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Guy with curly hair? Discover your curly guy hair routine
Are you a guy with curly hair? Thanks to the Curly Girl Method, many women have found a way to take care for their curls the best way possible. But we know that curly guys want this too! And of course, as a man you can read the articles on Kurlify and apply the CG Method too, but we’re sure you’ll prefer something that is tailored to your needs as a man. So, this one is for all the guys with curls out there, read all about the Curly Guy Method here.
In this article:
In this article:
What is the Curly Guy Method?
The Curly Guy Method is the same as the Curly Girl Method, but then for curly hair guys. Because curls care is not restricted just to girls! As a curly guy, your hair deserves just as much attention and care.
If you’re a guy looking for a quick and easy hair routine, we’ve also got your back. We will share a few tips that you can apply immediately.
The basic GUIDELINES of the Curly Guy Method
The Curly Girl Method is based on a few basic rules, such as:
- Don’t wash your hair too often.
- Banish hair products with harmful chemicals, like sulphates, parabens, silicones that are not water-soluble, wax, non-natural oils, harmful alcohols and synthetic perfume.
- Don’t use a normal towel to dry your hair, but rather use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt.
- Omit brushes and combs, as they will cause frizz.
CURLY HAIR GUY: Determining your curl type
Curly hair can be divided into different curl types. It’s very helpful to know this, so you can adjust your routine, products and hairstyles accordingly and provide a more beautiful and healthier curl.
It’s very simple, you just have to know how it works. All hair types are divided into numbers from 1 to 4.
Number 1 is straight hair, so we’ll leave that one out. The numbers 2, 3 and 4 indicate your curl type: 2 stands for wavy, 3 for curly and 4 for coily.
The letters A, B and C indicate how tightly curled your curls are. You can also have a combination of two curl types that are close together.
Caring for curls for CURLY HAIR Guys
How to wash YOUR curls
Many men wash their hair every day, which is way too often for curly hair. Because shampoo strips your scalp and hair of natural oils.
So the more often you use shampoo, the less moisture and natural oils your hair will have. And these oils are important to keep your scalp healthy and your curls moisturized.
So from now on, try to wash your hair no more than 1 to 2 times a week and see if this makes a difference to the condition of your curls.
When you wash your hair, use a conditioner instead of shampoo. This is also referred to as a co-wash (conditioner wash).
This is because shampoo often is harmful to your hair: It contains harsh cleansers that do their job so well that they wash away the natural oils from your hair and can thereby damage the structure of your hair.
This can cause an irritated and dry scalp, frizzy hair, and hair that quickly becomes greasy. Co-washing is much gentler on your hair and scalp.
Occasionally, alternate this with a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up from your hair. This is an accumulation of dirt and hair products on your hair. At the very start of your curl care journey we recommend doing a final wash to make sure your start your journey with a clean canvas.
Also read: Everything you want to know about co-washing
How to style curls AS A GUY
Skip the brush, as this will cause frizzy hair. Most guys with short curly hair or waves can get away with not brushing every day.
If you want to do it anyway, detangle when your hair is soaking wet and use your fingers or a wide tooth comb. When styling your curls, there are a ton of tips to bring out the best in your hair, but we promised to keep it simple.
That’s why we’ll give you two options:
- A light hold styler, such as a sea salt spray, can give your hair an effortless, beachy vibe. Distribute the product evenly through your wet hair and scrunch it in to help the curls maintain definition. Let your hair air dry.
- A mousse or a gel provides a stronger hold. When you apply this to wet hair, it dries along with your hair, leaving behind a cast or crunch. This cast helps your curls, providing them with a structure that maintains their natural shape and also prevents frizz. Let your hair dry completely, and when it’s dry, use the Scrunch out the Crunch method. It will make your hair soft again, but with nicely defined curls.
Common CURLY HAIR CARE MISTAKES GUYS MAKE
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into some common traps when caring for curly hair. If you want your curls to look their best, whether you’re rocking long curly hair, short curly hair, or anything in between, avoiding these mistakes can make all the difference in achieving well defined curls and a polished, professional appearance.
1. Using the Wrong Products
One of the biggest mistakes curly hair men make is reaching for products that contain harsh chemicals, like sulphates or drying alcohols. These can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving curls dry, frizzy, and lacking shine. Instead, opt for a curl cream, leave in conditioner, or styling cream specifically designed for curly hair. These products help lock in moisture and enhance your natural curl pattern, making your curls stand out for all the right reasons.
2. Skipping Moisture
Curly hair naturally craves moisture, especially if you have tight curls or long curly hair. Not using enough conditioner or skipping a leave in conditioner can leave your curls looking dull and lifeless. Make sure to use a rich conditioner every wash, and don’t be afraid to add a small amount of hair oil or curl cream to damp hair to keep your curls hydrated and smooth.
