Curly Hair for Men: The Ultimate Guide, Straight From Grooming Experts

Throughout history, people with straight hair have chosen to wear curls to switch up their look. Renaissance artists glorified curly hair in their depictions of historical figures, and in the centuries that followed, men chose to wear curly wigs to denote social status. According to New York-based hair stylist Lauren Berrones, “in the 18th century, men’s hairstyles were greatly influenced by Greek and Roman art. The Romantic era of poets and painters made the most desirable hairstyles for men [those with] curls, waves, and movement. Once men would have it styled, they would refrain from washing so that it could last longer.” 

We needn’t look too far back to see that trendsetters are opting to wear curls or create waves in their hairstyles. Snoop Dogg, often seen with straightened hair tied back or with braids, has styled his hair in waves to create some of his most iconic looks. Harry Styles, who frequently changes things up with different haircuts, has been seen wearing intentionally messy curls and waves that look great. And at the moment, waves and curls are definitely on-trend. “I often curl men’s hair backstage at fashion shows to add a bit more character and texture," says Beronnes. "I also see waves and rounder textures among current boy bands."

Looking to get the look on your own straight hair, or to further define the texture you were born with? Read on for a full guide to using curling tools on your hair, straight from Beronnes and celebrity hairstylist Eliut Rivera.

Defining Wavy and Curly Hair

Both of our experts tell us that men blessed with hair that is already curly or wavy can enhance their look using their hands. That said, they also recommend using products to ensure that your handiwork stays in place. “If you have naturally curly hair [you can] just to crunch it with some products to make it look more polished,” Rivera tells us. This is provided that your hair is at least two inches long.

Beronnes explains the technique: “After washing it, scrunch your hair dry with a cotton towel. While the hair is still damp, add mousse and a curl cream to help activate and reinforce a bit of memory and definition into the curls, which will add longevity to the texture. Add the products to your hands first and then to the hair in a 'scrunching' motion. If you’re wondering what I mean by 'scrunching,' it’s when you hold your hair in your hands or towel and squeeze it to shape the curls.”

Beronnes recommends Balmain Hair Couture's Hair Curling Cream ($46) and Lenor Greyl's Mousse ($48) because they are “lightweight and help activate waves and curls without weighing the hair down." She continues: "You’ll squeeze in upward motions toward your scalp like a slinky. As your hair dries, add more mousse to your hands and go in with twisting motions to help reinforce the areas that are not as wavy.” Rivera likes Milbon's Creative Style Molding Wax. “Apply enough to cover hair when it is wet and crunch with fingers until [you achieve your] desired look. Let it dry without touching the hair.”

Creating Curls and Waves on Straight Hair

If you are looking to add a bit of flair to your naturally straight hair, why not give some curls or waves a try? This may sound daunting to men who do not have curly hair, and while it does take a bit more effort, there are tools and products that can put curls and waves within reach. “On straight hair, you have to either perm it curly or use a curling tool,” Rivera says. 

Beronnes concedes that using tools such as hot curling irons and rollers are not easy to self-administer, but reminds us that there are an abundance of online instructional videos to check out if you want to forgo a trip to the stylist and are game to explore different looks. “Be very patient. It’s important to learn the technique by practicing on small sections before you try to do it on your whole head," she says. "This will be very helpful because you can get the flow of the technique and then conquer all of the difficult angles afterward. If you plan to use a curling iron, wear a heat protective glove.” 

Curling Irons

When it comes to curling hair, short hair presents challenges because the strands are often too short to successfully curl, even with rollers and copious use of curling cream or gel. “You can add a curl to super short hair as long as you can clamp onto the smallest iron," Beronnes says. "We hairdressers like to call the smallest iron a ‘pencil iron,’ or in technical terms, a 3/8th-inch iron. I wouldn’t recommend trying this on your own since you will have to use a curling iron extremely close to your scalp. I would enlist a professional.”

Rivera tells Byrdie that he prefers heated tools for styling curly hair or shaping straight hair into waves or curls. “I recommend the Hot Tools brand. They come in different sizes and are easy to use.”

Curlers

Curlers can be used on almost every hair texture and can have different effects, Baronnes says. For example, “you can use thinner curlers on straight hair and achieve a tighter curl pattern. If you use wider curlers, you will stretch out the curls or create loose waves as a result.”

Curlers should ideally be applied to damp hair, along with a product such as the In Check Curl Defining Cream by Tigi Bed Head for Men or Bevel's Curl Creme for Textured Hair ($12) to help maintain definition. Barrones recommends using Kitsch's Satin Heatless Rollers ($27) “because they’re nice and soft and comfortable to sleep in.” Rivera likes the Baybliss Pro line, which he says is “excellent for curling your hair, especially if the hair is naturally straight.”

Maintenance

According to Beronnes, once curled—with either curlers or curling irons—you can maintain your hairstyle by re-twisting the curl. “Small amounts of Balmain Hair Couture's Dry Shampoo ($41) can be used as needed to remove excess oil, keep your hair bouncy, and of course to smell good,” she says. Rivera also recommends applying a texture spray “so the style can last longer."

Read on to check out some examples of trending curly and wavy haircuts that can transform your look.