bizarre hair in first scene

First scene, main character has odd little curly in his hair, as if he started with straight hair and put it in curlers. Then after his girl leaves, he combs it through.

Is the tight curl thing a style, and if so what is it called? And if it's a style, why did he comb it out. I mean I know people comb out curls, but...then why is he not doing it before the scene starts.

Edit: Okay, still watching the movie. I see at time 1:17:55 she's curling his hair. For whatever reason. Explanation still needed here. Thanks!