Hair Cutting for Men & Hairstyles: Curls, Coils and Locs
TL;DR
Men with waves, curls, coils or locs get the best results when the cut matches curl pattern, shrinkage, scalp needs and styling time. A good barber brief should cover length when dry, desired shape, fade height, product sensitivity and maintenance frequency.
Hair cutting for men & hairstyles now depends less on copying a photo and more on matching texture, scalp comfort and daily routine. Hairstyle: the shaping and styling of hair on the head, face or body, often used as part of personal grooming. For plant-powered product support after the cut, That Good Hair is built around gentle care for textured hair.
Table of Contents
What is hair cutting for men & hairstyles in 2026?
Hair cutting for men & hairstyles in 2026 means choosing a shape that works with natural texture, not against it. For wavy, curly and coily hair, the same clipper grade can look very different after shrinkage, drying and product application.
A useful barber brief covers five points: curl pattern, dry length, fade height, neckline shape and styling frequency. Bangs, also called a fringe, are front hair strands that fall over the forehead, while a crop, taper, fade or shape-up changes the outline around the face.
Key insight: the best men's haircut is not the sharpest photo; it is the shape that still looks balanced on day three.
Core haircut terms for textured hair
Term
Best use
Texture note
Low taper
Clean edges with soft sides
Good for curls, coils and locs
Mid fade
Stronger contrast
Needs more frequent barber visits
Layered top
Movement and volume
Helps waves and curls sit naturally
Shape-up
Defined hairline and temples
Works well with coils and locs
Fringe
Forward shape over the forehead
Shrinkage affects final length
How should curl pattern and scalp comfort guide the cut?
Curl pattern and scalp comfort should decide length, weight and product choice before clippers touch the hair. Tight coils may shrink far more visibly than loose waves, so dry cutting or checking dry length helps prevent a style from becoming shorter than planned.
Sensitive scalps also need kinder choices. Heavy fragrance, harsh brushing and high-tension styles may not suit people managing eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. A cut that allows easy scalp access often supports cleaner routines and calmer maintenance.
Personal grooming can also connect to identity and confidence. A 2023 Nature Reviews Psychology paper examined racial bias in individuals and society, a useful reminder that hair standards are never purely cosmetic. A 2023 Annual Review of Clinical Psychology article examined mental health among transgender and gender diverse youth, showing why affirming presentation can matter.
Texture-first cut planning checklist
A texture-first consultation should stay practical and specific:
Check how the hair sits when fully dry.
Decide whether volume, definition or low maintenance matters most.
Keep enough length for curl formation on top.
Avoid excess bulk near the temples if the face shape needs lift.
Choose scalp-friendly products that rinse clean.
That Good Hair fits best after the haircut, when textured hair needs gentle cleansing, moisture and styling support without a heavy feel.
How often should men maintain curls, coils or locs?
Maintenance frequency should match the haircut's structure, not a fixed calendar rule. A skin fade loses sharpness faster than a tapered curl cut, while locs often need a different rhythm for retwists, line-ups and scalp care.
Short fades usually need the most frequent barber visits because contrast is the whole style. Medium curls can last longer if the shape is balanced. Locs need neat parts, hydrated lengths and scalp access, especially when the hairline is shaped regularly.
The main mistake is treating textured hair like straight hair. Curls and coils need room to spring, so cutting too much weight from the top can create frizz, uneven shape or a patchy outline.
Maintenance guide by style type
Style type
Typical upkeep focus
Product support
Low taper curls
Edges, neckline, curl shape
Light leave-in or curl cream
Mid fade with coils
Fade blend, sponge or twist definition
Moisture plus scalp care
Longer waves
Layers, frizz control, movement
Gentle cleanser and conditioner
Locs with line-up
Parts, roots, hairline
Lightweight oil or mist
For eco-conscious textured hair care after the appointment, the That Good Hair platform gives shoppers a simple place to explore gentle options. More product details are available at thatgoodhair.co.uk.
Conclusion
The strongest approach to hair cutting for men & hairstyles starts with texture, scalp comfort and realistic upkeep. Men with waves, curls, coils or locs should bring a dry-length reference, describe styling habits and choose products that support the cut between visits. For gentle textured-hair care, visit thatgoodhair.co.uk and match the routine to the style.
After buying from a stall in Westfield, I can’t live without this for my 2 girls curly hair. Keeps the hair so moisturised and soft all day, even the next. A staple and must buy!!
✨ Review: Hydrating Mist + Hair Oil Duo ✨
My son has been using the hydrating mist and hair oil from this company consistently in his hair routine, and the results honestly speak for themselves. His hair looks healthier, shinier, and has so much more volume now. On Eid especially, his hair looked amazing — soft, defined, and full without looking heavy.
The hair oil has become his favourite part of the routine. He massages it into his scalp twice a week and leaves it in for a couple of hours before washing. It really helps keep his scalp moisturised and makes his hair feel stronger and smoother afterwards.
The hydrating mist works perfectly alongside it because it adds lightweight moisture and shine without making the hair greasy. He usually sprays it before styling with mousse, and it helps define the hair while keeping frizz away all day. ✨
What we noticed after regular use:
Shinier, healthier-looking hair
Softer texture
Better volume and definition
Less dryness and frizz
Hair feels hydrated but lightweight
Overall, this combination has worked really well for his routine, especially for keeping his hair looking fresh and styled naturally. Definitely products we would keep using. ⭐
Best beard oil on the market, has the exact results I want from a beard oil and I need to use so little to get my desired results, couldn’t recommend enough
I have only just started using the products. It’s maybe just three weeks now but this leaves my hair feeling so clean without any white residue like some other cleansers. It’s a must have and because I feel so clean and all residue is removed. I no longer wash my locs I just use this now and it gives me the same effect pending when I decide to redo my locs at the salon.
