Medium Curly Hair Ideas For Men are stylish, versatile, and easy to maintain. With their natural texture and volume, curly hairstyles offer a trendy and effortlessly cool look. Whether you prefer a refined, polished style or a more rugged, carefree vibe, there’s a medium curly hairstyle that suits your personality and lifestyle. In this article, we’ve rounded up 30 of the trendiest medium curly hair ideas to inspire your next look.
Medium Curly Hair Ideas For Men
Textured Curly Undercut
The textured curly undercut is a modern and stylish choice for men who want a sharp yet effortless look. With short sides and voluminous curls on top, this hairstyle creates a striking contrast that enhances natural texture. It’s easy to style with a bit of curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define the curls. Whether you’re going for a casual or dressed-up appearance, this haircut is a perfect balance between edgy and polished.
Messy Medium-Length Curls
For a laid-back and effortlessly cool look, messy medium-length curls are an excellent option. This style embraces natural movement and volume, giving off a relaxed, beachy vibe. It works well for men with looser curls or waves, allowing them to create a tousled effect with minimal styling. A lightweight mousse or sea salt spray can add definition while maintaining a natural finish.
Curly Fringe with Tapered Sides
A curly fringe paired with tapered sides is a great way to frame the face while keeping the overall style fresh and modern. The curls in the front add texture and movement, while the taper keeps the sides clean and structured. This style is particularly flattering for men with defined curls who want a fashionable and youthful look. To maintain the shape, regular trims and a bit of styling cream can keep curls bouncy and controlled.
Classic Brushed-Back Curls
Brushed-back curls offer a timeless and sophisticated look, perfect for men who want a polished yet relaxed hairstyle. The key to this style is keeping the curls loose and voluminous while ensuring they are neatly styled away from the face. A light-hold gel or curl cream can help maintain the shape without making the hair stiff. This style works well for both casual and formal occasions, making it a versatile choice.
Layered Medium Curly Hair
Layers are an excellent way to add structure and movement to medium-length curly hair. By incorporating layers, the curls appear more defined and bouncy, reducing the risk of heaviness or flatness. This cut works especially well for men with thick or dense curls, as it enhances the natural shape of the hair. To keep the curls looking fresh, a moisturizing conditioner and a lightweight curl-defining product are essential.
Shaggy Curly Hairstyle
For those who love a retro, carefree vibe, the shaggy curly hairstyle is a perfect choice. Inspired by the ‘70s, this look embraces volume and texture, creating a slightly undone yet stylish appearance. The layers in a shaggy cut prevent the hair from looking too bulky while maintaining a full-bodied shape. A bit of texturizing spray or curl cream can enhance the natural curls, giving them a soft, effortless finish.
Curly Mullet
The curly mullet is a bold and trendy haircut that has made a huge comeback. With shorter sides and longer curls in the back, this look adds a playful and edgy twist to classic curls. It’s ideal for men who want to stand out while embracing their natural texture. Keeping the curls hydrated and using a light styling product will help maintain volume and shape, ensuring the mullet looks stylish rather than unkempt.
Defined Curls with a Mid Fade
A mid fade combined with defined curls on top creates a clean and stylish contrast. The fade keeps the sides neat and sharp, while the curls on top remain the focal point of the hairstyle. This cut works well for men who want a balance between structure and natural movement. To achieve well-defined curls, using a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner can help keep the hair moisturized and frizz-free.
Wavy Slicked-Back Style
If you prefer a more polished and sleek appearance, a wavy slicked-back style is a great option. This hairstyle works well for men with looser curls or waves, allowing them to comb their hair back while still maintaining volume. A light-hold gel or pomade can help achieve a smooth look without making the hair too stiff. Whether you’re heading to a formal event or just want a refined everyday look, this style is effortlessly classy.
Medium-Length Afro Curls
For men with tighter curls or coils, a medium-length afro is a bold and stylish choice. This look embraces natural volume and shape, creating a statement hairstyle that exudes confidence. Keeping the curls moisturized and well-maintained is key to preventing dryness and frizz. Using a leave-in conditioner or curl cream can help keep the curls soft, bouncy, and full of life.
Hair Care Tips for Medium-Length Curly Hair
Maintaining medium-length curly hair requires the right hair care routine to keep curls looking defined, healthy, and frizz-free. The first step is choosing the right shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for curly hair. Sulfate-free shampoos are ideal as they prevent excessive dryness, while moisturizing conditioners help keep curls soft and manageable. Deep conditioning treatments once a week can also provide extra hydration and prevent breakage.
Frizz control is another essential part of curly hair maintenance. To avoid frizz and maintain curl definition, it’s important to avoid overwashing, as frequent shampooing can strip natural oils. Instead, washing hair 2–3 times a week and using a leave-in conditioner can help retain moisture. Drying methods also matter—using a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt to blot excess water instead of rubbing can minimize frizz. Additionally, air-drying or using a diffuser on a low-heat setting can enhance curl patterns without creating unwanted frizz.
The right styling products play a key role in keeping curls defined and voluminous. Curl creams help provide moisture and enhance shape, while mousse adds light hold and bounce without making the hair feel heavy. For extra definition, using a small amount of styling gel or curl-enhancing serum can help lock in the curl structure. Regular trims every few weeks will also prevent split ends and maintain a fresh, stylish look. By following these simple tips, men with medium-length curly hair can achieve well-defined, healthy curls with ease.
FAQ
1. How can I style my medium-length curly hair for a casual look?
For a relaxed and casual look, apply a lightweight curl cream or mousse to damp hair and let it air dry. You can also use a diffuser on low heat to enhance volume and definition. A tousled, messy finish adds to the effortless appeal.
2. What haircut works best for medium curly hair?
Some of the best haircuts for medium curly hair include the curly undercut, layered curls, curly fringe with tapered sides, and the shaggy curly hairstyle. These styles maintain volume while keeping the hair manageable.
3. How do I keep my medium curly hair from getting frizzy?
To prevent frizz, use a sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner. Avoid towel-drying with rough fabrics—opt for a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt. Using a leave-in conditioner and curl-enhancing products will also help maintain definition and reduce frizz.
4. How often should I trim my medium curly hair?
It’s recommended to trim your hair every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape, prevent split ends, and keep curls looking fresh. Regular trims also help avoid excessive bulkiness while keeping your style well-defined.
Hi, I’m Kortnee Vancleave, a hairstylist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I’ve always had a passion for hair, which led me to pursue my education at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology, where I trained in cosmetology, barbering, styling, and nail instruction. As the proud owner of Top Knot Stylist, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft and sharing my love for hair with clients.
I created my website as a resource to inspire both women and men with fresh, creative hairstyle ideas. Whether you’re looking for classic cuts or bold transformations, I’m here to help you find your next look!