It’s true that people will always want thicker hair, and it’s understandable. Thick hair looks good when it’s freshly blow-dried, and then the style lasts for a few days. However, it doesn’t always look so good, especially when it starts looking like an upside-down triangle after a few days. Ilana had a client years ago who had thick, long, beautiful hair. She would come in almost apologizing for having to put it in a bun every single day for two years. At that time, she thought the only option she had was to cut it shoulder length. Little did she know, all she needed was to have her hair thinned out so she could keep the length. Many people don’t understand when it comes to thick hair, it is more about the technique than just cutting it all off.
The best kinds of cuts for thick hair are ones that consider the distribution of the bulk and how to let the hair move around. What softens thick hair and allows it to feel light and movable are interior layers, some slide cutting in the mid-lengths of the hair, and subtle razor cutting if the hair can handle it. Out of the many hairstyles available, shag cuts, soft lobs, and long layers that are below the cheekbones spread the density out so that it doesn’t build up and create a straight thick line at the bottom of the hair. The goal of a good haircut is to minimize the morning effort and for that to be the case, there needs to be work done on the crown and mid shaft of the hair.
#1: Soft Bangs and a Textured Long Cut That Actually Behaves
The bangs look amazing! They do a fantastic job to frame the face better so the person doesn’t look like they woke up 5 minutes ago and just rushed out the door. The length also is so great, resting just above the shoulders, which is the sweet spot for thicker hair. It creates the effect of extra length while still keeping the hair out of your face and not weighing you down at the end of the day. This is the kind of haircut where you can just let it air dry and it will still look amazing. That is a huge compliment considering most haircuts do not get that kind of praise. If you live in a humid environment, putting some anti-frizz at the ends will help control the flyaways. Other than that, the haircut is pretty low maintenance.
#2: Long Layers That Look Expensive Without the Effort
I can immediately see shine, and that’s no coincidence — that happens when hair is healthy enough to shine and layers are cut nicely. The layers start just around the chin so you’ll get that movement through the bottom while keeping it nice and full up top where you want it. Those little curled ends relax the structure and give a polished look without stiffness. You’ll want a leave in conditioner in your collection for a cut like this since the shine is really what sells it. For this look, the layers will need a trim every 8 weeks to keep that clean line, but it will be super low maintenance day to day.
#3: Deep Burgundy Layers with a Soft Wave Running Through
Let’s discuss color first because this burgundy is AMAZING! The richness of this color on thick hair is just *chef’s kiss*. The thickness of each of the individual hair strands means that color will look deeper than it would on a finer hair. If you’ve been thinking about this color for a while, then consider yourself lucky because thick hair is perfect for this coloring technique. The waves are soft and relaxed; they’re not overdone so that it looks costume-y. Now I won’t lie, a color like this does take a lot of commitment. You’ll need to be on good terms with your stylist because the color will fade (especially if you’re not using color safe shampoo). It’s going to take some investment for sure!
#4: Long Layers with Face-Framing Pieces That Do the Work for You
These intentional layering techniques don’t just add shorter pieces into hair. They also draw focus to cheekbones and jaws in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The hair length sits just below the shoulders which allows for great versatility of styling. This could be in an updo, down, or even half up half down. The warm color tones also give life and dimension to the entire cut. This is the style I would recommend to clients wanting change but not feeling ready to do something super drastic. It is a great balance of fresh and modern without being a huge jump from previous styles.
#5: Strategic Layers That Take the Weight Out Where It Matters
I really like this haircut. It looks like it has movement but isn’t stringy or thinned out at the ends. That’s the biggest thing I notice with layered cuts for thicker hair. The stylist seems to have positioned the layers to thin out the areas where thicker hair tends to puff out the most, which is in the mid-lengths, while leaving enough density so that it feels substantial. I like that the face-framing layers are subtle to keep the focus on the overall shape of the haircut. You might want to take down some of the volume with a light styling cream, but other than that, the haircut does most of the work.
#6: A Textured Bob That Thick Hair Was Made For
Getting a bob haircut with thick hair can go very right or very wrong. In this instance, it went very right, as the cut looks fabulous with added texture and soft layers to break up the weight. The length hits just below the chin which is most flattering for round and oval faces. It looks stunning with a soft layer as it helps to avoid that helmet look which is the risk you run with thick hair at this length if the interior isn’t cut properly. The subtle highlights add sufficient dimension to keep this looking interesting without being the main event. I actually love that it looks better a couple days after washing, which I always think is a sign of a good cut because who wants something that only looks right fresh out of the salon?
#7: Bold Pink Ombre on a Layered Cut That Can Handle It
An ombre like this one is a lot more practical than you think. With this style, the pink is fun and will really stand out against the dark roots. More colors will mean more upkeep, but the playful ends give this cut some movement and makes sure the thick hair doesn’t just hang there like a curtain. Plus, it means you still have the option for updos and ponies when you want to! To keep this pink from fading to a sad salmon, you’re going to have to put in some work with your color depositing conditioner between visits.
