Best Curly Haircuts 2026 - Trendy Curly Hairstyles for Men and Women

If you're tired of the same old straight hair and want some different, eye-catching curly hairstyles, you are in the right place. Today, we are going to share the top 10 trending and popular curly haircuts for men and women in 2026. Find out the cut that works perfectly with your natural curls.

Best Curly Haircuts for Men 2026 - Trendy Men's Curly Hairstyles

There are numerous curly haircuts to choose from, but they are not suitable for every guy. The following short and medium-length curly hair styles check every box: they flatter nearly all face shapes, are easy to maintain, stay on-trend year after year, and are affordable to keep up.

1. Curly Taper Fade

The curly taper fade is an iconic, clean-cut short hairstyle and one of the most popular curly hairstyles among African American and Western men. The hair on the sides and nape gradually lengthens from bottom to top in a smooth, seamless fade that appears softer and less abrupt than a hard fade. Neatly defined temple and nape lines create a sharp, polished, and put-together look. The hair on top is kept long enough to showcase natural curls without straightening or flattening, resulting in a style that is full on top and tight on the sides. The tapered sides visually narrow the head, while the curly top adds height to the face, creating a more compact facial shape and enhanced facial definition.

2. Curly Shag

The curly shag is a classic men’s hairstyle that creates a more youthful and energetic appearance. It features a voluminous top and lightweight ends, effectively flattering facial contours while solving the common problem of flat, heavy ends often seen with curly hair and preventing a triangular (pyramid-shaped) face silhouette. The top section is styled with short, fluffy inner layers to lift the roots and boost fullness. Hair length gradually increases along the sides of the face, softening facial lines by flattering the cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. Deep texturizing is applied inside the curls to reduce weight without sacrificing length, resulting in more natural, relaxed curls while avoiding clumping and frizz. Instead of a blunt cut, the ends are feathered for extra lightness and movement. Highly adaptable, this style suits various hair lengths and curl types, especially natural curls (3A–4C), coarse curly hair, and frizzy, hard-to-manage curls.

3. Textured Surfer Curls

Surfer curls are a casual, laid-back hairstyle created using natural curls rather than permed artificial waves. It delivers a fluffy, lightweight, non-greasy finish, as if the hair had been gently tousled by ocean breezes straight from the beach. Typically worn at medium length, falling between the ears and the nape of the neck, this style features longer hair on top with slightly shorter (but not shaved) sides. The curls are loose rather than tight coils, with space between strands to keep the look light instead of bulky or clumpy. The overall style is soft and slightly messy. A voluminous top visually slims and lengthens the face, while layered sides flatter wide, square, and high-cheekbone faces.

4. Curly Flow

The curly flow hairstyle is a widely popular long hairstyle among Western men. The hair is kept long on the top, sides, and back with no fading or shaving. It falls naturally backward or to the sides, remaining flowy, voluminous, and intact in curl pattern—soft, full, and frizz-free. The core of the style is its dynamic movement: hair does not cling to the scalp or clump; instead, it shows direction, layers, and natural flow. It offers versatile styling options: slicked back for a fresh, athletic look or parted in the middle for a Korean or French aesthetic. Perfectly highlighting the strengths of natural curls, it is especially ideal for men with thick, naturally curly hair, exuding a gentle, handsome, yet relaxed charm.

5. Curly Wolf Cut

The curly wolf cut is a popular variation of the wolf cut tailored specifically for men's curly hair that has trended in recent years. It carries a rebellious, youthful energy and works for all genders. Ranging from short to medium to long in length, it features the signature wolf cut structure: shorter on top, textured layers at the front, and longer at the back. The sides are not shaved, only lightly trimmed or naturally thinned. Rooted in streetwear, subculture, and youthful cool, it blends Japanese teen style, Korean messy texture, and American retro elements. With a distinct personality that avoids generic uniformity, it pairs excellently with all curl types and flatters round, square, and long face shapes.

Best Curly Haircuts for Women 2026 - Trendy Women's Curly Hairstyles

Long curly hair is beautiful, but it can be a bit tricky to manage, especially after a night's sleep when the curls start to loosen and even flatten. What are the best curly hairstyles for women, and how to maintain them? The following simple looks are great for medium-length and long curly hair, and can be adjusted to suit how your curls change.

1. Voluminous Curly Half-Up Half-Down

If you want to find an everyday look, this style is your go-to. It is incredibly easy, quick, and can perfectly showcase your curls and let your hair down. This hairstyle is especially suitable for curly hair with silky, straight roots but prone to flatness. By clipping the hair at the crown, you add volume without obscuring your beautiful curls.

