Thick hair can be both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, you have an abundance of hair that can hold volume and texture like no other, but on the other hand, it can be tough to manage and style without the right products and techniques. Whether you’re trying to tame your mane or enhance its natural beauty, finding the right hairstyle can completely transform your look and boost your confidence. In this post, we’ll explore 20 mind-blowing hairstyles for thick hair that’ll make you fall in love with your locks all over again. Plus, we’ll recommend the best products to keep your hair looking its best.
1. Voluminous Loose Waves for an Effortlessly Chic Look
source@stylesbylama
Loose waves are a timeless hairstyle that works wonders for thick hair. They add volume and texture while maintaining a natural, effortless vibe. The key to achieving voluminous waves is to use a high-quality curling iron with adjustable heat settings. For thick hair, look for a larger barrel that can handle the volume. After curling, run your fingers through your hair to loosen the waves, creating a soft, beachy effect. To keep the waves in place without weighing them down, finish off with a lightweight hairspray or texturizing spray. A wave-enhancing product, like Ouai Wave Spray, will also help define and hold your waves throughout the day.
2. Classic High Ponytail with a Twist
source@cedricsalon
The high ponytail is a classic look, but for thick hair, you can take it to the next level by adding volume at the crown and ensuring that the ponytail stays securely in place. For thick hair, it’s essential to use a thick elastic band that can hold the weight of your hair without snapping or leaving a kink. After pulling your hair into a ponytail, use a teasing comb to add volume at the roots. Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail for a polished, chic finish. If you want extra volume, try a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray before styling.
3. Messy Bun with a Natural Vibe
source@beautybyroha
For an effortlessly cool and casual look, a messy bun is a great choice. Thick hair naturally lends itself to a fuller, more textured bun. To achieve this style, start by gathering your hair loosely at the crown of your head. Don’t worry about making it perfect—let some pieces fall around your face to create that lived-in look. Use a strong-hold hairpin to secure the bun, but leave a few tendrils free for a more relaxed vibe. A flexible-texture hairspray, like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist, can help hold the bun in place without making it too stiff or crunchy.
4. Sleek and Shiny Straight Locks
source@straight.studio
Straight hair can sometimes seem like it’s more suited for fine hair, but thick hair can rock this look too, as long as you take a few extra steps to ensure it stays smooth and frizz-free. A high-quality flat iron is essential for thick hair, as it needs to be able to apply consistent heat without tugging or damaging your strands. To achieve the sleekest look, apply a heat protectant before styling and use a smoothing serum afterward to add shine and reduce frizz. For thick hair, you might want to try the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron, which can easily handle thick locks.
5. Bouncy Curls for a Glamorous Look
source@bouncecurl
Thick hair has the potential for the most glamorous curls, especially when you use a curling iron with a thicker barrel. For voluminous, bouncy curls, divide your hair into sections and wrap them around the barrel, holding each section for about 10 seconds to ensure they hold. For extra shine, finish off the curls with a nourishing hair serum that won’t weigh down your curls but will keep them soft and glossy. A product like Moroccanoil Treatment is perfect for adding both shine and hydration to curly hair without compromising volume.
6. Layered Bob with Natural Movement
source@yukistylist
A layered bob can bring out the natural movement of thick hair, allowing it to fall beautifully around your face. The key to a successful layered bob is cutting your hair at the right angle to create volume without adding too much bulk. For thick hair, it’s important to go to a stylist who understands how to shape the hair to suit its natural texture. You can enhance the layers with a texturizing spray or a lightweight mousse that will give the style a bouncy, voluminous look. A great product for this look is the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, which adds instant lift and movement to your layers.
7. Half-Up, Half-Down Style for Versatility
source@hairbysyana
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is perfect for thick hair because it allows you to control the bulk while still showing off the length and volume. This style works well for both casual and formal settings, making it super versatile. To create this look, simply section off the top part of your hair and secure it with a stylish hair tie or clip. If you want extra volume, tease the top section before securing it. For a more polished finish, consider adding a decorative clip or barrette to the half-up section. A lightweight volumizing mousse will help add fullness without weighing the hair down.
8. Braided Crown for a Boho-Chic Vibe
source@hairbyjessicaxo_
The braided crown is a beautiful and intricate look that works especially well for thick hair because it creates a full, lush effect. To achieve this style, start by creating two braids from either side of your head, then wrap them over the top and secure them at the back of your head. This look is perfect for outdoor events like festivals or casual summer days. To keep the braids from looking too tight, pull on the edges to loosen them for a more boho vibe. A texturizing spray will help create that natural, tousled look without adding frizz.
9. Chic French Twist for a Timeless Elegance
source@hollys_hairdos
The French twist is a classic, elegant hairstyle that works beautifully for thick hair. To achieve the French twist, gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist it up toward the crown of your head, tucking the ends in to secure the style. Use hairpins to hold the twist in place. For extra hold and smoothness, apply a little smoothing cream to your hair before styling. A product like Redken’s Anti-Static Oil Mist can keep your hair sleek and frizz-free throughout the day.
10. Loose Beachy Waves with a Sun-Kissed Finish
source@carlie_pmthesalon
Loose beachy waves are the epitome of effortless, laid-back style. They’re perfect for thick hair because they allow you to embrace your natural volume while adding texture and movement. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, relaxed waves, and finish with a sea salt spray for that sun-kissed, beachy texture. The Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is an excellent choice for thick hair, as it helps create the perfect balance of texture and softness.
