Buzz
Image Credit: Binh-Ly-K/UnsplashThe age-old story of hair care continues: each hair type and texture brings its own set of challenges. People with fine hair often desire more body, while those with curly hair struggle with frizz. For individuals with thick hair, finding a flattering haircut can be particularly tricky. "Cutting thick hair requires precision; going too short or adding excessive layers can result in unwanted bulk," says Sunnie Brook, a celebrity stylist and Biolage global ambassador. "The main challenge is reducing the heaviness to allow for more movement in the style," notes Briana Cisneros, a celebrity hairstylist and Wella brand ambassador.
The silver lining? There are no strict 'rules' for cutting thick hair; it’s about collaborating with a skilled stylist who can tailor a look to suit your hair type, preferences, and facial features, ensuring a balanced and flattering result, Cisneros explains. If you're unsure where to begin, stylists recommend these cuts as excellent options for thick hair.
1. A Sleek Undercut Bob
Getty ImagesShorter haircuts can sometimes create an unwanted bell-like shape for those with thick hair, but the undercut technique effectively reduces weight and bulk, making shorter styles more manageable, explains Brook. As the name suggests, hair is trimmed from underneath, and the amount removed can be customized to achieve the desired lightness, notes Cisneros, who also favors this style. Additionally, this cut can be adapted to a slightly longer length, resembling a lob, for those preferring more length, she adds. While it suits most face shapes, it may emphasize roundness, so consider this when choosing the style, she advises.
Styling tip: Use a paddle brush while blow-drying to smooth out the undercut section, recommends Brook.
2. The Bixie
Getty ImagesThis unique style blends elements of a bob with layered textures similar to a pixie cut, featuring bangs and an undercut, explains Cisneros. The undercut prevents the shorter cut from appearing overly round, while the layers introduce movement. Bangs also play a key role. "Incorporating bangs into thick hair, regardless of the style, is an excellent way to reduce excess hair around the face," says Nunzio Saviano, a hairstylist and owner of the namesake salon in New York City.
Styling tip: Short on time? Simply blow-drying your bangs with a round, boar bristle brush for added smoothness can create the illusion of a fully styled look, suggests Saviano.
3. Hidden, Long Layers
Getty ImagesCisneros highlights that interior layering is one of the simplest methods to achieve a flattering look for those who prefer long hair. By removing bulk from the inside, the need for excessive top layers is reduced while still maintaining bounce and flow, she explains. Saviano also favors this long-layering approach but recommends adding a few face-framing layers for balance. "The blend of long layers and face-framing cuts reduces weight at the ends, boosts volume at the crown, and delivers a light, airy appearance to the entire hairstyle," he notes. Additionally, your stylist can customize the face-framing layers to best suit your face shape, adds Brook. For styling, opt for a curling wand with a larger barrel, and consider using a hair detangler for longer styles.
Styling tip: A round hot air brush is perfect for amplifying the movement and dimension created by the layers, suggests Brook.
4. An A-Line Shape
Getty Images"This style, characterized by shorter hair at the back and longer strands in the front, experienced a dip in popularity but is now trending again," says Cisneros. (She notes that it pairs beautifully with both bob and lob lengths.) Brook also endorses this cut, explaining that the added length at the front prevents the hair from appearing overly thick, even in shorter styles. "It’s particularly flattering for round and square face shapes, as it creates a lengthening effect for the face and neck," she adds.
Styling tip: This cut is designed to emphasize forward movement, so use a paddle brush to guide your roots forward while blow-drying, recommends Brook.
5. Shag With Bangs
Getty ImagesShag haircuts and their various adaptations have remained trendy, and Saviano notes they are particularly suited for thick hair. "The short, textured layers effectively reduce weight while adding significant movement," he explains. Cisneros shares this sentiment, describing the shag as a "fantastic" choice for thick hair due to its versatility. Depending on the length and styling, it can range from a polished look to a bold, edgy vibe, she adds.
Styling tip: For those who prefer low-maintenance routines, Saviano recommends air-drying as the ideal method for this cut, as it enhances the piecey, textured finish.
6. Concave Layers
Nation highly recommends concave cuts for thick, straight hair. The graduated face-framing layers create a softly rounded, inward silhouette.
7. Choppy Cut With Bangs
Jerome Lordet, founder of PM Jerome Lordet Salon, highlights how bangs can enhance a mid-length choppy haircut, particularly for thick hair. Adding layers while maintaining some length is crucial for managing the hair's shape.
8. Long V-Cut Layers
Lordet recommends a V-shaped cut to reduce bulk without losing length. This technique thins out thick hair, making it more manageable while accentuating facial features.
9. Butterfly Cut
Condensed cutting, which involves trimming larger sections of hair, is ideal for adding movement and texture, particularly for those with thick, wavy hair. Nation recommends the butterfly cut, as seen above, which combines long and short soft layers while maintaining length.
10. Choppy Concave Layers
Both Lordet and Nation emphasize the importance of layers and texture for managing thick hair. Face-framing layers introduce movement to otherwise rigid hair, while the rounded shape enhances texture.
11. Curly Bangs and Layers
"For thick, curly hair, the right cut can define and shape your hair," says Lordet. "This can be used to craft a unique style, such as a shorter cut with curly bangs."
12. Choppy Layered Lob
Lordet is a fan of the choppy layered lob, particularly for wavy hair. The layers help manage the hair's weight, while the choppy ends create a relaxed, effortless look.
13. Textured Ends
"For curly hair, if you prefer a smoother look, opt for longer lengths and slightly thin out the ends if necessary," advises Lordet. "This prevents excess weight at the ends and ensures a neat, polished appearance." Textured, choppy ends offer better control and reduce stiffness, he adds.
14. Round Layered Lob
Graham highlights that rounded layers are an excellent option for thick hair, as they add volume and enhance the hair's natural shape. This style pairs beautifully with a lob, as shown here.
15. Shaggy With Bangs
According to Lordet, a shaggy, textured cut is perfect for thinning out thick, wavy hair while achieving a trendy, edgy appearance. He also recommends a lob with choppy layers at the ends for added flair.
16. V-Shaped Long Layers
Incorporating long layers throughout the hair reduces bulk without sacrificing length. Lordet also recommends textured ends and a V-shaped cut to frame the face and enhance movement.
17. Choppy Layered Lob
Lobs can vary in style. This version includes long layers with choppy ends, adding volume and texture to thick hair.
18. V-Shaped Shag
Both Nation and Lordet are fans of shaggy wolf cuts for thick, curly hair. This style adds structure and visual appeal while reducing bulk.
19. Point-Cut Concave Layers
"Point cutting is an effective technique to reduce weight at the ends of thick hair and can be strategically applied to blend thinned-out areas," explains Lordet. A softly rounded shape adds volume without appearing overly choppy or layered.
20. Shaggy Wolf Cut
The wolf cut is not only stylish and trendy but also an excellent way to manage thick hair.
21. Rounded Layers
For a sleek and understated look, rounded layers are ideal. They provide a smooth finish without appearing overly textured, while effectively reducing bulk in thick hair for easier styling.
