Curly Hair Care Tips for Men

Curly hair brings bold texture and personality, but it comes with challenges like dryness, frizz, and tangles. The key is a routine that works with your curls’ unique needs—think hydration, definition, and scalp health. Here’s how to keep your curls vibrant and manageable, with practical tips on what guys are doing now and what they’ve left behind for better results.

Identify Your Curls

Infographic of hair strands labeled 2A to 4C illustrating how to identify your curl type

Know Your Curls, Own Your Routine

Start by identifying your curl type (2A to 4C)—it’s the foundation of a solid routine. Apps like CurlScan or online curl quizzes can help pin it down. Modern routines prioritize scalp health for stronger curls, so look for products with tea tree oil or charcoal to detox and nourish. Forget one-size-fits-all shampoos—customization is everything.

Hydrate & Cleanse

Macro shot of defined curly hair with visible moisture droplets, illustrating how deep hydration revives curl bounce.

Keep Curls Hydrated

Dry curls lose their bounce, so hydration is non-negotiable. Choose shampoos and conditioners with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera juice for deep moisture. Shea butter and coconut oil work well, but lightweight oils like grapeseed prevent greasiness. Avoid sulfates—they strip natural oils and leave curls parched. Eco-friendly waterless shampoo bars are a smart pick for travel and consistent hydration.

Close-up of a hand running through soft, bouncy curls with gel and botanical extract icons, illustrating curl definition without stiffness.

Style Without Stiffness

Curls should move, not feel like a helmet. Light-hold gels or curl creams with botanical extracts like bamboo or flaxseed define curls while keeping them soft. Steer clear of silicones and parabens, which cause buildup and dull your hair. A curl custard with natural humectants is ideal for humid days, or try a lightweight gel for a glossy, wet-look vibe without the crunch.

a studio shot of a shampoo bottle, a large jar of hair conditioner and a jar of co-wash balm arranged neatly on a plain white surface, against a bathroom background. A few water droplets and soap suds add a fresh feel to the surface. illustrating cleansing curls twice weekly and co-washing on other days.

Shampoo and Conditioning Basics

Less washing, more moisture. Stick to cleansing curls two to three times a week to preserve natural oils—daily washing is a no-go for most. Use a clarifying shampoo with apple cider vinegar to clear scalp buildup, massaging it in thoroughly. Conditioner is a must: apply generously, let it sit briefly, and rinse. Co-washing (conditioner-only cleansing) is a game-changer for super-dry curls, especially tighter types.

a deep conditioning mask jar, a leave-in conditioner bottle, and a hair paddle brush, illustrating gentle care and hydration to tame dryness and frizz in curly hair

Tackling Dryness and Frizz

Combat frizz and dryness with deep conditioning masks featuring fermented rice water or oat milk for soft, nourished curls. Spray-on leave-in conditioners ensure even hydration. Detangle gently with your fingers, and a paddle brush (Denman do a good one)starting at the ends to avoid breakage. Swap harsh plastic combs for seamless wide toothed wooden ones to minimize static and damage.

Style & Dry

Man plopping wet curls in a cotton tee and gently scrunching them, illustrating air drying and plopping to enhance curl definition.

Air Drying for Defined Curls

Air drying preserves curl patterns best, but it takes patience. Scrunch gently while damp to boost definition. Ditch rough terrycloth towels—they cause frizz—and use microfiber towels or cotton tees instead. Try plopping: lay curls on a microfiber towel or tee, wrap loosely, and let them set for 20-30 minutes for sharper curls.

Flat-lay of a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment next to a bamboo towel, illustrating essential tools for frizz-free curl drying.

Tools for Frizz-Free Drying

For faster drying, use a blow dryer with a diffuser on low heat. Diffusers with adjustable prongs offer better control, especially for tighter curls. Ionic dryers cut drying time and add shine. Opt for microfiber or bamboo-based towels—bamboo’s antibacterial properties keep hair fresher longer.

Shape and Define Curls

Apply a curl cream or mousse to damp hair for shape and control. Products with chia seed extract balance hold and hydration. Scrunch upward to enhance curl formation, then diffuse for volume. Mix a drop of lightweight serum (like argan or marula oil) with your cream for extra shine. Avoid alcohol-based stylers—they dry curls out and kill bounce.

Close-up of curly hair being refreshed with a fine mist from a travel spray bottle, illustrating how a light spritz revives curls throughout the day.

Revive Curls Throughout the Day

If curls sag midday, a quick spritz of an aloe-based curl-refreshing spray brings them back. Soft-hold hairsprays with anti-humidity formulas lock in style. Mini spray bottles for on-the-go touch-ups are a practical hack. Skip heavy waxes or pomades—they weigh curls down and look dated.

Trim and Consult

Close-up of a hairstylist trimming dry curly hair with scissors, illustrating how regular dry cuts maintain curl shape and freshness.

Maintain Freshness with Regular Trims

Split ends dull your curls’ shine. Get a trim every 8-12 weeks to keep them crisp. Short, tapered cuts minimize maintenance, while longer, shaggy styles highlight texture. Ask for a “dry cut”—cutting curls dry to see their natural shape—for precision that enhances your curls.

Client showing a barber curly-hair inspiration photos on a smartphone in a barbershop, illustrating the importance of clear communication for a custom cut.

Communicate with Your Barber

Your barber is your ally. Bring inspo pics or describe your vibe, like a modern Caesar with defined curls or a tousled, longer look. Share concerns like scalp sensitivity or frizz. Many barbers now specialize in curly hair, so ask about their experience with your curl type to avoid generic cuts that ignore your hair’s flow.

Night-Time Care

a bamboo pillowcase and a satin bonnet on a bed, illustrating how satin and bamboo fabrics prevent nighttime frizz.

Nighttime Frizz Prevention

Satin pillowcases reduce friction for smoother, tangle-free curls, but bamboo pillowcases are a breathable, eco-friendly alternative. Satin bonnets or durags are now a go-to for protecting curls overnight, no matter the curl type. Cotton pillowcases are out—they steal moisture and create frizz.

Man with curls piled in a soft scrunchie applying a few drops of lightweight oil before sleep, illustrating the pineapple method and light oils to lock in overnight moisture.

Lock in Moisture Overnight

Before bed, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a few drops of baobab or prickly pear oil for hydration without buildup. The “pineapple” method—loosely piling curls on top of your head with a soft scrunchie—preserves shape and prevents flattening. Overnight masks with lightweight formulas can boost hydration, but avoid heavy butters that clog pores.

Keep Your Curls Smooth and Vibrant

A consistent routine with clean, hydrating products is the secret to standout curls. Use anti-humidity serums or gels on muggy days to stay defined. Ingredients like moringa oil or spirulina nourish and strengthen hair for long-term health. Experiment with methods, track what works, and commit—your curls will look sharper and healthier every day.