17 Layered Haircuts for Men with Curly Hair
Unlock the full potential of your curls with layered haircuts designed to add definition, volume, and style. Layering is not just a technique; it’s a game-changer for curly hair, removing bulk and allowing each ringlet to spring to life. This guide explores 17 (Layered Haircuts for Men) innovative layered styles, from bold shags to sophisticated pompadours, ensuring there’s a perfect look for every curl type and personal aesthetic. Discover how the right cut can transform your hair from unmanageable to unforgettable, making your natural texture your best asset.
1. The Textured Curly Shag
The textured curly shag is the ultimate haircut for embracing volume and a carefree, rock-and-roll spirit. This style is characterized by its multiple layers, curtain bangs, and a lived-in feel that works in harmony with your natural curl pattern. The layers are strategically cut to remove weight from the crown and sides, allowing each curl to spring to life with definition and movement. It’s a deliberately messy and artistic look that celebrates the unique texture of your hair, making it perfect for those who want a statement style that requires minimal daily styling effort.
This cut is incredibly versatile, suiting everything from tight corkscrew curls to loose, waves. The key is in the customization; a skilled stylist will dry-cut your hair to see how each curl falls naturally, ensuring the layers enhance your texture rather than fight against it. To style, simply scrunch a curl-defining cream or mousse into damp hair and let it air dry for a perfectly imperfect, touchable look. The shag’s rocker aesthetic pairs wonderfully with both casual and edgy outfits, making it a top choice for the fashion-forward man.
2. The Modern Mullet
The modern mullet has made a triumphant return, shedding its dated reputation for a sharp, fashion-forward edge. This contemporary take, often called the “mullet revival,” features a more connected silhouette with textured layers on top that blend seamlessly into a longer, tapered back. The goal is a balanced look that combines business-like neatness at the front and sides with a party of untamed curls in the back. It’s a bold, confident choice for the curly-haired man who isn’t afraid to make a statement and showcase his personality through his hair.
Styling the modern mullet is all about creating contrast. You’ll want to define the curls on top for volume and texture while allowing the back to flow freely. Use a light-hold texturizing spray on the crown for separation and a dab of pomade to tame any flyaways around the ears and temples. This cut looks exceptionally sharp with well-groomed facial hair, which helps to frame the face and accentuate the sharp transition from short to long. It’s the perfect blend of rebellion and refinement.
3. Curly Fringe with Tapered Sides
This haircut creates a stunning focal point by combining a heavy, eye-sweeping curly fringe with sharply tapered sides. The contrast is the star of the show here. The top is left long and full, allowing your curls to form a beautiful, cascading fringe that frames your forehead and eyes, adding a touch of romantic mystery. Meanwhile, the tight fade or taper on the sides and back keeps the look clean, modern, and intentionally structured, preventing the overall silhouette from appearing too round or bulky.
To maintain this dynamic style, regular trims on the sides are essential to preserve the sharp contrast. For styling, apply a curl-enhancing leave-in conditioner to damp hair, then gently scrunch to encourage your natural pattern. You can use a diffuser to add extra volume at the roots while allowing the fringe to fall naturally. This cut is incredibly versatile, working with all curl types and face shapes, and it can be dressed up with a blazer or kept casual with a simple t-shirt.
4. The Layered Curly Pompadour
Channel timeless elegance and rockabilly flair with a layered curly pompadour. This style takes the classic volume of a pompadour and adapts it for curly hair, using layers to build height and structure at the front without the need for intense straightening. The layers are cut to support a lift from the roots, creating a majestic, rolled-back effect that showcases the texture and body of your curls. The sides are typically kept shorter, either scissor-cut or faded, to accentuate the dramatic height and forward sweep of the top section.
Achieving this look requires a strong-hold styler, like a pomade or styling cream, applied to towel-dried hair. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to push the front section up and back, then use a diffuser to lock the volume in place as you dry. The beauty of the curly pompadour is its inherent texture; it doesn’t need to be perfectly sleek, allowing your natural curls to add character and movement. It’s a powerful, confident look for formal events or making a bold everyday impression.
5. Long Layered Curls: Layered Haircuts for Men
For men who want to fully embrace their length, long layered curls are a majestic and expressive choice. This cut is all about strategic shaping; long layers are woven throughout the hair to remove bulk, prevent the dreaded “triangle” shape, and encourage the curls to spiral with definition from root to tip. It enhances natural movement, allowing your hair to flow with a sense of weightlessness and dynamic energy. This style celebrates the inherent beauty of long curly hair, offering a look that is both bohemian and powerfully sophisticated.
Maintaining long, layered curls requires a dedicated care routine focused on moisture. Regular deep conditioning treatments are crucial to prevent dryness and frizz. When styling, use a wide-tooth comb in the shower with conditioner to detangle, then apply a curl-defining cream or gel while hair is sopping wet, scrunching gently. Plopping or air-drying will help form defined ringlets. This versatile length can be worn down freely, pulled back into a loose bun, or half-up to showcase the beautiful layering around your face.
