74 Stunning Hairstyles For Thick Hair | Haircuts To Try
Because you need to use your luscious locks to stand out from the crowd!
It is alright to admit – we all want thick, beautiful hair! But once you have thick hair, managing, caring, and styling it becomes a daily hassle. We have compiled the 74 best hairstyles for thick hair, so you do not have to struggle with styling it every day.
Women with thick hair know the difficulty of styling it. In the heat of summer, they want to tie up their full hair. And coming up with new ways to style your thick tresses for different occasions can be worrisome. Not to mention that if you forget to wash your thick hair, it looks greasy! But the right hairstyles can make your thick locks appear beautiful and help you on days you do not have time to wash them. So, take a break from trying to come up with a hairstyle yourself. Here are the 74 wonderful hairstyles for your thick locks that you can try for the next two months. Scroll down to keep reading!
- Carefully handle your thick locks when wet. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle if required.
- Drying thick hair is a challenging task. Air drying might take a long time and you do not want to blow dry frequently. Partially air dry and then blow dry in medium to low heat.
- Avoid mousse and gels since they further weigh down thick hair. Use hair sprays to keep your hair hydrated and light.
In This Article
74 Stunning Haircuts And Styles For Thick Hair – 2024
1. The Marilyn Bob
The world isn’t ready to give up the Marilyn bob anytime soon! The iconic curled hairstyle flatters all face shapes and can be done on any hair type. The loosely curled layers accentuate thick hair with elegance and chicness. Use a curling iron and hair spray to set the curls in the right places.
2. Asymmetrical Angled Bob
Rihanna is a professional when it comes to her versatile hairstyles at any event or music video. This asymmetrical angled bob has sharply tapered locks in the front on both sides, framing the face and highlighting her jawline. The low-maintenance bob gives a polished finish to thick hair.
3. Retro Curls
This retro curls style was achieved with the help of a comb, some mousse, a round brush, and a blowdryer. You might be thinking, “What? It’s that simple?” But, let me tell you that this hairstyle requires attention to be done right. When done perfectly, this curly hairstyle can elevate your thick hair to the next level.
“Retro curls are the perfect style for natural wavy curls. You can achieve this look heatless with sock buns. Make several large buns on your head, attach with the elastic of old socks, and voila! After they dry you have large, round, voluminous curls. Pull them apart with a pick and pin up the sides with a bobby pin. Add some bling to the pins for a gorgeous formal occasion style,” says Casey Simmons, a curly hair expert and the owner of Royal Locks Curl Care.
4. Classic ‘90s Layers
If you were a teen in the ‘90s, I’m sure this haircut was on your favorites list. The flicked-out ends give a slimmer appearance to your face, which automatically makes your hair look even thicker.
Casey Simmons, curly hair expert and owner of Royal Locks Curl Care strongly suggests using caution when asking for this cut. She says, “If you have natural or wavy or curly hair, ensure you speak to your stylist and avoid a razor cut. While this looks great on many straight haired people, the razor tends to thin out the ends too much on naturally wavy and curly haired people causing frizz and an unfinished look.”
5. Choppy Bob
The choppy bob is a dicey hairstyle. It doesn’t really work with thin hair but works wonders with thick hair. The short choppy layers add depth to the hair, which makes it look even thicker.
6. Half Ponytail Waves
This hairstyle is super easy to achieve. It’s perfect for those rush-hour days! Now you don’t have to worry about your thick hair looking unruly when you are in a rush. Curl your hair from midway down. Gather the top of your hair and tie it in a high half ponytail. Pull at the ponytail to make sure it’s tight and flair it out. You are good to go!
7. Side Curls
Curls can accentuate any hairstyle. Detangle and curl the ends of your thick hair. You can also use velcro rollers to curl the ends. The side parting is aligned with the center of her eyebrow, and the hair on the other side is gently tucked behind the ear.
8. Slight Front Lift
It’s the little things that matter! Add in a slight lift to the front of your thick locks to make them look voluminous. Apply some mousse to your comb. Lift the front of your hair with the comb and comb your hair back. Do this to the first two inches of your hair at the front. Arrange the rest of your hair with a comb.
