27 Short Curly Haircuts Men Can Rock for Easy Style and Texture

Curly hair has a reputation for being wild and hard to manage—but let’s set the record straight: it’s actually a secret weapon. Those natural waves, coils, and ringlets bring texture, volume, and personality that straight hair just can’t match. The key? Finding the right short haircut to let your curls shine without driving you crazy in the mornings.

That’s where this list comes in. These 27 short curly haircuts men are wearing right now prove that curls and style go hand-in-hand. From tight fades and cropped tops to textured curls with clean edges, each cut on this list is designed to work with your hair—not against it.

Whether your curls are soft and loose or tight and defined, you’ll find a look here that suits your vibe, face shape, and lifestyle. Low-maintenance, bold, or somewhere in between—this is your go-to guide to showing off your curls in the freshest way possible.

Why Curly Hair Deserves Its Own Style Guide

Let’s be real—curly hair doesn’t play by the same rules as straight hair. It’s got its own rhythm, its own texture, and definitely its own attitude. That’s exactly why curly hair needs its own style guide. What works for straight hair often falls flat (literally) on curls, and short curly styles come with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

For starters, curls bring natural volume and shape to the table. That’s a gift—but only if the cut is done right. The wrong style can make your hair look puffy or uneven. The right one, though? It can frame your face, highlight your features, and give off a confident, lived-in vibe with minimal effort.

Curly hair also tends to be drier and more prone to frizz, so choosing a style that requires minimal heat and helps maintain moisture is key. Plus, when you get the right short cut, it lets your texture take center stage without getting unruly.

Bottom line: curly hair has different needs, different rules, and way more style potential than it’s often given credit for. So instead of trying to make it fit into the straight-hair playbook, it’s time to embrace it fully—with a guide made just for curls like yours.

Also read: 35 Medium-Length Hairstyles for Men That Define Style and Confidence

Haircare Basics for Short Curly Hair

Short curls still need care. Keep your hair moisturized with a good leave-in conditioner or curl cream—dry curls get frizzy fast. Avoid washing every day; two to three times a week is enough to keep your curls healthy. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle gently, always when hair is damp. And don’t forget regular trims to keep the shape clean and prevent puffiness. Simple routine, big results.

27 Short Curly Haircuts for Men

From tight fades to textured crops, these 27 short curly haircuts for men are all about embracing your natural texture with style. Each cut is designed to keep things fresh, low-maintenance, and full of character.

1. Taper Fade with Tight Curls

This style strikes the perfect balance between clean-cut and natural. The taper fade keeps the sides sharp and structured, while the tight curls on top bring texture and movement. It’s a great choice if you want something neat but not too polished—your curls stay defined, and the fade adds a modern edge. Just apply a bit of curl cream, and you’re ready to go.

Also read: Sharp & Stylish: 17 Low Taper Straight Hair Ideas Every Guy Should Try

2. Curly High Top Fade

Bold and full of personality, the curly high top fade brings serious height to your look. The sides are faded down clean, letting the volume up top take center stage. It’s a throwback to ’90s style with a modern twist, especially if your curls are tight and springy. Keep the shape defined with regular trims and use a curl sponge or styling cream to keep that high top looking sharp.

3. Textured Crop with Curly Fringe

This cut blends relaxed texture with sharp detailing. The top is kept short and tousled, while the curly fringe falls naturally across the forehead for a casual, effortless vibe. The sides can be faded or tapered, adding contrast without taking attention away from the curls. It’s ideal for guys who want a laid-back, low-maintenance style that still looks like you put thought into it.

Also read: From Soft to Sharp: 20 Low Taper Fade Fluffy Haircut You’ll Love

4. Low Fade with Defined Ringlets

This look keeps it clean on the sides with a low fade, letting those defined ringlets on top stand out. It’s a great way to highlight your natural curl pattern without going too bold. The low fade gives structure while the curls bring softness and volume. Use a curl-defining gel or cream to keep the shape looking sharp all day.

