Curly hair used to be a problem to "fix." You probably remember the early 2010s when every guy with a hint of a wave was reaching for the flat iron or buzzing it off to avoid the dreaded "pouf." Things have changed. Seriously. If you look at the red carpets or even just scroll through your feed right now, the most influential men in the world aren't just "dealing" with their curls; they’re centering their entire identity around them.
It’s about texture. Movement. Honestly, it’s about looking like you didn't try too hard, even if you spent twenty minutes with a diffuser this morning.
From Timothée Chalamet’s legendary "controlled chaos" to the resurgence of the curly mullet seen on stars like Jack Harlow, we are living in the golden age of the spiral. But here’s the thing: most people think these guys just wake up looking like Greek statues. They don't. Behind every "effortless" curl is a very specific routine, usually involving way less shampoo than you’d think.
The Chalamet Effect: Why the "Grown-Out Shag" Won 2026
Timothée Chalamet is basically the patron saint of celebs with curly hair men everywhere. His hair has its own fan accounts, and for good reason. What makes it work isn't just the genetics—though his father’s hair genes clearly did some heavy lifting—it’s the "Grown-Out Shag" cut.
This isn't just "long hair." It’s a highly technical square-layered cut.
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Most barbers will tell you that to get this look, you have to cut the hair while it’s wet to control the length, but you have to check it while it's dry to see where those curls actually live. In 2026, the trend has shifted toward even more "lived-in" volume. Stylists like Jamie Taylor, who has worked with Chalamet for years, often use a mix of sea salt spray and light dressing creams to get that glossy, non-crunchy finish.
If you're trying to replicate this, stop rubbing your head with a towel. Seriously. Use a microfiber cloth or an old cotton T-shirt. Rubbing creates friction, friction creates frizz, and frizz turns Chalamet-level curls into a static nightmare.
Beyond the "Dune" Look: The New Wave of Textured Icons
While Timmy might be the poster boy, he’s definitely not the only one. We’ve seen a massive shift in how different curl patterns are celebrated.
- Jeremy Allen White: The The Bear star has popularized the "Tousled Mess." It’s shorter than Chalamet’s but uses heavy texture on top to create volume. It’s the ultimate "I just worked a 12-hour shift in a kitchen but I still look like a movie star" vibe.
- Jack Harlow: He’s moved the needle for guys with tighter 3a/3b curls. His transition into the "Curly 80s Mullet" was a bold move that basically revived the silhouette for the mid-2020s. It’s all about keeping the sides tight—often a taper or a mid-fade—while letting the curls explode on top and at the nape.
- Pedro Pascal: Proof that curls don't have an age limit. His "Retro Curly Quiff" is the blueprint for professional guys who want to keep their natural texture without looking like they're headed to a music festival. It’s shorter, tighter, and uses a bit more pomade for structure.
What Most People Get Wrong About Curly Maintenance
There’s a huge misconception that more product equals better curls. Wrong.
Actually, the biggest secret among celebs with curly hair men is the "Low-Poo" or "No-Poo" method. Curls are naturally drier than straight hair because the scalp's oils have to travel a "corkscrew" path to get to the ends. Most shampoos are loaded with sulfates that strip those oils away, leaving you with a dry, frizzy mess.
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Experts like Matt Hughes of Idris Barbering Co. often suggest washing only once or twice a week. On the other days? Just rinse and use a high-quality conditioner.
The 2026 "Curl Translation" Routine
If you want the celebrity look, you need to think like a chemist. It’s all about layering. You start with a water-based leave-in or a curl cream while the hair is soaking wet. This locks in the moisture. Then, you "scrunch" in a light gel or foam to provide hold.
The "Hair Foam Renaissance" of 2026 has been a game changer. Unlike the sticky mousses of the 90s, modern foams like those from The Doux or Kevin Murphy provide volume without making your hair feel like a helmet.
The Technical Side: Face Shapes and Curl Patterns
Not every celebrity style works for every guy. It’s a hard truth. If you have a round face, a "Curly Mop" like Justin Timberlake’s older styles might actually make your face look wider. You want height. You want something like the "Curly High-Top" or a "Textured Pompadour" to elongate your features.
For guys with square or angular faces, softer, longer layers—think Dev Patel—help balance out a sharp jawline.
Then there’s the "Baby Mullet." Paul Mescal and Oscar Isaac have been champions of this lately. It’s a polarizing look, but for guys with wavy-to-curly hair, it provides a structured way to grow out your hair without going through that awkward "lamp-shade" phase where the hair just grows out sideways.
Why 2026 is the Year of the "Curly Pixie" and "Short Afro"
We’re seeing a return to shorter, more defined shapes. While the "long flow" dominated the early 2020s, stars like Michael B. Jordan and Usher are leaning into precision. The "Short Afro with Precision Lines" or "Coils with a Fade" are dominant because they require zero daily styling but look incredibly sharp.
The key here is hydration. Even if the hair is short, it needs moisture. Celebrity groomers often use shea oil or argan oil treatments overnight to keep the coils popping.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Barber Visit
Don't just show a picture of a celebrity and hope for the best. Be specific.
First, ask your barber for a "taper" instead of a "fade" if you want a more natural, classic look. Fades go down to the skin, which can sometimes look too aggressive with soft curls. A taper leaves a bit of hair around the edges, blending the curls into the skin more gradually.
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Second, tell them to "point cut" the ends. This removes weight without losing length, which prevents the "triangle head" effect where your hair is flat on top and wide at the bottom.
Finally, invest in a diffuser attachment for your hair dryer. It looks like a weird plastic bowl with spikes. It’s the single most important tool for celebs with curly hair men. It spreads the airflow so your curls dry in their natural shape rather than being blown apart by a standard dryer nozzle. Set it to low heat, high air, and don't touch your hair until it's at least 80% dry.
Stop fighting your DNA. The most stylish men in the world right now are the ones who let their hair do exactly what it wants to do—they just give it a little nudge in the right direction.