9. Messy Shag Haircut
Sandra Bullock floored everybody with her acting, singing, and style. Her hairdos are always on point. This tousled shaggy cut accentuates her thick hair beautifully. The side parting takes this look to a whole new level.
10. Short And Curly
When Geena Davis stepped out with this look, every woman wanted it! I don’t think this craze will end anytime soon. Simply curl your hair with some rollers. Make sure the ends are curled properly. You can straighten your roots. Part your hair and finish off the look with a tuck behind the ear.
“Use a styling cream with VA/VP Copolymer for extra hold, without the crunchy look or feel, “ recommends Casey Simmons.
11. Diagonal Side Parting
Heather Graham is known for her lovely blonde locks. But, the layered hairstyle she’s sporting here helps cover up her thin hair. With the tail end of a rat-tailed comb, part your hair to the side. As you move towards the crown, move your parting diagonally to the center. This will give the appearance of a fuller layered hairstyle.
12. The Low Bun
A simple low bun might be the everyday work hairstyle you’re looking for. Gather all your hair and wrap it around in sections to form a low bun. Pancake each section as you go. This will make your bun look bigger.
13. Tousled Waves
Summer is here and, of course, a trip to the beach is necessary! But, what’s a trip to the beach without the perfect wavy hair to flaunt there? Casey says, “Wash your hair and wait for it to dry a little so it’s damp. Apply a generous amount of curl cream and evenly distribute the product through your hair with your fingers, a wet brush, or a wide-toothed comb. Then twist large sections of hair and scrunch the sections upwards. Flip your hair over and shake it out with your fingers to achieve this look.”
14. Side-Parting And The Tuck
Olivia Wilde always seems to know what looks good on her, whether it’s clothes or hair. We’re taking a cue from her with this simple yet effective hairstyle. A messy parting can add a romantic touch to your thick hair.
15. Highlighted Pixie Haircut
Some highlights and a side parting might be all you need to jazz up your life. First, get your hair cut in a pixie. Check which shades of blonde will work with your skin tone. Then, using foils, apply the color to parts of your hair. Wash it off after the required time and allow your hair to air dry. Part your hair in a side parting. While combing your hair, make sure to lift your locks to add volume.
16. Loose Side Bun
The side bun seems to be making waves at many red carpet events. It’s elegant and stylish – the perfect blend to flaunt at a formal event. It can also make your thick locks look surreal.
17. Classic ‘20s Bob
This classic bob hairstyle originated in the flapper era of the ‘20s. It looks especially great with thick hair as it frames your face beautifully. You can get some straight-cut bangs and straighten your hair to finish off this edgy look.
18. Simple And Straight
Long and thick dark hair has always been captivating. Give your hair some lift at the front. This will add height and depth to your hair. Take some lightweight mousse on your comb. Comb the front of your hair to lift it just a bit, then comb it back. This will add a nice lift to it.
19. Sculpted Waves
Sculpted curls are a brilliant hairstyle for those thick tresses. They’re also very easy to achieve. You can use rollers or a curling iron to achieve this look. Curly hair expert Casey Simmons adds. “Before styling hair with heating tools, spritz your locks with a heat protectant or use a leave-in conditioner to prevent heat damage and frizz. These products will also give straight hair a sleek wavy look.”
Make sure you place your hair in big sections around the curling iron. Also, curl your hair from halfway down. This will make them look more natural.
20. Full Bangs
Ruby Rose is known for her edgy short hairstyles. Thick hair looks brilliant with full bangs. This layered pixie cut is elevated to the next level with the help of bangs. Stunning!
21. Braided Curls
Braids look so hardcore, but nothing compares to the curls you achieve the next day. If you don’t like using heat styling tools to style your hair, this is the look for you! Part your hair as you normally would and weave it into two French braids. Secure the braids with elastic bands and sleep on them. The next day, you will have some stunning curls.
22. Roller Curls
Ever since the ‘50s, hair rollers have helped women achieve the voluminous curls look. If you’ve ever wanted to look glamorous, you need to get your hands on a set on rollers!
23. Honey Blonde Ombre
Ombre hair is everywhere. They’ve become a tremendous hair statement. Apart from helping in framing your face, a honey blond ombre can amp up your hair’s texture and oodles of dimension to your thick tresses.
