For decades, haircare has largely been shaped by women—by their voices, their routines, and their influence across media, product marketing, and salon culture. Scroll through Instagram or YouTube in search of curl routines or styling tips, and you’ll find an endless stream of advice tailored to women. But where does that leave men with curls?

The truth is, men with naturally curly hair are still navigating a space with limited guidance. While textured hair education has come a long way, the majority of content, product lines, and stylist expertise is still centred around the needs—and language—of women. As a result, many men grow up without the vocabulary, confidence, or knowledge to care for their curls properly. And when their hair doesn't behave, they’re more likely to cut it off than learn how to work with it.

There’s also a deeply embedded cultural narrative that reinforces this divide. Men are taught to keep it simple. Shampoo, maybe some gel, and off you go. But curls don’t work that way. They need moisture, method, and maintenance. Without that knowledge, it’s easy for curly-haired men to feel like their hair is unruly or unprofessional, when in reality, it’s just under-served.

This gap in education bleeds into the everyday decisions men have to make about their hair. Take the question of where to get a cut: barber or salon?

Most barbershops are built around clean fades, sharp lines, and speed—great for straight or short hair, but not always ideal for curls. There’s often little time or space for discussing curl patterns, shrinkage, or how a cut will sit once the hair is dry. On the other hand, many salons—especially those that understand curly hair—can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable for men, particularly when the atmosphere is clearly tailored to women.

Then there’s the third option: curl specialists. These stylists are trained specifically in cutting and caring for curly textures, often using dry-cutting techniques and curl-friendly products. But curl specialists are still relatively rare in Australia, and they often come with a higher price tag—something that can feel out of reach or unjustified to men who’ve never been told their hair is worth investing in.

The result is a quiet frustration. Men with curly hair are often caught in between: too curly for the barber, too out-of-place in the salon, and unsure where to go next. Some end up straightening their hair, shaving it off, or sticking with outdated techniques simply because no one ever taught them another way.

But that’s beginning to change. Slowly, more barbers are learning about texture. Salons are expanding their understanding of masculine styles. And curl specialists are creating more inclusive environments for all genders. Still, there’s a long way to go.

For hairstylists, this shift represents an untapped opportunity. As more men begin to seek advice, products, and cuts that cater to their curl patterns, stylists who can confidently work with textured hair—and communicate without relying on overly gendered language—will stand out. Offering inclusive consultations, curl education, and results-driven services can build trust with a market that’s been historically underserved. At a time when client loyalty is harder than ever to secure, helping men feel seen, informed, and respected in the chair could be a game-changer.