NYC Men's Curly Haircuts With Length on Top
How to choose the right side length and neckline for your curl type and maintenance routine.
Every image you see is a bookable style. Click any photo to view details and book an appointment with a stylist.
For men with curly hair in NYC, keeping length and volume on top is a popular way to showcase texture. The main decision comes down to the sides and back: a sharp fade creates high contrast, a tapered cut provides a softer blend, and a disconnected mullet offers a bolder statement. Your choice affects how the cut grows out and how often you'll need to visit the salon for maintenance.
High-Contrast Fades and Undercuts
For a sharp, defined silhouette that highlights the texture on top.
Pairing a curly top with a fade or undercut creates a clean, modern look by removing weight from the sides and back. This contrast makes the curls on top appear more voluminous and defined. The fade can be taken high up the head or kept low, and can go down to the skin for maximum sharpness. This style requires frequent maintenance to keep the faded areas looking crisp.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- How high should the fade go?
- Would a skin fade or a shadow fade work better with my head shape?
- How will this shape grow out with my curl pattern?
Best For:
- • Showcasing curl definition, creating a strong profile, and those who prefer a clean-cut look on the sides.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
High. Fades and undercuts need to be touched up frequently, often every 2-4 weeks, to maintain their sharp lines.
Blended Tapers for Softer Edges
A versatile option that gradually shortens the hair for a more natural grow-out.
A taper offers a more subtle transition than a fade, gradually getting shorter down the sides and back toward the neckline. This technique works with the natural hairline and provides a clean finish without the stark contrast of a skin fade. It's a versatile choice that can complement a wide range of curl types and head shapes, and it tends to grow out more gracefully than a high-contrast fade.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- Should the taper be low or high?
- How should we shape the neckline: rounded, squared, or natural?
- How much length should we leave at the sideburns?
Best For:
- • A professional yet modern look, those who want a lower-maintenance alternative to a fade, or anyone preferring a softer silhouette.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Medium. While more forgiving than a fade, a taper still requires trims every 3-5 weeks to keep the edges clean and prevent the shape from looking overgrown.
Disconnected Length: The Modern Curly Mullet
A bold style that combines short sides with longer length at the top and back.
The modern mullet for curly hair plays with dramatic contrast, keeping the sides short (often with a fade or taper) while allowing length to build towards the nape of the neck. This style embraces natural texture, allowing curls to create volume and movement in the back. It’s a statement look that can be customized from subtle shags to more dramatic, longer styles.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- How much length should we keep in the back?
- Should the sides be faded, tapered, or scissor-cut?
- How can we layer the back to work with my curl pattern and prevent it from looking bulky?
Best For:
- • Making a style statement, those with wavy to curly hair who want to showcase texture, and individuals looking for a haircut with a distinct, creative shape.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Medium to High. The sides may need frequent touch-ups to maintain the contrast, while the overall shape will require reshaping every 6-8 weeks to keep the layers and length balanced.
Consultation Tips
Discuss your daily routine.
Tell your stylist how much time you spend on your hair and what products you use. A great cut should fit your lifestyle, not force you into a high-maintenance routine you can't keep up with.
Bring photos of what you like and dislike.
Showing what you don't want can be just as helpful as showing your goal. It helps the stylist understand your boundaries and preferences for things like neckline shape or the height of a fade.
Ask about the grow-out process.
A haircut looks great leaving the salon, but understanding how it will look in 3-4 weeks helps set expectations. Ask your stylist how the shape will evolve and when you should book your next appointment to maintain it.
Before You Book
Compare relevant portfolio photos
Look for examples on clients with a hair texture similar to yours. Save a few photos from Kiri portfolios to show your stylist exactly what you're hoping to achieve.
Arrive with your hair styled as you normally would
This gives the stylist a clear picture of your natural curl pattern, how your hair falls, and your current styling habits, leading to a better consultation and a more personalized cut.
Compare portfolio photos and discuss your goals with a stylist.