Since using the hair butter and hydrating spray my daughter’s hair has been easier to style and there has been less tears. Before her hair was dry but after using the products her hair looks shiny and healthy. We love how they smell too. Would definitely recommend.
i really like the hair mist so far, i don’t need to wet my hair anymore to refresh the waves i just use the spray and it brings it back to life that little bit more!! when i finish i’ll bring it back to refill!! xx
It absorbs beautifully without sitting greasy on top, which is rare. My hair drinks it up and just looks expensive afterwards. The frizz? Calm. The dryness? Gone. The ends? Sealed and behaving.
I RARELY write reviews so trust me when I say this product has my heart! I believe it's my fourth time purchasing it and honestly my hair absorbs and loves it. I find my hair to be frizz free and I barely get any breakage, I put that down to how moisturising it is. I also use it for my kids and their hair loves it too! I love how gentle the ingredients, it gives me a peace of mind
I’ve been using this hydrating hair mist for a short while now, and I’m genuinely impressed with the results. My scalp feels well-hydrated and comfortable, without any dryness or irritation. My hair feels noticeably softer, healthier, and more manageable, with a natural shine that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy.
What I really appreciate is how lightweight the mist is—it absorbs easily and refreshes my hair without weighing it down. It’s perfect for daily use, especially when my hair needs a quick boost of moisture. Overall, this product has helped improve the look and feel of my hair, leaving it nourished, refreshed, and well cared for. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to maintain hydrated, soft, and healthy hair.
I was recommended this by someone who works here for my 4 month old baby. I’d beg to differ.. essential oils and tea tree are definitely not recommended for a baby so young. I tried it on myself it’s ok but definitely won’t be buying from here again. I wanted to like it but it’s not for me
I’m from the US and was very hesitant about this product. So happy to see that this product gave me the look I wanted! Happy customer…….definitely will purchase again.
I was approached in Westfield Shopping centre as I have curly hair and was told the product would be perfect for my type of hair. I have been looking for something that would be light enough not to weigh my hair down but give it the moisture it needs. I was super excited to use the mist but unfortunately it just dried my hair out. It was very light on my hair but didn’t enhance the curl pattern any more than what it was. I am very disappointed with the product especially for the price. I have to use it with my original hair product for it not to dry my hair out. I would not purchase again,
Sorry 😕 I wanted to love it but it’s not for me!
Great with hydration. Great with making my hair shine. Smells amazing. And I got loads of compliments on how healthy my hair looks deffo will buy again.
Love this mist. It detangles, hydrates and softens my Afro hair. It also prevent breakage.
I have been using mist for a number of years and highly recommend it
3 curly kids and we love this stuff so much! We have the whole range, and I often borrow some on the oil or butter for my own hair. Genuinely wouldn't be workout this spray now. Best things I've used on my kids hair by far
Defines my daughters curls so well! By far my favourite product for my curly kids. And it smells divine! Taken 3 years to find what really works for her, so glad we took a chance on this range.
Second-time purchase of this product for me. I highly recommend it for flyaway or frizzy hair, and it smells great. Lasts a long time (on my hair anyway).
Lovely product, light with a lovely earthy scent. I notice my hair because thicker after a month of usage. I also purchased the hydrating hair mist which add life to my loc. I'm so grateful for this lovely products.yes! will buy again.
“Absolutely love this hair oil! It makes my hair so soft, manageable, and smooth. The scent is amazing too — not overpowering, just right. A must-have in my routine!”
I love this bonnet! 1) I've become a restless sleeper so I toss and turn quite a bit and this does not come off. I don't have to do the mid sleep checks anymore to see if it's still on my head 2) I've spent so much money on silk bonnet and it just not living up to the hype but this £8.50 satin bonnet has done everything i thought those silk bonnets would do. I have thick wavy hair and these have been amazing controlling the frizz!
I Decided To Try The Mist After Using The Oil For A Year. It's Great For When My Hair Is Styled; It Was Especially Good When I Was On Holiday In Ghana; My Locs Were Hydrated and When I Took Them Out Of The Style, They Were Moisured With No Need For Oil. I Only Need To Use It Once A Week In The UK; About Every Other Day In Hot Weather. Give It A Try; The Larger Bottle Is Great Value.
Have had issues with fizzy hair and this product helped very hydrating. Got this from Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and two ladies we very helpful and got tips. Will be purchasing more from this line
Really happy I found this product. I really struggle with definition with my hair and so far using this product my curls last and actually look like curls. Will definitely buy this again.
After doing the big chop I was so worried my hair wouldn’t grow back quickly but omg.. after using this hair oil (along with other TGH products) I finally feel like I have my crown back. I swear by this hair oil!! The scent, the texture and the way my hair has grown back so healthily! I even use it on my hair clients. I can’t fault it at all, thank you ThatGoodHair!! ❤️
This has been the best thing fir my itchy scalp. Been loving the oil and the hydrating Hair Mist for my cornrows. It keeps the style neater for longer and keeps my scalp moisturised.
