Did you know that searches for “curly hair fade men” have increased by 250% in the past year alone?
No wonder this stylish, low-maintenance haircut has become the go-to choice for men who want to embrace their natural texture without the hassle of extensive upkeep.
As someone with curly hair, I know firsthand the struggles of keeping curls looking defined and frizz-free.
We’ve all been there—you leave the barbershop with a fresh fade, feeling like a million bucks.
But a couple of weeks later, your once-crisp hairline is starting to blur, and your curls are looking a bit unruly.
Sound familiar? Proper at-home care between appointments is key to maintaining that “just walked out of the barbershop” look.
With over a decade of experience as a professional barber specializing in curly hair, I’ve picked up some tried-and-true tips for keeping curly hair fades looking sharp.
In this article, I’ll share my top secrets so you can confidently rock your natural texture.
Say goodbye to frizz and hello to defined, healthy-looking curls. Let’s dive in!
Pre-Styling Tips for Curly Hair Fade
Before you even think about styling your curly hair fade, there are a few crucial steps you need to take to set yourself up for success. As someone who’s rocked this look for years, I’ve learned that prep work is everything to achieve a fresh, defined style that lasts.
1. Choosing the Right Haircut for Your Curl Type
Not all curls are created equal, so choosing a fade haircut that complements your specific curl type is essential. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- For tight coils, opt for a longer top with a low to mid-fade
- Looser curls can handle a higher fade with more weight removed
- If you have a mix of textures, consider a taper fade for a graduated effect
Talk to your barber about your curl pattern and desired style to find the perfect cut.
2. Washing and Conditioning Best Practices
Curly hair requires a different approach to cleansing and hydration. To avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, limit washing to 1-2 times per week using a sulfate-free shampoo.
Conditioner is your best friend! Apply a generous amount from mid-shaft to ends, detangling with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. For extra moisture, try a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
Pro tip: Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and reduce frizz.
Styling Techniques for Curly Hair Fade
(an image of different styling techniques mentioned below)
Now that you’ve got the perfect cut and your curls are prepped and ready, it’s time to dive into styling.
I’ve experimented with countless techniques over the years, and I’m excited to share my top two methods for achieving a curly hair fade full of volume and definition.
1. Textured Top with Low Curly Fade: Steps for Volume and Definition
For a textured top with a low curly fade, start by applying a quarter-sized amount of styling cream or leave-in conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the longer curls on top.
Using your fingers, rake the product through your curls, ensuring even distribution.
Next, flip your head upside down and use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your curls.
This technique encourages volume at the roots and helps define your curl pattern. As you dry, gently scrunch your curls to promote clumping and reduce frizz.
Once your hair is about 80% dry, flip your head back up and use your fingers to arrange your curls into place. Finish with a light-hold hairspray for added definition and shine.
2. The Naturalist’s Fade: Emphasizing Natural Curls
This technique is for you if you’re a fan of a more natural look. After washing and conditioning, apply a generous amount of curl-defining gel or mousse to soaking wet hair.
Using the “praying hands” method, smooth the product over your curls, ensuring each strand is coated.
Instead of using a blow dryer, allow your hair to air dry completely. As it dries, resist the urge to touch your curls to prevent frizz from disrupting the curl pattern.
Once your hair is fully dry, gently scrunch out any crunchiness caused by the gel or mousse.
This will reveal soft, defined curls with a natural finish. For added volume, carefully fluff your roots with your fingertips.
Remember, patience and understanding your unique curl pattern are the key to styling a curly hair fade.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you!
Essential Maintenance for Your Curly Fade
To keep your fades looking fresh and your curls healthy, commit to a regular maintenance routine.
Trust me, a little effort goes a long way in keeping your style on point.
1. Regular Trimming and Fade Upkeep
Regular trimming is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a curly hair fade. As your hair grows out, the fade line will become less defined, and your curls may lose shape.
I recommend visiting your barber every 2-4 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how sharp you like to keep your fade.
During these appointments, your barber will clean up your fade line, trim stray hairs, and shape your curls to maintain the overall style.
Don’t be tempted to stretch out the time between trims – a fresh cut makes a world of difference in the appearance of your fade.
Between visits, you can maintain the look of your fade by using a pair of clippers or trimmers to clean up any hair on the back of your neck or around your ears.
Just be careful not to go too high or attempt to recreate the fade line – leave that to the professionals!
2. Deep Conditioning and Moisture Retention
Curly hair is prone to dryness, leading to frizz, breakage, and loss of definition. To combat this, it is crucial to incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your weekly routine.
Look for a product specifically formulated for curly hair and containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil to provide intense hydration.
Apply the deep conditioner to freshly washed hair, coating every strand from root to tip. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle and distribute the product evenly.
Leave the treatment on for at least 15-30 minutes or as directed on the packaging. For an extra moisture boost, try using a heated cap or steamer to help the conditioner penetrate the hair shaft.
In addition to deep conditioning, it’s important to use a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing styler daily. These products help to seal in hydration, reduce frizz, and provide a protective barrier against environmental stressors.
Remember, the key to maintaining healthy curls is moisture, moisture, moisture! By prioritizing hydration in your hair care routine, you’ll enjoy more defined, bouncy curls that complement your fresh fade perfectly.
Troubleshooting Common Curly Fade Challenges
Even with the best styling techniques and products, managing a curly hair fade can come with challenges. Two of the most common issues curly-haired men face are frizz and loss of curl definition.
Let’s explore some solutions to help you troubleshoot these problems and keep your curls looking their best.
When managing frizz, the key is to lock in moisture and avoid disrupting the hair cuticle. Here are a few tips to help tame frizzy curls:
– Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to gently squeeze excess water from your hair after washing instead of rubbing it with a regular towel.
– Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to damp hair to help seal in moisture and prevent frizz as your hair dries.
– Avoid touching your curls too much while styling, as this can cause frizz and disrupt your curl pattern.
– Use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent frizz while you sleep.
If you find that your curls are losing definition throughout the day, try these techniques to help them stay clumped and defined:
– Make sure you’re using enough product when styling your curls. If your hair feels dry or frizzy after styling, you may need more cream, gel, or mousse.
– Try the “squish to condish” method when applying your styling products. This involves cupping your curls and gently squeezing the product into your hair, encouraging your curls to clump together.
– Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your curls without disrupting their natural pattern. Use a low heat setting and avoid touching your curls too much while drying.
– For added definition and hold, try scrunching a small amount of gel or mousse into your curls after styling. This can help to lock in your curl pattern and prevent your curls from falling flat throughout the day.
Remember, the key to troubleshooting curly hair challenges is patience and experimentation.
Don’t be afraid to try different techniques and products until you find the perfect combination for your unique curls.
Conclusion
Gentlemen, embracing your natural texture and rocking a curly hair fade is a surefire way to elevate your style game.
By choosing the right cut for your curl type, prioritizing moisture in your hair care routine, and experimenting with various styling techniques, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the fresh, well-maintained look you desire.
Remember, the key to keeping your curly fade on point is regular trims, deep conditioning, and using the right products for your hair type.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new styles – a bold fringe, a crisp line-up, or a statement-making beard fade.
As a fellow curly-haired guy, I encourage you to embrace your natural texture and wear it with confidence. With these essential tips and a little patience, you’ll turn heads and inspire others with your enviable curly hair fade.
So book that barbershop appointment, and get ready to unleash your curls!
