18 Curly Mohawk Styles for Every Personality
Curly hair is known for its vibrant personality and natural volume. When combined with the edgy, bold silhouette of a mohawk, it creates a look that is both fun and fierce. Curly mohawks aren’t just for those wanting a loud statement—they can be styled in countless ways to suit any mood or occasion. Whether you want something dramatic or subtle, a curly mohawk can be tailored to fit your hair texture and lifestyle. Here are 18 curly mohawk styles that will inspire you to embrace your curls with confidence and creativity.
1. Classic Curly Mohawk
The classic curly mohawk is a timeless choice that celebrates natural hair texture without overcomplicating things. This style features tightly or loosely curled hair left longer at the center of the head while the sides are trimmed short or tapered for a clean contrast. It’s perfect for those who want to showcase their curls but still maintain a neat, structured look. Because it emphasizes the natural curl pattern, this style requires minimal daily styling—just a bit of moisturizing cream to enhance shine and reduce frizz. The classic curly mohawk can be worn casually or dressed up for events, making it a versatile option.
2. Curly Mohawk with Fade
Incorporating a fade on the sides modernizes the curly mohawk and adds dimension. The fade can range from a subtle low fade to a bold skin fade, depending on your preference. This gradient effect highlights the volume and texture of the curls on top, giving the hairstyle a striking contrast that’s trendy and polished. The fade also makes the hair easier to manage and keeps the look fresh longer between cuts. With the curly mohawk and fade, you get a stylish, edgy vibe that works well for young professionals, creatives, or anyone looking for a fresh new look.
3. High Volume Curly Mohawk
For those who love to make a statement, the high volume curly mohawk is a showstopper. This style embraces the natural fullness and bounce of curly hair by leaving the top section long and voluminous, sometimes styled upwards for added height. The sides are kept tight or faded to create a dramatic contrast that really emphasizes the curls. This look requires some extra care and product to maintain curl definition and reduce frizz, but the payoff is worth it—a bold, attention-grabbing style that celebrates curly hair in all its glory. Perfect for parties, performances, or days when you just want to feel unstoppable.
4. Curly Mohawk with Undercut
The undercut curly mohawk is a daring, fashion-forward choice. Here, the sides and back are shaved or clipped very short, creating a bold canvas that accentuates the curls on top. This style highlights the natural texture of curls while adding a sharp, edgy frame that’s tough and modern. Because the undercut removes hair from the sides completely, it’s easier to maintain and keeps you cooler in warm weather. This style often attracts attention for its confident, fearless look and is great for anyone wanting to push the boundaries of conventional hairstyles.
5. Curly Mohawk with Designs
If you want to add a personal touch and artistic flair, shaved designs along the sides of your curly mohawk can make all the difference. From simple straight lines to intricate geometric patterns or even symbolic shapes, these designs transform your hairstyle into a moving canvas. These designs can be temporary or long-lasting, and they allow for endless creativity and customization. Whether you want something subtle or eye-catching, the design adds a unique personality to your mohawk and often becomes a great conversation starter.
6. Loose Curly Mohawk
For those who prefer a softer, more natural look, the loose curly mohawk lets your curls flow freely without much styling or product. The sides are trimmed just enough to frame the curls but not tightly shaved, keeping the overall feel more casual and relaxed. This style is perfect for everyday wear and suits those who embrace a carefree lifestyle. The loose curly mohawk works beautifully with all curl types—from loose waves to tighter coils—and highlights the hair’s natural movement. It’s low-maintenance yet stylish, making it a favorite for people who want effortless cool.
7. Curly Mohawk with Highlights
Adding highlights or color accents to your curly mohawk can take it from ordinary to extraordinary. Highlights bring out the layers and texture of curls, creating an illusion of depth and dimension. Whether you choose subtle honey tones, sun-kissed blondes, or bold, vibrant colors like red or blue, color enhances the overall impact of your hairstyle. This style works well for those who want to express their creativity through hair color while still embracing their natural curl pattern. Highlights also brighten up the face and add a fresh, youthful glow.
8. Curly Faux Hawk
If a full mohawk feels too daring, the curly faux hawk is an excellent alternative. This style keeps curls longer in the middle while leaving the sides longer than a traditional mohawk, allowing for more versatility and less upkeep. The curls on top can be styled upwards, to the side, or left natural, giving you more options depending on your mood or occasion. The faux hawk is perfect for those who want a bit of edge without committing to the shaved sides or extreme contrast of a full mohawk. It’s playful, approachable, and suits all age groups.
9. Short Curly Mohawk
For a neat, practical option, the short curly mohawk keeps the curls cropped closer to the scalp while still maintaining the mohawk shape. The sides are typically tapered or faded short to create contrast, but the top curls are cut to a manageable length. This style is great for those who want to rock a curly mohawk without dealing with long hair or extensive maintenance. It works especially well for active lifestyles, athletes, or anyone who prefers a cleaner, streamlined look but still wants a bit of flair.
10. Curly Mohawk with Braids
Combining braids with a curly mohawk adds texture, dimension, and an extra layer of style. You can braid sections along the mohawk strip or incorporate smaller braids on the shaved sides for a unique hybrid look. Braids help control curls while adding an artistic, cultural, or edgy vibe. This style can be as simple or complex as you like and works for those who want to showcase both their natural curls and their creativity. Braids also help protect curls and reduce daily styling time.
FAQs About Curly Mohawks
Is a curly mohawk hard to maintain?
Maintaining a curly mohawk is easier than you might think. The sides are often short or shaved, which means less hair to manage daily. The key focus is caring for the curls on top, which involves regular moisturizing, gentle detangling, and using products designed for curly hair to maintain bounce and reduce frizz.
Can I style a curly mohawk without damaging my hair?
Yes, absolutely. Avoiding excessive heat and harsh chemicals is important. Use curl-friendly products like leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and light gels, and let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on low heat to protect your curls from damage.
What kind of products work best for a curly mohawk?
Lightweight curl creams, curl-enhancing mousses, and moisturizing leave-in conditioners work best. Avoid heavy waxes or gels that can weigh down curls or create buildup. Natural oils like argan or jojoba can add shine and moisture without stiffness.
Will a curly mohawk suit all face shapes?
Yes, the curly mohawk is quite adaptable. Stylists can customize the length, fade, and volume to complement different face shapes, making it a flattering choice for many people.
How often should I trim my curly mohawk?
For best results, plan to trim every 3 to 5 weeks to maintain the fade on the sides and the shape of the curls on top. This keeps the style looking fresh and well-groomed.
Conclusion
Curly mohawks are an exciting way to celebrate natural curls while making a bold style statement. They combine the playful texture of curls with the daring silhouette of a mohawk, offering endless possibilities for personalization and creativity. Whether you prefer subtle volume or a dramatic, high-contrast look, there’s a curly mohawk style out there for you. With the right care and styling, this hairstyle can be both manageable and attention-grabbing—perfect for anyone ready to embrace their curls with confidence and flair.