Also read: Drop Fade vs Burst Fade Haircuts: Key Differences, Pros & Styling Tips

5. Curly Caesar Cut

The curly Caesar is a classic with a twist—literally. The signature short fringe stays intact, but the curls add texture and depth that give it more life than the straight version. It works best with tighter curls and adds a modern edge to a traditional silhouette. Keep the fringe shaped and use a leave-in conditioner for curl control.

6. Short Afro with Line-Up

The short afro with a crisp line-up is a go-to for clean, defined style. The top is left natural and rounded, while the edges are shaped up with precision for that ultra-fresh finish. It’s simple but powerful, especially if you’ve got tight curls or coils. A taper fade around the sides makes it even sleeker without losing volume.

7. Burst Fade with Curly Top

This one’s for the bold. The burst fade fans out around the ears, creating a striking curve that contrasts perfectly with a full, curly top. It’s edgy but balanced, letting your curls do their thing while keeping the sides super clean. Pair it with a shape-up or beard for a sharp, standout look.

8. Curls with Hard Part

A hard part instantly adds structure to your curls. With this style, the part is shaved in for a clean divide, giving your short curls a sense of direction and polish. It’s especially effective on looser or medium curls and pairs well with a mid fade. A little pomade or cream helps keep everything defined without stiffness.

9. Short Curls with Temple Fade

This cut keeps things cool and subtle with a temple fade that softly blends the sides into your natural curls. It’s low-maintenance but still refined, with enough detail to look intentional. The curls on top stay short and neat, and the fade around the temples adds just the right amount of edge. A go-to choice if you like a clean look without going full fade.

10. High Skin Fade + Short Curly Crown

If you’re after contrast, this one nails it. The high skin fade creates a bold break between your scalp and your curly crown, making the top pop even more. It’s especially flattering on thicker curls, giving the hair volume and structure. Just keep the edges sharp and the curls hydrated, and you’ve got a head-turning style with zero fuss.

11. Messy Curls with Mid Fade

For guys who like a little chaos in their curls, the messy curly top with a mid fade offers texture without looking too polished. The mid fade keeps the shape tidy, while the top stays loose, tousled, and full of movement. It’s perfect for a more relaxed, easy-going vibe—just rake through some light styling cream and you’re done.

12. Curly Mohawk Fade

The curly mohawk fade brings drama and edge in all the right ways. The sides are faded down tight, while the curls are left to rise and run along the center of the head. It’s bold, confident, and perfect for guys who want their curls to be the main event. Style it with some hold to keep the mohawk sharp throughout the day.

13. Curly Undercut

This style is all about contrast—longer curls up top and shaved or buzzed sides underneath. The undercut gives your hair structure and attitude, while the curls bring softness and shape. It’s great for those who want a modern look without sacrificing their natural texture. For extra flair, define the curls with cream and leave the sides clean.

14. Curly Faux Hawk

The curly faux hawk adds just enough edge without going full mohawk. The curls are styled upward through the center, while the sides are tapered or faded for contrast. It’s got personality and movement but still works for day-to-day wear. Ideal if you want something bold but still versatile.

15. Short Curly Taper with Sideburn Design

This cut blends sharp details with natural flow. The curls stay short and tight on top, while a soft taper keeps the sides clean. The real twist? A carved-in sideburn design that adds a subtle creative touch. It’s the perfect mix of classic and unique—great for showing off a bit of flair without going overboard.

16. Finger Coils with Tapered Sides

Finger coils are a great way to define curls with precision. When paired with tapered sides, the result is a clean, stylish cut that really makes the texture stand out. It’s especially flattering on tighter curls and coils, adding control without sacrificing volume. A bit of curl butter or gel keeps each coil in perfect shape.

17. Short Curls with Drop Fade

The drop fade gives this cut a modern twist, curving smoothly behind the ears and down toward the neck. On top, the curls are kept short and shaped neatly, giving off a structured but soft look. It’s a great style for guys who want something sleek but still full of natural texture. Add a line-up for extra sharpness.

18. Classic Curly Crew Cut

Simple, sharp, and always in style—the curly crew cut is a no-fuss option that still looks great. The top is trimmed close, just enough to let the curl pattern show, while the sides are cut slightly shorter for a clean blend. It’s ideal for guys who want a tidy look that plays well with their texture but needs minimal upkeep.

