Best Haircuts for Men with Thick or Curly Hair

Thick and curly hair is one of the most versatile hair types out there — but only when you've got the right cut working with your texture instead of against it. Walk in with the wrong haircut and you're fighting your hair every single morning. Walk in with the right one and styling takes five minutes, tops.

Let's break down what actually works.

The first thing to understand is that thick and curly hair expands. A lot. So any cut needs to account for volume — where you want it, and where you don't. A good barber isn't just cutting length; they're shaping how your hair sits when it dries naturally.

The taper fade is probably the most popular choice for guys with curly hair, and for good reason. Keeping the sides tight while leaving length on top lets your curls show up without looking overwhelming. You get structure at the bottom and natural texture up top. It works for loose waves, tight coils, and everything in between.

If you want to wear your hair longer, a mid or high fade gives you that same clean foundation while letting you rock more volume on top. Some guys style the top with a curl cream and let it do its thing. Others brush it back or to the side. Either way, the fade keeps the whole look intentional rather than overgrown.

For guys who want something lower maintenance, a shape-up with a natural top is a solid move. You're not removing much length — just cleaning up the edges and letting your barber remove some of the bulk using texturizing shears or a razor. The result is a rounder, softer shape that still looks sharp.

The temp fade with a curly top has also been huge lately. It's a cleaner, more defined version of the taper that hits right at the temples. Pairs really well with defined curls if you use a light gel or curl-defining cream after your shower.

One thing worth mentioning: if your hair is both thick and curly, ask your barber about thinning out the interior. This doesn't affect how the outside looks but removes a ton of weight, which means less puffiness and way easier styling at home.

Bottom line — thick and curly hair gives you options. The key is communicating with your barber about your lifestyle, how much time you want to spend on it daily, and whether you're going for a clean polished look or something more relaxed. Bring a photo if you can. It makes the whole conversation a lot easier and gets you out the door with exactly what you came in for.