Stop Fighting Your Hair: The Best Men’s Haircuts for Your Natural Texture

Men's Haircuts

Oct 5

Finding the right men’s haircuts isn’t always as simple as choosing a style you like. Your natural hair texture plays a big part in how a haircut looks, how it grows out, and how much effort it takes to style each morning.

Ever shown your barber a photo of the perfect haircut, only to discover your hair has other plans? A style that looks brilliant on someone with straight hair might sit completely differently on someone with thick waves, tight curls, or coily hair.

That doesn’t mean you have to give up on the look. It means finding a version that works with your hair rather than against it.

From textured crops and classic side parts to curly tapers and skin fades, this guide explores the best men’s hairstyles for different hair types, with practical advice on choosing a cut that suits your natural texture and everyday routine.

Contents

1. Why Your Hair Texture Matters

Not all hair behaves the same way. Straight hair tends to fall differently from wavy hair, while curly and coily hair can create natural volume and shape that changes depending on the length.

Hair texture affects everything from how a fringe sits to how much volume you can create on top. It also influences how your haircut looks after you’ve washed it at home.

That’s why two men asking for exactly the same haircut can leave the barbershop with different results.

Understanding your natural texture helps you choose a style that looks good without spending twenty minutes trying to recreate it every morning.

2. Best Men’s Haircuts for Straight Hair

Straight hair is versatile and can work with everything from short, structured cuts to longer, swept-back hairstyles. However, finer straight hair can sometimes look flat if the haircut doesn’t create enough shape.

Textured Crop

A textured crop is a great option for men who want a modern haircut without complicated styling. Short layers create movement on top, while the sides can be finished with a taper or fade.

For finer hair, keeping enough weight through the top can help create a fuller appearance.

Classic Side Part

The classic side part is one of the most reliable men’s hairstyles for straight hair. It offers a neat, polished look that works for the office, weekends, and formal occasions.

Ask your barber to keep enough length on top for a natural parting, with neatly shaped sides.

Taper Fade

A taper fade keeps the edges tidy without removing too much length from the sides. It works particularly well if you prefer a softer finish rather than a dramatic skin fade.

Styling tip: Use a small amount of matte paste or lightweight styling cream. If your hair tends to sit flat, blow-dry it in the direction you want it to fall before applying product.

3. Best Men’s Haircuts for Wavy Hair

Wavy hair naturally creates movement, making it a good starting point for relaxed, textured hairstyles.

The challenge is finding the right length. Cut it too short and the waves may disappear. Leave it too long without proper shaping and the hair can become heavy around the sides.

Textured Quiff

A textured quiff uses your natural waves to create volume at the front. It can look smart when styled neatly or more relaxed when left with natural movement.

Medium-Length Layered Haircut

Layers help distribute weight and allow waves to sit more naturally. This style works well for men who prefer a little length without committing to a much longer hairstyle.

Low Taper With a Wavy Top

A low taper cleans up the neckline and temples while keeping the waves visible on top. It’s a useful option if you want a tidy haircut without losing your natural texture.

For men who enjoy something more expressive, a modern mullet can also work with wavy hair, using extra length at the back to create movement and shape.

Styling tip: Try a lightweight styling cream or sea salt spray, depending on your hair’s condition. Apply to slightly damp hair and avoid excessive brushing once the waves have formed.

4. Best Men’s Haircuts for Curly Hair

Curly hair already has natural volume and movement. The right haircut should bring out those qualities rather than flattening them.

One of the most important considerations is shrinkage. Curly hair can appear considerably shorter when dry, so the final length needs to be planned carefully.

Curly Top With a Low Taper Fade

A low taper fade is a popular choice for curly hair because it keeps the temples and neckline neat while allowing the curls to remain the main feature.

It’s particularly useful for men who want a defined shape without removing too much volume.

Curly Fringe

A curly fringe allows the hair to fall naturally towards the forehead. The sides can be kept shorter to create balance while preserving the texture on top.

Layered Curly Haircut

For men with thicker curls, carefully placed layers can help remove excess bulk and create a more balanced shape.

The aim isn’t to make every curl identical. It’s to give the haircut structure while allowing the natural curl pattern to do its thing.

Styling tip: Use a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to help maintain definition. Avoid repeatedly brushing dry curls if you want to preserve their natural shape.

5. Best Men’s Haircuts for Coily Hair

Coily hair has a tighter curl pattern and can hold strong shapes and natural volume. It also benefits from careful cutting and a grooming routine that helps retain moisture.

Low Taper With Natural Coils

A low taper keeps the hairline and neckline neat while leaving the natural coils visible on top.

It’s a versatile option for men who want a tidy finish without sacrificing texture.

Skin Fade With a Textured Top

A skin fade creates stronger contrast by gradually blending the sides down to the skin.

It works with coily hair just as it does with other textures. The barber can adjust the height of the fade and the shape of the top to suit your preferences.

For more information about different fade options, explore our skin fade haircut service in Kensington.

Shape-Up With Natural Volume

A shape-up can create a neat outline while preserving the natural fullness of the hair. The finish can be adapted depending on how defined you want the hairline to look.

