Best Ways to Trim Curly Hair at Home for Men

Co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 22, 2022 References

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?

1
Use hair cutting shears to trim the top. 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]
X
Research source}
2
Leave some length on top for a medium or long-length hairstyle. 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]
X
Research source}

Question 2

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

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]
X
Research 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]
  X
  Research source}
2
Use shears if you’d like the hair to be longer all around. Let the hair grow out all around the head, and make minor adjustments with a pair of hair cutting shears.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Question 3

How often should you cut curly hair?

Trim hair every 3 to 6 weeks. 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 pace to keep up.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Question 4

Is it better to trim curly hair wet or dry?

Dry haircuts have a lot of benefits. 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]
X
Research source}

Question 5

What haircut is best for curly hair?

1
Quiff the hair for a natural, wind-blown look. 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]
X
Research source}
2
Keep the hair faded if you’re working with an afro. 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]
X
Research source}
3
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]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.