Growing curls out is rewarding, but it only looks intentional with the right shape and a styling routine that keeps definition. This gallery covers men with long curly, wavy and kinky hair: a classic afro with defined ringlets, a high-tapered fro, wavy mullets and a shullet, a choppy wolf cut, shoulder-length and neck-length cuts, a curly ponytail and half updo, a top knot over faded sides, feed-in stitch braids and cornrows that finish in a puff.
Curl type affects what will work. Loose waves suit wolf cuts, shags and faux hawks, where choppy layers create movement. Tighter curls and coils hold an afro shape beautifully and are well suited to protective braided styles. Very thick curls benefit from layering that removes bulk, otherwise the hair grows into a triangle.
Face shape plays a part as well. Baby bangs or a fringe help shorten an oblong face, while volume at the sides balances a narrow one. Expect to commit to moisture: long curls need conditioner, leave-in and gentle drying to stay soft and frizz-free.
1. Classic Afro Style
Not sure how to style long curls? Keep it simple with a rounded afro. Define tight ringlets using curl cream and a diffuser, then add a leave-in or oil for shine. A slightly shorter front lets the curls frame your face.
Inspiration: @slickback_buttahtoast
2. Tousled Curly Crop
Tousle the curls to one side and leave a couple of loose strands at the front for a carefree finish. This just-woke-up look is a good starting point for experimenting until you find the style you like best.
Inspiration: @brenttaflammang
3. Wavy Mullet Cut
Shaved sides and a mullet shape give curls on top plenty of texture. The barber sculpted this cut with a straight razor, then diffused it with styling cream and gel for stronger hold and definition.
Inspiration: @j3nnyw3lls_
4. Tapered Fro Hairstyle
A high taper fade, a crisp line at the front, sharp sideburns and a full beard modernise this rounded afro. The shape nods to seventies-style afros, which have made a strong comeback. Book line-ups every two weeks to keep it crisp.
Inspiration: @marquinhos_afrohair
5. Shoulder-Length Crop
Refresh tired curls and get rid of dead ends with a shoulder-length cut. Style with a leave-in conditioner and a blow-out cream for a smooth, put-together finish that still keeps natural movement. Regular trims every few months keep the ends healthy.
Inspiration: @kaseys.hairs
6. Wavy Wolf Cut
Choppy layers in this wolf cut free up the waves and add sharp lines. A short, blunt fringe balances the messy texture and gives the look a deliberate, fashion-forward edge. A sea salt spray helps bring out the waves.
Inspiration: @pepe_hairstylist
7. Curly Ponytail
Pull long curls back into a ponytail when you want them off your face. Subtly shaved temples and a full beard turn it into a modern style with plenty of personality. Use a soft, snag-free elastic to protect the curls.
Inspiration: @khanartist1
8. Layered Crop
Taming a mass of curls is easier with layers, shorter at the front and longer at the back. The shaping prevents an untidy look and creates a stylish outline as the hair grows. Diffuse the curls to keep them defined.
Inspiration: @sarahannworden
9. Feed-In Stitch Braids
Feed-in stitch braids are a protective option for kinky hair. Braided close to the scalp in neat rows, the hair is less prone to breakage and needs little daily maintenance beyond your usual products. Oil the scalp between washes.
Inspiration: @kianashaircraft
10. Shag Cut with Bangs
Not ready for a big chop? A shag with bangs keeps length while adding shape. The front and sides are shorter and the back is left longer, giving an edgy, slightly dramatic effect. Scrunch with curl cream to define the waves.
Inspiration: @florence.hair
11. Highlighted Textured Cut
Subtle highlights on dark curls are a low-effort style upgrade. Good products and simple techniques like scrunching and diffusing keep the texture bouncy and defined. Ask for babylights or face-framing highlights so the colour grows out softly, and use a sulphate-free shampoo to keep it bright.
Inspiration: @evanjosephcurls
12. Shullet Style
A shullet, or shaggy mullet, helps hair grow out gracefully. Keeping the sides slightly shorter than the front and back gives maximum movement and flexibility. Ask for point-cut layers through the crown so the curls stack neatly, and scrunch in a light curl cream to define them.
Inspiration: @cutsbysen
13. Braided Afro Puff
Cornrows ending in an afro puff protect natural hair while leaving texture at the back. Shaved sides complete this bold, confident style. Keep the scalp moisturised with a light oil, sleep in a satin durag or bonnet, and refresh the shaved sides every couple of weeks.
Inspiration: @marquinhos_afrohair
14. Curly Half Updo
A half updo keeps curls away from your face and shifts the look from messy to neat. Gather the top section into a half ponytail or a small man bun. Use a soft scrunchie to avoid creasing the curls.
Inspiration: @robert_curlventure
15. Off-Centered Midi Crop
An off-centre part adds volume and movement at the roots of a medium-length curly cut. Thin-framed glasses give the relaxed style a smart finishing touch. Ask for the curls to be cut dry so the volume sits evenly, and use a light curl cream to keep them defined.
Inspiration: @tabcutshair
16. Messy Style with Baby Bangs
Messy curls and edgy baby bangs give this cut a rock-and-roll feel. It suits oblong faces especially well, as the fringe covers a large forehead and balances a pointed chin. Ask for the bangs to be cut dry so they sit right.
Inspiration: @__k_vu__
17. Long Style with Defined Ringlets
Curly cuts do not have to be short. This long style shows off thick, defined ringlets; keep them moisturised and frizz-free so the texture stays the centre of attention. A curl cream and diffuser help maintain this level of definition.
Inspiration: @donebydayvhud
18. Kinky Neck-Length Hairstyle
Kinky curls get room to breathe in this neck-length cut that boosts texture and volume. Arrange the curls randomly with your fingers for a relaxed, carefree finish. A pick at the roots adds height, and a light leave-in keeps the coils soft and moisturised.
Inspiration: @cachosrubinathy
19. Wavy Faux Hawk
Growing your hair out after years of short cuts? This faux hawk keeps length at the back and adds an undercut on both sides, giving a bold, Viking-inspired look to wavy hair. A little paste helps the top hold its shape.
Inspiration: @luisatorres.hair
20. Top Knot Style
A high top knot shows off faded sides and the fluffy texture of long curls. A little gel or pomade keeps it sleek and secure all day. Keep the knot loose enough to avoid tension at the hairline, and let the curls stay fluffy on top.
Inspiration: @godblessedmyhandstv
Getting a good cut for long curls
Look for a barber or stylist experienced with curly hair, ideally one who cuts curls dry or curl by curl. Curls shrink as they dry, so a wet cut can come out far shorter than expected. Explain whether you want to keep length, add shape or remove bulk, and mention how you usually wear it, whether loose, tied back or in a bun.
A simple routine for defined curls
- Wash with a sulphate-free shampoo once or twice a week and condition every time.
- Detangle only while conditioner is in, using fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Apply a leave-in and a curl cream or gel to soaking-wet hair, then scrunch.
- Air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat; avoid touching the curls until they are dry.
- Finish with a few drops of oil to break up any crunch and add shine.
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase or tie the hair loosely on top to protect the curl pattern.