If you’ve got naturally curly or wavy hair, you’ll know that styling and maintaining it isn’t always as effortless as it looks. Between frizz, dryness, and tangles, it can be difficult to manage your hair without the right routine and products. That’s where a dedicated curly hair care routine for men comes in.
Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, understanding how to care for men’s curly hair can transform it from unruly to eye-catching.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best hair care tips for men with curly hair, so you can embrace your natural texture and keep it looking its best.
Why Is Curly Hair Harder To Manage?
Curly hair is naturally drier and more fragile than straight hair. The oils from your scalp have a harder time travelling down the hair shaft due to the twists and turns, leaving the lengths more prone to dryness and breakage. As a result, hair care for men’s curly hair requires a different approach that focuses on moisture, definition, and gentle treatment.
1. Start With a Great Haircut
Healthy curls start with the right cut. A great curly haircut should work with your natural texture, not against it. A skilled barber will assess your curl pattern, face shape, and lifestyle to recommend a style that enhances your curls while making day-to-day maintenance easier.
Looking for a barbershop experienced in curly styles? Our experienced team at our London Bridge and Southwark barber locations are well-versed in curly hair care and can help you find a style that works for you.
2. Don’t Overwash Your Hair
One of the most important curly hair care tips for men is to shampoo less frequently. Overwashing strips your scalp of its natural oils, leaving your curls dry and more prone to frizz.
Instead, aim to wash your hair 2–3 times per week. If your curls are tighter or your scalp isn’t particularly oily, you may be able to stretch your washes even further. This applies to all curl types, including Afro and mixed-texture hair.
3. Use Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner
The best hair care for curly hair men starts in the shower. You need a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to gently cleanse while maintaining hydration.
We recommend Aveda Men Pure-formance™ Shampoo and Conditioner. These products are designed specifically for men’s hair and help moisturise and soothe the scalp while taming frizz and improving manageability.
Not sure which product to go for? Our barbers can recommend the right hair care products for men’s curly hair based on your specific curl type.
4. Use a Microfibre Towel or Cotton T-Shirt
Your regular cotton towel can be too rough for curls. Rubbing wet hair with a traditional towel causes friction and disrupts the curl pattern, leading to frizz and breakage.
Instead, gently squeeze excess water out of your hair with a microfibre towel or a clean cotton T-shirt. This helps retain moisture and protect your natural curl structure.
5. Detangle With a Wide-Tooth Comb
Curls can tangle easily, especially after washing. To avoid damaging your hair, always detangle it when it’s wet using a wide-tooth comb.
Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimise breakage. For extra protection, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to give your curls more slip.
6. Choose the Right Styling Products
Finding the best hair care products for men’s curly hair is crucial. The right product depends on your curl type and the style you’re going for:
- For looser curls and a natural, lightweight finish, try Aveda Men Pure-formance™ Liquid Pomade.
- For tighter curls or more definition, go for Aveda Men Pure-formance™ Pomade, which enhances texture and provides stronger hold.
Work a small amount through damp hair using your fingers or a comb, and let it air dry or diffuse gently with a hairdryer.
7. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Friction from your pillowcase can lead to frizz and flattened curls. Consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase to help maintain your curl pattern and reduce breakage overnight.
8. Don’t Touch Your Hair Too Much
Once your curls are styled, try to keep your hands off. Running your fingers through your hair repeatedly can disrupt the curl pattern and introduce unwanted frizz.
9. Get Regular Trims
Trimming your hair every 6–8 weeks helps prevent split ends and keeps your curls in shape. Even if you’re growing your hair out, regular trims will help maintain a healthy appearance and better curl formation.
10. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
What you put into your body affects your hair. A diet rich in vitamins, protein, and healthy fats can help improve hair strength and shine. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water — your curls need moisture from the inside out too!
FAQs: How To Care for Curly Hair Men
How do I start a curly hair care routine for men?
Begin with the basics: shampoo and condition 2–3 times per week using moisturising products. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle when wet, and apply styling products that suit your curl type.
How to care for men’s curly hair daily?
Each morning, spritz your curls with water or a curl refresher spray. Scrunch gently to bring back definition. Avoid brushing and minimise touching your hair throughout the day.
What’s the best hair care for men with curly hair?
Moisturising shampoos and conditioners, curl-enhancing styling products, and microfibre towels. Bonus points for silk pillowcases and regular trims.
Can curly hair be short for men?
Absolutely! Curly hair looks great in short styles such as fades with curls on top or tapered sides. Ask your barber to recommend a style that suits your curl pattern.
What’s the best haircut for curly hair men?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the type of curls you have. A good barber will help you find a shape that enhances your curls and suits your face.
Your Men’s Curly Hair Care Routine Starts Here
At Cutters Yard, we believe that curls deserve just as much care and attention as any other hair type. From a precise cut to personalised product recommendations, we’re here to help you find the best hair care for curly hair men.
Visit our London Bridge or Southwark barber locations for expert advice, styling, and grooming.
Whether you’re booking in for a haircut or just need tips on how to care for your curly hair at home, our team is always happy to help.
Book your appointment today and let’s help you take your curl game to the next level.

Dasos Anastasis is the owner of Cutters Yard, a premium male grooming destination based in Southwark. His passion for barbering began in the 1990s when he joined his father at Tabard Barbers on Tabard Street, London SE1, a shop his father founded in 1979. With over three decades of hands-on experience, Dasos continues to bring craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation together to redefine men’s grooming.

