Effortless Edge: Exploring Modern Short Curly Hairstyles for Men

Gone are the days when short curly hairstyles for men were an afterthought!

If you’ve been rocking a natural curl and are ready to seriously upgrade your look, you’re in the right place.

We’re talking fresh, modern, and undeniably stylish cuts that highlight your unique texture.

Get ready to discover 20 incredible options that prove short curls are anything but boring. It’s time to unleash your best hair yet!

21 Short Curly Hairstyles for Men

The Tapered Temple Fade with Voluminous Curls

The Tapered Temple Fade with Voluminous Curls
Credit: Instagram – parsakarma

This stylish men’s haircut beautifully combines tight, textured curls on top with a sharp, skin-tapered fade on the sides and back. The transition from the longer, curly hair to the neatly shorn sides is seamless, offering a clean and modern aesthetic. This particular style accentuates the natural volume and bounce of curly hair, allowing it to be the focal point while maintaining a well-groomed appearance around the ears and nape.

The short, faded sides provide a striking contrast to the lush curls, making the overall look both edgy and sophisticated. This cut is a fantastic option for those who want to embrace their natural curls without feeling overwhelmed by length. It offers versatility, allowing for different styling options with products to enhance curl definition or add extra hold. The precision of the fade also highlights facial features and jawlines.

This haircut is a strong contender for men seeking a fresh, contemporary look that is easy to manage while still making a statement. It’s an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, from casual outings to more formal events. The clean lines and controlled volume make it a truly appealing and on-trend hairstyle for men with curly hair.

High Top Curls with a Subtle Fade

High Top Curls with a Subtle Fade
Credit: Instagram – dream_looks.11

This haircut showcases a youthful and energetic vibe through its emphasis on naturally curly hair styled into a high top. The curls are dense and full, creating a prominent shape on the crown. Moving down, the sides are kept relatively short with a subtle fade, providing a clean transition that doesn’t detract from the volume up top. This approach balances the fullness of the curls with a neat and manageable perimeter.

The textured top allows for natural movement and definition of each curl. It’s a style that celebrates the inherent texture of curly hair, requiring minimal styling effort for a great look. Around the ears, the fade is gentle, offering a soft contrast rather than a sharp disconnection. This makes the hairstyle versatile, fitting both casual and slightly more dressed-up occasions.

For men with naturally curly hair, this high top with a subtle fade is a fantastic way to express their personality. It’s a low-maintenance yet impactful style that highlights the hair’s natural beauty while keeping the overall silhouette tidy. The focus remains on the springy, lively curls, making it a standout choice.

Naturally Defined Short Curls

Naturally Defined Short Curls
Credit: Instagram – moxiebykc

This hairstyle embraces the natural texture of tightly coiled curls, cut to a manageable short length all around the head. Individual curls are well-defined, creating a textured and voluminous look without appearing overly styled. The even length maintains a balanced silhouette, allowing the inherent beauty of the curls to shine through.

Around the face and neckline, the hair follows the natural curve, providing a soft and approachable appearance. This style works particularly well for those with naturally dense curly hair, as it allows for easy maintenance and a consistently full look. A simple wash-and-go approach often suffices to maintain this charmingly tousled style.

For men who prefer a low-fuss yet stylish option, this naturally defined short curly haircut is a strong contender. It highlights the hair’s inherent texture and volume in a neat and attractive way. This cut offers a relaxed and effortless charm, suitable for everyday wear.

Burst Fade with Textured Crop

Burst Fade with Textured Crop
Credit: Instagram – goldenscissors.london

This view highlights a dynamic haircut featuring a burst fade that curves around the ear. Above the fade, the hair is styled into a textured, short crop with natural-looking curls. The contrast between the cleanly faded sides and the fuller, textured top creates a modern and eye-catching silhouette. This cut emphasizes the volume and definition of the curls on the upper portion of the head.

The burst fade technique allows for a gradual blending of the hair length, starting short near the ear and extending slightly longer towards the back of the neck. It provides a stylish and contemporary twist on the classic fade. Moreover, the short, textured curls on top are easy to manage and maintain, offering a practical yet fashionable option for men with naturally curly hair.

