Thick hair is often considered a blessing, but it can also be challenging to style and manage. With the right cut and styling techniques, you can transform your dense locks into a striking signature look. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the most flattering and manageable hairstyles for men with thick hair.
1. Modern Textured Quiff
The textured quiff is perfect for thick hair, as it uses your natural volume to create height and movement. This contemporary style features shorter sides that gradually blend into a longer top, which is styled upward and slightly back. The key to this look is the textured cut on top, which removes bulk while creating definition.
Styling Tips:
- Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse
- Blow-dry while brushing the front section upward
- Use a matte clay or paste to create piece-y texture
- Finish with light-hold hairspray for all-day hold
2. Slicked Back Undercut
This powerful combination pairs the sophistication of slicked-back hair with the edgy contrast of an undercut. The style works particularly well with thick hair as the weight helps maintain the sleek look throughout the day.
Key Features:
- Very short sides and back
- Length maintained on top
- Clean, sharp lines
- Polished finish
For best results, apply a strong-hold pomade to damp hair and comb backward, using a blow dryer to set the style.
3. Textured Crop
The textured crop is a low-maintenance option that works exceptionally well with thick hair. This style features a choppy top with graduated sides, creating a natural, effortless look that’s easy to style.
Styling Steps:
- Apply texture cream to damp hair
- Use fingers to rough-dry hair
- Create piece-y texture with matte paste
- Optional light dusting of texture powder for extra volume
4. Classic Pompadour
The pompadour makes excellent use of thick hair’s natural volume. This timeless style features longer hair on top that’s swept up and back, with shorter sides that can be tapered or faded.
Essential Elements:
- Significant length on top
- Gradually shorter sides
- Strong shape and structure
- Sleek finish
5. Messy Brush Up
Perfect for thick hair, the messy brush up creates a controlled chaos that looks effortlessly stylish. This cut features a medium length on top with tapered sides, allowing your natural texture to shine.
How to Style:
- Apply sea salt spray to damp hair
- Brush upward while blow-drying
- Use fingers to create texture
- Finish with light-hold product
6. Side Part Fade
The side part fade combines classic styling with modern cutting techniques. This versatile look works well with thick hair as the fade helps reduce bulk on the sides while the top remains full and styled.
Key Components:
- Clean fade on sides
- Defined part line
- Longer length on top
- Smooth transition between lengths
7. Textured Taper
This style maintains thickness while creating a clean silhouette. The hair gradually gets shorter from top to bottom, with texture cut into the crown to manage bulk and create movement.
Styling Guide:
- Work styling cream through damp hair
- Blow-dry using fingers for texture
- Apply matte paste for definition
- Optional texture spray for extra volume
8. Modern Faux Hawk
The modern faux hawk takes advantage of thick hair’s natural volume to create height through the center while keeping the sides neat and controlled.
Style Details:
- Graduated sides
- Longer center section
- Textured top
- Clean neckline
9. Layered Mid-Length
Perfect for men who want to maintain some length while managing thickness. Layers remove bulk and create movement, making thick hair more manageable.
Key Features:
- Strategic layering
- Textured ends
- Movement and flow
- Versatile styling options
10. Disconnected Undercut
This bold style creates a striking contrast between the longer top and very short sides, perfect for thick hair that can maintain volume on top.
Essential Elements:
- Sharp contrast between lengths
- No gradual transition
- Versatile top styling options
- Clean lines
11. Textured Spikes
Modern spiky hair isn’t about rigid peaks but rather natural-looking texture that takes advantage of thick hair’s natural body.
Styling Tips:
- Apply styling product to damp hair
- Create spikes with fingers
- Use matte product for natural look
- Light hairspray for hold
12. Swept Back Style
This sophisticated look uses thick hair’s natural weight to create a sleek, brushed-back appearance that’s both professional and stylish.
How to Achieve:
- Apply styling cream to damp hair
- Brush back while blow-drying
- Use medium-hold pomade
- Finish with light hairspray
13. Natural Waves
For men with naturally wavy thick hair, this style embraces and enhances natural texture while maintaining control.
Management Tips:
- Use curl-enhancing products
- Air dry or diffuse
- Apply light styling cream
- Avoid over-brushing
14. High and Tight
This military-inspired cut keeps thick hair under control while maintaining style. The top remains slightly longer while sides are cut very short.
Key Elements:
- Very short sides
- Slightly longer top
- Clean lines
- Low maintenance
15. Textured Fringe
A textured fringe cut works well with thick hair, creating a modern look that frames the face while managing volume.
Styling Guide:
- Point-cut for texture
- Use lightweight products
- Style forward and to the side
- Regular trims essential
16. Classic Crew Cut
The crew cut is reimagined for thick hair with extra texture on top to prevent the helmet-like appearance that can occur with dense hair.
Features:
- Graduated sides
- Textured top
- Clean neckline
- Professional appearance
17. Choppy Layers
Choppy layers throughout help manage thick hair while creating a stylish, modern look that’s easy to maintain.
Key Aspects:
- Various layer lengths
- Textured ends
- Movement and flow
- Versatile styling options
18. Slick Side Part
This classic style is updated for thick hair with modern cutting techniques that help manage volume while maintaining sophistication.
Styling Steps:
- Apply styling cream to damp hair
- Create part while blow-drying
- Use medium-hold pomade
- Comb into place
19. Textured Buzz Cut
A buzz cut with slight variations in length helps manage thick hair while creating visual interest.
Features:
- Various guard lengths
- Subtle texture
- Clean lines
- Minimal maintenance
20. Volume-Reduced Quiff
This style maintains the classic quiff shape while incorporating techniques to reduce bulk in thick hair.
Essential Elements:
- Internal layering
- Graduated sides
- Manageable volume
- Modern finish
Essential Thick Hair Management Tips:
- Cutting Techniques
- Point cutting for texture
- Internal layering to remove bulk
- Regular maintenance trims
- Thinning shears when necessary
- Washing and Conditioning
- Use sulfate-free shampoo
- Deep condition regularly
- Don’t wash daily
- Use cool water to seal cuticles
- Styling Products
- Choose lightweight formulas
- Avoid heavy oils
- Use heat protectant
- Invest in quality tools
- Daily Maintenance
- Regular brushing to distribute oils
- Use wide-toothed combs
- Avoid tight hairstyles
- Protect hair while sleeping
Best Products for Thick Hair:
- Styling Products
- Lightweight mousses
- Matte pastes
- Sea salt sprays
- Light-hold hairsprays
- Care Products
- Sulfate-free shampoos
- Lightweight conditioners
- Leave-in treatments
- Heat protectants
Remember that thick hair, while sometimes challenging, offers countless styling possibilities. The key is finding the right cut and products that work with your hair’s natural texture and your lifestyle needs.