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Curly hair can be a challenge to work with, unless you know the proper techniques to care for it and have the right products. Whether your hair is short or long, you can manage your curls into the style you want.
Steps
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1Keep your hair cropped if you have tight curls. Tight curls are noticeable even when your hair is cut short. Think about how Justin Timberlake cut his hair to control his curls. Ask your stylist to crop your hair if you want to maintain a clean appearance. [1] X Research source
- Get your haircut when it is dry. When your hair is curly, wet hair does not provide a good representation of how your hair looks dry.
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2Get an undercut to keep the curls on top of your head. Trim the sides and back of your head shorter and leave your curls on top. This way, you don’t have to worry about controlling a full head of hair and it will be easier to style. [2] X Research source
- The sides and back of your hair can be faded into your curls or have a defined line where they separate.
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3Twist your curls around your finger to define them. Wrap small sections of your curls tightly around your finger and form them in different directions. This helps make your curls look natural rather than having them styled. [3] X Research source
- Avoid using a curling iron since the heat could damage your hair.
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4Use a pomade to control your curls. Work a pomade through your hair to keep it out of your face and lock moisture into your hair. A cream or liquid based pomade works best to give your hair shine. [4] X Research source
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Shampoo once or twice a week. Pick a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo so it adds moisture to your hair. The natural oils in your hair keep your curls shiny and weighed down. Shampooing too often can dry your hair out and make your curls more frizzy. [5] X Research source
- Shampoos that contain sulfates are too drying for curly hair. They can leave your curls looking dull and frizzy. [6] X Research source
- Avoid using clarifying shampoos since they remove the most moisture from your hair.
- On days where you don’t shampoo, only rinse your hair with water when you bathe.
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Use leave-in conditioner 3 times a week to moisturize your hair. Make sure your hair is slightly damp when you apply the conditioner so more moisture locks in. Work the conditioner into your hair with your fingers, being sure to reach it down to your scalp. Once you apply the conditioner, you can either style your hair or blow dry it. [7] X Research source
- Longer hair will require more conditioner since it’s easier for the ends to become damaged. [8] X Research source
Rogelio Samson, Men Hair ExpertCurly hair needs moisture! It’s the key to having healthy, defined curls. Using the right moisturizing products and techniques allows you to enhance your curls’ natural beauty without having them frizz out into a triangle-shaped mess on the top of your head.
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3Opt for wide toothed combs rather than fine-toothed combs. Pick a wide-toothed comb to work your curls without damaging them. Fine-toothed combs will catch snags in your hair as well as make your curls frizzy. [9] X Research source
- Fine-toothed combs can also rip out your hair follicles and make you lose your hair faster.
- You can also work your hair with your hands to avoid using a comb altogether.
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4Don’t be aggressive when you use a towel. Use a microfiber towel since they are more gentle with your hair. Pat your hair dry instead of vigorously rubbing it with the towel. Being rough with a towel can pull and tangle your hair. [10] X Research source
- If you have the time, it’s best to let your hair air dry.
- If you shower at night, wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or old T-shirt while you sleep.
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5Dry your hair with the diffuser attachment on a blow dryer if necessary. Though it’s best to let your hair air dry, if you’re in a rush you can blow dry it with low heat. Use the diffuser attachment so it works into your hair and dries it more thoroughly. The diffuser attachment will help set and define your curls, as well as control frizziness. [11] X Research source
- Using heat on your curls will dry your hair out, especially if you have used mousse or alcohol-based products. Fight the dryness of your hair with conditioner.
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6Apply an anti-frizz serum in your hair. Purchase an anti-frizz serum from your hair stylist or hair care store. Work the serum into your hair with your fingers. Focus on the ends of your hair where they are the most frizzy and continue working down to the scalp. [12] X Research source
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1Work styling cream into your damp hair. Use a cream-based pomade. Scoop out a fingertip-sized amount of the cream and rub it on your hands. Use your fingers to lather it into your hair as you would with shampoo. Spread the cream thoroughly throughout your entire hair. [13] X Research source
- The cream will help add shine and control your natural curls so they are not too unruly.
EXPERT TIPProfessional Hair StylistBianca Cox is a Hair Stylist, Licensed Cosmetologist, Owner of The Hair Throne, and Co-Owner of Bianchi Salon. Her salons pride themselves on their modernity, individuality, art, and professional services. You can check out The Hair Throne and more of Bianca's hairstyling on Instagram @hairthrone and on her personal Instagram @biancajcox.Our Expert Agrees: To keep your curls from getting dry and frizzy, keep your hair moisturized, and use alcohol-free creams or gels to hold your hairstyle.