For individuals seeking a haircut that combines a sharp, defined fade with the natural charm of curly hair, this burst fade with a textured crop is a great choice. It delivers a balance between a groomed appearance and the inherent texture of curls, resulting in a look that is both trendy and manageable. The focus on the ear as the central point of the fade adds a unique and stylish element.

Modern Mullet with Tapered Sides

Modern Mullet with Tapered Sides
Credit: Instagram – ramiroleall

This haircut presents a modern take on the classic mullet, tailored for men with curly hair. The top and back feature well-defined, springy curls that maintain significant length and volume. Contrastingly, the sides are expertly tapered, fading down to a very short length near the ears. This sharp contrast creates a clean and contemporary profile while allowing the natural texture of the curls to truly stand out.

The transition from the longer curly sections to the shorter, faded sides is smooth, contributing to a polished yet edgy look. This style allows for a playful embrace of natural curls, offering a unique silhouette that is both trendy and easy to manage. It’s a haircut that speaks to individuality, blending a classic shape with modern precision.

For those seeking a distinctive and fashion-forward curly hairstyle, this modern mullet with tapered sides provides an appealing option. It balances the retro charm of the mullet with the sleekness of a contemporary fade, resulting in a bold and memorable appearance. This cut is certainly a conversation starter, showcasing personality and style.

Textured Crop with Defined Ginger Curls

Textured Crop with Defined Ginger Curls
Credit: Instagram – bangzsalontn

This image showcases a textured short crop, highlighting natural ginger curls that are well-defined and full of bounce. The hair on top maintains a consistent, short length, allowing the individual coils to form a captivating texture. The sides are neatly trimmed and kept relatively short, creating a clean frame for the voluminous curls above. This style embraces the natural movement and body of curly hair, giving a lively appearance.

The subtle layering on the crown enhances the natural curl pattern, making the hair appear effortlessly styled. This haircut is notably low-maintenance, requiring minimal fuss to look good. It’s a fresh and modern approach to managing curly hair, offering both comfort and contemporary appeal. The overall impression is one of effortless cool, allowing the natural hair color and texture to be the star.

For men with lighter, curly hair, this textured crop is a fantastic choice. It provides a neat yet casual aesthetic, emphasizing the hair’s inherent characteristics. The style is adaptable for various settings, making it a versatile and appealing option for those seeking a stylish yet easy-to-care-for look.

Frosted Curls with a Low Fade

Frosted Curls with a Low Fade
Credit: Instagram – wadgestudio

This hairstyle features tightly coiled curls on top with subtle blonde highlights, adding dimension and a sun-kissed effect. The curls maintain a relatively short length across the crown, creating a uniform and textured appearance. Along the sides and back, a low fade gradually blends the hair down to a shorter length above the ears and nape. This provides a clean and defined outline that complements the curly top.

The gentle fade ensures that the focus remains on the textured curls and the added highlights. It’s a style that balances a relaxed, natural look with a touch of modern grooming. The short length of the curls makes it easy to manage, while the highlights introduce visual interest and a sense of individual style. This combination is both practical and fashionable for men with curly hair.

For individuals looking to enhance their short curly hair with a bit of flair, this frosted curls with a low fade is an excellent choice. It offers a blend of natural texture and contemporary style, making it suitable for various occasions. The subtle highlights add a unique touch without being overly bold, contributing to an overall appealing and well-groomed aesthetic.

High Volume Curly Top with Shadow Fade

High Volume Curly Top with Shadow Fade
Credit: Instagram – p_cachos

This hairstyle showcases a significant volume of tight, dark curls on the top of the head, creating a full and rounded shape. The curls are densely packed, providing a bold and textured appearance. Around the sides and back, a shadow fade gradually blends the hair down to a very short length, almost a skin fade, near the ears and neckline. This sharp contrast accentuates the volume on top.

The shadow fade offers a clean and defined perimeter, making the curly top the clear focal point of the style. This cut is particularly effective for highlighting the natural density and texture of tightly coiled hair. It delivers a strong, confident look that is both modern and attention-grabbing. Styling is relatively simple, focusing on maintaining the definition and volume of the curls on top.

