18 Stunning Hairstyles for Thick Hair That Will Have All Eyes on You

1. Loose Braid

First up, braids. Any and every type of braid looks great on thick hair, according to Living Proof Test Salon stylist Molly Leahy. She notes that braids "look absolutely amazing in thick hair" because of the sheer volume of strands you have (exhibit A: Shay Mitchell). The trick is to "make it very secure and polished" so all of your hair can be on full display. If you need some inspiration, we suggest starting with these 15 braided hairstyles. You can really pull off any braided hair look under the sun, so go ahead and try them all.

2. Half-Up

Those with thin hair can't pull off the half-up half-down hairstyles quite like you can with thick strands like Ella Balinska. Leahy shares that even though half of your hair will be up and out of your face, "the hair left down still looks full and intentional." Plus, taking some of your strands out of your face will brighten up your complexion a bit more. It's so easy to hide behind your hair when you have more of it than you know what to do with.

3. Space Buns

Leahy adores space buns on thick hair, and with one look at Janelle Monae’s style, we have to say we agree. With the amount of hair you have, you really can pull off this style like no other. It doesn't matter if you have wavy hair, curly hair, or pin-straight hair, you can rock the space buns. We even have a tutorial that is out-of-this-world cute. Another reason Leahy is a big fan of space buns is because they're a "split" hairstyle. She recommends this type of styling (i.e. space buns, French braids, twists on either side) because your hair "will still look full but the hairstyle will make it easier to work with the hair so you don't have to handle all of it at once." 

4. Big Loose Waves

Waves look nothing short of stunning in thick hair like Blake Lively’s. And if you've already got wavy hair, this look will only enhance what you were genetically blessed with. To create soft waves, Leahy recommends "very lightly dampening your dry hair and using something like a robe tie to twist the hair on either side of your head away from your face and secure it at the bottom." The key to this look is making sure "the hair isn't soaking wet or it will take forever to dry." So, be sure to start off with damp hair. Once you're good to go on that, Leahy notes to "let the hair air dry overnight or a couple of hours, take out the robe tie, and you will have no heat, big loose waves without hurting your arms from holding a curling iron for super long." It really is that easy!

5. Sleek and Straight

To make your thick locks a little more low maintenance, Leahy suggests going for a sleek, polished hairstyle like Dua Lipa. "By flat ironing your thick hair or even getting a professional blow-dry with the right smoothing products, it can make your thick hair feel less voluminous and more manageable," she shares. Not only that, but Leahy also points out "it can  last for a long time in thick hair as it doesn't tend to get oily as fast as thin hair. If you do take the time to do it yourself or pay to get it done professionally you will get your money's worth." We love hearing that.

6. Claw Clip Updos

Claw clips are everywhere these days. And yes, Kendall Jenner proves you can use them in your thick hair. It all comes down to finding one that can hold all of your hair and getting a little creative with how you use them. "Consider getting a double claw clip to put your hair up easily when you need to," says Leahy. "Make sure it has two sets of prongs (usually the main big set and then a smaller set of prongs is inside when you open it up) this will ensure it will be able to hold and support your thick hair."

7. Lots of Length

Take a note from Anya Taylor-Joy and go long, like Rapunzel long, with your thick hair. You have those gorgeous strands for a reason, you might as well show them off. Leahy agrees, noting "going on the long side can give thick haired people more styling options." That being said, she's quick to note it isn't the low maintenance length everyone desires. "However it can also be more of a burden to take the time to" style all that hair. If you're willing to keep up with it, we say grow it out. And if it's not for you, shoulder-length or shorter hair will work just as well.

8. Curl Specific Haircut

For those with natural hair textures or curly hair like Yara Shahidi, Leahy highly recommends getting a curl specific cut "to enhance your natural curl pattern." She mentions that "because thick hair can get weighed down super easily, getting a curly girl cut will not only take out bulk and weight, but also enhance your natural texture and make your hair easier to style." But before you book your haircut, Leahy notes "this should only be done if you plan on wearing your hair curly a majority of the time. This is because curly hair cuts can give you shorter or choppy layers because you are cutting to the curl pattern, which can be different all over your head."