6. The Curly Quiff with a High Fade
The curly quiff with a high fade is the epitome of modern barbering, merging sharp, skin-tight sides with a voluminous and textured top. The high fade creates a dramatic, clean canvas that makes the curly quiff on top appear even more pronounced and impactful. The top is cut with varying layers to provide the necessary support for lifting the hair away from the forehead, creating a bold, forward-projecting shape that is full of body and bounce. It’s a high-contrast, high-impact style that commands attention.
Styling this look requires a strong-hold product like a fiber wax or volumizing pomade. Work the product through the roots of damp hair, then use your fingers to push the hair up and back, focusing on building height at the front. A diffuser is your best friend here to set the volume as you dry. The result is a crisp, architectural style that showcases your curls in a structured yet dynamic way. It’s perfect for the man who appreciates a clean, groomed look with an edge of rebellious texture.
7. Tousled Curly Layers
The tousled layered cut is the go-to for achieving an effortlessly cool, “I woke up like this” aesthetic. This cut uses point-cutting and texturizing techniques to create soft, uneven layers that break up the curl clumps, resulting in a piecey, organic texture. It’s designed to look artfully disheveled and full of movement, as if you just ran your hands through your hair after a day at the beach. The layers work to eliminate weight, allowing for a light, airy feel that moves with you, making it ideal for an active, low-maintenance lifestyle.
To perfect this look, avoid heavy products that can weigh curls down. Instead, opt for a sea salt spray or a light texturizing mist applied to damp hair. Scrunch your hair and let it air dry for a naturally imperfect finish. You can also use a diffuser on a low heat setting to enhance the piecey texture. The beauty of this style is in its imperfection; the more you tousle it with your fingers throughout the day, the better it looks, making it the ultimate in cool, casual styling.
8. The Curly Faux Hawk
Experience the edge of a mohawk without the full commitment with the curly faux hawk. This style keeps the sides and back relatively full but neatly trimmed, while the hair down the center of the head is left significantly longer and layered for dramatic height. The result is a bold, vertical stripe of textured curls that draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of height and a powerful, athletic silhouette. It’s a versatile and less extreme alternative that still delivers a powerful punk-rock vibe, tailored for curly hair’s natural volume.
Styling is straightforward and impactful. Apply a strong-hold styling cream or gel to damp hair, then use your hands to gather and push the center section upward. You can define the individual curls for a textured look or scrunch them together for a more solid, mohawk-like shape. A diffuser will help set the height. This cut is perfect for showcasing the unique personality of your curls while maintaining a structured, intentional shape that works for both casual outings and nights out.
9. The Layered Curly Crop
The layered curly crop is a short, spirited, and incredibly practical cut. By incorporating layers into a shorter length, this style maximizes volume and texture right from the roots. It prevents the hair from looking like a solid, heavy helmet and instead creates a head full of bouncy, defined ringlets. The layers are cut to follow the natural shape of your head, resulting in a rounded, voluminous silhouette that is easy to manage and perfect for highlighting the density and health of your curls.
This low-fuss style is ideal for men with an active lifestyle. Styling is minimal; simply apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and scrunch. You can let it air dry for a natural look or use a diffuser to enhance volume and shape. The crop works exceptionally well for tighter curl patterns, from corkscrews to ringlets, and it requires very little daily maintenance beyond a good wash-and-go routine. It’s a fresh, modern, and youthful cut that keeps you looking sharp with minimal effort.
10. Medium-Length with Face-Framing Layers
This versatile and flattering cut uses medium length as a foundation, with strategic layers cut around the face to highlight your best features. These face-framing layers draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones, creating a soft, intentional look that adds dimension and movement to your overall style. The layers throughout the rest of the hair help to distribute volume evenly, avoiding any triangular shape and allowing the curls to cascade beautifully. It’s a universally appealing style that balances length with refined shape.
Styling this cut focuses on definition and shine. Use a leave-in conditioner followed by a light gel or curl cream to define the ringlets, paying special attention to the front sections. You can style it with a center part, a side part, or simply sweep it back for a more dramatic effect. This length and layering combination is perfect for the man who wants a polished, put-together look without sacrificing the natural character of his curls. It’s sophisticated, manageable, and always in style.
11. The Curly Ivy League
A sophisticated twist on a classic, the curly Ivy League combines the clean, structured lines of a traditional haircut with the dynamic texture of curls. This style features shorter sides and back with more length on top, which is then layered to add texture and volume. The result is a neat, professional appearance that doesn’t suppress your natural curl pattern. The layers on top are subtle but effective, providing enough lift to create a soft, textured version of the iconic Ivy League pomp.
To style, use a light-hold product like a cream or paste on damp hair. Comb the top forward and then use your fingers to create a slight, textured lift away from the forehead. The goal is a “lived-in” look that is polished but not stiff. This cut is perfect for work environments or any setting where you want to look groomed and intentional while still embracing your natural texture. It’s the ideal bridge between corporate chic and casual cool.
