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As men, we are always looking for ways to switch up our look and stand out from the crowd. One way to achieve this is by getting curly hair – a look that exudes confidence, style, and uniqueness. However, curly hair can be hard to maintain and even harder to achieve if you were not naturally blessed with it. But fear not, with the right techniques and products, you too can have luscious curls that will make heads turn. 

Read on to learn more about the process of getting curly hair for men, from understanding your hair type to choosing the right products and styling tips. So let’s get started!

Types of Curly Hair for Men

In the world of men’s hairstyles, the options can seem overwhelming. Let me simplify things by highlighting some of the most popular and widely embraced styles:

Natural Curls

The charm of natural curls has been on the rise. This style imparts your hair with natural waves that gracefully taper at the ends, giving the appearance of thickness and fullness. Achieving this look is straightforward, using curling irons or rollers, depending on your desired curl pattern.

Wavy Hair

For those seeking a style that’s a bit more relaxed than natural curls, wavy hair is a fantastic choice. Without relying on heat styling tools, you can achieve these beachy locks through a combination of blow-drying and scrunching your hair.

Tight Curls

Men who wish to make a bold statement are increasingly turning to tight curls. These well-defined ringlets require some heat styling, typically done with curling wands or flat irons. When executed with precision, tight curls can suit both professional and casual settings, making them a versatile choice.

No matter which curly hairstyle you opt for, rest assured that there are abundant options available for individuals like us who seek to express their unique personalities through their hairstyles.

Enhancing Natural Waves

For men with existing natural waves, the quest for curly hair becomes much simpler. In this scenario, achieving full-fledged curls is merely a matter of accentuating your hair’s inherent texture and adding definition.

Select the Appropriate Shampoo

Your choice of shampoo during washing plays a crucial role in achieving your desired curls. Some shampoos are formulated to enhance curly styles, while others offer added volume, providing the necessary lift to maintain the shape of your curls. If you’re uncertain which type suits your hair best, consider trying a customized shampoo that caters to all your wave-related needs.

Opt for a conditioner that aligns with the objectives of your shampoo to optimize your results before styling your curls. 

Refine Your Drying Method

Given that hair moisture is a pivotal factor in achieving enduring curls, your post-shower drying technique can significantly influence your results. Air drying stands out as an excellent choice to minimize heat-related damage. While using a hair dryer, be mindful that it can reduce the necessary moisture for your hair, so either limit its use or employ a diffuser attachment if you’re not quite ready to part with it.

Opt for Shorter Hairstyles

Thick or heavy hair has a tendency to straighten out curls, making shorter hairstyles a preferable choice when transitioning from waves to curls. A high fade with extra length on top creates a dedicated area to work with and emphasizes the curls you wish to accentuate. 

Opt for Curl-Enhancing Products

Curl creams are specifically formulated with ingredients that aid in defining and shaping your curls. Typically applied to damp hair, these products effectively seal in moisture and, as they dry, result in soft, manageable curls that maintain their natural flexibility.

8 Easy ways to get curly hair for men with naturally straight hair

Curling Iron

Use a curling iron to create defined curls. Select the barrel size that matches the curl style you desire, and remember to use heat protectant products to prevent damage. This method provides instant results, but it’s not a permanent change.

Heatless Curling Techniques

Experiment with heatless curling techniques such as rag curls, pin curls, or flexi-rods. These methods use your hair’s natural flexibility and don’t require heat, reducing the risk of damage.

Braids or Twists

Braid or twist your hair when it’s damp and leave it overnight. In the morning, carefully undo the braids or twists to reveal loose waves or curls.

Perms or Texturizers

Consider getting a perm or texturizer treatment at a salon. These chemical processes can provide you with long-lasting curls, but it’s essential to have them done by a professional to avoid damage.

Curl-Enhancing Products

Invest in curl-enhancing hair products such as mousse, creams, or curl activators. Apply these products to damp hair and scrunch or twist your hair to create curls.