11. High-Volume Straight Ponytail
source@wonderful_hair_kenya
A high-volume straight ponytail is a great way to showcase thick hair in a sleek and stylish manner. The trick to making this style work is creating volume at the roots to prevent the look from feeling flat. Start by blow-drying your hair with a round brush to add some lift. Use a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray before drying to give the ponytail extra body. Once your hair is dry, gather it into a high ponytail, making sure to tease the crown to add volume before securing with a strong hair elastic. For a polished look, wrap a section of hair around the base of the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins. A lightweight finishing spray will help keep the ponytail intact throughout the day without weighing it down.
12. Flirty Side Swept Curls for a Soft Touch
source@flirtycurls__
Side-swept curls are a feminine and flirty way to wear thick hair, perfect for a night out or a romantic event. To achieve this look, use a curling iron to create loose, bouncy curls. After curling, gently run your fingers through the curls to break them up into soft, defined waves. Part your hair to one side and allow the curls to fall softly across your face for a glamorous finish. A light hairspray will help maintain the curls without stiffening them. For a more natural, touchable look, use a lightweight curl cream to define the curls without adding too much weight.
13. Textured Lob for Modern Chic
source@hairbyallybarone
A lob, or long bob, with textured layers is a modern and edgy style that perfectly complements thick hair. This haircut allows your hair to fall with natural movement while maintaining shape and body. The texture makes it easy to style, and you can enhance the layers with a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to give your hair more volume and a lived-in look. To style, use a flat iron to create beachy waves, or simply let your hair air dry for a more relaxed style. A texturizing paste or lightweight mousse can add even more definition and separation to the layers.
14. Sleek Low Bun for a Polished Look
source@hairbysinta
A sleek low bun is a sophisticated and refined hairstyle that works well for thick hair because it keeps everything controlled while still looking elegant. To achieve this look, start by smoothing your hair back with a flat brush, ensuring there are no flyaways or frizz. Secure your hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a bun, tucking the ends underneath. For a polished finish, use a strong-hold gel or cream to smooth the hair back and secure the bun. A bit of shine serum will also add a sleek, glossy finish that elevates the entire look. Use bobby pins to secure any loose strands and finish with a light mist of hairspray.
15. Curly Shag for a Retro Vibe
sourece@nunzio_nyc1
The curly shag is a bold, retro-inspired hairstyle that works particularly well for thick hair. This layered, voluminous style has an edgy, carefree vibe that’s perfect for adding some personality to your look. To achieve the curly shag, ask your stylist for layers that start at the crown and gradually get longer towards the ends. After cutting, use a curling iron or hot rollers to create defined curls and let them fall naturally. A lightweight curl cream or mousse will help you achieve the right amount of volume without creating frizz. For a more textured finish, use a dry shampoo or texturizing powder to add lift and body.
16. Elegant Fishtail Braid for a Boho Look
source@makeupdoyennes_brides
A fishtail braid is an intricate, yet boho-chic, style that works beautifully with thick hair. The braid’s detailed, woven pattern allows for an elegant, yet relaxed look that’s perfect for weddings, parties, or casual days. To create this look, divide your hair into two sections, and then start braiding them together in a fishtail pattern. You can pull the braid apart slightly to make it look fuller and add a bit of volume. Finish with a small amount of hair pomade to keep any flyaways in place. For extra flair, add a decorative hair accessory like a flower crown or jewel-encrusted clip.
17. Chunky, Defined Curls for Bold Confidence
source@lesliejoanny
If you’re looking to embrace your natural thick hair with boldness, chunky curls are the way to go. This style brings out the full volume and texture of your hair while adding definition to each curl. Use a curling iron with a large barrel to create big, bouncy curls that make a statement. Avoid combing through the curls, as this will create frizz—just use your fingers to separate them slightly for a more natural finish. A curl-enhancing gel or cream is essential to keep the curls defined without weighing them down. To finish, apply a light-hold hairspray to lock the curls in place without making them crunchy.
18. Polished Side Part for a Refined Look
source@dzhmstudio
A sleek side part is a timeless style that never goes out of fashion. For thick hair, the side part helps to control volume while creating a refined, sophisticated look. To style, create a deep side part, then straighten your hair for a sleek finish or leave it naturally voluminous for a more casual feel. The key to this style is to keep it polished, so apply a smoothing serum to tame any frizz or flyaways. If you want extra shine, a lightweight serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum will help create a polished, shiny finish that complements the smooth lines of the side part.
19. Fluffy Voluminous Updo for a Special Occasion
source@nancistephine
For a special event or a formal occasion, a fluffy voluminous updo is an ideal choice for thick hair. This style adds height and drama, drawing attention to your face while keeping your hair out of the way. Start by creating some loose waves or curls, then gather the hair into a messy, voluminous bun at the back of your head. Leave some loose tendrils around your face for a romantic touch. Use volumizing powder or mousse at the roots to add extra lift, and secure the updo with plenty of bobby pins. Finish the look with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place throughout the day or evening.
20. Twisted Low Bun for a Romantic Feel
source@candice_stylecreations
A twisted low bun is the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. This romantic hairstyle is perfect for thick hair because it can hold its shape and texture without being too bulky. To create this look, twist sections of hair from both sides of your head and then gather them into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Allow a few loose strands to fall around your face for a soft, relaxed finish. Use a lightweight styling cream to keep the twists smooth and frizz-free. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to ensure the bun stays intact without becoming stiff.