3. Overloading on Product
While moisture is key, using too much product can weigh your curls down and make them look greasy instead of defined. Start with a small amount of styling cream or curl defining cream, and add more only if needed. This helps you achieve the best curly hairstyles without sacrificing volume or bounce.
4. Improper Product Application
How you apply your products matters just as much as what you use. Applying curl cream or styling cream directly to your roots can make your hair look flat and oily. Instead, focus on the mid-lengths and ends, where your hair needs the most moisture and definition. Use your fingers to gently work the product through your curls, helping them clump together for a more natural, sleek look.
5. Overusing Heat Styling Tools
It’s tempting to grab a blow dryer to speed up your routine, but too much heat can cause frizz and damage. If you need to blow dry, use a diffuser on a low heat setting, or better yet, let your hair air dry whenever possible. A microfiber towel can also help blot out excess moisture without roughing up your curls.
6. Neglecting Regular Trims
Split ends and breakage can ruin even the best curly hairstyles. Regular trims help keep your curls looking healthy and tidy, whether you prefer a curly crew cut, curly quiff, or longer styles. Find a stylist who understands curly hair and can shape your curls to suit your face shape and curl type.
7. Forgetting Environmental Protection
Sun, wind, and humidity can all take a toll on your curls. Protect your hair by using a hair oil or serum with SPF when you’re out in the sun, and reach for a humidity-fighting spray to keep your curls sleek and frizz-free on muggy days. This extra step helps maintain a polished, professional appearance no matter the weather.
By steering clear of these common mistakes and giving your curls the right care, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the best curly hairstyles for men. Whether you have loose curls, tight curls, or a unique curl pattern, a little attention goes a long way in keeping your hair looking natural, healthy, and full of life.
OUR FAVORITE INFLUENCERS: CURLY HAIR GUYS IN THE REAL WORLD
There are so many men out there embracing the beauty of their natural, waves, curls or coils… and we are here for it!
Did you know that there are many of Curly Boy bloggers and vloggers on social media channels, blogging and vlogging about their quest for the most gorgeous naturally curly hair?
Read about how some of our favorite Curly Boy bloggers do this, maybe this will give you some inspiration for your own curls.
Giovanni Ferrer (@giofilipinohair)
581This relaxed hipster from LA has a huge fan base with almost 600K Instagram followers (@giofilipinohair) and 300K YouTube subscribers (Gio’s Wave).
He has long curly hair down to his buttocks and is not afraid to experiment with different styling products.
His most watched video on YouTube (up to 2.5 million views) is a Curly Hair “on the go” Routine for men. How that routine goes?
Now that I have product all over my hair, what I do now is flip over my hair so when it dries (…) it’s not stuck to my head like this so I typically flip my hair over, flip it out, do whatever I wanna do to it
- Wash your hair with TRESemmé Flawless Curls Shampoo and Conditioner (these products are not CG proof, because they contain silicones and sulphates). Leave a little conditioner in your hair.
- Divide your hair into sections with a center parting.
- Brush your hair to remove the tangles (not completely CG proof, but if you have a lot of tangles you can try a Denman Brush).
- Apply Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Style Milk (CG proof): Gio uses one pump for the left part of his hair and one pump for the right part of his hair. He has very long hair, of course, so decide for yourself which amount is enough for you. Apply the product from the roots to the ends and comb through your hair with your fingers to distribute evenly. He distributes the product even further through the hair with a comb. Again, see what works well for your hair.
- Then apply Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle (CG proof). He does not use too much product for this and applies it by brushing his hair with his flat hand.
- Then he flips his hair over, shakes it out, scrunches it, flips it back and lets it air dry (CG proof).
- His hair is 80% dry four hours later and the result is truly amazing.
Graham's natural curls (@der.graham)
This guy has just over 7,000 followers on Instagram (@der.graham) and almost 50K YouTube subscribers (Graham’s Natural Curls).
He naturally has dark curls, but is not afraid to experiment with different hairstyles, going from straight to blonde and back again.
His most popular video has been viewed over 600K times and is about how to braid (cornrow braids) your hair.
“Of course it’s not perfect, but just practice. If you want to try it yourself, practice, practice, and you will get there”
- Make a – perfect – middle part in your wet hair and then divide your hair further into parts.
- Apply African Pride Olive Miracle Hair & Scalp Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner (almost CG proof, the product does contain silicone) and Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor (almost CG proof, the product does contain silicone) on the length of the hair and Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Natural Curly Styling Custard (CG proof) at the roots.
- Start at your forehead and take a small section of hair that you divide into three smaller sections.
- Then you start with braids where you do not braid at the top, but at the bottom (then you get the typical cornrow braid). You braid towards the back of your head and keep taking some strands of hair with you.
