18+ Stylish Curly Haircuts for Boys That Your Kids Will Love

Navigating the world of boys’ haircuts can be a real challenge when your little one has been blessed with beautiful curls. Those springy locks have a mind of their own, don’t they? As a mom of three curly-headed boys and a former stylist, I’ve seen firsthand how the right haircut can make all the difference between a tearful morning routine and a confident kiddo who loves his hair.

Curly hair has finally gotten the recognition it deserves. Gone are the days when parents would simply buzz those curls away because they didnt know how to handle them. Today’s styles celebrate those natural ringlets while keeping maintenance managable for busy families.

Let me share 18+ absolutely adorable and stylish curly haircuts that will have your son beaming with pride. These cuts work for all curl types—from loose waves to tight coils—and can be adapted for boys of any age. Trust me, you’ll find something here that both you and your little man will absolutley love.

1. The Classic Curly Top

This timeless style keeps the sides neat with a slightly shorter cut while leaving those gorgeous curls on top to shine. It’s perfect for school and special occasions alike. The contrast between the trimmed sides and voluminous top creates a structured yet playful look.

My nephew rocks this style, and it stays looking good even after playground adventures. The best part? It only needs reshaping every 6-8 weeks, making it practical for busy families.

2. Curly Fade

The curly fade combines the clean lines of a fade with the natural texture of curls on top. Your barber will gradually blend the hair from very short on the sides to longer on top where those curls can pop. This style works amazingly well for boys with tight curls or coils.

What makes this cut so special is how it grows out. Even between cuts, it maintains its shape nicely. My clients who choose this for their sons always tell me how many compliments their little dudes receive.

3. Shoulder-Length Curls

For boys who love their longer curls, shoulder-length styles offer the perfect compromise between showstopping volume and manageability. This free-spirited look celebrates natural texture in all its glory.

My own son wore this style throughout elementery school, and we found that a good leave-in conditioner was the key to keeping it looking great. Remember to trim the ends every few months to prevent those pesky split ends that can cause tangles.

4. The Curly Undercut

Bold and stylish, the curly undercut features very short or shaved sides with a dramatic transition to longer curls on top. This cut is perfect for boys who want somethin’ with more personality and edge.

It works particularly well for older boys who are starting to develop their own sense of style. The defined contrast makes a statement while still being appropriate for most school dress codes.

5. Tapered Curls

This versatile cut gradually decreases in length from the crown to the nape and sides, creating a neat shape while preserving those beautiful curls. The tapered curls style is excellant for boys with medium to tight curl patterns.

What I love about this cut is how it frames the face so nicely. The gradual transition keeps things looking natural while providing structure. It’s also incredibly adaptable for different face shapes.

6. The Curly Mohawk

For the little rebel in your life, a curly mohawk offers serious cool-factor. This edgy style keeps the sides short while letting a strip of curls down the center of the head steal the show.

Despite its wild appearance, a curly mohawk can be suprisingly versatile. On school days, those center curls can be tamed with a bit of product for a more conservative look, then unleashed for weekend fun.

7. Curly Bowl Cut

The modern curly bowl cut is nothing like the awkward styles of the 80s. Today’s version embraces natural curl patterns with a rounded shape that frames the face beautifully. It’s especially adorable on younger boys with cherubic features.

This style requires minimal maintenance beyond regular conditioning and the occasional trim to maintain its shape. My clients with toddlers particularly love this cut for its wash-and-go simplicity.

8. Textured Crop

The textured crop keeps curls short enough to be manageable while leaving enough length to show off that gorgeous natural texture. This cut works wonderfully for boys with looser curl patterns or waves.

I recommended this to my sister for my nephew who has sensory issues, and it’s been perfect—no pulling or tangling, but still showcasing his natural curl pattern. A tiny bit of lightweight styling cream keeps it looking polished.

