How to Style Curly Hair for Men | Easy Daily Routine + Product Tips

Curly hair is a natural gift — it’s unique, full of texture, and has a personality of its own. But as anyone with curls knows, this gift comes with its own set of challenges.

Styling curly hair can be tricky. Without the right care and technique, curls can quickly become frizzy, flat, or completely unmanageable. That’s why knowing how to style curly hair properly is essential if you want your hair to look healthy, defined, and effortlessly cool.

In this article, we’ll focus entirely on how to style curly hair for men — step-by-step tips and routines to help you get the most out of your curls.
We’ve already covered the different curly hairstyles in a separate post, so here it’s all about technique, not style choices.

Understand Your Curl Type

Before you dive into styling, it’s important to understand your curl type — whether your hair is wavy, curly, or coily. Each curl pattern behaves differently and responds better to specific techniques and products. Knowing your curl type helps you choose the right routine and avoid mistakes that can damage your hair or ruin your look.

Not sure what your curl type is? 👉 Check out our full guide on Types of Curly Hairstyles for Men to identify your texture and find what works best for you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Curly Hair

Styling curly hair isn’t just about putting in a product and hoping for the best. It’s a process — and when done right, it brings out the best in your curls. Follow these essential steps to keep your curls defined, healthy, and stylish every day.

Start with the Right Wash Routine

Your styling routine starts in the shower. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so keeping it moisturized is key.

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates strip natural oils, which curly hair desperately needs to stay soft and healthy. Look for gentle, curl-friendly formulas.
• Always use a moisturizing conditioner: This helps keep your curls hydrated, reduces frizz, and makes detangling much easier.
• Don’t overwash your hair: Washing too often removes natural oils. 2–3 times a week is usually enough for most curly hair types.
• Use cold or lukewarm water: Hot water can dry out your scalp and hair. Cooler water helps seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture.

Drying Your Hair Properly

How you dry your curls can make or break your final look.

• Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel: This rough motion causes frizz and breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water using a microfiber towel or a clean cotton t-shirt.
• Air-drying is best: Letting your hair dry naturally helps maintain your natural curl pattern without heat damage.
• Using a diffuser? Use it on low heat and low speed. It helps define curls and adds volume, especially if you’re in a rush.

Apply Curl-Enhancing Products

The right products help bring out the best in your curl pattern and hold your style in place.

• Start with a leave-in conditioner or curl cream: Apply it while your hair is still damp — not soaking wet, not dry. These products lock in moisture and shape the curls.
• Use a styling gel or mousse for hold: If you want long-lasting curls with definition, a lightweight gel or mousse can help reduce frizz and keep your hair looking fresh throughout the day.
• Apply using your fingers: Use your hands to distribute the product evenly. Avoid combing your hair at this stage — your fingers are your best tool for preserving your natural curl shape.

Styling Techniques for Best Results

Now that your hair is hydrated and prepped, it’s time to define those curls.

• Finger coiling: Take small sections of your hair and twist them around your finger. Great for tighter, more defined curls.
• Scrunching: Cup your curls from the bottom and push them up toward your scalp. This boosts volume and encourages natural curl formation.
• Twisting or using a curl sponge: Ideal for short, curly hair. Twisting sections or using a sponge in circular motions can create tight, defined curls or coils.

Use of Styling Tools (Optional)

You don’t need fancy tools to style curly hair, but the right ones can make a big difference.

• Use a wide-tooth comb or just your fingers: These are gentle on curls and help avoid breakage. Detangle your hair while it’s still wet and conditioned.
• Try a diffuser attachment if blow-drying: It distributes heat evenly and protects curl shape, reducing frizz and adding volume.
• Avoid fine-tooth combs and regular brushes: They disrupt your natural curl pattern and cause frizz, especially when used on dry hair.

Daily Maintenance Tips

Styling curly hair once isn’t enough — it needs daily care to stay fresh, defined, and frizz-free. Here are some simple yet effective tips to maintain your curls every day without spending hours in front of the mirror.