9. Thinned-Out Crop

Hoping to try a mid-length hairstyle with thick hair like Olivia Munn? Leahy emphasizes that "shorter cuts can look great with thick hair, but definitely consider taking out some of the bulk so that it lays nicely on your head to complement your face shape and doesn't get too poofy." Any hairstylist should be able to thin out your hair for you, though it definitely doesn't hurt to be very clear as to how much hair you want thinned. Scheduling a consultation before your thick wavy hair loses all its glory is always a good idea.

10. Tucked Behind the Ear

The thing about thinning out your thick tresses is that it allows you to create the ever-so-classic tucked behind the ear hairdo à la Ciara. Leahy suggests you have your hairstylist thin out the section behind your ear "so that you can easily tuck your thicker hair behind your ear to get it out of your face." Pair it with a deep side part and you've got a sultry, seductive look going on. At the very least, everyone will be able to see that gorgeous face of yours a whole lot better than before.

11. Long Layers

The Uncommon Mane co-owner Ian Sannicolas shares that long layers are great for everyone with thicker hair, though those with stick straight hair will notice the most benefits. "Having straight thick hair can weigh you down," he shares. "Adding long layers with a detailed face frame can help" add more body to your hair (see Jennifer Lopez above). Layering gives your hair an extra bit of movement and frees up your face a bit. There are a number of layered hairstyles out there, so your hairstylist can surely help you find the right one for your face shape.

12. Textured Short Bob​​​​

Sannicolas notes that those with short coarse hair (like Lucy Hale’s) can benefit from a textured short bob. Even though the style is short, it offers a level of versatility to easily "switch up your look." You can have golden ringlets one day and a sleek bob haircut the next. The possibilities really are endless with this haircut for thick hair.

13. Textured Pixie Cut

Another great style for short thick hair is Joey King’s textured pixie cut, notes Sannicolas. Texturizing thick hair is an excellent way to make it more manageable. By doing so with a shorter cut, you once again allow yourself the ability to play with your chosen thick hairstyle. Yes, even with a pixie, you can create a number of distinctive looks. Who says long hair has to have all the fun?

14. Long Bob

A long bob or lob hairstyle like Hailey Bieber’s is perfect for those with medium-length hair. Though if you're looking for a medium-length haircut for your longer strands, Sannicolas suggests chopping your hair in favor of this medium-length hairstyle. The hairdo allows you to "create natural layers," which you can use to frame your face and add some extra dimension to otherwise unruly strands.

15. Pop of Color

Sannicolas emphasizes that those with "long thick hair hit the jackpot." He shares that a fun way to play with your strands "while maintaining the integrity of your hair" is adding in a subtle pop of color, like Rihanna. "Balayage hair extensions can be used to add dimension to your hair without causing any damage," Sannicolas notes. "This is the perfect option if you’re looking to add volume and contrast to your already long hair." A balayage hair color is often easy to achieve should you want to make it permanent. We have the sneaking suspicion that is exactly what will happen. Balayage really does look great on everyone.

16. Face-Framing Layers

Both Sannicolas and Leahy agree that face-framing layers work for any and all thick hair types. Again, you have a ton of hair, most of which often hides your face. Whether you opt for a blunt bob haircut (like Kaia Gerber) or seek something that will enhance your natural waves, wispy face-framing layers will give you the dimension your hair is often missing. 

17. The Shag

Hoping to go trendy with your haircut? Taylor Swift’s shag is where it's at. Sannicolas shares that if your thick hair tends to be wavy, "a medium-length shag could help enhance your natural waves for an easy wash and tousled look." Shaggy layers will give you a bit of an edge, though we should mention that this cut isn't exactly low-maintenance. But if you're prepared to style it regularly, this cut is calling your name. And if you need some shag haircut inspiration, look no further than these 18 looks right here.

18. Fringe

Those with curly hair like Tessa Thompson will benefit from "a haircut that has a fringe or rounder layers throughout the top and around the face," shares Sannicolas. This hairdo will help you better embrace your natural hair texture a bit more, while also flattering your hair type and face shape. If you have a round face, this hairstyle is especially favorable.

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