9. Curly Pompadour

For the little gentleman in your life, a curly pompadour offers vintage vibes with modern flair. This sophisticated style features shorter sides with length on top that can be styled forward or up and back.

This cut is definitely for kiddos who don’t mind spending a few extra minutes on their hair. But the results are worth it! My friend’s 10-year-old loves this style and enjoys the ritual of styling it each morning.

10. Wild and Free Curls

Sometimes the best approach is to embrace the natural chaos of curls! This unstructured style simply shapes the overall silhouette while letting those spirals do there thing. It’s perfect for boys with well-defined curl patterns.

My youngest sports this look, and I love how it showcases his personality—a bit untamed but completely charming. The key is finding a stylist who understands curly hair and can create a shape that grows out beautifully.

11. Curly Top with Hard Part

This sophisticated style combines the playfulness of curls on top with the structure of a defined part and neatly trimmed sides. The hard part (a line shaved into the hair) adds a touch of modern edge that older boys especially appreciate.

What makes this cut stand out is the contrast between the precision of the part and the natural texture of the curls. It’s like the perfect balance between playful and polished.

12. Short Curly Crop

For active boys or those who prefer minimal styling time, the short curly crop is ideal. This cut keeps curls short enough to avoid tangling while still showcasing their natural texture and bounce.

I’ve reccomended this style countless times for families heading into summer swim season. It’s practically effortless to maintain and looks good whether it’s just been washed or spent the day under a sports helmet.

13. Medium Length Layers

Adding layers to medium-length curly hair creates movement and prevents that dreaded triangle shape. The varying lengths allow curls to stack beautifully upon one another, creating dimension and reducing bulk.

This style is perfect for boys transitioning from shorter cuts to longer styles. The layers make growing out the hair much more manageable, with fewer awkward phases along the way.

14. The Curly Fringe

A curly fringe (or bangs) adds character and frames the face beautifully. This style keeps hair shorter on the sides and back while allowing longer curls to cascade across the forehead.

My oldest son chose this style when he was seven, and it highlighted his expressive eyes perfectly. Just be prepared for occasional trims to keep those front curls from obstructing vision.

15. Tapered Afro

The tapered afro celebrates tight curls and coils while providing a clean, structured silhouette. This classic style features a gradual fade on the sides with fuller volume on top.

This cut is especially great for boys with type 4 curls. It showcases the beautiful natural texture while keeping things manageable. A wide-tooth comb and good moisturizing products are essental for maintaining this style.

16. Curly Mullet

Yes, the mullet is back—but the curly version is absolutely adorable on boys! This playful style keeps things shorter in front with longer curls in back, creating a fun and distinctive look.

Before you dismiss this as a throwback, the modern curly mullet is actually quite fashionable. My friend’s son gets compliments everywhere they go with his curly mullet, which they call his “wolf cut.”

17. Curly Quiff

The curly quiff features shorter sides with length on top that’s styled upward and slightly back at the front. This style works wonderfully for boys with looser curl patterns or waves.

It’s a bit more stylized than some other options, making it perfect for fashion-forward kids. My 12-year-old nephew chose this for his school pictures last year, and it photograffed beautifully.

18. Curly Side Part

Classic and neat, the side part works surprisingly well with curly hair. This timeless style combs curls to one side, creating a polished look that’s still full of personality.

For special occasions or when a more formal appearance is required, this style delivers. I’ve styled many young gentlemen in this cut for weddings and holiday events, and it always looks distinguished.

19. Curly Fauxhawk

Less extreme than a mohawk but equally fun, the curly fauxhawk keeps the sides shorter while styling the center hair upward. The natural volume of curly hair makes this style particularly effective without needing tons of product.

Boys who want something playful but still relatively conservative for school often love this option. It can be styled more dramatically for weekends and toned down for weekdays.

20. Disconnected Undercut with Curls

This bold style features a dramatic contrast between very short sides and longer curls on top with no gradual transition. The “disconnected” element makes for a striking profile that’s sure to turn heads.