For men with naturally thick and curly hair who want a style that makes a statement, this high volume curly top with a shadow fade is an excellent choice. It combines the impact of voluminous curls with the sleekness of a close fade, resulting in a dynamic and stylish appearance. This haircut is well-suited for those who want to showcase their natural texture with a contemporary edge.

Wavy Top with Mid Skin Fade

Wavy Top with Mid Skin Fade
Credit: Instagram – pracowniadave

This haircut showcases short, natural waves on the top, providing a relaxed yet textured appearance. The waves are subtle, creating a soft and manageable style across the crown. Transitioning down, the sides feature a mid skin fade that starts high above the ear and gradually blends down to the skin. This offers a sharp and clean contrast to the softer texture on top.

The skin fade provides a modern and edgy feel, highlighting the natural curve of the head. It’s a versatile fade that works well with various hair textures on top. The combination of the slightly longer, wavy hair and the close-cut fade results in a balanced and stylish look. Styling the top can be as simple as using a light product to enhance the natural wave and add a bit of hold.

For men who appreciate a blend of natural texture and contemporary grooming, this wavy top with a mid skin fade is a solid option. It’s a haircut that is both fashionable and easy to maintain, suitable for everyday wear as well as more polished occasions. The contrast between the wavy top and the clean fade creates a visually appealing and modern aesthetic.

Mid-Length Curly Afro with Natural Taper

Mid-Length Curly Afro with Natural Taper
Credit: Instagram – dolledbydermara

This hairstyle showcases a head full of voluminous, medium-length curls, forming a rounded afro shape. The curls appear soft and touchable, with a natural, slightly tousled texture. Around the perimeter, the hair follows a natural taper, gradually shortening towards the nape of the neck and the ears. This subtle shaping maintains a neat silhouette while celebrating the hair’s natural volume.

The mid-length of the curls allows for versatility in styling; they can be encouraged to be more defined or left in their natural, looser state. This cut embraces the inherent texture and bounce of curly hair, providing a look that is both stylish and effortless. It highlights the natural density of the hair, creating a full and vibrant appearance.

For men who want to showcase their natural curly hair without excessive shaping or fading, this mid-length curly afro with a natural taper is a fantastic option. It’s a timeless and approachable style that emphasizes the beauty of natural curls while maintaining a well-groomed overall shape. This haircut is easy to manage and exudes a relaxed confidence.

Mid-Length Curly Afro with Natural Taper

Mid-Length Curly Afro with Natural Taper
Credit: Instagram – ohreilly

This hairstyle showcases a head full of voluminous, medium-length curls, forming a rounded afro shape. The curls appear soft and touchable, with a natural, slightly tousled texture. Around the perimeter, the hair follows a natural taper, gradually shortening towards the nape of the neck and the ears. This subtle shaping maintains a neat silhouette while celebrating the hair’s natural volume.

The mid-length of the curls allows for versatility in styling; they can be encouraged to be more defined or left in their natural, looser state. This cut embraces the inherent texture and bounce of curly hair, providing a look that is both stylish and effortless. It highlights the natural density of the hair, creating a full and vibrant appearance.

For men who want to showcase their natural curly hair without excessive shaping or fading, this mid-length curly afro with a natural taper is a fantastic option. It’s a timeless and approachable style that emphasizes the beauty of natural curls while maintaining a well-groomed overall shape. This haircut is easy to manage and exudes a relaxed confidence.

Textured Top with Gradual Fade

Textured Top with Gradual Fade
Credit: Instagram – l7salon_edisonnj

This image shows a modern hairstyle featuring a textured curly top that maintains good volume and definition. The curls are relatively short but still possess a distinct coil, providing a lively and dynamic appearance. Below the crown, a gradual fade transitions smoothly from the longer hair on top to a much shorter length around the ears and nape. This creates a clean and refined outline for the hairstyle.

The fade offers a contemporary contrast to the natural softness of the curls, giving the overall look a sharp yet approachable feel. It’s a versatile cut that works well with a variety of face shapes. The styling focuses on enhancing the natural curl pattern, perhaps with a touch of product to define the coils without making them stiff. This makes the look low-maintenance for daily wear.

