Man: Curly Hair 👨‍🦱

This emoji depicts a man with distinctly curly, textured hair that springs away from the scalp in tight coils or waves. The curls are typically rendered in dark brown or black, shown in profile or three-quarter view to emphasize the volume and texture that defines curly hair patterns. The facial features remain neutral and approachable, letting the hair be the standout element.

People use this emoji to represent themselves or others with curly or textured hair, celebrating natural hair that's often underrepresented in mainstream imagery. It's especially meaningful in communities that have historically faced pressure to straighten or chemically alter their hair. Users send it when discussing hair care routines, sharing curly-hair wins, or simply identifying someone in conversation.

The emoji works in both personal and light-hearted contexts—a genuine self-portrait for curly-haired folks, or playful exchanges about the universal curly-hair experience (humidity struggles, product recommendations, shrinkage). It's become an important symbol in natural hair movements and discussions about hair discrimination and acceptance.

Included in Unicode Emoji 11 (approved 2018), this emoji was part of an intentional push to represent diverse hair textures. It acknowledges that beauty and natural appearance extend far beyond straight hair, validating experiences and identities that were previously invisible in digital communication.