24. Classic Straight Blunt Cut
If you have thick hair, this is the best haircut for you. The blunt ends show off your hair’s thickness. While many people may not think this hairstyle is stylish, this is one of the best hairdos for styling your hair. That means it is great for styling your hair in any and all updos.
25. Dark-To-Light Dimensional Brown
Getting a dark-to-light ombre is a great way to spice up your hair. It also helps in adding depth to your thick tresses. The added waves accentuate the hair colors and thick texture beautifully.
26. The Curl And Wave
If you have straight hair, volume can be an issue. Without volume, your thick hair can look lifeless. Add a curl and waves to the lower half of your hair to bounce it up. You’ll be surprised by how much it livens up your locks.
27. Blonde Highlight Balayage On Brown Hair
Being a brunette is awesome, but I’m sure you want to see what you would look like as a blonde. Instead of opting for a complete hair color change, try this blonde balayage. The best thing about it is that since it a lighter shade than brown, you can color it back if it doesn’t work out! But to be on the safe side, check with a hairstylist which blonde shade will suit your skin’s undertone.
28. The Bell Cut
Doesn’t the outline of the haircut look like a bell? If you live for the Plain Jane look, this is definitely the haircut for you. The U-cut at the end adds some nice movement to thick hair.
29. Golden Brown Layers
The layered cut is great. It enhances the overall volume of your tresses and looks super gorgeous. Add a nice golden sheen to your brunette locks to take it up a few levels. Looks amazing, right?
30. Side Bangs And Slight Waves
You don’t always want to look like you’ve come from the beach. But waves also give us volume. Oh, the dilemma! The solution is adding slight waves. Keep your locks in the curling iron for about two to three seconds, spritz on some hairspray and allow your hair to cool. Brush your hair to make the waves seem casual.
31. Side Curls
Volume is all about how you style your hair! Adding nice big curls to your sides and bangs can make your hair voluminous and stunning. You want the curls to be big instead of thin or small like ringlets. This will enhance any added hair colors.
32. Brown Balayage
Have you ever gone to a forest-like place and seen these springs of water that lead to a river, with the sun reflecting on the water and making it look like gold. This hair color reminds me of that. It looks surreal!
33. Blonde Layers
Thick-haired women are lucky! They can opt for layers starting somewhere in the middle and still have their hair looking as voluminous as ever. Adding waves at the bottom enhances your hair texture and looks incredibly stylish.
34. Curled-In Shag Haircut
The shag haircut has surpassed time to become one of the most sought-after hairstyles. This shag ‘do looks like it’s been inspired by a mullet and can only be pulled off with thick hair. Get multiple layers and curl the front layers inward to achieve this look. If you don’t want to damage your hair with heat, use a round brush and some mousse to get the look.
35. Rock ‘N Roll Shag
Rock ‘n roll has given so many hits, and the list continues with this killer curly shag haircut. This hairstyle is messy but completely stylish, making it perfect for those head-banging moments.
36. Soft Wavy Layers
Ever heard of the phrase “hair flowing like a stream”? This image perfectly portrays what it means. Get layers that start at the middle and feather out the ends to give your thick hair a soft look.
37. Blonde Ombre
If you have thick hair that is naturally dark, consider bleaching your hair blonde. Bleaching will damage your hair, but if you have thick hair, the damage is considerably less. Moreover, it’ll give you the makeover you always wanted.
38. Side-Parted Layers
A side parting can make your hair look flat if you don’t have thick hair. But if you do, the side parting is your trusted companion. The side parting balances out any uneven facial features. Also, if your hair looks greasy, just part your hair on the opposite side of your regular parting.
39. Flicked-Out Dual Layers
While layers are great for thick hair, sometimes many layers can be a bit too much. Opt for this simple dual-layered haircut where each layer is dissociated from the other. This means there is a little gap between both layers. I like how the second layer just blends with the ends.
40. Center Fringe With Long Sides
One of the perks of having thick hair is having thick fringes. Not only does it look so slick, but it also helps cover up your forehead. This way, all the attention goes to your eyes, lips, and jawline. Side-swept bangs are a great way to give your face more definition.
