If you have thick hair, chances are you’re often torn between accepting the many compliments it receives, and explaining to the more sparsely tressed just how real your daily styling struggle is. However, there are a lot of hairstyles you can use to tame your mane and show off the naturally full-bodied finish. Check out some of our favorites below!
1. Vintage inspired curls
With the top smoothed down, a vintage-inspired curly hairstyle keeps thick locks under control while giving them plenty of room to move and expand through the lengths. Plus, it’s probably themost classic red carpet hairstyle of all time, so you can channel your inner A-lister with this look!
Styling tip
Part your hair while it’s damp, then use your blow dryer to set it into place in the direction you want it to fall. Just don’t forget to apply a smoothing heat protectant like Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Frizz Vanisher Cream first!
2. Chunky French braid
A chunky braid is the perfect way to handle high volume hair when humidity is a major issue. When you already have a lot of hair, there isn’t really a lot of room left for frizz… unless you’re totally cool with your hair taking over your entire face. So, why not use the added body to your advantage with an XXL braid? It keeps your tresses under control without totally squashing the texture, and it only takes a few minutes to do!
Styling tip
Start the French braid halfway down the back of your head, and keep it as tight as you need to while braiding. You can loosen it when you’re done by gently pulling it apart at the sides.
3. Zoe Saldana’s half-up waves
Thick hair lends itself perfectly to anything that’s supposed to look voluminous, like the very subtle bouffant at the crown of Zoe Saldana‘s half-up wavy hairstyle. Although it may require a little backcombing, it won’t take long to build enough height.
Styling tip
When securing the half-up twists at the back, gently bump the hair forward to boost the final shape of the bouffant.
4. Topknot
The classic topknot is one of those “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” hairstyles, especially for really thick or generally unruly tresses. It’s quick, easy, and it’ll last all day long. Topknots are also unbeatable when it comes to frizz prevention during humid spells, too!
Styling tip
For added detail, tie your hair into a high ponytail, then braid the pony before securing it into a tight knot.
5. Loose bouffant
Sixties inspired bouffant hairstyles are perfect for naturally thick hair and this loose hairstyle is a quick and easy way get a full-bodied mane under control. Depending on your texture, you may have to flat iron your locks first, but otherwise, simply backcomb the hair at the crown, sweep everything back off your face, and secure at the back with bobby pins.
Styling tip
Apply a volume enhancing product like Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spraybefore backcombing to build height that lasts.
6. Karlie Kloss’s tousled beach waves
Beachy waves often look better with tons of volume, as proven by model Karlie Kloss. The texture combined with a full-bodied finish create a sultry, face framing hairstyle that’s perfect for a glam night out, or even a more pared down, casual look.
Styling tip
Use a texturizing heat protectant like Advanced Hairstyle TXT IT Tousle Waves Spray and a 1″curling iron to create loose waves. For the most natural looking result, make sure you alternate the direction your curl each piece of hair in.
7. Big bun
A big messy bun is just as practical as a topknot for thick hair, but it has a more elegant, fashion forward finish. You can even rock it with slightly damp hair and call it ‘wet look’! Just don’t forget to apply a smoothing cream first to keep flyaways at bay while the hair dries.
Styling tip
To make creating the bun as easy as possible, secure your hair into a mid-height ponytail first, taking care not to pull it too tightly, then twist and pin your hair into a messy approximation of a donut. It doesn’t have to be perfect, in fact, the more disheveled the end result is, the better!
8. Retro headscarf hairstyle
Whether you go for a bun, a pony or a loose wavy ‘do, a retro fifties headband look is the perfect way to keep thick hair under control without compromising on style. You can choose a headbandthat coordinates with your outfit to really tie your whole look together, or keep the contrast to make your hairstyle pop.
Styling tip
To make sure your headscarf stays in place, secure it with some clandestine bobby pins behind each ear. Spritz the bobby pins with dry shampoo before using them to add more grip, too.
9. French braid for short hair
If you have a thick bob hairstyle that tends to misbehave in humid conditions, try a cute French braid hairstyle. This pretty short hairdo can be done on every hair texture, and you can pin any major pieces into place should they fall out while you’re braiding it. Keep your friends close and your hair pins closer…
Styling tip
Spritz the roots and the lengths of your hair with dry shampoo before you start braiding to give your hair extra grip and a clean looking finish. Leave it on for five to ten minutes before brushing it out for the best results.
10. Rockabilly ponytail
While we have nothing against a regular ponytail, it’s feels good to switch things up every now and then. We love rockabilly ponytails because they have all the practicality of your go-to workout ‘do, with more vintage flair than you can shake a curling iron at!
Styling tip
To create the pomp in front, section off the hair with a tail comb, then use it to gently backcomb the hair from behind. Insert the comb, push the hair back on itself, then take the comb out and repeat. This will help you to avoid unnecessary breakage that happens when you rip through the hair in a fast, up and down motion.
11. Messy updo
With the hair piled on top of the head, this messy, curly updo is the perfect way to tame thick tresses while keeping any texture you have center stage. All you need to do is twist and pin your hair up in individual sections until it’s all up, taking care to leave the ends loose.
Styling tip
For added movement, curl the lengths and ends of the hair before putting it up. Just don’t forget toapply a heat protectant first!
12. Beehive updo
Have you always had a thing for Audrey Hepburn’s beauty look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Would you jump at the chance to go back in time to the sixties? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you should add this beehive updo to your must-try hairstyle list!
Styling tip
For a voluminous hairstyle that won’t fall flat, make sure you mist your finished ‘do generously with a brushable hairspray like Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray. Not only will it give your beehive great hold, it will also create a protective barrier between your hair and any moisture that may be lurking in the air, ready to wreak frizzy havoc on your beautifully coiffed masterpiece!
13. Thick low ponytail
A low ponytail is always a great idea when you need your hair to look chic and under control, and you only have a few minutes to make it happen! With thick hair, you don’t need to worry about creating extra height or volume, and you can polish up the look by camouflaging the hair tie with a small piece of the pony. Simply take a pinch of hair from underneath, wind it tightly around the pony and secure underneath with a pin.
Styling tip
Add shine to your completed ‘do with a glossy finishing spray like Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Strand Smoother Serum Spray.