It is the unfortunate truth of anime; nearly all of the male characters possess hair that is disappointingly lacking any sort of structure. The fact of the matter is, the majority of men in anime have locks that are straight, or artfully windswept, or cut to a specific hairstyle, while only a select few break the mold. Any man with a daring ‘doo stands out. The men who dare to bare curly hair make an undeniable impact that cannot be ignored, making their hair an essential part of who they are. One of the best aspects of anime is the aesthetics; the style of the design, the detail put into the backgrounds, and the appearance of characters are all factors that are sometimes just as enjoyable as the plot itself. In this case, the character design, and more specifically, their curly hair.
The ten male characters on this list are here, first and foremost, for their curly hair. However, many of these characters are also courageous and genuine people who enrich their anime in a variety of ways. Therefore, the people on these list are not just the best for their curls, but also for their behavior and personality.
10. Usopp from One Piece
- Episodes: Currently Airing
- Aired: Oct 20, 1999 to ?
A scrappy pirate noted for his unruly mess of curly, black hair, Usopp from One Piece comes in at number ten on the list of top ten curly haired male characters in anime. Also distinctive for his long nose and his tendency to tell lies, Usopp is undoubtably a charter of good intentions. The son of the pirate Yasopp, Usopp eventually proves himself to be a worthy and valiant fighter.
After his normal routine of crying wolf and falsely warning the villagers of pirate attacks actually turns out to be true, Usopp, rather than conceding defeat, instead showcases his own worth. An admirable leader as well, Usopp, with his Pinocchio nose and curled hair, start off the list of top ten curly haired characters.
9. Daryl McGuinness from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
- Episodes: 77
- Aired: Mar 12, 2010 to Jun 6, 2014
A curly haired suit pilot of Latino descent, Daryl McGuinness stands out in Mobile Suit Gundam: Unicorn as a character with his tell-tale hair. Despite his seemingly easy-going personality, McGuinness is actually quite dangerous, capable of taking down foes with his skill and power. A Lieutenant Junior Grade ranked official, Daryl McGuinness possesses both clout and a sweet hairstyle.
As a member of the Tri-Stars, Daryl works hard day and night, and is an invaluable member of the team. When he pilots the RGM-96X Jesta, Daryl’s determination always shows through. No matter what he’s doing or who he’s fighting, Daryl McGuinness and his unmistakable hair always look good while doing it.
8. Sakata Gintoki, from Gintama
- Episodes: 201
- Aired: Apr 4, 2006 to Mar 25, 2010
Sakata Gintoki, from Gintama, often calls attention to his naturally silver, permed hair in the anime’s episodes. Whether cursing his distinctive hair for his dismal love life or being belittled by other characters who claim his hair is unnatural, Gin’s curly hair is a major part of his appearance, and therefore, the anime as well. His outward appearance can appear disheveled at times, which coincides with his personality.
A powerful person, possessing fighting stamina and a deceptively genuine personality, Gin is easily a favorite for an viewer of Gintama. As a samurai who fought in the Joui War, Gin is an excellent fighter, especially with a sword. Despite the immaturity he often displays, Gin is actually a very caring person who never fails to entertain. With his heart of gold and his curled head of silver, Gin is a precious addition to this list of top ten curly haired anime men.
7. Kyoraku Shunsui from Bleach
- Episodes: 366
- Aired: Oct 5, 2004 to Mar 27, 2012
Kyoraku Shunsui is a Shinigami who has no qualms about being flamboyant. His laid-back and sensitive personality paired with his trademark pink kimono intended for women are enough to make him stand out. And of course, underneath his Sugegasa straw hat is a healthy bundle of wavy brown curls. Brave, and yet not particularly violent by nature, Kyoraku demands attention wherever he goes. Occasionally, he moonlights as a romance writer, although his books never receive too much fame.
Kyoraku’s curls are merely the most noticeable part of his appearance, but certainly not the only part. He is an unnaturally hairy man by most standards and often seen sporting scruff, and with chest hair that often pokes out from beyond the folds of his kimono. A warrior with honor and an outstanding head of luscious curls, Kyoraku undeniably deserved a spot as number seven on the list of top ten curly haired men.
6. Alex Louis Armstrong from Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood
- Episodes: 64
- Aired: Apr 5, 2009 to Jul 4, 2010
While Armstrong makes the list at number 4, it is a bit of a stretch to call him a curly-haired character; his hairstyle, impressive as it is, consists of only one, single curl. Distinctive for his entire appearance, not only the curl, Armstrong towers above all of the other characters. Despite his burly exterior, Armstrong is actually a quite sensitive soul, hiding his heart beneath rippling layers of rock-like muscles —and of course, his single curl.