41. Classic Curly Lob
Whether you have 4A hair or 2C hair, keeping thick curly hair nourished is an everyday challenge. To make your life easier, opt for a classic lob. A lob is a long bob that comes up to the shoulders. It looks great and is easy to maintain and style.
42. Peekaboo Highlights
Peekaboo highlights are hidden highlights. When you pull back the top layers, the hidden highlights are revealed. When you have thick hair, peekaboo highlights really stand out and look brilliant.
43. Mid-Level Layers
Dimensional hair involves coloring your hair in different shades of blonde to make it look more textured. When you have dimensional blonde hair, you have to be very particular with your layers. Get layers cut from midway down will really showcase the thickness of your tresses.
44. Simple Layered Haircut
Layers are a girl’s best friend. Every girl wants stylish and bouncy hair, which can be achieved with layers. The feathered ends make the rest of the hair look thicker and more voluminous too.
45. Caramel Waves
Caramel, rich and delicious caramel! Mouth-watering, isn’t it? Take that deliciousness to your locks. Style your hair in waves to accentuate its thickness, and you are good to go.
46. Bronde Mix
Ahh, the age-old question of blonde or brunette! I say, why not both? They make for a killer combination. This mix also has many face-framing qualities. The top brown half makes your face look longer while the lower blonde half softens your face.
47. Two-Layer Haircut
Whoever knew that all it took to jazz up your hairstyle was two layers? A quick fix! I like how the first layer has been cut into a V. This is also a dissociated layers hairstyle.
48. Golden Highlights
Gold is the color of queens! It symbolizes richness and prosperity. It can also make your hair look thick and lush. This is because when it is coupled with brown, it adds depth and dimension to your locks.
49. Brown Lob With Highlights
Your shoulder-length lob can be spiced up with curls at the end. Also, add some light brown highlights. This will add depth to your thick tresses and bring some shine to them.
50. Textured Lob
A textured lob is one of the best options for medium-length thick hair. Add some deep wine red highlights too add more dimension to your locks. Besides, it looks totally cool!
51. Colored Lob
The lob is one of the most sought-after hairstyles. It looks very chic and is made for thick shoulder-length hair. You can add some texture to your hair by getting it cut in layers and colored in a sunkissed shade.
52. Blue Ocean
Do you ever feel like your hair is too long or too short to pull off a color? Take this mix of teal and blue, for example. If it’s too long, it can look like a neverending stream. If it’s too short, it might look like a small puddle of water. I think the medium length is the best for it. It looks like a wonderful stream aided by the thick wavy hair.
53. Beachy Hair
Beachy or sunkissed hair has been in demand for a really long time. It comes as no surprise because it’s the perfect summer vacay look. The key to achieving the perfect beachy hair look is styling it in loose waves.
54. Blonde Tips
If you really want to accentuate your natural hair color, think contrasts. Check out how the natural brown shines when paired with some blonde tips. You don’t need to go for an ombre, just some simple highlighted tips will do the trick.
55. Deep Auburn Curls
Adding dimension to your thick hair can go a long way in making it look gorgeous. It can also make your tresses look bouncy and give them a nice shine. If you have brown hair, opt for a shade like deep auburn, chestnut brown, or dark wine.
56. Shadow Roots
Keeping your roots dark makes your thick hair look longer. It also helps make your face look slender. The dark roots show off your natural hair color and texture. Get a shade that matches your hair color but is a few tones darker.
57. Blue Lob With Thick Bangs
Adding colors like bright blues or reds can damage your hair. This is because of the amount of chemicals and bleach used. The remedy for this is to wait a week or two to style your hair with heating tools. Also, nourish your locks with coconut oil on a regular basis and use hair products that cater to colored hair specifically. You can achieve those big curls with the help of rollers. Cutting off the damaged ends and keeping your hair medium length can help retain the thickness of your locks.
58. Icy Blonde Balayage
Looking for the perfect winter hairstyle? I’d suggest this icy blonde balayage. It looks stunning. The shadow roots add a nice mystical feel to the look. The gray blonde shade along with the wavy texture adds a nice shine to thick locks.