#8: Warm Highlights Woven Through Long Textured Waves
The highlights look stunning! They are blended so that a sun-kissed effect is achieved, which is ideal when highlighting thicker hair. The texture at the ends is what really brings this haircut to life. The hair looks so alive with so much wave and movement, and you won’t have to spend 40 minutes with a curling wand. This is great for oval or heart-shaped faces, and those who want to lighten things up without going full blonde. Expect to come in every couple of months for a trim to keep the ends from looking ragged, but other than that, this haircut is really low maintenance.
#9: Long Layers with a Natural Texture That Carries Itself
What I like about this style is that it doesn’t look overly styled, with a soft touch to the waves. It looks like this is how her hair wants to fall and the layers are doing their job. With thick hair, when layering is done well, the hair is able to be it’s natural self instead of being weighed down, and that is exactly what is happening here. It is soft and romantic without being fussy. One thing I would say is that thick hair at this length really benefits from a good deep conditioning treatment every couple of weeks, because the ends are further away from your scalp’s natural oils and they will start to feel dry if you don’t stay on top of it.
#10: Balayage Highlights on Long Straight Layers
This balayage is a perfect choice for those who want to pull off an expensive look. It may take a little longer in the salon, especially if you have thick and straight hair, but the results speak for themselves. Because of the soft, gradual lightening of the hair, it looks amazing at every length! It will grow out beautifully, as the top layers are kept darker and closer to the wearer’s natural color to avoid those harsh, visible roots. The best part is, no touch ups every 6 weeks are needed! With longer blended layers, the hair will keep good shape and won’t be bottom heavy. On straight hair, split ends can be very visible. To maintain a clean and polished appearance, make sure to trim the ends regularly, and add in some gloss treatments to keep the ends looking shiny.
#11: Rich Auburn Layers with Face-Framing Highlights That Glow
What a beautiful warm rich auburn color! This color looks amazing on thicker hair because the shifts in color created by the layers give a 3D appearance with every movement. The framing highlights strike a nice balance as they brighten the face without becoming dominant. With thicker hair, restraint is key because you don’t want the color to fight with the volume. The layers also achieve a polished effect while maintaining the length, and all the pieces together are just refined without feeling like you are carrying a lot of upkeep. However, I must say, hair this long and thick needs conditioning to keep the shine, as dryness will kill it faster than anything else.
#12: A Shoulder-Length Textured Bob That Breathes
I particularly enjoy cutting bob styles on thick hair. If clients are willing to add some texture, I feel excited because I get to do something modern and lightweight, with the thickness still being there. If there is natural wave present it will do a lot of the styling for you and for straighter locks I recommend some light hand scrunching while the hair dries. A haircut like this can be literally no effort self styling! For those with any natural wave I suggest highlights to elevate the look!
#13: Deep Brown Layers with Soft Texture and a Lot of Movement
The color choice is wonderful! The deep warm brown will be so nice with thick hair. The richness of this color will show beautifully with every layer being a slightly different color. The front pieces have a softer blend and are not choppy which gives it a more mature vibe. This style will work with every face shape because it has nice structure and sits well. You may feel some days that you want to use a product with light hold to keep it in place but you definitely won’t need anything on most days.
#14: Long and Layered with Those Soft Curled Ends
The curls at the ends of the hair give the haircut a unique and fun effect. They are more interesting to look at than just straight ends. Especially thick hair, because it holds these curls nicely and doesn’t lose volume and curls throughout the day. The bulk of the hair is not as heavy because the layers help shape it and reduce some the excess hair around the mid-lengths. From the top, you can see how smooth the cut is and as you look down, you can see how the texture becomes more and more pronounced at the ends. This style is ideal for softening and enhancing the features of the face, particularly for oval and heart shaped faces. It adds some width to the sides of the face and flow down to the shoulders. Overall, it is a pretty low maintenance style, although you’ll want to come in regularly for trims to keep those layered ends from looking too scraggly.
#15: Big Soft Waves on a Voluminous Layered Cut
Not everyone with thick hair understands the beauty of their hair until they get this type of cut. The style creates a beautiful wave effect and also takes some bulk out so their hair isn’t weighed down. The waves also beautifully compliment oval and heart-shaped faces. Achieving the styled waves in the example may require a bit of work. It could be large barrel curling iron, or rollers while you do your makeup, The result will be worth it!
#16: Warm-Toned Layers with a Lived-In Texture
The highlights are giving me ideal lived in warmth, they are not freshly done, settled and blended, and thatu2019s actually when highlights look best in thick hair. For thick hair, the layers are structured to create movement without losing too much volume, and thatu2019s the balance youu2019re always trying to achieve. This length and these layers will be very suiting on a round or oval face because all the hair falls in a way that elongates rather than widens. I would keep a texturizing spray on hand for the days you want a little more definition, but this is a cut that looks great with minimal effort.
