Curly Hair News

How to Get Curls for Men:Styles, Products & Techniques

Jul 08 2026
ALANNA YORK

If your hair has a little bend, wave, or texture but never quite turns into defined curls, the problem usually is not your hair it is the routine. Getting curls for men's hair comes down to three things: the right cut, enough moisture, and styling your hair while it is still wet enough to shape.

Whether you want loose waves, tighter curls, or a cleaner everyday style, you do not need a complicated shelf full of products. You just need to understand what your hair can naturally do and how to bring that texture out.

How to Get Curls for Men's Hair Naturally

The easiest way to get curls is to work with the texture you already have. If your hair gets wavy after a shower, flips at the ends, frizzes in humidity, or dries with bends instead of staying straight, you probably have natural texture waiting to be defined.

Start by looking at your hair when it is freshly washed and product-free. Let it air dry without brushing it. If you see waves, bends, coils, or uneven texture, curl styling products can help organize that shape into a more intentional curl pattern.

Here is what usually makes the biggest difference:

Stop brushing dry hair.
Brushing after your hair dries breaks up curl clumps and creates puffiness.
Use a moisturizing product before styling.
Curly and wavy hair needs moisture to form smoother, more defined shapes.
Apply product to wet hair.
Wet hair is easier to shape before frizz starts.
Scrunch upward.
This encourages your natural curl pattern instead of stretching it flat.
Let your hair dry before touching it.
Touching while drying is one of the fastest ways to create frizz.

If your hair is naturally very straight, products alone may not create lasting curls. In that case, you may need heat styling, a perm, or a haircut that adds movement.

Can Men Make Straight Hair Curly?

Men with completely straight hair can create temporary curls with tools, styling techniques, or a perm. Curl cream can enhance texture, but it cannot permanently change straight hair into curly hair.

If your hair is straight but slightly flexible, try this routine first:

Wash and condition your hair.
Towel-squeeze gently so it stays damp, not dripping.
Apply a small amount of curl cream.
Twist small sections around your finger.
Scrunch upward with your hands.
Let it air dry or diffuse on low heat.

This can create more movement, especially if your hair already has a slight wave. For stick-straight hair, a professional perm will create a longer-lasting curl pattern, but it should be done carefully to avoid dryness or damage.

Perm vs Natural Curls for Men: Which One Is Better?

A perm and natural curl enhancement are not the same thing.

A perm chemically changes the shape of your hair. It can be a good option if your hair is naturally straight and you want a more permanent curly style. The downside is that perms require maintenance, gentle products, and regular moisture because chemical processing can make hair feel drier.

Natural curl enhancement works with the texture already in your hair. If your hair waves, bends, coils, or frizzes, you may not need a perm at all. A curl cream, better drying method, and the right haircut can make your natural texture look much more defined.

Choose natural curl styling if:

Your hair gets wavy or curly when wet
Your hair frizzes instead of drying straight
You want a low-maintenance routine
You prefer a softer, more natural finish

Choose a perm if:

Your hair is very straight
You want a stronger curl pattern
You are comfortable with chemical maintenance
You have a stylist who understands men’s curly hair

Best Haircuts for Men's Curly Hair

A great curly style starts with the cut. Even the best product will struggle if your haircut removes too much shape or leaves too much weight in the wrong places.

Short Curly Hair for Men

Short curls are easy to manage, but they still need moisture and control. A textured crop, curly fade, or short taper works well because the sides stay clean while the top has enough length to curl.

Best for:

Low-maintenance styling
Men who want a polished look
Thick hair that gets bulky quickly
Loose curls or tighter coils

For short hair, use a small amount of curl cream. Too much product can make short curls look greasy or flat.

Medium Curly Hair for Men

Medium-length curls give you more styling options. This length works well for a curly fringe, layered curls, a messy-but-controlled look, or a modern taper with volume on top.

Best for:

More visible curl definition
Natural volume
Men who want movement without long hair
Wavy to curly textures

Medium curls usually need better product distribution. Rub the cream between your palms first, then apply it evenly through damp hair before scrunching.

