Curly hair needs fewer washes, conditioner along its whole length and no brushing while it is dry. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says thick, curly hair is more prone to breakage and dryness than other hair types (page updated 29 June 2022). Length is what changes from one man to the next, and with it the styling. This guide gives the care routine first, then shows what to do with short, medium and long curls.
How often should men with curly hair wash it?
Less often than a man with straight hair and an oily scalp, who may want to shampoo every day. For dry, textured, curly or thick hair, the AAD's hair tips advise shampooing when needed, at least once every 2 to 3 weeks (page updated 12 August 2024). The same page says to put shampoo on the scalp rather than the whole length, which clears built-up product and oil without drying the lengths out.
The AAD's curly hair advice adds that washing too often can leave curls dry, frizzy and hard to manage, and that long or thick hair is easier to wash in sections. If you style with pomades, it suggests a clarifying shampoo before a moisturising one. Our guide to choosing a men's shampoo and conditioner helps you pick both.
How do you condition and detangle curly hair?
Condition all of it, then detangle while it is wet. The AAD says curly hair is drier than other hair types. It recommends conditioning the whole head of hair, not only the ends, with a thick conditioner after washing, and adding a leave-in conditioner or oil once you have finished.
Wet hair is delicate, so the AAD's hair tips recommend a wide-tooth comb over a brush for detangling. For thick, curly hair the best moment to comb is in the shower, before the conditioner is rinsed out. Brushing curly hair while it is dry can cause breakage and frizz, according to the curly hair advice, and fingers work too.
For the comb, the Carbon Wide-Tooth Comb is 19 cm long and made of antistatic carbon fibre, with wide teeth, and its listing recommends it for thick or curly hair. Dry off gently afterwards. The AAD says to wrap the hair in a towel or t-shirt to absorb the moisture, because rubbing it roughly can cause damage.
How do you style short curly hair?
Short curls need a little texture and a little shape. Work a small amount of product through damp hair with your fingers, scrunch once, then leave it to dry. The Original Hair Pomade has a glossy finish and is sold in Light, Medium and Strong hold. Its directions for a textured look with shine are to scrunch it into damp hair and let it dry. For a matte finish instead, the clay, pomade and wax comparison and the pomade guide lay out the options.
How do you style medium-length curly hair?
Start with a sea salt spray, and add pomade only if you want more shape. Spray it onto towel-dried hair and let the hair air-dry. The sea salt spray guide has the routine step by step. The Sea Salt Hair Spray adds texture and grip, and its listing names wavy and curly hair among its uses. If you want more definition afterwards, the Original Hair Pomade is listed as a pairing for the spray.
How do you style long curly hair?
Long curls need slip while you detangle and a light hand while you style. Comb through in the shower with the conditioner still in, working in sections. The AAD recommends sections for washing long or thick hair, and for detangling. Style on damp hair, keep product to the mid-lengths and ends, and add more in small amounts if the curls need it.
If you blow-dry, keep the heat low or medium. The AAD says excessive heat can damage any hair type, and it recommends limiting blow drying and using a product that protects hair from heat.
At a glance: what changes with length
The care steps stay the same at every length. Styling is where length matters, so treat this table as a starting point. The AAD notes that trial and error is often needed to find the right routine for curly hair, so adjust it to your own.
| Length (our working definition) | Detangle | Style on damp hair | From the range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short: curls sit close to the head | Fingers, or the comb when wet | A small amount of product, scrunch once, leave to dry | Original Hair Pomade |
| Medium: curls reach the ears or collar | Wide-tooth comb in the shower, conditioner in | Sea salt spray on towel-dried hair, then air-dry. Pomade for extra shape | Sea Salt Hair Spray, Original Hair Pomade |
| Long: curls fall past the collar | Comb in sections, conditioner in | Product on mid-lengths and ends only. Air-dry, or low to medium heat | Carbon Wide-Tooth Comb, Original Hair Pomade |
How do you protect curls overnight and between washes?
Cut down friction while you sleep, and cover up between washes. The AAD suggests pulling longer curls into a loose ponytail on top of the head, or into a loose braid. Both reduce friction against the pillowcase, which can make hair frizzy and easier to break. It also suggests a shower cap when bathing to preserve hair between washes, and a wide-brimmed hat, because heat and the sun's ultraviolet rays can dry curly hair out. The ponytail and braid need some length, while the cap and hat suit any length.
Curly hair questions
How often should men with curly hair wash it?
Only when it needs it, and at least once every 2 to 3 weeks, according to the AAD. Apply the shampoo to the scalp rather than the whole length.
Should you brush curly hair?
Not while it is dry. The AAD says brushing dry curly hair can cause breakage and frizz. Detangle it wet, in sections, with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Do men with curly hair need conditioner?
The AAD recommends it. Curly hair is drier than other hair types, so condition all of it, not only the ends, and follow with a leave-in conditioner or oil.
Which styling product suits curly hair?
Choose by finish and hold, then start with a small amount on damp hair. The Sea Salt Hair Spray adds texture and grip, and the Original Hair Pomade gives a glossy finish. If you use pomades regularly, the AAD suggests a clarifying shampoo before a moisturising one.
Should you blow-dry curly hair?
Limit it. The AAD recommends limiting blow drying and using low or medium heat, with a product that protects hair from the heat.
How do you keep curls from going frizzy overnight?
The AAD suggests a loose ponytail on top of the head, or a loose braid, to reduce friction against the pillowcase.
How do guys style curly hair?
It depends on length. Short curls need a little product and no fuss, medium curls suit a sea salt spray first, and long curls need careful detangling and a light hand with product. The table above sets the three side by side.
This article is general information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For a persistent or worsening symptom, or any concern about your health, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
The short version
Wash only when the hair needs it, condition the whole length, detangle while it is wet, and style on damp hair. The comb deals with detangling, and the spray and pomade take care of texture and shape. To see where curls fit in the wider routine, read the complete men's grooming kit and our hair styling tips for men, or browse the Barber's Blades & Tales archive.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. Written by The Charlemagne Editorial Team.