#17: A Shaggy Cut with Wispy Bangs and All the Right Attitude
I really enjoy it when clients with thick hair ask for a shag cut because thick hair is the perfect hair type for this cut. It has a lot of volume and texture and requires no effort. The length is just above the shoulders so it avoids being too crazy. The soft face framing bangs are ideal because they are not too heavy and are not too committal like a blunt bang. The layers are not extreme so she won’t have that different of a look as it grows out. This is practical because a lot of people are busy and don’t want to have to think about all the maintenance that comes with a haircut. It’s a cut that you can just towel dry and go and it looks awesome.
#18: Airy Long Layers That Let Thick Hair Actually Move
When long layered haircuts are light and airy (especially in thick hair), it shows that the stylist grasped that the goal of the cut was to **remove** bulk so that the hair has the freedom to move. The layers here provide beautiful dimension to the waves and overall the shape is great – it gives the impression that she has naturally awesome hair. This look is great for round and oval faces as it shows off their features and gives definition without adding bulk. With this hairstyle, you have to stay on top of your trims as the split ends detract from the shininess the style has. Every so often, a gloss treatment is great to keep the rich tones from looking dull.
#19: Auburn Layers That Frame Beautifully and Wear Even Better
Auburn is a color that matches many skin tones, which is why I always recommend it. Auburn works in any season, especially fall. I like how it looks on thick hair because it appears warm and multi-dimensional. With this level of thickness, different hues of the color can come to the top layer, which is what gives that warm and multi-dimensional appearance. This mid-length layered cut will have face framing layers and more pronounced layers toward the bottom. She will have a lot of layers, so it stays clean between appointments. This framing works great to narrow an oval or round face to draw attention to the best features.
#20: Long Flowing Waves with Highlights That Add Depth
I can see that there is an abundance of hair! All of it is healthy, and long thick hair only looks nice when a lot of time is put into it. Hair like this, is long and thick, and can be very time-consuming to take care of. Most people spend hours at the salon getting highlights, however, I think you have just the right amount. For thick and straight hair, highlights should add depth rather than contrast. If there are too many highlights, it will compete with the volume that the hair already has and will actually make the hair look messier instead of more put together. The waves around the face are soft and create a delicate frame, and the overall appearance is thick and full but not heavy, which is great at this length. It looks like you will have to be very particular about your trims since split ends are much more obvious at this length, but assuming you’re willing to do the maintenance, this style looks lovely and is a great way to wear long thick hair!
#21: Layered Ends with Movement and a Pretty Bounce
The texturing at the ends is indeed doing its job by removing just the right amount of weight for the hair to bounce and move without looking like someone went at it with thinning shears and left you with see-through ends. That is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to cutting thick hair. The length past your shoulders gives you plenty for updos and braids on days you want your hair out of the way, and the layers flow nicely without separating into visible chunks. The overall shape has a lovely softness to it. This is a cut that looks good for a solid eight to ten weeks before you really need to come back in, which for thick hair is pretty impressive.
#22: A Breezy Mid-Length Cut with Waves That Fall Just Right
The mid-length cut is just about the ideal length for a hairstyle of this sort. It’s long enough to tie up if need be, but short enough to be manageable and dry in a reasonable time (especially if you have thick hair, this is an absolute must!). Hair has been cut in a way that the waves look soft and natural, no ringlet vibes here. The blending and layering have been done so well that it just looks like good hair, and not in an obvious style. This is very nice for round/oval face shapes because the length & waves frame the face nicely without adding extra width. If your hair falls flat during the day, throw in some soft wave spray to help hold the bends.
#23: Warm Highlights and Flowing Layers That Catch the Light
The placement of the warm tones in the layers is brilliant, especially since they are more face-framing, and in the top layers that catch light, as opposed to being evenly spread, which can look a bit flat with thick hair. The layers are soft, and they provide movement without being too chunky, or too disconnected. For heart shaped faces, this is really nice, as the volume is around the mid and below which helps to balance everything out. I would go for a light mousse for some bounce and probably a shine serum to finish because with this much hair, surface area, a little gloss will go a long way.
#24: Long Layers with Bangs That Soften Everything
The thing that makes this cut stand out are the bangs as they add another element to a long layered cut. For thick hair the bangs give that summery feel, but if done wrong can overwhelm. These bangs were done correctly as the weight is just enough to pull them back behind the ear. The warm brown subtle highlights give that rich feel without screaming salon. This is one you can grow out a little between appointments besides keeping the bangs trimmed every few weeks since they will be irritating once they reach your eyelashes.
#25: A Clean Long Layered Cut That Just Works
There is a straightforward approach to what the best haircuts are, and it is being effortless yet looking good. That is what this is. The layers are smoothed out to remove the bulk of the hair, while preserving the length. You won’t be able to see where the layers start or end. It won’t look like you have let your hair grow out for ages for no reason. It works well with many different face shapes. It is nice and balanced and proportional, but not too plain. If you have thick hair that tends to cause more trouble, this is going to be a fantastic change. You can choose to do nothing and enjoy the hair as it is, or have some highlights added for an additional step. There won’t be a lot of work needed to be done on this hair.
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