The truth is that black men have as many hairstyles they can wear as women do.
My cousin – who has 4c type of hair – has always had a penchant to make his hair curly. But what are the black male curly hair products that one can use?
There are those whose hair just needs some styling gel and they’re good to go.
Others like my cousin have to go through a long process to achieve the desired curls.
Having a tapered cut looks very good on him, and when he manages to achieve curls he looks even more stylish.
More black men are getting creative with their hair and not just going for a haircut.
They want to look good and are willing to do what it takes to attain this goal.
No chemicals have to be used to achieve this as there are numerous natural methods available today.
Table of Contents
Ways For Black Men To Get Curly Hair (Without Using Chemicals)
There are ways – as a black man – you can make your hair curly without using chemicals or heat styling appliances that make it susceptible to damage.
I’ve discussed ten of them below:
Straw Set
Doing a straw set is yet another simple way to get amazing and lasting curls on your hair.
Grab straws and cut them into smaller pieces.
Please note that the size of these straws largely depends on the length of your hair.
Apply a styling cream then section out the hair and start wrapping it around the straws.
You can secure it with bobby pins to avoid unwrapping.
You can even sleep with the straws and take them off in the morning for the best results.
Using Products
There are products like conditioners, gels, and detanglers that you can use to get defined curls on your hair.
Leave-in conditioners and gels with a firm hold give your hair the much-needed shine while popping curls that last.
Using a Curl Sponge
Want quick and well-defined curls?
Then the best tool to use to achieve this is the curl sponge.
It contains small holes that are textured and are the ones responsible for defining long-lasting curls on your hair.
A curl sponge is best used on dry hair.
All you need to do is rub it on your hair for about 5 minutes and you’re good to go.
It’s most ideal for men who have short hair.
Using an Afro & Twist Comb
This is a uniquely designed comb that you can use especially if you have very short hair.
It’s a two-in-one tool and helps you create twisty curls on your natural hair.
It has a twist end and an afro end.
The curls produced from this method are long-lasting.
Finger Coils
This method requires no tools or heat to make your hair curly.
All you require are your fingers.
Your natural hair should be a length that is at least “braidable” for you to achieve the best results.
The only other thing that you’ll need is a curling cream for natural hair.
You can opt for a hydrating cream that nourishes your hair and helps prevent breakage.
For short hair, make the coils a bit smaller for them to last longer.
Simply section out your hair and apply curling cream on it.
Twist it the hair on your finger and let it sit for a little while then release the curl.
Bantu Knots
This sounds like something meant for women but the truth is that there are many men with long hair today who enjoy doing this particular styling method.
They maintain it well and prefer having it in neat curls that are eye-catching.
By using Bantu knots, you get curls on your natural hair without using any tools or chemicals.
Start by sectioning the hair and make tight knots that you can wear overnight then undo them in the morning before leaving the house.
For the best results, you can opt to apply some curling cream before doing the Bantu knots.
Using a Diffuser
A diffuser is a tool you can use to increase the curls on your hair while reducing frizz at the same time.
The best type of hair to use it on is hair that already has naturally loose curls.
The way it achieves this is by distributing heat throughout your head, unlike a blow-dryer that concentrates it on one area.
For the best results, scrunch your hair as you use the diffuser.
This tool also prevents uncontrollable flyaways.
Flexi Rods
These rods come in various sizes which you can get depending on the length of your hair.
For best results, use the flexi rods on damp hair.
Damp your hair with a leave-in conditioner or water and then section it.
Coil the damp hair on the rods and leave them on for some time or even overnight for more defined curls that last.
Two Strand-Twists
This is yet another method for men with long hair that needs more curls.
Section the hair then subdivide each section into two.
Coil both sections then twist them together.
You can opt to use a small flexi rod at the end to secure them better then leave them in overnight.
It’s always advisable to work with hair that is clean and not tangled.
Wear a satin bonnet before going to bed to avoid the hair getting too dry if you use a cotton pillowcase.
Braid-Outs
You can use cornrows or natural-hair braids for this look – where you have them done and left for a day or two.
Ensure they’re not too tight because they only last a few days before undoing them to reveal the curls on your hair.
This gives you curls that are very defined.
Apply some moisturizer or leave-in conditioner to add shine and soften your hair after taking down the cornrows.
Black Male Curly Hair Products
The following are some of the products you can use to ensure that you get perfectly-defined curls.
Shampoos
The first step in achieving any of the methods described above is to make sure that your hair is clean.
While there are many cleansing products in the market, always make sure that you go for moisturing shampoos that don’t contain harsh products.
The two shampoos reviewed below are highly recommended by users.