For men seeking a stylish haircut that balances the natural beauty of their curls with modern grooming, this textured top with a gradual fade is an excellent choice. It offers a fresh and appealing aesthetic, suitable for both casual and more formal environments. The blend of textures creates a visually interesting and current hairstyle.

Natural Flowing Curls with Tapered Sides

Natural Flowing Curls with Tapered Sides
Credit: Instagram – thecuttingedgemilton

This haircut showcases natural, dark curls with a healthy sheen, styled to fall casually around the face. The curls are allowed to maintain their natural length on top, giving a relaxed and effortless appearance. Along the sides and back, the hair is subtly tapered, providing a clean finish that complements the overall flow of the curls without a stark contrast.

The length on top allows for the curls to frame the forehead and temples softly, highlighting the facial features. This style is low-maintenance, relying on the natural texture of the hair to create its attractive shape. It offers a balance between a groomed look and the freedom of natural hair. The gentle tapering ensures the style remains neat and polished around the ears and neck.

For men who prefer a more relaxed yet put-together curly hairstyle, this natural flowing curls with tapered sides is a compelling option. It celebrates the inherent beauty of curly hair, offering a versatile look that can transition easily from casual to more formal settings. This cut exudes an approachable and confident vibe, embracing natural texture.

Short Shaggy Curls with Undercut Detail

Short Shaggy Curls with Undercut Detail
Credit: Instagram – vanityhairbellingham

This hairstyle features a lively arrangement of short, defined curls on top and at the back, giving a textured, shaggy appearance. The dark, glossy curls possess a natural bounce, adding considerable volume and movement. Around the sides, a subtle undercut or very short taper keeps the hair neat and tidy, providing a clean contrast to the fuller, more playful curls.

The length on top and at the nape allows the curls to create a dynamic silhouette, framing the face with soft, natural lines. This cut balances a controlled look on the sides with the unrestrained charm of curly hair. It is a fantastic option for men who want to showcase their natural curl pattern without excessive length. The style is adaptable for various settings, offering both comfort and a touch of edgy sophistication.

For those who appreciate a blend of casual appeal and deliberate styling, these short shaggy curls with an undercut detail are a strong contender. It highlights the inherent texture and volume of curly hair, while the trimmed sides ensure a polished finish. This hairstyle is low maintenance and expresses a confident, modern aesthetic.

Textured Crop with High Skin Fade

Textured Crop with High Skin Fade
Credit: Instagram – blossomshair2006

This haircut features a distinct textured crop on top, composed of tightly wound curls that create a full and defined appearance. The length on the crown is kept short enough to be easily managed but long enough to showcase the natural curl pattern. Transitioning sharply from the top, a high skin fade is expertly executed on the sides and back, revealing the skin and creating a bold contrast.

The high fade draws attention upwards, emphasizing the volume and texture of the curls. This style is known for its sharp, clean lines and modern appeal, offering a contemporary take on short curly hair. It requires precise barbering to achieve the seamless blend from hair to skin. For daily styling, a curl-enhancing product can help maintain the definition of the curls.

For men seeking a striking and fashionable haircut that combines natural texture with a sleek finish, this textured crop with a high skin fade is a compelling choice. It offers a fresh and edgy aesthetic, making it a popular option for those who want to stand out. This cut balances natural hair features with a highly sculpted look.

Curly Crop with Undercut and Tapered Nape

Curly Crop with Undercut and Tapered Nape
Credit: Instagram – salonforstmeier

This haircut showcases a voluminous mass of brown, tightly coiled curls on top, creating a soft, textured crown. The curls are cut to a consistent, short length, allowing for natural definition and bounce. Below the top, a distinctive undercut cleanly separates the longer curls from the much shorter hair on the sides and back. This design provides a strong, modern contrast.

Around the nape of the neck, the hair is expertly tapered, gradually shortening to a neat finish. This attention to detail in the lower sections highlights the skilled craftsmanship of the cut. The overall style strikes a balance between embracing natural curly texture and maintaining a sharp, clean aesthetic. It offers a contemporary and edgy vibe for men with curly hair.

