Updated by the AI Hairstyle team
Hairstyles for Thick Hair
The best hairstyles for thick hair either remove bulk with layers or put the volume to work: tall pompadours, shaggy layers, long waves, braids and buns. Upload a selfie and try these styles on your own photo to see which shape suits your face before you book the cut.
Upload a Photo and Try a StyleWomen's Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Men's Hairstyles for Thick Hair
What Makes a Cut Work on Thick Hair
- Layers remove weight: cuts like the wolf cut and shaggy layers take bulk out of the lengths, so thick hair moves instead of sitting in a triangle.
- Height uses the volume: pompadours and quiffs need a lot of hair to stand up; thick hair holds that height with less product.
- Weight helps long styles hang: long waves and braids fall more evenly when the hair has weight behind them.
- Tied styles hide bulk: a top bun or man bun turns a lot of hair into one neat shape.
Cuts to Be Careful With
One-length blunt cuts and very short crops can be harder with thick hair. A blunt bob may puff out at the sides, and short hair on a dense head can stick up unless the stylist thins it with texturising techniques.
That does not rule them out. It means the cut needs more shaping from the stylist, and possibly more styling time at home, so ask about upkeep before you commit.
Talking to Your Stylist About Thick Hair
Bring the preview and ask how they plan to remove weight: internal layers, texturising or thinning. Each gives a different finish, and over-thinning can leave the ends frizzy.
Ask how often the shape needs a trim. Thick hair often loses its shape faster as it grows, because the extra bulk builds up at the sides.
The preview redraws the style on your photo; it does not measure your hair. How a cut behaves in real life depends on your own density, texture and growth, so use the preview to judge the shape on your face and your stylist to judge whether your hair can hold it.
Braids and Buns on Heavy Hair
Thick hair adds weight to braids and buns, which pulls on the scalp. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that styles which pull tightly, worn often, can lead to hair loss; keep tied styles looser and change their position now and then.
Try These Styles on Your Own Photo
Each generation gives you 2 variations, and new accounts get 1 free generation.
Open the GeneratorHairstyles for Thick Hair: FAQs
What is the best haircut for thick hair?
Layered cuts such as the wolf cut or shaggy layers are popular because they remove weight. Height styles like the pompadour also suit thick hair well.
Does the preview know my hair is thick?
No. It redraws the style on your photo and does not measure density. Use it to judge the shape, and ask your stylist whether your hair will hold it.
Are short haircuts a good idea for thick hair?
They can work, but short thick hair may stick up unless it is thinned or textured. Ask your stylist about upkeep before going short.
Which men’s styles suit thick hair?
The pompadour, textured quiff, shaggy layers, slick back and man bun all use the extra volume well.
Sources
- Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss (American Academy of Dermatology)