Loma Hair Care Moisturizing Shampoo
To start with, this shampoo is made with all hair types in mind hence very ideal for black hair.
It restores moisture into the hair, thus restoring hydration and reducing the effects of dryness such as breakage.
You end up with hair that is soft, silky, and shiny that looks its best.
For best results, apply water on your hair and apply a generous amount of the shampoo on it.
Lather, massage it in and rinse it off.
You can opt to follow this with a moisturizing treatment as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
The product is ideal for black natural hair because it’s free from sulfates and parabens that strip moisture from the hair.
It’s gentle on the scalp and doesn’t cause flaking or irritation.
Besides, having a nice scent, this shampoo is also color-safe.
It also keeps static off your hair and reduces frizz.
PURA D’OR Advanced Therapy Shampoo
This all-natural shampoo has an abundance of natural oils that help to nourish your hair.
It also helps a great deal in dealing with thinning hair.
It does this by mainly adding volume to the hair.
Additionally, the shampoo moisturizes and strengthens every strand preventing dryness and breakage.
It also helps to restore the hair’s natural shine.
You get vitamins and minerals that are absorbed on your scalp and help repair damage to your hair from the root to the tip.
The shampoo also thickens the hair and reduces static and frizz as well.
It’s ideal for black natural hair because it’s free from sulfates and paraben that are known to strip moisture from the hair.
This shampoo is hypoallergenic and therefore good for people with allergies and sensitive scalps.
The ingredients it has are all beneficial and range from hibiscus, cedarwood, black cumin, lemon peel, amla fruit, grapefruit seed, pumpkin seed, argan nut, zinc, vitamin E, aloe vera, tea tree among others.
This product free from gluten and hasn’t been tested on animals.
Detangling Conditioners
For you to get perfect curls, your hair needs to be detangled.
It’s best to use a detangling conditioner when dealing with tangled or knotted hair.
These conditioners make the job easier and also protect your hair from damage – which might sometimes be irreparable.
Leonor Greyl Paris Lait Luminiscence Bi-Phase
This is a leave-in detangling product that you can use to smoothen out very thick and tangled hair.
You might want to note that it works with the most difficult and thick hair, and nourishes it in the process.
It restores shine to dull hair and you can use it even on the very coarse hair.
The product is packaged is a spray bottle and all you need to do is apply it on sectioned hair and then comb it.
The conditioner is best used on clean hair that has been shampooed and is still wet.
Shake the bottle before using it. It turns a milky white.
Spray along the length of the hair and then comb gently.
Sectioning the hair makes the whole process so much easier.
This product has properties that protect your hair from both UVA and UVB harmful rays.
It leaves the hair smooth and soft after using it.
The main ingredients in this detangler are extracts from plants and vegetable oils.
It doesn’t contain silicone and doesn’t leave residue on the hair or cause it to be greasy.
Biolage Hydrasource Detangling Solution For Dry Hair
The best thing about this detangler is the fact that it hydrates your hair – hence the name Hydrasource.
It not only nourishes your hair but restores much-needed moisture.
It works well to detangle hair and control static that causes frizz.
This product works best on dry and tangled hair that needs moisturizing, detangling, and restoring its shine.
For best results, apply it on your wet hair after washing with shampoo and leave it for 1 to 3 minutes before combing the hair.
After this, rinse out the conditioner.
This product is ideal for natural hair because it’s free from parabens and sulfates.
One great thing I like about this product is that it’s color-safe.
Detangling Tools
Besides using detangling conditioner to loosen up the knots and tangles, you might need a comb or brush to help in the whole process.
Wet Brush Original Detangler
Once you apply a detangling solution on your hair, this is the right brush to use to ease all those knots.
The bristles of this brush are made to be ultra-soft and glide through your hair.
This leaves your hair tangle-free.
You can purchase it in many colors depending on your preference.
This brush can be used by both men and women on hair that is wet or dry.
You don’t have to apply much force to get the brush through your hair.
It’s advisable to use this brush when you have conditioner in your hair.
This brush is suitable for most hair types.
Onedor Handmade 100% Natural Green Sandalwood Hair Comb
When you purchase this wide-toothed comb, you get a great detangling tool made using the highest quality green sandalwood.
This comb is a great detangling tool that releases all knots while stimulating the scalp.
Comb through the hair without tugging on the knots, instead gently encourage them to release.
This helps to avoid unnecessary hair breakage.
The wide teeth design means you don’t have to worry about snagging the hair which is part of why sandalwood has been used to make it.
The surface of this comb is very smooth and finely polished making it easy to use.
There are various sizes to choose from.
Leave-In Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners usually have water as the first ingredient.
This is great because they help to moisturize your hair and leave it feeling all soft and smooth.
