Many people assume that Asian hair is typically thin and silky, but that's not always the case. A large number of Asians have thick hair, and at times, it can be quite challenging to manage! Short hair tends to stick out, while long hair becomes tangled and refuses to stay in place. The key step in achieving a more attractive look is to choose a style that suits your hair's texture and follow some additional styling tips.
Steps
Use clay or wax hair styling products to add texture and hold your style in place.

Take a small amount of clay or wax and rub it between your fingers. Style your hair while it's still damp. Blow-dry your hair and shape it as usual. Both clay and wax help lift your hair and make it more manageable. Additionally, they are effective in shaping individual strands, enhancing the look of thick hair.
- These styling products work particularly well for short hair, but they can also be used to define curls or waves.
- Other products like mousse, gel, and pomade can also be used, but they won't provide the same level of hold or volume as clay and wax. Moreover, gel and pomade don't enhance volume in the hair.
Choose a hair spray that won't make your hair stiff for a smooth, silky look.

Opt for a lightweight hair spray if you don't want excessive volume. Select a flexible-hold spray to keep your hair styled throughout the day without it becoming stiff or greasy.
- Avoid using styling products like gel or wax for long hair. These products tend to weigh hair down, making it flat and greasy.
Style your hair while it's still damp for the best results.

Shampoo and condition with sulfate-free products. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle wet hair, as finer combs can cause thick hair to become puffy and tangled. Apply some styling product, then blow-dry with a round brush and a blow dryer fitted with a diffuser. However, stop drying when your hair is still slightly damp and let it air dry naturally.
- Not drying your hair completely helps prevent heat damage. This also prevents curly and wavy hair from becoming frizzy.
- Avoid using heavy conditioners or oils, especially for straight hair, as they can weigh it down and make it greasy. However, if you have very curly hair, you should use moisturizing products to maintain healthy shine and strength.
- If necessary, you can use straighteners or curlers to define curls or straighten stubborn sections. Just be sure to apply a heat protectant spray before styling to prevent damage!
Find a stylist who knows how to work with your hair's texture.

Choose a skilled hairdresser if you have short hair. Thick Asian hair tends to stick out on the sides and back when cut short. This can be frustrating, but it can be fixed – a stylist familiar with Asian hair will know exactly what to do.
- For instance, the stylist may use thinning shears to trim the sides and back, and regular scissors to sharpen the hair to make it look tidier.
Try a taper or fade haircut for a clean, masculine style.

Request a style where the top is longer and the sides are shorter. If you prefer the sides to be shaved close to the scalp, ask for a fade. A taper, on the other hand, gradually shortens without going all the way to the scalp. Either way, the sides and back will remain controlled in length while the top retains enough volume to show the thickness of your hair.
- Consider growing out the top so you can style it into a bun or experiment with looks like a slicked-back style, pompadour, or faux hawk.
- If you want the top to be short, opt for a buzz cut.
- If you want both the top and sides to be long but like the idea of shaving some of the thickness off, try an undercut style.
Choose a layered cut to add movement to your hair.

A straight-across cut may result in a mushroom-like appearance. Layered cuts give thick hair a thinner look and add natural volume and movement.
- If you like a short, masculine style, a messy crop might be ideal. This cut is shorter around the ears and back but allows you to leave the top long if you prefer.
- For a more feminine look, consider a chin-length layered bob or a longer shoulder-length bob.
- Try a face-framing layered cut to refresh your short hair.
- For longer hair, ask your stylist to trim the ends in a leaf-shaped cut to avoid flatness.
- If you prefer longer hair on top, ask your stylist to thin out the sides with thinning shears. This cut works best with straight hair.
Add a fringe to accentuate your hair.

Choose any type of fringe to complement your thick hair. Luckily, people with thick hair have a lot of options for fringe styles. Whether it’s a soft fringe, a straight-across cut, a side-swept look, or even a short fringe, all of these work well with thick hair!
- A fringe suits both masculine and feminine styles. To pick the right one, you can ask your stylist to recommend the best option for your face shape.
- For instance, a side-swept fringe adds a touch of charm to a short haircut.
- If you're aiming for a modern style, a straight fringe pairs well with a bob haircut.
- A soft fringe with longer sides and a shorter middle can quickly give your hair a more romantic look.
Embrace your natural hair texture if you have curly or wavy hair.

It's best to choose a haircut that complements your natural hair texture instead of trying to alter it. You might want to straighten your hair or curl it into waves, but the chemicals in these treatments can damage your hair over time. Regular use of straighteners or curling irons may lead to split ends and frizz. By learning to love your natural hair texture, you'll save time, energy, and money in the long run.
- A layered cut works well with medium to long hair, while a slicked-back style will showcase your curly or wavy hair in a short cut.
Try tying half of your hair up for a simple, everyday style.

For a casual look, don't rush into just putting your hair up in a bun. If you don't want to leave your hair down all day, simply tie or clip half of the top section of your hair. This way, you can achieve a quick bun while still making it seem like you've taken the time to style your hair elegantly – the best of both worlds!
- For example, twist the top half of your hair into a bun and let the rest hang loose.
- You could also pin the front part of your hair behind your ears for a classic look, and braid it for a more romantic touch!
- Of course, from time to time, you can still go for a quick bun or a ponytail! Just make sure to switch it up occasionally to avoid a monotonous style.
