Thinning the hair out too much can also fray the ends of your hair, leaving it looking stringy and unhealthy. Layering hair properly is the best way to eliminate your hair’s bulkiness without compromising the look or integrity of your hair.
Not Considering Your Commitment to Styling Before a Haircut
If you’ve been toying with the idea of a super-short cut to make your thick hair more manageable, you should know that shorter hair doesn't always mean less work. For a shorter style that will work well with thick hair, try a bixie haircut — it’s essentially a less structured version of a bob and has flattering choppy layers. Aside from being totally on-trend, this haircut helps to distribute the weight of your hair more evenly and can be less high-maintenance to style than a pixie.
Not Using the Right Shampoo or Conditioner
Many people with thick hair stock up on formulas that are too heavy — and, therefore, weigh it down even more. Thick hair tends to retain more oil due to the density of the hair strands. Over time, this can create buildup, leaving your hair lackluster and dull. With thick hair, it’s important to properly cleanse it to avoid this buildup effect. Try a gentle clarifying shampoo, like the
If you have tried the hair care advice above but you’re still not happy with the way it looks, some hairstyles can help you get the most out of your thick hair. These hairstyles would be perfect!
Thick Straight Hair
Thick straight hair often looks better with longer cuts that can stylishly accentuate the hair’s natural fullness and volume, but doesn’t mean it cannot rock short hairstyles. The hairstyles below are the best options for looking great with straight hair.
Pompadour Straight Hair
The pompadour is an evergreen style that is designed to showcase your voluminous locks, and there is no better hair type for this than thick straight hair.
Apply a small amount of pomade, mainly on the bangs and the top. Make it stand upward and then run it to the back. After that, gently grab the bangs and emphasize the volume. Then, apply a bit of hair spray to keep everything in place.
Quiff Thick Hair
The quiff is another style that finds its place in the list of favourites among thick-haired men. The hair is cut short on the sides and back, and kept longer on the top. A fade along the sides will make your look stand out, especially if you have a good volume of hair.
It would be better to raise your bangs with your hairdryer before using the styling product for better style. Pomade, clay, or wax can be used to create this look. Apply a small amount of styling product by running your fingers through the hair. Center on the bangs and top, then run it sideways. After that, grasp it firmly and pinch it to create a rough yet unified volume. Then, set it with a careful application of hair spray.
Thick Slick Back
The slick back style is what you associate with neatness. This hairstyle is a popular look for actors in period movies taking place in the first half of the 20th century. Despite being an older style, it never goes out of fashion. It works with a variety of hair types, including thick straight hair.
A slick back is easy to maintain as all you need is pomade. After combing it back while blow-drying, apply the product to your hair to finish styling it and lock it in place with some hair spray.
Side Part Straight Hair
The side part for straight hair is a simple cut. Just decide where to part on the side and comb the longer part sideways.
The side part for straight hair is a simple cut that looks particularly good with thick hair.
Gel or pomade can hold it in place throughout the day, with gel offering a more professional appearance. Simply apply the product after washing your hair and comb it to one side. If you cannot get the clear side part, make a side part with wet damp hair and dry it with a dryer. And if you find that you’re not getting enough volume, try flipping the part to the other side.
Thick Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a style that’s inspired by the mohawk. The sides have a taper fade with the hair along the top centre being kept medium to long and styled upright, making it an ideal cut to show off your thick straight hair. If you’re a professional during the week and a party person on weekends, this look is for you. Though it’s often suggested for shorter hair, it suits long hair, too.
To keep your faux hawk in peak condition, you can use wax, clay, or gel (wax is the preferred method). Apply the product with your fingertips, running them upward and forward. If your hair doesn't stand up well, it's a good idea to use a hairdryer to make it stand up for more volume.
Short French Crop
The short French crop is a mix of modern and classic vibes and a perfect cut for those who prefer not to spend too much time on styling or maintenance. The sides have a taper fade and hair is cropped short at the top.
It takes just a little bit of pomade, wax, or gel to keep you looking good all day, but you may not even need to style it if your hair is thick and short enough. Wash and blow-dry your hair in the direction you want it to go, then work in the product following the direction of the hair.
Curtain Bangs Straight Hair
Curtain bangs are synonymous with movie stars of the ’90s, and the thicker your hair the better they look. To create this style, decide where you want to part your hair in the middle and comb it toward the sides.
Apply a hair product that will hold the bangs in place. We recommend wax, which gives a natural finish with a smooth texture. If you cannot make a good centre part, part your hair while still wet and dry it with a dryer.