Long Curly Hair for Men

Long curls need more moisture because the ends are older and usually drier. A layered cut helps prevent the triangle shape, where curls sit flat on top and puff out at the bottom.

Best for:

Men who want fuller curls
Strong natural curl patterns
Shoulder-length styles
Defined waves, curls, or coils

Long curls often look best when styled in sections. Apply product from mid-lengths to ends first, then lightly work what is left near the roots.

Best Products for Getting Curls for Men

The best men’s curly hair products depend on your texture and the finish you want. You do not need every product at once, but each type has a purpose.

Curl Cream for Soft Definition

Curl cream is the best starting point for most men because it adds moisture, definition, and frizz control without making hair stiff. It is especially useful if your hair looks dry, fluffy, or undefined after washing.

A good curl cream should:

Define your natural curl pattern
Reduce frizz
Add softness
Avoid a greasy finish
Keep curls touchable
Work well on wet hair

Controlled Chaos Curl Cream for Men is a strong fit here because it is made to define curls, control frizz, and keep the finish natural instead of heavy. Use it when your hair is soaking wet or very damp so the product spreads evenly before frizz has a chance to form.

Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Curls

If your curls feel rough, tangled, or dry before you even style them, add a leave-in conditioner before curl cream. This helps soften the hair so your styling product can define instead of just sitting on top.

Leave-in works especially well for:

Thick curls
Coarse hair
Longer hair
Dry ends
Curls that frizz easily

Gel for Stronger Hold

Gel is useful when you want longer-lasting control, especially in humidity. It gives more hold than curl cream, but it can feel too firm if used alone.

For many men, the best routine is curl cream first, then a small amount of gel on top when extra hold is needed. Curl cream gives softness and shape. Gel helps lock that shape in place.

How to Make Men's Hair Curly Step by Step

Technique matters as much as the product. If you apply curl cream to dry hair, brush it through aggressively, or touch your curls while they dry, you will lose definition fast.

Use this simple routine.

1. Start With Clean, Wet Hair

Curl products work best when your hair is wet. Water helps curls clump together and gives the cream something to spread through.

After washing, gently squeeze out extra water. Do not rough-dry with a towel. Regular towel friction can make curls frizzy before styling even begins.

2. Apply Curl Cream Evenly

Start with a small amount. Rub it between your palms first, then apply it through your hair.

Use this amount guide:

Short hair: pea-sized to dime-sized amount
Medium hair: dime-sized to nickel-sized amount
Long or thick curls: nickel-sized to quarter-sized amount
Very dense hair: apply in small sections

The goal is even coverage, not product overload.

3. Scrunch Upward to Shape the Curl

Cup the ends of your hair in your hands and scrunch upward toward your scalp. This helps curls form instead of stretching them down.

If your hair is longer, flip your head forward and scrunch from the ends upward. If your hair is short, use your fingertips to lift and press the curls into shape.

4. Let Your Hair Dry Without Touching It

This step is where many men lose definition. Once your product is in, stop touching your hair until it is fully dry.

You can air dry for a softer look or use a diffuser on low heat for more volume. Keep the airflow gentle. High heat and strong air can break up curl clumps.

5. Scrunch Again Once Dry

When your hair is fully dry, gently scrunch it once more with clean hands. This softens any product feel and makes curls look more natural.

Do not rake your fingers through your hair at this stage. That can turn defined curls into frizz.

Men's Curly Hair Styles by Length

The right style depends on how much time you want to spend styling and how much curl you want to show.

Best Styles for Short Curly Hair

Short curls look sharp when the sides are controlled and the top has enough length for texture.

Good options include:

Curly crop
Short taper with curls
Curly fade
Textured fringe
Tight curls with clean sides

Use a small amount of curl cream and focus on the top section. Keep the sides neat so the style looks intentional.

Best Styles for Medium Curly Hair

Medium curls are the most flexible. You can wear them neat, loose, messy, or more polished.

