As someone with fine hair, I've always been envious of those with thicker hair types. The idea of going longer than two days without shampooing and having enough hair to fit into a voluminous messy bun is so appealing. Many women spend hundreds of dollars on extensions and thickening hair products to create the illusion of fuller locks, but only those with naturally thick hair know it’s not always as glamorous as it looks. All of those extra strands require some major upkeep, which sometimes means spending hours in front of the mirror figuring out just what to do with it.
If you’re on the hunt for thick haircuts and styles, we have just the professional to help you out. Jennifer Gillis, Shu Uemura Art Of Hair brand ambassador, is here to break down how to find the best haircuts and hairstyles for thick hair.
“Girls with 'thick' hair have always understood their special place in the hair world,” Gillis says. “They've been using four hair bands in their ponytails since age three.”
The foundation of any great hairstyle is a great cut. When you head to the salon, the thickness of your mane isn’t the only thing your stylist will take into account when deciding on the perfect cut for you.
“Head shape and the shape of the cut will always expand and be accentuated with thick hair, so know what you want to keep and what you want to remove,” Gillis explains.
Let your stylist know exactly how much bulk and length you want to remove so you end up with your desired results.
According to Gillis, at least one cut is considered universally flattering for ladies with thick locks.
“Long length with long layers is always a great choice because the 'weight' of the hair will naturally provide control,” Gillis explains.
The good news is, with all of that hair, the possibilities are endless. You can flawlessly rock a bob, long layers, beach waves, or even a top knot—no clip-ins required. If you’re searching for an on-trend look to try, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best haircuts and styles for ladies with thick, luscious locks.
The Best Haircuts For Thick Hair
Good hair day by @mygirlyinnin.
Long Layers
Layers are the best way to debulk and add movement to your hair without getting rid of too much length. Opt for long layers if you want a classic, easy-to-style cut.
Good hair day by @balayagedandbeachy.
Tapered Pixie Cut
Cutting off all of your heavy hair may sound pretty tempting, but consider leaving a few inches of length at the top when opting for a pixie cut. This tapered pixie cut is short enough to simplify your styling routine but long enough to leave you with some options.
Straight-Across Bangs
Take full advantage of your hair’s thickness and add some major style to your cut with the addition of full bangs. Because of your hair’s fullness, you can pull off anything from baby bangs to blunt bangs without any separation.
Good hair day by @sharraspann.
Curly Bangs
Curly girls with thick, coarse hair types can also benefit from straight-across fringe. Use a styling product like Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion to add definition and enhance your naturally curly texture.
Good hair day by @mizzchoi.
Bob with Choppy Layers
A bob is a perfect way to remove a lot of heavy length from your ‘do while making sure it still looks chic. If you’re seeking an even lighter style, ask your stylist to incorporate choppy layers throughout your cut for a more textured look. The layers will add tons of movement and remove any bulky weight. Apply a few spritzes of finishing spray like L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray to amp up your look with effortless texture.
Good hair day by @_j.koy_.
Undercut
Consider an undercut if you want to keep your mane long (while eliminating some of that extra bulk). Keep your undercut buzzed and straight to the point or ask your stylist for a design if you want an edgier look.
The Best Hairstyles For Thick Hair
Good hair day by @salvatore_riccardi_hd.
Deep Side Part
This simple deep side part styling hack will give you a whole new look in just seconds. All you have to do is make a part on the left or right side of your head. With the majority of your hair piled on one side of the part, you’ll achieve some much-needed volume—no teasing necessary. Use a hairspray like Matrix Total Results High Amplify Anti-Frizz Hairspray if you want even more volume.
Good hair day by @crownsbyregina_.
Wash And Go Curls
This heatless styling technique is a damage-free way to show off your plentiful ringlets. Click here for our guide to achieving the perfect wash and go hairstyle.
Good hair day by @redken.
Low Ponytail
The weight of piling your hair on top of your head can sometimes lead to significant scalp tension when you’re working with thick locks. Skip the headache but keep the style and simplicity of a sky-high ponytail by positioning it just a little lower.
First, decide if you would like your hair parted down the middle or no part at all. Once you’ve decided, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a strong elastic. If you want to add just a little more style to your pony, take a few strands from the base of your ponytail and wrap them around the elastic. Secure the strands with a bobby pin.
Good hair day by @pati.rodrigz.
Afro
Take full advantage of your hair’s density and let your curls flourish with a voluminous afro. To achieve this look, apply a leave-in conditioner like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk and a styling cream to clean, damp hair. Allow your hair to dry about halfway. Completely dry your hair. Use a diffuser attached to a blow dryer. Once your mane is fully dry, use a hair pick all around your head to achieve maximum volume. Finish your look with a light spritz of shine spray like Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray.
Good hair day by @mizzthuy.
Textured Beach Waves
This lazy-girl ‘do is as effortless as it gets, no matter how thick your mane is. All you’ll need is a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Pureology Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray to create mermaid-like waves in minutes.
Good hair day by @kinkzhairstudio.
Sleek And Straight
Opt for pin-straight strands if sleek, polished hairstyles are more your speed. Begin at the back of your head, taking two-inch sections of clean, dry hair at a time. Spray each with a heat protectant like Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray and slowly pass over it with a flat iron followed by a comb. Do an additional pass with the flat iron to get your hair as straight and sleek as possible, if necessary. Continue flat ironing two-inch sections of hair until you’ve completed your entire head.
Interested in more haircut and hairstyle ideas? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray
A dry texturizing spray that creates a weightless, tousled, second-day, disheveled look on all hair types.
True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion
A hair lotion for curls that adds definition and enhances texture.
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner with heat protection that detangles, calms frizz, and treats damage and dryness.
Total Results High Amplify Anti-Frizz Hairspray
A flexible, strong-hold, anti-frizz hairspray.
Shine Flash Hair Spray
An anti frizz hair spray for glass-like shine and finish.
Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray
A heat protectant styling spray.
Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray
A non-drying, texturizing spray that creates soft, tousled waves on color-treated hair.