Styling tip: Regular conditioning, gentle detangling, and avoiding unnecessary tension can help keep coily hair manageable between appointments.

6. Haircuts for Thick and Fine Hair

Hair texture and hair density aren’t the same thing. You can have fine curly hair, thick straight hair, or almost any combination in between.

Haircuts for Thick Hair

Thick hair often benefits from careful weight removal and layering. Textured crops, layered medium-length cuts, and tapers can all help create a balanced shape.

The goal is to reduce unwanted bulk without removing so much weight that the hair becomes difficult to control.

Haircuts for Fine Hair

Fine hair can benefit from shorter, structured styles that preserve enough weight to create the appearance of fullness.

A short textured crop, Ivy League haircut, or classic side part may work well, depending on your hairline and density.

If you’re noticing changes in your hair density, you may also find our existing guide to hairstyles for hair loss useful.

7. Does Face Shape Matter When Choosing a Haircut?

Face shape can influence how a hairstyle looks, but it shouldn’t be treated as a strict rule.

Some men prefer extra volume on top, while others want a flatter, more balanced silhouette. The length around the temples, sides, and fringe can all change the overall appearance.

Your barber can help adjust a haircut to suit your face shape, hairline, and natural growth pattern.

The most important thing is finding a style you enjoy wearing and can realistically maintain.

8. What Should You Ask Your Barber?

Bringing a reference photo is useful, but it helps to explain what you actually like about the haircut.

Is it the length on top? The clean fade? The natural curls? Or the way the hair falls around the forehead?

Before your next appointment, consider these questions:

  • How short do you want the sides and back?
  • Do you want to preserve your natural texture?
  • How much time are you willing to spend styling your hair?
  • Do you prefer a classic finish or something more modern?
  • How frequently do you want to visit the barber for maintenance?

These details help your barber recommend a version of the style that works with your hair rather than simply copying a photograph.

9. How to Maintain Your Haircut Between Visits

Even a well-cut hairstyle needs a little maintenance.

Shorter fades may need attention every two to four weeks if you want to preserve a particularly sharp finish. Longer styles can often go four to eight weeks between appointments, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how neat you prefer it.

Use styling products suited to your hair texture and avoid applying more than you need.

For curly and coily hair, maintaining moisture can help preserve definition. For straight and fine hair, lighter products may help prevent the style from looking weighed down.

And if you’re unsure how to recreate the finish at home, ask your barber to show you before you leave the chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best men’s haircuts for different hair types?

Textured crops, side parts, taper fades, curly fringes, layered cuts, and skin fades can all work with different hair textures. The best option depends on your hair’s natural movement, density, and preferred style.

What haircut is best for men with curly hair?

Popular options include a curly top with a low taper, curly fringe, and layered curly haircut. These styles help maintain natural curl definition while creating shape.

What are good men’s haircuts for wavy hair?

Textured quiffs, medium-length layered haircuts, and low tapers work well with natural waves. The right length helps preserve movement without excessive bulk.

Can men with coily hair get a skin fade?

Yes. Skin fades work with different hair textures, including coily hair. The fade can be adapted to complement the natural shape and volume on top.

What haircut works best for fine or thinning hair?

Short textured crops, Ivy League cuts, and classic side parts can work well with finer hair. Your barber can help choose a style that preserves enough weight and complements your hairline.

How often should men get a haircut?

Many men book every three to six weeks, although shorter fades may need more frequent maintenance and longer hairstyles can often go longer between cuts.

10. Book a Men’s Haircut in Kensington

The best haircut isn’t necessarily the one getting the most attention online. It’s the one that suits your natural texture, lifestyle, and personal style.

Whether you’re considering a textured crop, classic side part, curly taper, or skin fade, Kensington Barbers offers men’s haircuts and grooming services in Earl’s Court, London.

Explore our full range of barber services in Kensington, including gents cuts, skin fades, beard trims, and traditional grooming.

Ready to Find Your Next Haircut?

Book your next appointment with Kensington Barbers and find a haircut that works with your natural hair texture.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

Kensington Barbers
14A Earls Court Road
London, W8 6HZ
+44 20 7938 2552

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Walid

Founder

Walid founded Kensington Barbers in 2009, prior to that, Walid owned and operated a barbershop in Beirut, Lebanon. Walid is passionate about making his customers happy through “one haircut at a time.” Walid enjoys grooming his customer whilst listening to their stories. In Walid’s own words, “barbering is a social school because it teaches you self-confidence and social skills as I communicate with my customers throughout my career.” Indeed, the community of Kensington finds joy sitting in Walid’s chair, knowing that he listens to you whilst giving you the first-class grooming service.

Walid’s favourite:
Walid enjoys spending time with his wife and son. Walid is a great chef at home as he finds joy in cooking, loves to travel, and enjoys watching sports at home.

Kensington Barbers is well known for its top-notch services and celebrity haircuts, often gets recommended by clients all around the world. If you happen to visit Kensington, pop in and say hi to Walid and his friendly barbers.