A commander also known as the Strong Arm Alchemist, Armstrong works as a State Alchemist for the Amestrian Military. Both his physical strength and his prowess as an alchemist are awe-inspiring, but that is not the only benefits Armstrong can offer. Due to his endearing personality and unique locks, and his indomitable single curly lock, Armstrong was an undeniable addition to this list.
5. Ryouta from Slam Dunk
- Episodes: 101
- Aired: Oct 16, 1993 to Mar 23, 1996
A quick-footed point guard that has poor luck with the ladies, number five on the list is Ryouta Miyagi from Slam Dunk. While known best for his basketball skills and his on-court arrogance, Ryouta, naturally, stands out due to his dark brown curls. Perpetually in love with his friend and manager, Ayako, Ryouta is Sakuriga’s best friend on the basketball team.
At first glance, Ryota might seem like a rougher character than he actually is. Despite the rough image that Ryouta maintains, he is actually a persistent and kind-hearted person. Conflicts occasionally arise between him and other characters due to his arrogance, and his size is considerably smaller than the average basketball player. Despite this, he has good intentions, and always does his best. On top of everything, Ryouta is conone of the best players in the league. It is needless to say he has the hair to match the skills.
4. Takurou Sakakiba from Persona: Trinity Soul
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: Jan 5, 2008 to Jun 28, 2008
With a thick black Afro and a loyal personality, Takurou Sakakiba from the anime Persona: Trinity comes in at number 4 on the list of top ten curly haired male anime characters. A laid back guy who cares fiercely about the people he loves, Takurou also holds an unwavering grudge against his own father, who abandoned him as a child.
While occasionally struggling with controlling his own powers, Takarou learns to wield his own strength. A good friend to Shin Kanzato, Takarou is a dependable person who always tries his best in life. Therefore, with both his hair and his unrelenting loyalty, Takarou makes the list of top ten best curly haired anime characters.
3. Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: Apr 3, 1998 to Apr 24, 1999
See ya, Space Cowboy. Spike Spiegel, the main character of the cult classic anime Cowboy Bebop, is a scruffy scoundrel with an insanely appealing aura. A solitary bounty hunter who spends his time roaming the space system, he embodies the definition of cool, from the wrinkled purple suit that he wears to the, as you might have guessed, wild collection of curly hair on his head. During the entire anime, Spike can always be spotted by his unique hairstyle.
Spike, while giving off a blasé attitude, actually possesses a heart of gold. He lives his life according to his own values and he doesn’t deviate from his views. Rogue yet caring, and tortured by his past, Spike’s intergalactic adventures captivate all who watch Cowboy Bebop. Therefore, due to his personality and his mane of curly hair, Spike comes in at number three on the list of top ten male anime characters with curls.
2. Gajeel (Edolas) from Fairy Tail
- Episodes: 175
- Aired: Oct 12, 2009 to Mar 30, 2013
Tirelessly wearing a suit, hat, and glasses, Gajeel stands out not only for his business attire, but also for his short, curly hair. Despite possessing a lookalike from another world, Gajeel’s curls are all his own, and one of his most distinctive features. The counterpart to Gajeel Redfox from the Fairy Tail Guild, this curly-haired Gajeel resides in Edolas.
He is dedicated to his own integrity, regardless of the enemies his scrupulous behavior causes him to gain. A cultured writer who also enjoys other artistic endeavors such as singing and playing instruments. While possessing a gruff appearance, in actuality he is more sensitive and intensely loyal to his own views. He proves to be invaluable with his knowledge and tenacity, and he can always stick out from a crowd due to his unique, curly hair.
1. Afro from Afro Samurai
- Episodes: 5
- Aired: Jan 4, 2007 to Feb 1, 2007
The show is literally named after his hair; with a legacy like that, Afro from Afro Samurai comes in at number one on the list of top ten guy characters with curly hair. While it is always refreshing to see charters drawn with a different style in anime, it is even more refreshing to see people of color represented as well. Afro is a diligent, kick-butt character that is unwavering in his quest for vengeance and has every right to lead this list.
Afro Samurai was not only a wildly successfully anime, but also re-adapted into manga and video games, and has a large fan base. He’s beyond cool and he’s got the hair to prove it. Set in a futuristic Japan, the warrior with the number one headband will possess ungodly powers. Afro works his way across the nation, defeating enemies of all kind, on his mission for greatness.
Conclusion
While not the most common of all the characters, anime men with curly hair are well-worth it. As the the list demonstrates, not only are they rare in their appearance, but also are admirable in their actions. Are there other curly-haired heroes (or villains) we forgot to add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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