Good options include:

Curly fringe
Medium taper
Layered curls
Messy defined curls
Side-parted curls

This length benefits from curl cream because it keeps the shape soft but controlled.

Best Styles for Long Curly Hair

Long curls need shape, moisture, and patience. The haircut should have layers so curls do not sit heavy at the bottom.

Good options include:

Shoulder-length curls
Long layered curls
Curly shag
Loose waves with layers
Half-up curly style

Use product in sections and focus on the ends, where hair is usually driest.

Common Mistakes That Stop Men From Getting Defined Curls

Small styling habits can make curls look flat, frizzy, or messy. Fixing these often gives better results than adding more product.

Applying Product to Dry Hair

Dry hair has already started forming frizz. Apply curl cream when your hair is wet so it can shape the curl before it dries.

Using Too Much Product

More product does not always mean more definition. Too much cream can make curls heavy, oily, or flat.

Start small and add more only where needed.

Brushing After Styling

Once product is in, avoid brushing. Brushing separates curl clumps and turns definition into puffiness.

Use your fingers only if you need to adjust the shape.

Touching Hair While It Dries

Touching wet curls breaks up the pattern. Let your hair dry completely before scrunching or reshaping.

Skipping Regular Haircuts

Curly hair needs shape. If the ends are uneven, heavy, or damaged, your curls will not sit the way you want them to.

A trim every few months keeps the style cleaner and easier to manage.

How Often Should Men Wash Curly Hair?

Most men with curly hair do not need to wash every day. Daily shampooing can strip natural oils and make curls feel dry.

A better routine is:

Wash 2–3 times per week if your scalp gets oily
Wash 1–2 times per week if your hair is dry or thick
Rinse and restyle between washes if needed
Refresh curls with water and a small amount of product

If you work out often, sweat heavily, or use a lot of styling product, adjust based on your scalp. The goal is clean hair without drying out your curls.

Simple Daily Routine for Men's Curly Hair

You do not need a complicated routine to get better curls. Start with this:

Wash or rinse your hair.
Keep it wet or very damp.
Apply Curl Cream for Men evenly.
Scrunch upward to form curls.
Air dry or diffuse on low heat.
Do not touch until dry.
Scrunch once dry for a softer finish.

On non-wash days, mist your hair with water, apply a tiny amount of curl cream to frizzy areas, and scrunch curls back into shape.

FAQ: Curls for Men's Hair

How can I make my hair curly if I am a guy?

Start by washing your hair, applying curl cream to wet hair, and scrunching upward to encourage texture. If your hair already has waves or bends, this can help create more defined curls. If your hair is completely straight, you may need heat styling or a perm for stronger curl formation.

What product makes men's hair curly?

Curl cream is usually the best first product because it helps define natural texture, reduce frizz, and keep curls soft. Men with dry or thick curls may also benefit from a leave-in conditioner. If you need stronger hold, layer a small amount of gel over curl cream.

Is curl cream good for guys?

Yes, curl cream is great for guys with wavy, curly, or coily hair. It helps make curls look more controlled without the stiff or crunchy finish some styling products leave behind. Apply it to wet hair for the best result.

Can straight hair turn curly for men?

Straight hair will not permanently turn curly from product alone. Styling products can add temporary texture if your hair has some natural bend, but very straight hair usually needs heat styling or a perm to create visible curls.

How do men keep curls from getting frizzy?

Apply product while your hair is wet, avoid rough towel drying, and do not touch your hair while it dries. A curl cream helps smooth the hair and support curl shape, while a diffuser on low heat can help dry curls without blowing them apart.

Final Takeaway

Better curls usually come from better habits, not more effort. Start with wet hair, use a small amount of curl cream, scrunch upward, and let your hair dry before touching it.

If your curls need soft definition without a heavy or greasy finish, Controlled Chaos Curl Cream for Men is the easiest place to start. One good product, used the right way, can make your natural texture look cleaner, healthier, and more intentional.