, and full of personality all at once. In this article, you’ll find 20 styles that work for different curl types, face shapes, and daily routines. Pick the one that matches your style and take it to your barber.
1. Classic Curly Taper Fade
This cut keeps the curls long and full on top while the sides taper down close to the skin. It gives you a neat, put-together look without flattening your curls. The taper fade also grows out nicely, so you won’t need a trim every two weeks.
Barbers usually blend the sides with clippers, moving from short at the bottom to longer near the top. This creates a soft transition instead of a hard line. It works well for office settings and casual days alike.
2. Messy Curly Quiff Style
The messy quiff takes your curls and pushes them up and back with a little product. It looks relaxed, but it still has shape and structure. This style suits guys who want volume without spending too much time styling.
To get this look, apply a light cream to damp curls and scrunch upward. Let the curls dry naturally or use a diffuser. The result is a textured, lived-in style that never looks too perfect.
3. Medium-Length Curly Mullet
The curly mullet brings back an old-school look with a fresh twist. It’s shorter on the sides and top, with longer curls left at the back. Curls add extra texture to this style, making it look less flat than a straight-hair mullet.
Read: 20 Best Men’s Haircut for Mature Gray Hair Looks to Try Now
This cut works best if you already have some length to work with. Ask your barber to keep the back loose and bouncy while trimming the front and sides shorter. It’s a bold choice, but it stands out for the right reasons.
4. Modern Curly Undercut
The undercut pairs short, shaved sides with long, curly hair on top. The contrast between the two lengths makes your curls look even fuller. This style also gives you the freedom to style your top curls in different ways each day.
You can wear the curls loose, push them to one side, or slick them back. Since the sides stay short, upkeep is simple. A trim every few weeks keeps the undercut looking fresh.
5. Shaggy Medium Curly Layers
Shaggy layers give your curls a soft, natural movement instead of one solid shape. Layers remove some bulk from thick curly hair, which can make it feel lighter and easier to manage. This cut also adds texture around the face.
Ask your barber for layers that start around chin length and blend upward. This keeps the shape loose instead of chunky. It’s a low-maintenance option that still looks intentional.
6. Textured Curly Fringe
A textured fringe brings your curls forward over the forehead instead of sweeping them back. This style works great if you want to soften a strong jawline or add some youthful energy to your look. The fringe also frames the face nicely.
Keep the sides shorter so the fringe stands out. Use a small amount of curl cream to define the front pieces without weighing them down. This cut pairs well with round or square face shapes.
7. Side-Part Curly Hairstyle
A side part brings a classic, polished touch to curly hair. The part creates a clear line that adds structure, while the curls on either side keep things from looking too formal. It’s a great middle ground between neat and relaxed.
To create the part, comb your damp curls to one side and let them dry in place. A light hold gel helps keep the part visible throughout the day. This style suits work meetings and casual outings equally well.
8. Medium Curly Bro Flow
The bro flow lets your curls grow out and flow back naturally, without a strict shape or heavy styling. It has a relaxed, athletic feel that many guys like for its low-effort appeal. Curls add natural volume, so the flow never looks flat.
This style works best when you let your hair air dry and use your fingers to shape it. Avoid heavy products, since the goal is a natural look. Trims should focus on keeping the ends healthy rather than changing the shape.
9. Curly Pompadour Fade
The pompadour fade combines height on top with a tight fade on the sides. Curls give the pompadour extra volume, so you don’t need much product to build height. The fade keeps the overall look sharp and controlled.
Read: 20 Best Men’s Haircut for Older Men with Glasses Styles
Blow-dry your curls upward and back while they’re damp, then set them with a light-hold spray. This style takes a bit more effort than others on this list, but it delivers a strong, confident look for special occasions or daily wear.
10. Natural Afro Taper Cut
The afro taper keeps your curls in their natural round shape on top while tapering the sides and back. This cut celebrates natural curl texture instead of trying to change it. It’s a great option if you want a low-maintenance style that still looks defined.
Regular trims help keep the afro shape even and round. A light curl cream can reduce frizz without weighing the curls down. This style works for nearly every face shape and hair density.
11. Wavy Slicked-Back Hair
Slicked-back styles work surprisingly well with looser curls and waves. The curls add texture underneath the slick finish, so the style doesn’t look too stiff or old-fashioned. It’s a smart choice for formal events or a polished everyday look.
Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair and comb it straight back. The natural curl pattern will still peek through slightly, giving the style some personality. This cut needs regular maintenance to keep the shine and hold looking fresh.
12. Modern Curly Bowl Cut
The bowl cut has come back in a modern, curl-friendly version. Instead of a flat, heavy shape, curls give this cut natural movement and softness. It suits guys who want a bold, fashion-forward style.