59. Side Bangs
If you want to jazz up your medium-length thick hair, add some side bangs. They’ll help frame your face. They will also cover wide cheeks and soften the jawline. You can get some layers at the end to accentuate the side bangs.
60. Angled Lob
The angled bob is making headlines all over the world. It looks especially mesmerizing when cut in thick hair. Keep your hair texture straight to give it a nice sleek look.
61. Dimensional Bronde
Bronde is one of the few hair colors that hairstylists can’t stop talking about. The roots are dark while the shade becomes lighter as it reaches the ends. Notice how just the ends are feathered. This will make your hair appear thicker.
62. Purple Curls
Everyone’s all about the balayage, and rightly so! Balayage is a more natural and flowy way of highlighting hair. Instead of opting for natural shades, go for a vibrant shade like purple. Add some curls to jazz it up.
63. Espresso Balayage
Espresso is God’s gift to mankind. It’s all coffee, and that’s what makes it so delicious. Get your hair colored in an espresso brown shade to carry that feeling with you everywhere you go. Add waves to give your bob more texture.
64. Platinum Blonde
Platinum hair looks out of this world! It’s all the rage right now. It looks white with a hint of blonde. Check with your hairstylist if your skin’s undertone works with this color.
65. A-Line Bob WIth Blonde Highlights
Adding some contrast highlights to the sides of your A-line bob can turn up the heat on your locks. It helps soften your facial lines and shape. It also adds depth to your thick tresses.
66. Honey Blonde Layers
Layers can be accentuated with color. I would suggest getting your hair colored first and then getting it cut in layers. This way, you’ll be able to really enhance the layers. Add multiple shades of the same color to give your hair some dimension and texture.
67. Rose Gold U-Cut
The U-cut is known as being a plain and simple hairstyle. But, the scales can be raised by adding a nice rose gold shade to it. You can also add some front bangs to modernize the look.
68. Orange Ombre Hair
When you have brown hair, most women tend to opt for a blonde change. Be the difference and let your inner warrior out with this orange ombre. The orange hues go beautifully well with the brown roots. They give a new lease of life to your hair.
69. Lilac Hollywood Curls
Medium-length hair is the perfect length for Hollywood curls. If your hair is too short, then the hairstyle looks incomplete, but if your hair is too long, your hair needs to be folded. With medium-length hair, the locks become shorter once they are curled. Add a modern twist to this vintage hairstyle by coloring your hair lilac.
70. Colored Layered Bob
A bob is the perfect haircut to experiment with hair colors because it’s long enough to display two or more colors but short enough to fade and grow out quickly. Experiment with color combinations like this silver and pink to step out of your comfort zone.
71. Gray Hair With Feathered Ends
Feathered ends can amp up the volume and thickness of your locks. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself! Using the point-cut method, thin out the ends of your hair. If you have layers, thin those ends out as well. Get your hair colored gray to add some mystique to your look.
72. Summer Hair
Summer is that one time of the year when we all want to dress up. It’s summer vacay time after all! Try this layered cut where the ends are thinned out. This layered cut mimics the shag cut but the layers start shorter at the front and get a little longer at the back. This helps in adding dimension to your thick locks. And, don’t those blonde babylights look fancy?
73. Layered Curls
AnnaLynne McCord effortlessly showcases her natural beauty with her stunning natural curls The subtle layers add a touch of dimension, enhancing the overall texture and movement of her locks. The grown-out fringe frames her face elegantly to create a soft and laid-back vibe, making it a perfect hairstyle for those who want to flaunt their natural locks.
74. Choppy Curly Bob
This is a perfect summer hairstyle that features a rich chocolate hue and choppy layers that enhance the depth and dimension of the hair, creating a luscious and eye-catching effect. The style will not only complement the warmth of summer but also add a touch of playful elegance to your thick locks.
Now that you know all the haircuts and styles you can try on your thick hair, here are some maintenance tips to keep them looking healthy.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid hair mousse and gels as they can weigh down thick hair.
- You can experiment with popular hairstyles for thick hair such as choppy bob, retro curls, low bun, and tousled waves.
- Adding layers can lighten the weight of thick hair while maintaining it with regular trims and protein masks can improve their overall health.