Best suited for confident kids who enjoy standing out, this modern cut has become increasingly popular among tween and teen boys. My neighbor’s son customizes his with temporary color on the longer top section for special events.

21. Curly Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut has been adapted beautifully for curly hair. This style features a straight, short fringe across the forehead with similarly short lengths all around. The result is a neat, no-fuss style that still showcases curl texture.

For active boys who don’t want to think about their hair, this practical cut is perfect. It’s also ideal for very humid climates where longer curls might become unmanagable.

22. Rounded Afro

The classic rounded afro celebrates natural curl patterns in their full glory. This iconic style can be adapted to different lengths, from a few inches to more substantial volume.

Properly shaped by a stylist who understands curly hair, this timeless look is both beautiful and relatively low-maintenance. Regular moisturizing and gentle detangling are key to keeping it looking its best.

23. Curly Hi-Top Fade

Popular in the 80s and 90s, the hi-top fade has made a stylish comeback. This distinctive style features closely cropped sides with dramatic height on top where those curls can reach for the sky.

I’ve noticed this style gaining popularity among boys who are interested in retro fashion or who follow basketball players who sport similar looks. When well-maintained, it’s truly a statement-making style.

24. Short Sides with Curly Twists

For boys with tighter curl patterns, this style combines short sides with slightly longer top hair that’s twisted into defined coils. The result is a textured, dimensional look that highlights natural curl patterns.

This style requires some initial styling time, but the twists typically hold well for several days. My client’s son loves this look for school picture day because it shows off his beautiful hair texture.

25. Curly Shag

The shag has returned from the 70s and looks amazing on boys with curls! This layered style features a longer length with lots of texture throughout, often including some type of fringe or bangs.

The beauty of the curly shag is how it embraces the natural movement of curly hair. It’s perfect for boys who prefer a more relaxed, effortless vibe and don’t mind their curls having a life of their own.

26. The Curly Drop Fade

Unlike traditional fades, the drop fade curves behind the ear, creating a unique arc shape that drops down toward the neckline. When paired with curly texture on top, it creates a sophisticated silhouette that’s still playful.

My friends son just got this cut, and the dynamic shape makes his curls look even bouncier on top. It’s perfect for boys who want something a little more architectural without going too extreme.

27. Curly Top Knot

This trendy style keeps the sides neat while leaving enough length on top to gather into a small knot or bun. It’s versatile enough to wear down when desired or up when he’s in active mode.

I love reccommending this for boys who can’t decide between short and long styles. It offers the best of both worlds and looks especially cool with curly texture giving the top knot some extra dimension.

28. Spiral Hawk

Think mohawk, but specifically designed for spiral curls. This style leaves a wider strip of hair down the center than a traditional mohawk, allowing those perfect spirals to create a stunning ridge of texture.

The spiral hawk is a showstopper that celebrates tight curl patterns. My nephew wore this to his school talent show and stole the spotlight before he even performed!

29. Asymmetrical Curly Cut

Breaking away from symmetrical styles, this bold look features longer curls on one side with a shorter, more structured cut on the other. It’s artistic, unique, and perfect for creative kids.

This style definately makes a statement and works especially well for boys with natural curl definition. The asymmetry creates visual interest while still being practical enough for everyday wear.

30. Curly Curtains

The 90s are back! This nostalgic style features a middle part with longer curls falling to either side, framing the face like curtains. The modern version keeps the sides cleaner for a fresh update.

My teenage clients have been requesting this style non-stop since it reemerged on social media. It’s particularly flattering for boys with heart-shaped or longer faces, and the curtain effect really showcases curl patterns.

31. Curly Faux Braids

This innovative style uses natural curl clumping to create sections that resemble braids without actually braiding. The hair is shaped into twisted, rope-like segments that showcase curl definition.

I’ve seen this style work beautifully on boys with 3C to 4A curl patterns. It requires some initial styling time with a good curl defining cream, but the results last for days and truly highlight the natural texture.