- While braiding, avoid tangling your hair by brushing your fingers through your hair while braiding.
- That way you go round your head and the result is really very sleek and beautiful (Graham thinks and rightly so).
- When you go to sleep, it is best to protect your braids with a silk or satin scarf.
Terrell McDonald (@rellandcompany)
Hello curl crush! Terrell McDonald’s curls are banging and has 19K YouTube subscribers (Rell and Company) and 15K followers on Instagram (@rellandcompany).
This curl care influencer has beautiful spiral curls complemented by perfect eyebrows.
It’s really nice to see his development over the years in his videos: not only how beautifully long his hair has grown, but also how he is increasingly becoming the Curly Boy blogger he is today.
A lot of his videos are about curl definition and we totally get that: he seems to have invented curl definition. Tips? Yes please.
“It’s not the product that’s really giving you curly hair, it’s the product that’s defining the curls you already have… Just to clear that up.”
- On wash day, take a spray bottle with warm water and Mixed Chicks Curl Defining & Frizz Eliminating Leave-In Conditioner (almost CG proof, the product does contain silicone). Terrell notes that this is a pretty expensive product, but totally worth it. It works wonders and you don’t need much of it.
- Divide your hair into sections, top to bottom, securing each section with a pin or an elastic band.
- Spray the water, mixed with a little coconut oil, on the first part of the hair and wet the hair thoroughly. In one of his first videos he starts at the top, in one of his later videos he starts at the bottom. Maybe it has to do with the length of his hair; his hair is a lot longer in the last video and therefore heavier.
- Then you apply a lump of leave-in and detangle your hair with your fingers, immediately making sure that every strand of hair is covered with the leave-in.
- Then apply gel, grasp each strand of hair between your thumb and forefinger and move from top to bottom. This way you can be sure that it is covered with gel. It doesn’t matter if you still see some product on your hair. When your hair dries, it disappears (and at least you know for sure that you have put enough in your hair). For the gel he uses Ecostyler Olive Oil Styling Gel (CG proof, contains fatty alcohols), of which he uses a lot. That way you can enjoy your hair for several days.
- When you have had all the hair, shake your hair from side to side.
- Repeat with each section of the hair. Terrell gives every hair strand the same amount of love, that is a painstaking job, but when you consider that afterwards he enjoys his curls for 7 days, it is worth it.
Dawan Pearson (@curlyguy_13)
This newly graduated nurse has more than 60K subscribers on YouTube (Curly Guy) and 42K followers on Instagram (@curlyguy_13).
He likes to show off his sporty body. In his most watched videos he straightens his hair. He’s just started a new series on YouTube going back to basics: Natural Hair 101.
First episode? Deep conditioning.
“I always tell people to deep conditioning at least once a week (…), that way you’re constantly reinforcing that moisture and getting your hair used to being moisturized like that”
“I leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes and just let my hair soak up al the goodness and marinate”
- First, make sure you have clean hair, so you’ve just washed your hair.
- Detangle your hair with your fingers (or like him, with a brush).
- He uses NaturallClub CBD + Avocado Revitalizing Deep Conditioner (CG proof, it is so fresh and natural that you have to keep the products in the freezer to keep them good), these products are unfortunately not yet available in the Netherlands.
- Divide your hair into sections, apply a lot of deep conditioner to your first section. Apply your deep conditioner of your choice and distribute through your hair with a brush or your fingers.
- Secure the part that you treated with the deep conditioner and move on to the next section until you are done.
- Then you put a shower cap or even better, a heat cap, over your hair. If you don’t have a heat hood, you can spread heat over your hair with a hair dryer, for example. Leave the deep conditioner hair mask on for about 15-20 minutes under your shower cap.
- Then you take your hat off your head and, good Curly Guy tip, when you see that your curls have shrunk (hang less far down) you know that you are in the right place. Then you will style yes hair.
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The most frequent advice I heard is to Look for sulfate- or sodium chloride-free products. And I think that is true, no doubt that it depends on the environment that we live in, because sulfates strip away natural oils from your scalp and cause dryness, breakage and split ends… not exactly what we want on top of an already dry head of hair!
Instead of using sulfates in my shampoo, I try looking for sulfate-free options.
Thank you for your comment Rohit😀 . You’re absolutely right! In the Curly Girl Method, we avoid harsh Sulfates and drying Alcohols (they dehydrate the hair), Silicones, Waxes and Mineral Oils (they build up). As replacements, we look for ingredients that are mild, moisturizing and soluble for curly hair in order to minimize dryness and foster better moisture retention. Check out our CG shampoo page, free of sulfates! https://www.kurlify.com/nl/shop/cg/cg-shampoo/
Love,
Team Kurlify💜