A leave-in conditioner is one of the key products in case you’ve been wondering how to soften black male hair.
Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner
For a man looking for a formulation that encourages the hair to become curly, this is the right leave-in conditioner for just that.
This product infuses moisture and improves the manageability of your hair, thus encouraging the formation of curls.
It also benefits the hair by leaving it silky, soft and smooth after applying it. It also helps to control frizz.
A great bonus when it comes to this product is that it doesn’t leave any greasy residue on the hair.
It’s best to use this leave-in conditioner on wet hair.
Pour some on your palms and rub them together.
Follow this by rubbing it all over the wet hair until fully covered.
This conditioner contains essential botanicals and nutrients that greatly benefit your hair.
It’s also great to note that this product is sulfate-free.
Label.M Diamond Dust Leave-In Crème
To start with, this is a leave-in conditioner that works with all types of hair.
It’s great at softening and bringing the shine back to your hair.
It helps define curls on your hair while protecting it from damage.
The product is a welcome relief because it makes your hair more manageable.
It nourishes every hair strand by offering maximum protection from damaging pollutants in the air, as well as thermal damage.
The conditioner is rich in antioxidants that benefit you by sealing the hair cuticles.
This leaves your hair silky, soft and shiny.
For best results, massage the leave-in conditioner into the hair.
Make sure it covers all of the hair strands.
Use it sparingly if you have thin, fine hair.
Styling Products
One of the best and fastest ways of enhancing curls is by using styling products.
SexyHair Style Hard Up Hard Holding Gel
With this gel, you get a maximum hold on your hairstyle.
The hair doesn’t appear dull at the end of the day. You get a shine that remains all through.
This is a gel that doesn’t flake or leave ashy residue on your hair after it dries.
It adds and maintains shine to your hair that lasts thanks to two ingredients in it – titanium dioxide and mica which give the gel its blue color.
It’s this blue color that reflects light adding shine to your styled hair.
For the best results, always rub the product between your palms to warm it up.
Apply it on wet hair to achieve the best look and hold of the style you have in mind.
You can still opt to use it on dry hair.
Frederick Benjamin Daily Hydrator Natural Hair Styling Cream
This is a hydrator that men can use on their hair to nourish it by adding much-needed moisture.
It prevents hair dryness that can result in breakage.
It’s very light and leaves no greasy residue on the hair once you apply it.
It provides a medium hold to the style you want on your hair while soothing a dry scalp in the process.
All men can use it no matter the type of hair they have.
The spearmint – which is one of the ingredients – invigorates the scalp and leaves it with a tingly sensation that’s very soothing.
The product also contains other natural ingredients like nettle oil, clove oil, and hemp seed oil that are very beneficial to your hair and scalp.
Once you’ve washed your hair, massage the cream on the wet hair and style as desired.
Styling Tools
To be able to attain some well-defined curls, you’ll need some styling tools.
I’ve reviewed three of the most popular below.
Twist it Comb
This comb is pretty beneficial when you’re curling your hair.
Regular use helps provide more texture to your hair.
The comb is made using high-quality materials that are durable – meaning you won’t have to replace it regularly.
It’s very easy to clean and maintain because you only need soapy water to remove oils from the comb.
It’s also very portable because of its size.
The comb works well with natural hair.
You need to use it only on dry hair for a better hold. (It tends to slip on wet hair)
Use products like leave-in conditioners that soften the hair after using the Twist It Comb for best results.
Don’t use these products before using the comb.
Remember you get different results depending on your hair texture.
Bewave Big Holes Barber Hair Brush Sponge
With this sponge, you can define the curls on your hair without much effort.
All you need to do is to rub it on hair that is slightly moist for about 5 minutes for perfect results.
You can opt to spritz some water or leave-in conditioner on it.
Follow this with a styling gel for a lasting hold.
For the best results, use it on clean hair with less grease or products in it.
It has dual sides which can both be used to define tight curls on your hair.
It’s very light and practical to use without needing much assistance.
All you require is to make circular motions on your hair.
Avoid pressing down on the hair; rather, be gentle in your motions.
You don’t experience any irritation or sensitivity on your skin once you use it.
Its size fits well on an adult hand.
Conclusion
Many black men are growing out their hair and opting to have it curled.
I’ve seen my cousin use various methods to achieve the perfect curls on his long afro.
Curls are defined using many natural ways that don’t require you to damage your hair with chemicals.
The length of your hair helps you narrow down the methods and tools you can use to get defined curls.
There are those that are ideal for either short hair and long hair.
A curly look on a well-groomed man is very attractive and modern.
There are techniques, tools, and black male curly hair products listed here that you can use on all hair types.
Find out what works best for you by trying them out.