Best Ways to Trim Curly Hair at Home for Men

When it comes to trimming curly hair, there are a lot of options for you to consider. Don’t worry! There are a few tips and tricks you can try if you don’t feel like heading out to the salon. Take a look at some frequently asked questions and answers and see if there’s a solution that works for you!

Question 1

How do you trim the top section of men’s curly hair?

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Hair-cutting shears will allow you to leave the top section of the hair a bit longer than the sides and back. Unless the person whose hair you're cutting wants a buzzed, even length over their head, definitely use shears to trim the top so you don’t cut too much off.^{[1]XResearch source}
For a medium-length cut, you might leave the hair 3 in (7.6 cm) or so along the top. For a long-length hairstyle, you can leave the hair at least 5 or 6 in (13 or 15 cm) long, so it can frame the sides of the head.^{[2]XResearch source}

Question 2

How do you cut the sides and back of men’s curly hair?

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1
Use hair clippers to keep the sides and back short and tapered. Clippers are a great option if you’d like to achieve a clean-cut look along the sides and back of the head. Whenever you use clippers, you’ll need to pick out the right guard—this is a special cover that helps keep your hair a short, consistent length. The right guard length really depends on how short the person wants the back and sides of their hair to be.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Clipper guards are labeled with different numbers—the smaller the number, the shorter the hair will be. For reference, a number 1 guard will leave hair ¹⁄₈ in (0.32 cm) long, while a number 8 guard will leave hair 1 in (2.5 cm) long.^{[4]XResearch source}
Let the hair grow out all around the head, and make minor adjustments with a pair of hair-cutting shears.^{[5]XResearch source}

Question 3

How often should you cut curly hair?

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Fine-tuned haircuts, like fades, can get pretty unruly if they aren’t trimmed and adjusted regularly. Don’t worry about trimming hair once every weekend—once a month or so is a good place to keep up.^{[6]XResearch source}

Question 4

Is it better to trim curly hair wet or dry?

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Overall, dry haircuts tend to be more precise and make it a lot easier to spot any split ends. Sometimes, damp hair looks longer than it actually is, which can lead to some unwanted surprises once the haircut is done. Dry cutting makes it a lot easier to tell where the curls will naturally fall, and how they’ll look in real time.^{[7]XResearch source}

Question 5

What haircut is best for curly hair?

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Quiffed hair is curled upwards, which creates a really posh, sophisticated look. Try out this haircut for a change of pace, or if you’d just like to look a little more elegant while you’re out and about.^{[8]XResearch source}
Afros can be tough to work with and manage, especially if they’re on the longer side. Instead, try a fade haircut, which keeps the afro longer on the top but shorter and sleeker along the sides and back.^{[9]XResearch source}
Shave the sides to create an undercut. Clip sides of the hair so they’re super short. Let the curls along the top of the head grow out, which creates a cool contrast between the top and sides of the head.^{[10]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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Question
How should I style my curly hair?
Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist
Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon.
Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Answer
Styling all starts with the haircut. Most people who struggle with their hair have the wrong haircut for their texture. You have to work with the texture you have—the more you fight against it, the more work styling is going to become,and the more products you're going to need.
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