Hairstyles for Thick Hair

There are many beautiful hairstyles for thick hair, no matter what your hair's color, texture, or length. Thick hair can be challenging to manage, but for the greatest variety of styles be sure your hair is healthy and well-conditioned, then find the right look for your face shape and styling preferences.

Loose, tousled waves are always stunning on thick hair. For a natural look, apply some leave-in curl defining cream to the hair. Gently scrunch the hair to really help accentuate the waves, then let the hair dry naturally, or use a diffuser to finish drying.

Make sure to carry some leave-in condition with you for touch-ups during the day, as these waves look best when they are healthy and well hydrated.

A ponytail is a great look for thick hair because it shows off the hair's richness and shine. To get a sleek look like this, start by blow drying the hair straight, or using a straightener so the hair has a smooth finish.

Make sure to brush the hair back into the ponytail with a soft bristle brush. After the style has been secured with a fastener, use a frizz-reducing cream to keep hair smooth the hair along the scalp, tame static or flyways and to keep the ends of the ponytail looking healthy and moisturized.

Curly hair is a perfect look for thick locks. If your hair isn't naturally curly, a spiral perm can achieve the same look, but don't try this style with short hair or you may end up with too much volume. The longer the hair, the more controlled the tendrils will be.

To make sure your twisted locks always look their best, try a low-lather or no lather shampoo, as this type of shampoo will help accentuate the curl.

Choppy hair styles are a popular way to manage thick hair. Choppy layers can remove some of the hair's thickness and make it easier to control. For a modern, edgy look, ask your stylist to razor the ends of your hair for a more ragged, rough look and consider a burst of peek-a-boo highlights to really make the layers stand out.

This look is also easy to style, and a simple paste or pomade can be applied for a finished look.

Tapered hairstyles for thick hair help tame volume without losing the hair's natural beauty. They feature numerous layers near the front on the face. This is a great look for most face shapes, particularly if the ends of the hair fall below the jaw line to effectively frame the face. A side part helps add distinction to the look.

To keep the face-framing layers looking soft, use a large round brush when styling and work the ends of the hair, near the face inward.

A short, shaggy hair style is great for thick hair. The hair's volume from thinned out layers adds movement to the style, but because it is short it can be easily managed. A side part is often preferred so the style does not look dated. The ends of the hair can stay thin, to give a shag look, but the thickness of the hair leaves volume at the top of the style.

To keep movement in the style all day, use a light hold, flexible hairspray to complete the look.

Hairstyles with bangs are popular for thick hair because they can help remove some of the hair's volume while framing the face and softening the forehead. Many women with thick hair will try blunt bangs, which can look great on long or short styles. Adding an offset, sideswoop bang is flattering on all types of haircuts, or you can go for a wispy, longer bang as part of more edgy style.

When you have naturally thick hair, bangs can start looking too heavy if they aren't properly maintained, so getting a bang trim every four weeks is usually recommended.

An inverted bob works well for thick hair because the hair's natural volume will accentuate the asymmetrical shape of the style, particularly in the back where the hair is shortest.

The hair will be longer in the front and help frame the face. This cut can be styled in numerous ways; either smooth and polished like the model in the photo, or in a more messy style. To keep the cut looking sharp and from getting too thick and bulky, routine trims will be needed.

When you have long naturally curly or kinky hair, many women decide to keep their hair extra long. This type of hair can sometimes be difficult to style, but the good news is that you can often wear it natural and still have a beautiful, polished look.

Use some curl defining leave-in gel and work it through the hair from root to tip, scrunching your curls as you go to add definition. Let the hair dry naturally for this easy, every day look.

If you have thick hair that also has a course or kinky texture, you may consider getting braids. Small braids are easy to style and great for thick hair.

After your braids have been done by a professional hairstylist, they can be styled just like normal hair. If you are creating an updo with your braided hairstyle, avoid using products like hairspray. Putting too many chemicals on the hair can make the braids look frizzy.

Having thick hair can be a blessing for many women, as it can leave them with full, beautiful locks, however it can also be challenging to find the right style. The best style will be easy to manage and use the natural volume of the hair in a way that is flattering.

For more ideas and inspiration, you can look to haircuts for thick hair to help you find your perfect thick hair style.