From Sombr to Bad Bunny, Why We Can't Resist a Heartthrob With Curly Hair

Thanks to rising stars like Sombr (and many who came before him), embracing and showing off iconic curly hair is once again a signature of the musical heartthrob du jour.

Tousled just right and full of volume, the quintessential heartthrob curly mop has been spotted on a wide range of celebs throughout the years, from Corbin Bleu to Kit Harrington to Bad Bunny. Without a doubt, it always comes back in vogue. It’s the trend that seems to reappear every decade like clockwork — and we’re totally here for it. “Curls tumbling into the face can give the appearance of mystery, nonchalance, and being deep, sensitive, and reckless all at the same time — all the important things hair should do,” celebrity hairstylist Kevin Ryan tells Teen Vogue.

“Textured hair is just flattering,” adds Andrea Pezzillo, celebrity men’s groomer, hairstylist, and author of Curly Confidence. “The movement and volume that comes with curly or wavy hair balances face shape, hides thinning, and just adds personality.”

The early 2000s were the peak era of so many iconic beauty trends, and the curly hair craze was no exception. In 2005, the look became a defining feature of countless teen heartthrobs, from High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu to The Jonas Brothers’ Nick Jonas to John Tucker Must Die's and Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley. Eventually, however, the style faded into the background, replaced by straighter, sleeker styles — most notably, Justin Bieber’s signature swoop that every teenage boy tried to replicate.

Ten years later, though, the curly mop had its triumphant revival. Boyband heartthrobs like Harry Styles, along with actors like Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington, and Misfit's Robert Sheehan, all embraced the look, bringing the style back into the hair zeitgeist.

Now, in 2025, the cycle has spun yet again, and the curly mop is officially back — and we’re here rejoicing all over again. Timothée Chalamet may have recently buzzed his off (a moment of silence, please), but his signature dark curls arguably sparked this new wave of curly-haired heartthrobs. Stars like Bad Bunny and Sombr have also coveted the swoon-worthy look. Great British Bake Off season 12 finalist Dylan Bachelet stole the show with his locks. Even The Summer I Turned Pretty’s Chris Briney has grown out his honey-colored waves, tipping dangerously close into curly hair territory.

While the curly mop can seem high-maintenance, it can also be a total piece of cake once you figure out the right routine. “Once a curly cut has been perfected and the right product routine has been found for that individual, it can be a low-maintenance look,” says Ryan.