12. Deva Cut for Men
The Deva Cut is a specialized cuttin technique performed on dry, curly hair. Instead of cutting all the hair to one length, the stylist snips each curl individually, following its natural pattern and spring. This hyper-personalized approach results in a haircut that is perfectly tailored to your unique curl map, eliminating bulk and encouraging each curl to form its perfect shape. It’s a transformative experience for curly-haired men, addressing common issues like uneven shrinkage and awkward frizz.
The outcome is a low-maintenance style that looks incredible every day. Because the cut works with your hair’s natural behavior, it requires less product and styling time to look great. After a Deva Cut, you’ll often find that your curls clump together more harmoniously and have a more uniform shape. It’s an investment in understanding and celebrating your hair’s biology, leading to healthier, happier curls that are easy to manage and full of life.
13. The Layered Curly Fade
The layered curly fade is a masterclass in contrast, seamlessly blending a sharp, skin-tight fade on the sides and back with a voluminous, layered top. The fade can be a low, mid, or high, but it always serves to highlight the texture and volume of the curls above. The top section is cut with disconnection in mind, using layers to build a cloud of soft, defined curls that sits dramatically against the clean-shaven sides. This cut is a modern barbershop staple for its clean lines and bold statement.
Styling this look is all about maximizing the texture on top. Apply a texturizing product to damp hair and use your fingers to scrunch and separate the curls for a defined, piecey effect. The diffuser attachment on your hairdryer is crucial for adding volume without creating frizz. This style is incredibly versatile, fitting in at the gym, the office, or a night out. It’s a powerful way to wear your curls with confidence and a sharp, contemporary edge.
14. Curly Undercut with Long Layered Top
The curly undercut takes the concept of contrast to its extreme. The sides and back are shaved very short, creating a stark, clean foundation. Meanwhile, the top is left long and cut with dramatic layers to create a flowing, voluminous mane. This juxtaposition is both edgy and elegant, allowing the long, layered curls to become the undeniable focal point. It’s a bold look for the man who sees his hair as a form of self-expression and isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Managing this style involves caring for two very different lengths. The sides need frequent trims to maintain their sharpness, while the long top requires a dedicated curly care routine. Styling the top involves using generous amounts of leave-in conditioner and curl cream to define the lengths and prevent frizz. You can wear it down for maximum impact or tied back in a bun or ponytail to showcase the sharp undercut. It’s a dramatic, high-fashion look that celebrates length and texture.
15. The Layered Curly Bro Flow
The layered curly bro flow is a relaxed, athletic-inspired style that embodies effortless cool. It features medium to long hair that is layered throughout to remove weight and encourage a natural, flowing movement. The layers prevent the hair from becoming a shapeless mass, instead creating a cohesive, “lived-in” look that falls perfectly without much effort. It’s the ideal cut for guys who want to enjoy the freedom of longer hair but still want a defined shape and style.
Achieving the bro flow is all about the right products and technique. After washing, apply a sea salt spray or a light texturizing cream to damp hair to enhance your natural wave and curl. Scrunch it and let it air dry, or use a diffuser for added volume. The result is hair that looks great whether you’re at the gym, the beach, or a casual brunch. It’s a versatile, low-maintenance style that projects confidence and a laid-back attitude.
16. The Curly Pomp with Temple Fade
This cut refines the curly pompadour by incorporating a sharp temple fade, which focuses the attention on the precise lines around the temples and the voluminous top. The temple fade is a subtle yet impactful detail that elevates the entire look, adding a touch of barbering finesse. The top is layered to support the pomp, creating a bold, textured front that sweeps up and back. It’s a sophisticated and urban take on a classic, perfect for the modern gentleman.
Styling requires a firm-hold product to maintain the lift at the front. Work a pomade or wax through the roots of damp hair and use a comb to direct the hair upward and backward. The diffuser is essential for setting this volume without causing frizz. The sharpness of the temple fade contrasts beautifully with the organic texture of the curls, creating a balanced and intentional look that is both powerful and polished.
17. The Textured Curly Caesar
A modern update on the classic Caesar cut, this version incorporates texture and layers to adapt it for curly hair. The traditional blunt, straight-across fringe is replaced with a textured, layered fringe that allows the curls to form naturally. The top is kept uniformly short but is layered to create volume and movement, breaking up the solid line for a more dynamic, modern effect. It’s a sharp, clean, and practical cut that works wonderfully for tight, coily curl patterns.
This is an exceptionally low-maintenance style. A small amount of moisturizing cream or light pomade is all you need to define the curls and control any flyaways. The cut itself does most of the work, providing a neat, structured shape that grows out beautifully. It’s an excellent choice for professional settings, active lifestyles, or anyone who wants a crisp, defined look that requires virtually no daily styling time.