32. Curly Flat Top

A geometric marvel, the curly flat top creates a perfectly level surface across the top of the head. When done with curly hair, the precision of the shape contrasts beautifully with the natural texture.

This architectural style requires regular maintenance, but it’s worth it for boys who appreciate a bold, structural look. My collegue specializes in these cuts, and his young clients absolutely love the dramatic silhouette.

33. Curly Temple Taper

This subtle style focuses on beautifully tapered temples while leaving the rest of the curly hair relatively untouched. The refined edges create a clean frame for the face while allowing natural curls to flourish.

It’s a perfect option for boys who want to keep their curls but need something that looks neat for school or formal occasions. The contrast between the precise edges and the natural curls creates a sophisticated balance.

34. Pineapple Updo

Borrowed from the curly adult world but adapted for boys, the pineapple gathers curls loosely at the crown, creating a fun, pineapple-like shape. It’s perfect for active days or for keeping long curls contained.

My son rocks this style during soccer practice, and it keeps his longer curls out of his face while still looking stylish. It works with a wide range of curl types and lengths.

35. Curly Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is a modern mullet-shag hybrid that works amazingly well with curly hair. It features lots of layers throughout with a focus on volume at the crown and tapering toward the ends.

This shaggier style has a rock-n-roll vibe that appeals to boys who want something with more edge. The layers enhance natural curl patterns and create beautiful movement throughout the hair.

36. Sunrise Fade

This unique variation on a fade starts very short at the nape and gradually increases in length as it moves up toward the crown, like a sunrise. The curls on top are left longer to create a beautiful gradient effect.

What makes this cut special is how the increasing length creates a natural color gradient effect in curly hair. My client’s son with auburn curls looks like his hair is actually glowing in the sunlight with this cut!

37. Curly Frohawk

Wider than a mohawk but still featuring that distinctive strip down the center, the frohawk is perfect for boys with afro-textured hair. The sides are tapered rather than shaved, creating a more gradual transition.

This versatile style can be worn more dramatically for special occasions or tamed down for everyday wear. It celebrates natural texture while still providing some structure.

38. Twisted Crown

This distinctive style features a section of twisted curls across the crown of the head, with shorter, more defined curls surrounding it. The twist acts as a natural headband while showcasing beautiful texture.

I created this style for my friends son who wanted to keep his curls but needed them out of his eyes for school. The twisted section stays in place beautifully and becomes a focal point of the entire hairstyle.

39. Curly Micro Bangs

Ultra-short curly bangs that sit high on the forehead create a fashion-forward look that’s both retro and modern. The rest of the hair can be any length, creating a customizable style with a distinctive edge.

This unexpected style works surprisingly well on curly-haired boys who want something different. The contrast between the tiny bangs and the rest of the hair creates a really interesting visual dynamic.

40. Sculpted Curls

Think of this as hair architecture. A skilled stylist shapes curly hair into subtle, sculptural forms that enhance the natural growth patterns while creating intentional movement and flow.

My artistic clients love this approach because each cut is completely unique to their curl pattern. It’s like having a personalized hair design that works with—not against—the natural texture.

41. Curly Burst Fade

This dynamic style features a burst fade that radiates outward from behind the ear like a sunburst, while leaving curls longer on top and at the crown. The result is a multidimensional look that’s full of movement.

The burst pattern creates a totally different silhouette than traditional fades, making it perfect for boys who want something fresh. My teenage clients particularly apreciate how unique this looks from every angle.

42. Triangular Curly Cut

Embracing rather than fighting the natural triangle shape that curly hair often forms, this style intentionally enhances the triangular silhouette for a bold, geometric look.

I started recommending this when a client’s son was frustrated with his hair’s natural triangle tendency. By making it intentional, it became his signature style! Sometimes working with natural patterns is better than fighting them.