Use a Diffuser

When blow-drying your hair, attach a diffuser to the dryer. This tool distributes heat evenly and reduces frizz while encouraging your hair to curl.

Bantu Knots

Create Bantu knots in your hair by twisting sections and coiling them into small knots. Once your hair is dry, carefully undo the knots to reveal curly hair.

Chemical Treatments

In 2023, chemical treatments will remain a popular avenue for men seeking to achieve curly hair. A commonly employed method involves the use of chemical relaxers, which effectively loosen tight curls. Chemical relaxers work by straightening the hair, imparting a shiny and silky appearance.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Curls

To maintain healthy and defined curls, regular maintenance is crucial. Here are some things you can do to keep your curly hair looking its best:

Reduce Shampoo Frequency

Frequent shampooing can deplete your hair of its natural oils, and dry hair tends to have less cooperative curls. Unless you have fine hair, perspire heavily, or reside in a high-humidity environment, there’s no reason why you can’t space out your washes by a day or two. The key is to preserve your hair’s natural moisture, providing it with the elasticity required to maintain the desired curls.

Proper Hydration

Curly hair tends to be drier, so it’s crucial to keep it well-hydrated. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner formulated for curly hair. Consider incorporating a deep conditioning treatment into your routine to restore and retain moisture.

Gentle Detangling

To prevent breakage and minimize frizz, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle your hair when it’s wet and coated with conditioner. Begin at the tips and work your way up to the roots.

Air Drying and Diffusing

Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible to maintain your natural curl pattern and reduce frizz. If you must use a hairdryer, attach a diffuser to minimize disruption and preserve your curls’ integrity.

Quality Hair Products

Invest in hair products specifically designed for curly hair, such as curl-enhancing creams, gels, and leave-in conditioners. Experiment to find the products that work best for your hair type and styling needs.

curly hair products for men

Shampoo

Look for a shampoo that is sulfate-free and silicone-free, as these ingredients can strip your curls of their natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Some good options include:

• SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Shampoo
• As I Am Coconut CoWash
• DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser
• DevaCurl NoPoo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser

Conditioner

Use a conditioner that is specifically designed for curly hair. It should be rich in moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil. Some good options include:

• Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner
• Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner

Stylers

There are a variety of styling products that can be used to enhance curly hair. Here are popular options:

• Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is perfect for defining and accentuating curls without leaving them feeling rigid or crispy.
• Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream excels at detangling, hydrating, and defining curls.
• DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel is designed to secure your curls in place while maintaining their moisture and preventing any dryness or flakiness.

To use these products, start by washing and conditioning your hair as usual. Once your hair is clean and damp, apply a leave-in conditioner to help moisturize and detangle your curls. Then, apply a styling product to help define and hold your curls in place. You can use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to help dry your hair and define your curls.

FAQs

Q: What is the best haircut for curly hair?

The best haircut for curly hair is one that works with your natural curl pattern. A layered cut or a taper fade are great choices for men with curly hair.

Q: Can I straighten my curly hair?

Yes, it is possible to straighten curly hair, but it can be damaging if not done correctly. Make sure to use heat protectant products and limit straightening to once a month.

Q: How do I prevent my curls from becoming frizzy?

Using a leave-in conditioner and avoiding heat styling can help prevent frizz. Additionally, avoid brushing your hair when it is dry, as it can cause frizz.

Q: Can I get curly hair if I have straight hair?

Yes, with the right techniques and products, you can achieve curly hair even if you have naturally straight hair.

Q: How long does it take to grow out curly hair?

It depends on the individual’s hair growth rate, but on average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to grow out curly hair.

Final Takeaway

Achieving curly hair for men may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and products, it is definitely achievable. Remember to understand your hair type, be patient during the growing-out phase, and invest in the right products for your curls. With proper care and maintenance, you can rock luscious, defined curls that will make you stand out from the crowd. So embrace your curly hair and have fun experimenting with different styles!