How to Style Curly Hair for Men

Curly hair can look great with the right routine, but it behaves differently from straight hair. It dries out faster, frizzes more easily and doesn't respond well to brushing. This guide shows you how to wash, condition and style curly hair so your curls look defined instead of fluffy.

The Basics of Styling Curly Hair

Three things matter most: keep the hair moisturized, don't over-handle it, and apply product while it's wet. Curls set as they dry, so what you do in the first few minutes after the shower makes the biggest difference.

What You'll Need

How to Style Curly Hair — Step by Step

1. Wash gently, not every day. Shampoo your scalp and rinse. Washing too often can leave curls dry, so most guys with curly hair do well with a few washes a week.

2. Condition the lengths. Apply conditioner from mid-length to the ends and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes. Detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in.

3. Blot, don't rub. Squeeze out the water with a towel or old t-shirt. Rubbing roughens the surface of the hair and causes frizz.

4. Apply a leave-in while the hair is damp. Work a small amount through the mid-lengths and ends.

5. Add your styling product. Use cream for a soft look, gel for more definition or sea salt spray for texture. Scrunch it upward toward the scalp to encourage curl shape.

6. Leave it alone to dry. Let it air dry, or use a diffuser on low heat. Don't touch it while it dries, because that's what breaks up the curls and causes frizz.

7. Break up any stiffness at the end. If you used gel and the hair feels stiff once fully dry, gently scrunch it with your hands to soften it.

Common Mistakes

  • Brushing dry curls. This causes frizz. Detangle when the hair is wet and has conditioner in it.
  • Washing every day. This can leave curls dry. Try a few times a week.
  • Rough towel drying. Blot or squeeze instead.
  • Using too much product. It weighs curls down. Start with a small amount.
  • Touching it while it dries. Leave it until it's fully dry.

Which Product Is Right for You?

  • Cream: Soft, natural hold with a matte finish. Good for looser curls and longer styles.
  • Gel: Firmer definition and control. Good for tighter curls or a sharper look.
  • Sea salt spray: Texture and volume with a matte finish.

Looking for a full routine? See our simple hair routine and our leave-in conditioner guide.

Ready to try it? Shop the Equilibrium Leave-In Treatment, the Daily Standard Cream or the Apex Sculpting Gel. Free shipping over $40 CAD.

FAQ

How do I get rid of frizz in curly hair? Keep hair moisturized, use a leave-in, avoid rubbing with a towel and don't touch it while it dries.

Should I put product on wet or dry curly hair? Wet or damp hair. Curls set as they dry, so product works best applied while the hair is still wet.

How often should I wash curly hair? Many people do well with a few washes a week, rather than every day.

Can I brush curly hair? It's best to detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the hair is wet and conditioned. Brushing dry curls usually causes frizz.

Is gel or cream better for curls? Cream gives a softer, natural look and gel gives firmer definition. It depends on your curl type and the look you want.

Why is my curly hair stiff? Usually too much gel. Use less, and scrunch gently once it's dry to soften it.