Maintenance Tips For Thick Hair
- Use protein hair masks at least once every two weeks to keep your hair nourished. If you don’t take care of thick locks, they can lose their volume. Opt for a natural hair mask over one with chemicals.
- Get regular trims! This will keep split ends at bay and keep your haircut looking fresh.
- Wash your hair twice a week. But before you wash your hair, do some oil therapy. Massage your head and hair with some warm oil and keep it on for at least an hour. This will give your hair the nutrients it needs and add shine.
- Watch your diet! What you eat ends up going to your hair as well. Your hair needs lots of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, so you need to eat healthy.
- Every once in a while, stop using heat styling tools for at least two to three weeks. Whenever you do use heat styling tools, don’t forget to apply heat protectant to your hair. This will protect your hair from heat damage.
- Using silk or satin pillowcases is a game-changer for thick hair because they do not rub against your hair the way cotton does; hence, they minimize friction, reducing tangles and breakage.
- Reduce heat styles to no more than twice a week and give your hair a chance to recover and regain its health. On days when you will use some heat tools, remember to spray a heat protector and use it with the lowest effective temperature.
- Deep hydration is great for thick hair and natural oils are just perfect for that. Apply oils, like argan or coconut on slightly damp hair before blow-drying or use as a heavy overnight treatment for heavy moisture.
Thick hair requires proper care and suitable maintenance techniques for good health, shine, and manageability. In fact, having a good maintenance routine in place is just as important as knowing the best styling tips for thick hair. Whether you want to enhance your hair’s natural volume or calm down its fullness, how to style thick hair will make all the difference for you to achieve what you desire. Let’s look at some incredible styling tips that will help you squeeze out every last bit of your gorgeous mane!
Styling Tips For Thick Hair
Thick hair is a double-edged sword. It gives you that amount of volume and versatility but requires certain techniques and care to manage its abundance. Here are some styling tips to help you get the most out of your rich, thick locks of hair.
- Get layered cuts to increase the dynamics and add flair to the shape.
- Get bangs that frame the face according to your face shape and style.
- Do deep conditioning to keep hair moistened and easy to manage. It also helps reduce frizz and improves the texture.
- USe a wide-tooth comb as it detangles with no or minimal breakage.
- While drying, wrap hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess water.
- Apply leave-in conditioner before air-drying or using a diffuser.
- Use lightweight texture serum to give definition and add volume.
Add any or all of these styling tips to your routine, and you’ll be embracing the full potential of your thick hair. You can try out different techniques and products to figure out what works best for your unique hair texture.
Infographic: 8 Most Popular Hairstyles For Thick Hair
Styling thick and luscious hair is not an easy task. One needs to know which cut, coloring, and styling techniques will accentuate the facial features before finalizing a look. While you can experiment with any styles discussed in the article, we have shortlisted the most popular ones that make the heads turn. Check out the infographic below to learn more about them.
With these 72 hairstyles for thick hair, your tresses will never look drab. Thick hair can look beautiful, but styling and maintaining it can be a hassle. However, with the right hairstyle, maintenance becomes easier. Sometimes thick hair can look very messy and unkempt. Cutting your thick hair in layers, decreasing its length, adding hair colors, or changing your hair type can help. Follow the above styles to amp up your thick locks with class and timeless style. Some of these hairstyles make it easier to care and style your hair without shelling out big bucks at a salon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is short or long hair better for thick hair?
Styling experts recommend maintaining a medium length haircut for thick hair as it allows ample layers to balance the density and gives a flattering overall look.
Is thick hair attractive?
It is a matter of perspective. Traditionally, it was believed that thick hair was a sign of healthy femininity. Therefore thick hair was considered attractive. However, the definition of attractive is constantly evolving along with fashion trends which can make even fine hair look divine.
Is thick hair rare?
No. Thick hair is common in Han Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Native American people.
How do you make thick hair less poofy?
Generally, lack of hydration causes poofy hair. However, proper washing and conditioning can help you manage poofy hair.
Illustration: Stunning Hairstyles For Thick Hair | Haircuts To Try
Short hair can be stylish and chic! Check out this video for the latest haircut ideas if you have thick hair. Get inspired and find your perfect look!
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