Thick Wavy Hair
Thick wavy hair may be more difficult to tame than straight hair, but it’s also the look that a lot of men wish they could have. If you’re up for taking care of your coif, any of the hairstyles below are a great option for your hair type.
Thick Wavy Pompadour
For thick wavy hair, the pompadour is a classic fashion statement with a twist. Use your hair’s natural texture to its advantage for a unique silhouette rather than aiming for a perfectly symmetrical shape.
Apply a small amount of pomade or clay, mainly on the bangs and the top. Make it stand upward and then run it to the back. After that, grab the bangs and emphasize the volume. Then, apply a bit of hair spray to keep everything in place.
Messy Textured Quiff
The messy textured quiff is both traditional and modern and is best complemented with naturally wavy hair that helps give out an ‘I don’t give a damn’ vibe.
Once your hair is damp, gently blow-dry towards the direction you want, and then apply some wax by running your fingers through the hair. You can also use hair spray so that the strands stay where they should rather than falling across your forehead or over your eyes.
Bro Flow
The carefree look of the mid-length bro flow reaches its pinnacle when paired with naturally wavy locks. It’s easy to take care of, too.
Just comb it back when wet and allow it to air dry. While wavy hair can often keep its shape without much work, you can also use wax to reinforce it.
Slick Back Wavy Hair
If fun and playful isn’t the look you're going for, the slick back is an excellent choice for a more professional appearance.
Comb your hair back or at an angle as you blow-dry. Then apply wax, pomade, or gel that can hold your wavy hair throughout the day. Finish styling and lock it in place with some hair spray.
The side part is a classic variant for wavy hair and has a distinctly different look than those rocking a side part with straight hair.
Pomade or wax can hold it in place throughout the day. Apply the product after drying your hair and comb the hair to one side.
Messy Fringe
This effortless and rugged style puts your thick wavy hair centre stage by keeping the bangs long and minimizing the sides with a taper fade.
The fringe is styled in the front so that it covers the forehead. A small amount of pomade, clay, or wax should be enough to keep your hair looking fresh throughout the day.
Textured Crop
Much like the bro flow, the textured crop is at its best when paired with wavy hair. It’s suitable for all occasions and looks particularly good with a taper fade on the sides and back.
To get this style, apply a small amount of clay once the hair is dry or use matte wax for a dry texture.
Curtain Bangs Wavy Hair
Unlike with straight hair, this style is much easier to maintain if your hair is naturally wavy because the look doesn’t need to be perfectly uniform.
The key to rocking wavy curtain bangs is to not get your hair too messy or dirty by excessive use of hair products. However, we do recommend using a little bit of wax to create additional movement. Avoid matte wax as it can make it harder to style and create too much volume.
Thick Curly Hair
The key to a good hairstyle for thick curly hair is to accentuate the hair’s strengths while minimizing the need for products. Hairstyles that feature volume and texture, like those below, are great options to try.
Curly Pompadour
Own your curls with this majestic coif. The curly pompadour puts the best of your hair’s natural features on full display while keeping a classic look that has stood the test of time.
Creating the shape takes minimal effort. Apply a little bit of pomade or clay to the bangs and top, raising the bangs to emphasize the volume.
Curly Quiff
The quiff was traditionally reserved for straight and wavy hair but it has become a popular alternative for thick curly hair, too.
A little bit of pomade or wax is all you need. Apply hair spray after styling is done. If the quiff won’t naturally stay in place, it would be better to blow-dry your bangs with your hairdryer before using the styling product for better styling.
Slick Back Curly Hair
Professional meets playful with this classic style. The slick back is not reserved only for straight or wavy hair—even curly hair can have a go at this look.
To create this style, you will need to spend a little extra time in the morning. Once you have towel-dried your hair, blow-dry it in the direction you want to style it. Then apply pomade or clay while using your brush and hands to shape the hair.
Sporting a side part requires extra effort as curly hair naturally tends to return to its original position no matter how you part it. If you’re willing to take the time though, you won’t regret choosing this style.
Pomade or wax can hold it in place throughout the day. Apply the product after drying your hair and comb the hair to one side.
Curly Fringe
Like the pompadour, a fringe style puts your curls front and centre. Also, by adding a side fade, you can make your face appear longer and thinner.
The fringe is styled in the front so that it covers the forehead. A small amount of wax should be enough to keep your curls locked in place.
Box Fade
The box fade is for those who love to stand out among the crowd. The hair should be higher at the top and always faded on the sides. Choose the cut on the top depending on the shape of your head or your personal tastes.
Styling doesn’t require any products but a little bit of skill with shaping the hair to maintain the angular lines.