43. Coiled Corners

This architectural style features precisely shaped corners at the temples with beautiful coiled texture throughout the top. The clean lines create a frame for the more organic texture of the curls.

It’s perfect for boys who appreciate precision and like their style to look intentional. The contrast between geometric corners and natural curls creates a sophisticated visual interest.

44. Curly Liberty Spikes

For the punk rock kid with curls, liberty spikes can be adapted for curly hair by creating separated spikes of curls rather than the traditional straight spikes. The result is playful and rebellious.

My friend’s 10-year-old wanted something “totally crazy” for his birthday party, and these curly spikes were a huge hit. With the right styling products, they hold suprisingly well in curly hair.

45. Half-Moon Undercut

This distinctive style features a curved undercut in the shape of a half-moon at the nape or sides, with longer curls elsewhere. The precise geometric shape creates a beautiful contrast with natural curl patterns.

What I love about this style is how the reveal of the design can be controlled. When all the hair is down, you might not even notice it, but when styled up, the half-moon becomes a cool surprise element.

46. Diagonal Part Curls

Breaking from traditional side or middle parts, a diagonal part adds unexpected visual interest to curly styles. The angle creates a modern edge while directing curl volume in unique ways.

This simple change makes a standard curly cut look completely different. I’ve used this technique for boys who wanted to refresh their look without losing length or dramatically changing their style.

47. Elevated Crown

This style leaves extra length and volume specifically at the crown while keeping the sides and back more controlled. The result is a focused area of gorgeous curly texture that draws the eye upward.

It’s like a mohawk’s sophisticated cousin—more subtle but still with that great height and focus. For boys with amazing curl definition, this style really showcases their best texture.

48. Curly Ducktail

A modern take on a retro style, the ducktail features longer curls at the nape that form a point (like a duck’s tail), with more structured styling throughout the rest of the hair.

This unexpectedly cool style works especially well for boys with longer curls who want something different without going too short. The pointed detail at the back adds a distinctive touch to an otherwise classic cut.

49. Windswept Curls

This dynamic style looks as though the curls have been permanently caught in a gentle breeze, with directional cutting that creates a swept-over effect in one direction.

I created this for a client’s son who naturally pushed his hair to one side, and it works with his natural tendency while looking intentionally styled. The movement in the cut itself means it looks good even without any styling product.

50. Halo Curls

This angelic style keeps the hair shorter through the middle of the head while leaving a “halo” of longer curls around the perimeter. The effect is a frame of beautiful texture surrounding the face.

When the light catches these halo curls, it creates an almost ethereal effect. My younger clients with fine, light-colored curls look particularly magical with this soft, framing style.

Caring for Curly Hair

No matter which style you choose, proper curl care is essential. Always use sulfate-free shampoos and plenty of conditioner designed for curly hair. Microfiber towels and wide-tooth combs are your best friends for preventing damage and frizz.

For younger boys, establishing a simple hair care routine early makes things easier as they grow. Most curly styles look best when air-dried rather than blow-dried, which is good news for busy mornings!

Remember that even the best haircut needs appropriate styling products to look its best. Lightweight curl creams, mousses, or gels (depending on curl type) can make a huge difference in definition and frizz control.

Finding the Right Stylist

Perhaps the most important factor in a successful curly haircut is finding a stylist who truly understands curly hair. Not all hairdressers are trained in curly cutting techniques, so do your research.

Don’t hesitate to ask potential stylists about their experience with curly hair specifically. Many salons now have stylists who specialize in curls, and some are even certified in specific curly cutting methods.

The investment in finding the right hair professional will pay off in happier hair days and a son who feels confident about his awesome curls. After all, that’s what this is all about—helping your boy love what naturally grows from his head!

With these 18+ options, you’re well-equipped to help your son find a curly style that suits his personality, lifestyle, and hair texture. Whether he wants something bold and edgy or classic and low-maintenance, embracing those natural curls is the way to go!