Styling steps:

• Start by separating a few front pieces of hair. You don’t have to do this, but face-framing bits add a nice touch and help frame your face. If your hairline is far back, bring these pieces all around your hairline to avoid gaps.

• Take the top layer of your hair (leave small bits around your ears) and gently lift and pull it back. You want a subtle side quiff, not too obvious, just enough volume. Clip this section in place towards the back of your head.

• Repeat the same step on the other side to keep the look even. At this point, the loose bits around your face might look messy or undefined, but don’t worry.

• Refresh the loose face-framing pieces. Fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist them (don’t soak them—just make them damp). Then, use a lightweight refresh spray.

• You can either rake and shake the damp pieces to add definition, then scrunch lightly, or do a small finger roll (twist the curls away from your face) for clumpier, more defined curls.

• Remove excess water from the refreshed pieces and dry them with a diffuser. If any areas look frizzy, glaze a little more, and refresh spray directly onto dry hair.

2. Side Twisted Curl with Clips

If you have a wedding, dinner, prom, or any special event coming up, this hairstyle is for you. This style is classy but not over-the-top. It fixes stretched-out side curls and works with any curl type. You can wear your hair all to one side or let it fall naturally at the back—either way, it looks elegant and effortless. Go with it for any dressy moment.

Styling steps:

• Start by flipping your hair to one side; it’s not about putting all your hair on one side, just shifting your part to the side.

• Take two small sections of hair near your hairline (one on each side of the part) and twist them gently. You don’t need to be perfect—messy twists add to the charm! Keep any nice, defined curls out of the twists.

• Clip the twisted sections in place, hiding the bobby pins under the hair so they don’t show. You can add decorative clips over the bobby pins.

• If the top of your hair feels flat, spray a little volume spray at the roots. To get long-lasting volume, it is recommended to spray hairspray and place a root clip at the crown, and then remove the clip right before you leave.

• Finish by separating a few large curl clumps to add height and fullness at the roots. Give the curls a light scrunch to keep them bouncy and juicy.

3. Braided Low Ponytail

This low ponytail with braids is cute, simple, and works for any day. This style is great when you want to keep hair off your neck but still look put-together. The braids add texture, and the silk scrunchie keeps your curls from getting creased or damaged.

Styling steps:

• Start by pulling out your face-framing pieces.

• Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie that matches your hair color. Silk scrunchies work best.

• Braid the face-framing sections. Take the loose face-framing pieces on one side and braid them as far down as you can (you’ll reach the end of the face-framing hair eventually). Loosen the braid a little for a fuller look.

• Repeat the braid on the other side. Then, bring both braids behind your head and twist them together, not too high.

• Create a gap with the twisted braids and pull the ponytail through the gap. The braids should sit just above the hair tie.

4. Curly Messy Bun

A messy bun is a favorite among girls with curly hair. This simple yet stylish bun is perfect for everyday wear, even before bed! It doesn't strive for perfection; the messier the better, looking natural and chic. You can adjust the size and messiness of the bun to your liking; each bun is unique.

Styling steps:

• Pull out a few face-framing pieces. Gather all your hair into a high pineapple ponytail at the top of your head. If you get bumps on the top of your head, flip your head forward while gathering your hair—this stops bumps and gets your hair in the right position.

• Secure your ponytail with a silk hair tie. First, wrap the hair tie around the ponytail once and pull all the hair out. Then, twist the hair tie again and pull the hair out again—but this time don't pull it all the way out. This will create a loose bun.

• Pull a little hair through the tie to make the bun the size you want. Don’t pull too much if you have long hair—it will get too big. Position the loose bits around your head until you like how it looks.

• If you want the bun to be a little neater, use bobby pins to tuck in loose hair. Take loose pieces, fold them up, and clip them into the bun (not your scalp—this way, you won’t feel the clips). Do this on both sides and the back.

• Refresh the face-framing pieces with a little water and scrunch them, then diffuse them dry. Add hair clips as needed.

5. Curly Claw Clip Updo

We all have times when our hair isn't in good condition, and this claw clip updo is the easiest and most perfect solution. It shines when your curls are frizzy or straightened, but the ends are still curly. It only takes 2 minutes to create a sophisticated style, and it suits all hair lengths; simply adjust the height according to your hair length.