Refreshing Your Curls in the Morning

Curly hair can flatten or lose shape overnight, but that doesn’t mean you need a full wash every day.

• Use a water spray bottle to lightly mist your curls in the morning — this reactivates any leftover product from the previous day.
• Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or curl refresher spray to bring your curls back to life without making them greasy or heavy.
• Gently scrunch your curls with your hands to help them bounce back into shape.

Preventing Frizz and Dryness

Keeping curls hydrated and protected throughout the day is key to avoiding frizz.

• Avoid touching your hair too much — the natural oils from your hands and constant movement can cause frizz.
• Carry a small bottle of light curl cream or anti-frizz serum if you’re out and about. A small touch-up can make a big difference.
• Stay away from heat tools and harsh weather conditions like wind or humidity as much as possible.

Protecting Your Curls While You Sleep

Nighttime care is often overlooked, but it can make a big difference in how your hair looks the next day.

• Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase — unlike cotton, these fabrics don’t absorb moisture or cause friction that leads to frizz and breakage.
• Alternatively, you can wear a satin/silk bonnet or hair wrap to keep your curls in place and reduce tangles while you sleep.

Taking just a few minutes each day for proper maintenance helps your curls stay healthy, defined, and stylish — with minimal effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, a few wrong moves can ruin your curl game. Here are some of the most common curly hair mistakes — and how to avoid them:

🚿 Using Too Much Product

It’s easy to think “more product = better curls,” but that’s rarely true. Overloading your hair with cream, gel, or mousse can weigh your curls down and leave them looking greasy or crunchy.
✅ Use small amounts, then build up only if needed. Start light — you can always add more, but you can’t take it off without washing.

💥 Brushing Dry Curls

Brushing curly hair when it’s dry is one of the fastest ways to cause frizz, breakage, and a total loss of curl definition.
✅ Always detangle your hair when it’s wet and conditioned, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for minimal damage.

🔥 Heat Styling Without Protection

Blow-drying or straightening your curls without a heat protectant can cause long-term damage, dryness, and split ends.
✅ If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray or cream beforehand — and use the lowest heat setting possible.

✂️ Skipping Regular Trims

Even if you’re growing your hair out, trimming your curls every 6–8 weeks helps prevent split ends and maintains your shape. Without regular trims, curls can start looking uneven, flat, or messy.
✅ Regular trimming keeps your curls looking healthy, bouncy, and well-shaped.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make a huge difference in how your curls look and feel — both in the short and long term.

Recommended Products for Styling Curly Hair

Choosing the right products can make a big difference in how your curls look, feel, and hold up throughout the day. Below are some tried-and-tested options — both affordable and premium — to suit different needs and budgets.

🧴 Shampoo (Sulfate-Free)

• Budget:
  • WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
  • OGX Coconut Curls Shampoo
• Premium:
  • SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
  • Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

💧 Conditioner / Leave-In Conditioner

• Budget:
  • Tresemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Conditioner
  • Mamaearth Argan Conditioner
• Premium:
  • As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
  • Bumble and Bumble Curl Custom Conditioner

💆 Curl Cream / Curl Enhancer

• Budget:
  • L’Oreal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Leave-in Cream
  • Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream
• Premium:
  • Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
  • Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel

💪 Gel / Mousse (for Hold & Definition)

• Budget:
  • Set Wet Curl Defining Gel
  • ECO Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel
• Premium:
  • DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel
  • Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam

🌿 Hair Oil / Serum (for Moisture & Shine)

• Budget:
  • Parachute Advansed Coconut Hair Oil
  • The Moms Co. Natural Hair Oil
• Premium:
  • Moroccanoil Treatment Original
  • Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil

💡 Pro Tip: When trying a new product, always do a patch test and observe how your hair reacts. Every curl pattern is unique — what works for one person might not work for another.

If you opt for a textured hairstyle, then you can try experimenting with sea salt spray for a light, beachy effect. This can give your hair some character while still keeping it simple.

FAQs For Style Curly Hair for Men