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2Shape the curls by scrunching your hands. For a curlier texture, squeeze your curls between your fingers and the heel of your palm. This helps set the product in further and bring out your curls. [14] X Research source
- Avoid using a comb, since this will flatten your hair.
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3Let your hair air dry into shape. Once you’ve styled your curls how you want them, let the pomade air dry so you don’t lose any moisture in your hair. Drying your hair in any other method will be disrupted and lose its texture. [15] X Research source
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1Tie your hair up in a bun to keep it out of your face. Keep an elastic hairband on your wrist. Pull your hair back so you can hold it all in one hand. Take the hairband off your wrist, pull it over your hair, and twist. Pull the band back around your hair to make a bun. [16] X Research source
- You might opt for the "man bun," which is higher on your head, or a low bun if you prefer.
- Use a shoelace instead of an elastic band to control the tightness of the bun.
- Put in bobby pins to secure the bun in place if you’re wearing it looser.
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2Work a liquid pomade into your damp hair with your fingers. Squeeze pomade into your hand the size of a quarter and rub it in your hands. Use your fingers to lather it into your hair as you would shampoo. Make sure to work it from the ends of your hair all the way down to the scalp for maximum coverage. [17] X Research source
- Thicker and coarser hair will require more pomade.
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3Use a comb to smooth your hair back and distribute the pomade. Use a wide-toothed comb to work your hair into the style that you want. This helps pull hair away from your face for a more slicked back look. [18] X Research source
- Run your fingers through your hair to further accentuate any curls.
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4Add extra pomade on the hair near your face. Use a dime-sized amount of pomade and rub it into the hair on the sides and on top of your face to give it extra hold. This ensures your hair will stay controlled throughout the day. [19] X Research source
- Let the pomade air dry for the best hold and shine.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do men get perfect curly hair?Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.The best start to a successful curly hairstyle is the right haircut. Talk to your hairstylist to determine what sort of cut works best for your hair texture and curl pattern.
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QuestionHow can I make my curly hair look good?Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.Try using a hair cream to take away frizziness and tame your curls. The cream will help add shine and control your natural curls so they're not too unruly.
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QuestionCan I permanently straighten my curly hair?Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.If you want to try straight hair for a while, ask your stylist about a keratin straightening treatment.
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Tips
- The best start to a successful curly hairstyle is the right haircut. Talk to your hair stylist to determine what sort of cut works best for your hair.Thanks
- If you don’t want to deal with your curls, you can get your hair relaxed to tame it.Thanks
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Things You’ll Need
- Leave-in conditioner
- Wide-toothed comb
- Microfiber towel
- Hairdryer with a diffuser attachment
- Anti-frizz serum
- Cream or liquid pomade
References
- ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/article/mens-thick-wavy-unruly-hair/
- ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/article/mens-thick-wavy-unruly-hair/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vU7PAYDhwyA?t=1m18s
- ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/article/mens-thick-wavy-unruly-hair/
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/styling-tips-for-curly-hair
- ↑ https://www.allure.com/gallery/the-ten-commandments-of-curly-hair
- ↑ https://youtu.be/mhEEWHLmbDw?t=46s
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/should-men-use-conditioner
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/styling-tips-for-curly-hair
- ↑ http://www.schwarzkopf.international/en/haircare/men/curly-hair-care-for-men.html
- ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/article/mens-thick-wavy-unruly-hair/
- ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/mens-curly-hairstyles-2324847
- ↑ https://youtu.be/A_k4YJic-mk?t=30s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/A_k4YJic-mk?t=49s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/A_k4YJic-mk?t=1m22s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/R20BK-cM_g4?t=3m12s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/azuNogtYK2s?t=1m19s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/azuNogtYK2s?t=1m36s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/azuNogtYK2s?t=1m53s
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you’re a man with curly hair, it might seem like a challenge to style it, but the trick is to work with your curls, rather than against them. Only shampoo your hair 1-2 times a week to avoid drying out your curls. While your hair is damp, work a fingertip-sized amount of cream-based pomade evenly throughout your hair, then shape the curls by scrunching your hands. Then, let your hair air dry to maintain its shape and texture. Read on for tips from our Cosmetology co-author on how to get the right haircut for your curls!
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