If you have curly hair, you can do one of two things with it: Fight the texture or embrace it. By opting for one of the best hairstyles for curly hair, you can finally put the hair straightener down and letting those locks do exactly what they want. Some of the most handsome curly-haired men in Hollywood, like Oscar Isaac, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jay-Z (for a moment), are letting their natural hair texture run free. Take it as a green light for you to do the same. As celebrity hairstylist Sarah Singh says, it’s better for both you and your hair to embrace the natural shape.
“The more you brush, comb, touch, or keep reshaping curls, especially as they dry, the more you break up the pattern and invite frizz,” says Singh. “Curls usually look best when you give them a little freedom.”
Curly hair runs on a spectrum, so figuring out your curl pattern will help dictate which hairstyle works best for you and your particular texture. But regardless if you’re a 2a or 4c, your curls will need a “solid moisture routine” before you even think about styling—think curl creams and conditioners, both leave-in and those that wash out. Also take into consideration your living environment.
“Humidity, heat, dryness, and even how active you are can completely change how curls behave, so the cut and products have to make sense for your actual day-to-day,” Singh says.
Once you’re more attuned to what you’re working with, here’s some inspiration for your next curl-friendly haircut.
The Modern Flow
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Longer lengths for men have been trending, and when you have curls, that extra length adds drama and flair to what could otherwise run the risk of looking too American Psycho. This medium-length cut has “soft layers that let the curls move,” Singh says, which adds to a sort of “bedhead chic” that’s somehow put together while looking effortless. The front of the hair is left just a little shorter to frame the face, while all the hair is brushed back to be both loose and unfussy.
The Warrior Mane
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