Not all curls are the same. And so, the question to ask is: how strong are your curls? Think of it as a continuum, from wavy hair types that have a soft curl at its end with a pronounced kink, to the curliest of hair types that tightly coil from root to tip. At their worst, wavy hair types can look flat and unkempt at its ends, but with the appropriate steps, wavy hair can look richly textured with a cool nonchalant appeal. Whereas curly hair types, with its high intensity of texture and volume, require a focussed degree of attention to tame the curls, that eventually yield to the style of your choosing.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Why is this so? Why is curly hair, curly? Trichologists, or 'hair doctors' believe that the texture and volume of one's hair depends on the shape of the hair shaft, which is where the hair grows before it eventually penetrates beyond the scalp and is exposed. Those with straight hair have a vertically straight hair shaft, and thus as the hair grows it doesn't bend. In contrast, those with a comparatively flat hair shaft - like a curved 'L' shape - result in coiled and spiralled hair as the hair is forced to bend as it grows. Therefore, the flatter the shaft, the curlier the hair.
Of course, understanding is key, and once you know what is required for your hair, the easier it becomes to style. Furthermore, curly hair types are generally much more coarse compared to their straight counterparts, meaning that the individual strands of hair are relatively thick. This requires special attention, for coarse hair types are more susceptible to dryness as a result of its thickness
Caring for Curly and Wavy Hair
Regardless of your curl type, the foundation of great hair is good care. Hydration is key, as coarse hair holds less water, making it more prone to frizz. Choose products that hydrate without adding unwanted volume—curly hair doesn’t need help in that department.
Crucially, not all products are designed for wavy or curly hair. Of note, moisturising products are important because coarse hair holds less water, requiring comparatively more hydration. Avoid shampoos that promise volumising and thickening results, for the simple reason that curly hair is already thick and too much volume is overkill. Instead - you want something that cleans and fortifies, with a good medley of antioxidants and amino acids. Patrick’s salubrious SH2 shampoo is especially designed for thick hair types, and Shear Revival's Loom Shampoo is perfect for hair that feels particularly dry. Both products hydrate the hair without resulting in unmanageable frizz and excess volume.
Choosing the right conditioner follows the same criteria as shampoo - it should restore the good oils needed for a healthy and hydrated head of hair. Patrick's CD2 conditioner naturally pairs with the brand's shampoo, offering a similar array of nutritional benefits, but also consider men-u's SLIC (Smooth Leave In Conditioner) as an alternative, which leaves curls totally manageable whilst it works at the hair throughout the day.
Men with wavy hair often don't realise that many of the same rules for curly hair apply to them—especially when frizz is an issue. Hydration is just as important, and over-washing can be detrimental, so shampoo less frequently. If the hair isn’t dirty, co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo) can keep the hair hydrated without stripping it of moisture. A helpful tip is to shampoo only at the roots and apply conditioner only to the ends. This technique works especially well for longer hair, though it's still achievable with shorter styles.
Frizz-Prevention
Wavy and curly hair benefit from simple changes in routine. Use a microfiber towel to prevent frizz instead of a regular towel, and switch to a satin pillowcase, which reduces breakage and friction. Satin pillowcases also keep your skin hydrated and help reduce the formation of wrinkles.
The Best Products for Wavy and Curly Hair
When choosing products for wavy and curly hair, the focus should always be on enhancing moisture, preserving curl shape, and preventing frizz. Wavy and curly hair types are inherently drier than straight hair, so using the right products is essential to keep them looking healthy and defined. For best results, creamier, lightweight products are preferable because they add hydration and movement without weighing the hair down. Heavier, harder products can be tricky—they can dry out the hair, making it stiff, difficult to style, and prone to frizz.
Here are the top product recommendations from the NOAH team that work exceptionally well for wavy and curly hair types:
Shear Revival Amity Texture Spray
Patrick’s M1 Matte Finish Light Hold Pomade 
This lightweight pomade is a favourite for wavy and curly hair types that need just a hint of control without sacrificing movement. M1 offers a soft, matte finish that’s perfect for a more relaxed, natural look. Its light hold keeps the curls in place without feeling sticky or heavy, and the creamy formula ensures the hair stays hydrated, reducing the risk of frizz or dryness.
Shear Revival Gray Ghost Cream Pomade 
This matte cream strikes the perfect balance between control and texture for wavy and curly hair. It provides a soft, matte finish with a medium hold, allowing curls to maintain their natural movement without feeling sticky or heavy. Gray Ghost is also versatile, working well on both damp and dry hair, making it a great option for those who like a bit of styling flexibility.
Firsthand Supply All-Purpose Pomade 
As the name suggests, this pomade is incredibly versatile. It provides a medium hold and a natural finish, suitable for both waves and curls. The creamy texture makes it easy to apply and work through the hair, allowing you to build definition and shape without stiffening your locks. The added moisture helps tame frizz, making it a great go-to for all-day hold with a flexible, natural look.
Why Creamier Products Work Best
Curly and wavy hair thrive on moisture, and creamier products deliver exactly that. These types of products ensure that your hair remains flexible, hydrated, and styled without the crunch or stiffness that can come from harder or drier formulations. Creamier products also help to preserve the hair’s natural movement, allowing the waves and curls to form and maintain their shape. They work to smooth the cuticle, lock in moisture, and reduce frizz, which is crucial for keeping wavy and curly hair looking polished yet effortless.
On the other hand, harder products—like gels, waxes, or overly stiff pomades—can be tricky for curly and wavy hair. While they offer a strong hold, they often dry out the hair, making it brittle and more prone to frizz. Worse still, they can create a rigid, unnatural look, where the curls lose their bounce and flexibility. Additionally, because these harder products don’t provide enough moisture, they often require constant touch-ups throughout the day, which can lead to more frizz and disruption in the curl pattern.
Ultimately, the creamier the product, the better it is for keeping your hair moisturised, full of movement, and styled just the way you want it. With the right combination of light hold and moisture, your waves and curls will remain defined and hydrated.
The Best Styles for Curly Hair
And what about curly hairstyles for men? You could of course embrace the curls by pursuing a minimal intervention approach. Keep it hydrated, keep it neat and balanced on the sides, and a trim here and there when needed and your curls will sing. This style has an attractive casual raffishness to it, and with the right application of product your curly hair becomes the focus of your overall look.
In contrast, an 'undercut' style, which is a short and clean haircut on the sides and back with some length retained at the top is in style at the moment. This type of haircut manages the overall weight of the hair and creates an impressive sense of texture, looking clean and groomed without too severely diminishing the curl factor of your hair. An undercut controls the hair, and the shorter the top curls are, the less wavy it appears - making it look organised and sharp. A bit of bulk can be removed by the barber, through some careful thinning and texturised cutting, but keep this to a minimum - you want to look effortless.
Finally, for the best of both worlds - an undercut with a serious sense of drama - try a quiff, which takes an undercut and sweeps the top and the length of the fringe back. A sort of windswept pompadour, the quiff is the perfect day-and-night hairstyle, great for wavy hair types.