19. Short Curls with Textured Fringe

This one’s for the guys who like their curls a little messy in the best way. The fringe is kept longer and allowed to fall naturally over the forehead, creating a casual, laid-back vibe. The rest of the cut stays cropped and clean, giving contrast to the tousled front. Great for looser curls or waves that need just a little help to look cool without effort.

20. Curly Top with Disconnected Undercut

Bold and high-contrast, this style features a defined disconnect between the full curly top and shaved sides. The sudden drop in length creates a dramatic edge, putting your curls front and center. It’s stylish, expressive, and full of attitude—ideal for those who want to make a statement without overcomplicating their routine.

21. S-Curl Cut with Mid Fade

Soft S-curls bring a natural, sculpted look to this fresh cut. The mid fade keeps the shape modern and sharp, while the top stays thick with smooth, swooping curls. It’s neat but not stiff—perfect for guys who like definition with a little flow. Use a lightweight styling cream to keep the curls soft and in place.

22. Natural Curls with Sharp Hairline

This style keeps the focus on your natural curls while adding precision with a sharp, clean hairline. It’s a solid everyday cut that doesn’t need much work—just regular line-ups to keep those edges crisp. Works especially well for tighter curls that need a little shaping to look their best.

23. Curly Temple Fade + Beard Combo

Balance your look from top to bottom with this cut-and-beard combo. The temple fade blends seamlessly into your curls, while your beard is shaped to match for a full, cohesive style. It’s clean, modern, and masculine—plus, it flatters most face shapes. Just keep the beard lines sharp to tie it all together.

24. Tightly Coiled Top with Low Skin Fade

This style keeps the coils dense and tight on top while the low skin fade brings in contrast and structure. It’s a sleek, modern look that flatters natural texture without overpowering it. The low fade also keeps things sharp without going too high—great if you prefer a more subtle edge. Perfect for guys who want control, style, and a clean finish.

25. Side-Swept Curls with Short Back and Sides

A little movement goes a long way. The top is styled slightly to the side, letting your curls fall in a natural, flowy direction. Meanwhile, the back and sides stay short for a clean, tapered finish. It’s a great style for looser curls or waves and offers just enough shape without looking too done. Easy to style, easy to wear.

26. Brushed Forward Short Curls

This cut brings all your curls forward for a soft yet sculpted silhouette. The top is slightly longer and brushed toward the forehead, creating a rounded shape that enhances your texture. The sides are faded or tapered to keep it clean and sharp. It’s understated but stylish—perfect if you want a cut that works both casually and professionally.

27. Soft Waves with Short Taper Fade

If your hair leans more wavy than curly, this one’s a winner. The soft waves are left to move naturally on top, while the short taper fade keeps the sides and neckline neat. It’s breezy, relaxed, and ideal for those who want something low-key but still sharp. Use a touch of cream to define the waves without weighing them down.

Styling Tips to Keep Curls Looking Fresh

Curls can look amazing—as long as you treat them right. First rule? Moisture is everything. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to keep your hair hydrated and defined. Dry curls turn frizzy fast, so don’t skip this step.

Avoid brushing when dry. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb when your hair is damp to keep the curl pattern intact. Want extra shape? Try a curl sponge or gently scrunch your curls with product while air drying.

Go easy on the shampoo. Washing too often strips natural oils your curls need to stay bouncy. Two to three times a week is usually enough.

And finally—get regular trims. Even short curls can lose their shape over time. A quick cleanup every few weeks keeps things looking intentional, not overgrown. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and your curls will always look on point.

Conclusion

Short curly hair doesn’t need to be tamed—it needs the right cut to let it shine. With the right shape and a little bit of care, your curls can be the best part of your look. From bold fades to laid-back crops, these 27 short curly haircuts for men prove there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to texture and style.

Whether you’re after something edgy or something easy, there’s a curly cut here for every personality, face shape, and hair type. So embrace the curls, book that cut, and show off what makes your hair yours. Because curls? They’re not a challenge—they’re your style secret.