For those seeking a haircut that combines ample curl volume with a precise, sculpted base, this curly crop with an undercut and tapered nape is a compelling choice. It’s a stylish and manageable option, allowing the natural curls to be the focal point while the clean lines add sophistication. This style is quite striking, ensuring a memorable look.

Voluminous Short Curly Style with Beard Integration

Voluminous Short Curly Style with Beard Integration
Credit: Instagram – liberta_cachos

This image showcases a head of thick, dark, and abundantly curly hair, cut to a relatively short length that still maintains significant volume and natural bounce. The curls are densely packed, creating a full and textured look that complements the wearer’s beard. The hair is styled to follow the natural curvature of the head, providing a soft and approachable silhouette.

The short length of the curls allows for easy management while still celebrating the inherent texture of tightly coiled hair. There isn’t a defined part, and the hair seems to fall naturally, enhancing the effortless appeal of the style. The way the hair interacts with the full beard creates a cohesive and masculine aesthetic, where both the hair and beard contribute to the overall impression of natural fullness.

For men with naturally curly hair and a beard, this voluminous short curly style offers a harmonious and balanced look. It embraces natural texture and volume without requiring extensive styling, making it a practical yet attractive option. This hairstyle exudes a confident and relaxed charm, emphasizing natural features.

Layered Short Curls with Face-Framing

Layered Short Curls with Face-Framing
Credit: Instagram – headchopstudio

This hairstyle features a head of dark, tightly coiled curls cut to a short to medium length, with noticeable layering throughout. The layers allow individual curls to have more definition and movement, creating a textured and dynamic look. Some curls fall naturally to frame the forehead and sides of the face, softening the overall appearance.

The volume is evenly distributed, providing a balanced silhouette that isn’t overly bulky. This style appears effortless and relies on the natural springiness of the curls. It suggests a low-maintenance approach, where the hair’s natural texture is embraced rather than forced into a specific shape. The overall impression is one of relaxed, natural charm.

For men with curly hair who prefer a length that is easy to manage yet still showcases their texture, this layered short curl style is a great option. It offers a casual and approachable aesthetic, suitable for various everyday situations. The layers enhance the hair’s natural volume and movement, resulting in a soft and stylish look.

High Volume Afro Taper

High Volume Afro Taper
Credit: Instagram – naturalselectionsalonswindon

This image shows a hairstyle with a substantial amount of tightly coiled, dark brown curls, shaped into a high-volume afro on the top. The curls are densely packed, creating an impressive and uniform texture across the crown. Along the sides and back, the hair is gradually tapered, blending down to a shorter length that defines the hairline around the ears and neck.

The careful tapering on the sides and back provides a clean contrast to the fuller top, allowing the natural volume of the curls to be the focal point. This particular style celebrates the inherent texture and density of the hair, offering a bold yet controlled look. It frames the face well, complementing the natural beard line. The overall presentation is one of confidence and natural appeal.

For men with highly textured curly hair seeking a commanding yet neat style, this high volume afro taper is an appealing choice. It is a fantastic way to embrace natural hair while maintaining a polished appearance around the edges. This haircut is both stylish and expressive, demonstrating a strong sense of personal flair.

Defined Curly Top with Sharp Temple Fade

Defined Curly Top with Sharp Temple Fade
Credit: Instagram – richard_soler

This haircut showcases a well-defined curly top, where the dark curls are short but distinct, exhibiting a lively texture and bounce. The volume on top is modest yet impactful, framing the forehead with a soft, natural line. The sides feature a sharp temple fade that transitions smoothly from the hair length on top down to a very close cut around the temples and ears, creating a clean and modern separation.

The precision of the fade highlights the facial features and jawline, contributing to a refined and contemporary appearance. This contrast between the natural texture of the curls and the meticulously groomed sides is a hallmark of current men’s hairstyles. The style is notably low-maintenance for everyday wear, requiring minimal fuss to keep the curls looking their best.

For men seeking a neat yet stylish haircut that embraces their natural curls while maintaining a sharp profile, this defined curly top with a sharp temple fade is a compelling option. It offers a fresh and confident aesthetic, suitable for a range of occasions. This cut effortlessly combines natural charm with modern sophistication.