Styling steps:

• Gather all your hair to the back of your head into a ponytail; mid-height works for most lengths, but go higher if you have shorter hair or lower if you have longer hair. Still leave a few face-framing pieces.

• Twist your hair gently as you pull it up to the top of your head. Set the twisted hair in place; it doesn’t have to be tight, loose is better for a relaxed look.

• Secure the twisted hair with a claw clip. If you have shorter hair, part the top a little to help the clip stay in place. If you have longer hair, flip the twisted hair back and arrange it around the clip for a fuller look.

• Redefine a few curl bits around your face, twirling them gently.

Trending Pixie Hairstyles for Curly Hair in 2026

The best curly pixies work with your curl pattern, not against it, adding volume, shape, and personality without extra effort. Below are eight of the most popular, wearable curly pixie cut styles in 2026 to consider for both men and women.

1. Textured Side-Cut Pixie

This look keeps the sides closely trimmed or faded, while leaving longer, defined curls on top. A small amount of pomade or light cream is all you need to separate the curls and keep the texture intentional. It works especially well for looser curls.

2. Side-Swept Bang Curly Pixie

Who said pixies can’t have bangs? This style adds soft, curly side-swept fringe that gently frames your forehead and cheekbones. The sides stay neat and short, so the focus stays on the face-framing pieces. It’s great for softening angular features or adding a playful touch to a simple pixie. The curls in the bangs give movement, so it never looks flat or stiff.

3. Messy Top Asymmetrical Pixie

Longer on top and slightly uneven on the sides, this pixie is all about casual, messy charm. The top curls are left loose enough to swoop sideways, creating subtle asymmetry. It doesn’t require perfect styling and fits most curl types.

4. Full Coiled Uniform Pixie

Perfect for tight coils and Type 4 hair, this cut keeps hair at a fairly even length all over. It lets your natural curl pattern shine without heavy layering that might disrupt shape. 

5. Tapered Back Curly Pixie

This style is cut short and tapered at the nape, gradually getting longer toward the crown. The gradual length change helps control bulk while letting curls bounce naturally. It’s flattering for round faces because the height at the top adds subtle elongation. Regular trims keep the neckline clean. 

6. Long Swept Bang Curly Pixie

If you want a pixie but still enjoy having hair to style, this one’s for you. Sides are kept short, but the front section is left longer to fall over one eyebrow in soft, curly waves. It adds a romantic, slightly retro feel and works beautifully for loose waves and medium curls. It’s also easy to grow out if you decide to switch up your length later.

7. Ultra-Short Neat Curly Pixie

Super short but still showing off natural curls, this boyish pixie is trendy and low-maintenance. It’s trimmed close to the head but leaves just enough length to display a curl shape. It highlights your jawline, eyes, and cheekbones beautifully and requires minimal product.

8. Turned-Up Volume Curly Pixie

For anyone who loves big, bouncy curls, this pixie amps up volume at the crown with a soft side part. The layers are cut to encourage lift without creating puffiness around the ears. It looks full and lively, making thick curly hair appear healthy and dynamic. It’s great for oval and heart-shaped faces.

Best Long Curly Hairstyles for Men & Boys 2026

For men and boys with long curls, there are endless ways to show off those natural coils. Check out some popular long curly hairstyles here.

1. Loose Curly Afro

The loose curly afro is one of the best hairstyles for men with thick curly hair, as it lets those coils breathe. Unlike tight afros, this style has looser, more relaxed curls that feel cool. To keep it looking its best, ask your barber for an even cut all around and use a texturizing spray to add light volume without weighing your curls down.

2. The Curly Man Bun

Practical and trendy, the curly man bun is a go-to for anyone who wants to keep their long curls out of the way but still look put-together. You can wear it up for a sleek look or down for a more casual style.

3. Swept-Back Curly Hairstyle

If you love loose curls and a laid-back vibe, take inspiration from Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s iconic look. Ask for a one-length scissor cut with hidden layers and use a small amount of gel or pomade to sweep your curls back. Air-dry or use a diffuser to keep those loose curls intact.

4. Long Curly Hair with Centre Part

Pete Wicks proves that a centre part and long curls are a match made in heaven. His shoulder-length curls have a tousled volume. The key here is a centre part, plus subtle layers to add shape and reduce bulk. 

5. Long Curly Hair With Fringe

Malcolm McRae channels the iconic early 2000s rock star aesthetic with his curly hair and heavy bangs. The style is all about defined curls with minimal frizz. To get this look, ask your barber to cut your hair dry and use a “twist and snip” technique to define your coils.