Ask your barber for a rounded shape on top with the length staying fairly even all around. Curls will naturally add texture and break up the traditional bowl shape. This style works especially well with thick, springy curls.
13. Angular Curly Fringe
An angular fringe cuts across the forehead at a slight diagonal instead of straight across. This adds an edgy, modern touch to curly hair. It works well for guys who want something different from the usual fringe styles.
The angle draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones. Keep the rest of the cut simple, like a taper or undercut, so the fringe stays the main focus. A little pomade helps define the angle without flattening the curls.
14. Curly Mohawk Fade Style
The curly mohawk fade takes a bold approach, with a strip of longer curls down the center and faded sides. This style stands out and works well for guys who like to make a statement. Curls add natural height and texture to the center strip.
You don’t need a fully shaved mohawk to get this look. A high skin fade on the sides paired with curls on top creates the same effect with less commitment. Style the center curls upward using a light gel for hold.
15. Layered Medium Curly Bob
The curly bob isn’t just for women anymore. Men with medium-length curls can wear a rounded, layered bob for a soft, effortless look. Layers keep the style from looking too bulky or heavy.
This cut works best on looser curl patterns that fall naturally into shape. Ask your barber to keep the length just above the shoulders with layers throughout. It’s an unconventional but growing choice among curly-haired men.
16. Disconnected Curly Undercut Fade
Read: 20 Sharp Men’s Haircuts for a Professional Office Look
This style creates a clear, sharp line between the long curls on top and the short faded sides. Unlike a blended fade, the disconnected version keeps a visible contrast. It gives the haircut a bold, graphic look.
Barbers usually shave the sides very short or skin close, then leave the top completely untouched in length. This style works best with dense, well-defined curls that can stand out against the short sides.
17. Curly Comb Over with Fade
The comb over gets a curly makeover in this style. Longer curls on top are combed to one side over a faded section beneath. It’s a smart, professional look that still shows off natural texture.
Use a light styling cream to guide the curls in one direction while they’re damp. This helps train them to fall the right way as they dry. The fade underneath keeps the whole look clean and sharp.
18. Textured Curly Crop Cut
The crop cut keeps hair short all around with a slightly longer, textured top. It’s one of the easiest curly styles to maintain, since there’s less length to manage. Curls add natural texture to the cropped top without extra styling.
This cut suits guys with busy schedules who still want a stylish look. A small amount of matte paste can add definition to the top curls. Trims every three to four weeks keep the crop looking sharp.
19. Medium Curly Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs part in the middle and frame both sides of the face. On curly hair, this creates a soft, face-framing effect that’s different from the usual fringe styles. It works especially well with medium-length curls.
Part your damp curls down the middle and let them fall naturally to each side. This style needs very little product, since the curls do most of the work. It suits round, oval, and heart-shaped faces well.
20. Skin Fade with Defined Curly Top
A skin fade takes the sides down to bare skin, creating maximum contrast with the curls on top. This is one of the sharpest, cleanest curly styles you can get. It works for nearly every curl type, from loose waves to tight coils.
Ask your barber to fade the sides gradually into skin, then leave enough length on top to show off your curl pattern clearly. A curl-defining cream helps each curl stand out on its own. This style pairs well with any outfit, from casual to formal.
Final Thoughts
Curly medium hair gives you more options than you might think. From sharp fades to relaxed, natural shapes, there’s a style here for every guy and every curl type. The right men’s haircuts for curly medium hair depend on your face shape, your daily routine, and how much styling time you want to spend.
Talk to your barber about your curl pattern before picking a style. Some cuts work better with tight curls, while others suit loose waves. Try a few different looks over time, and you’ll find the one that feels most like you.
FAQs
How often should I get a haircut with curly medium hair?
Most curly medium hairstyles need a trim every 4 to 6 weeks. This keeps the shape neat and removes split ends before they cause frizz. Some low-maintenance cuts, like the afro taper, can go a bit longer between trims.
Does curly hair need special products for styling?
Yes, curly hair usually looks best with a curl cream or light gel instead of heavy pomade. These products define curls without weighing them down. A diffuser attachment on your hair dryer also helps curls keep their natural shape.
What face shape works best with curly medium hair?
Most face shapes can wear curly medium hair well, since the style depends more on the cut than the face shape alone. Round faces often look great with taller styles like a pompadour or quiff. Square or angular faces suit softer cuts like layered shags or curtain bangs.
Can I get a fade with curly hair?
Yes, fades work very well with curly hair and actually help define the curls on top even more. The short sides create a clear contrast with the longer curly length. Ask your barber for a skin fade or taper fade, depending on how much contrast you want.
How do I stop my curly hair from getting frizzy?
Frizz usually happens when curly hair is dry or over-brushed. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and avoid brushing dry curls with a regular brush. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb on wet hair with some conditioner still in it.
