Thick hair is a blessing, but let’s be real—it can sometimes feel like trying to tame a wild lion! I’ve been there, standing in front of the mirror, wondering how to style these gorgeous but rebellious locks. But here’s the exciting part: thick hair actually gives you endless styling possibilities! Think about it—you’ve got more volume to play with, more texture to explore, and absolutely stunning results when you nail the right style.
Looking for ways to rock your thick mane? You’re in the right place! I’ve curated 15 absolutely stunning hairstyles that not only celebrate your thick hair but make styling a total breeze. These aren’t just any styles—they’re game-changers that work for every occasion, from crushing it at the office to slaying at weekend brunches.
Common Questions About Styling Thick Hair
How can I manage thick hair easily?
The secret sauce to managing thick hair lies in using the right products and techniques. Start with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, invest in a good detangling brush, and always work with sections when styling. Pro tip: A leave-in conditioner is your thick hair’s BFF!
What tools work best for thick hair?
Your styling arsenal should include heavy-duty hair ties, bobby pins that mean business, and a high-quality flat iron or curling wand designed specifically for thick hair. Trust me, these tools make ALL the difference in your styling game!
How often should I wash thick hair?
Most thick-haired beauties can go 3-4 days between washes. This natural oil production actually helps tame frizz and makes styling so much easier. Plus, your styles will hold better on day-two hair!
What products should I use for thick hair?
Look for products that provide moisture without weighing down your strands. Think lightweight oils, volumizing mousses, and heat protectants that actually penetrate those thick strands.
1. Classic French Braid
This stunning French braid showcases the natural thickness and shine of the hair, creating a polished yet effortless look. Creating this style starts with smoothing your hair with a brush, then dividing it into three sections at the crown and gradually incorporating more hair as you braid downward. The beauty of this style lies in its versatility—rock it at the gym or dress it up for a wedding. Here’s a pro tip: slightly loosen the braid after you’re done for that perfectly undone vibe!
2. Glamorous Wavy Ponytail
A sleek-to-wavy transformation that’s absolutely perfect for those who want to add some drama to their everyday look. The key to achieving this gorgeous style is creating a smooth base at the crown while letting those waves cascade down like a waterfall of pure glamour. You’ll turn heads everywhere you go with this stunning combination of polished and playful vibes. A little texturizing spray at the waves will help maintain that beautiful bounce all day long!
3. Natural Curls Claw Clip
This stunning look celebrates natural curls with a modern twist using a statement gold claw clip. Gathering those gorgeous curls into a perfectly imperfect updo creates a look that’s both sophisticated and effortlessly chic. The secret to nailing this style is choosing a clip that’s sturdy enough to handle your magnificent mane. Your thick curls will thank you for this protective yet totally Instagram-worthy style!
4. Double Dutch Braids
These flawlessly executed Dutch braids are serving pure hair goals with their neat, tight plaiting and incredible length. Starting from the crown, create two parallel Dutch braids, pulling the sections under instead of over for that stunning raised effect. This style is perfect for those super-active days when you need your hair to stay put. A bit of edge control and hairspray will keep those baby hairs in check while maintaining the braids’ pristine appearance!
5. Bandana Bombshell Waves
HOLD EVERYTHING! 🎉 These absolutely INCREDIBLE honey-blonde waves paired with that stunning printed bandana are serving major summer goddess vibes and I am LIVING for it! The genius of this look is how it takes those naturally voluminous waves and transforms them into this gorgeously wild, free-spirited masterpiece that’s literally GLOWING in the sunlight!
Creating this magical style is such a vibe—scrunch in your favorite curl-enhancing cream, diffuse those natural waves to perfection, then crown yourself with a chic bandana (bonus points for that adorable print!). Girl, let me tell you—this is THE look that’ll have everyone asking for your hair secrets at every summer gathering!
6. Elegant Twisted Updo
OMG, this twisted updo is literally everything you need for those moments when you want to feel like absolute royalty! The sophisticated twist technique creates the most amazing texture while keeping your thick strands perfectly controlled and ultra-chic. Creating this show-stopping style is surprisingly simple—just section your hair, twist each part back, and secure with bobby pins (your thick hair’s secret weapon!). Hot tip: spritz some texturizing spray before styling to give your twists that gorgeous grip and hold!
7. Snow Day Braid
Talk about winter wonderland vibes—this thick, gorgeous braid is giving us major snow bunny eleganza! The way this style keeps your hair secure while hitting the slopes is absolutely genius (and don’t even get me started on how INCREDIBLE it looks against that North Face jacket!). Achieving this ultra-secure braid is a breeze—just smooth your hair back, divide into three sections, and braid all the way down, keeping it tight and clean. Pro tip: use a clear elastic at the end to keep everything locked in place during your winter adventures!
8. Romantic Half-Up Waves
STOP EVERYTHING and feast your eyes on this absolutely dreamy half-up style that’s serving pure romance! The combination of the delicate braid crown and those luscious waves is pure hair magic. Creating these gorgeous waves starts with prepping your hair with heat protectant (because we’re all about that healthy hair life!), then working with a large barrel curling iron for those perfect, bouncy waves. The best part? This style works amazingly well for second-day hair—just hit those waves with some dry shampoo for extra oomph!
9. Casual Wavy Half-Up
Hello, everyday perfection! This effortlessly chic half-up style with those stunning blonde waves is basically what hair dreams are made of! The beauty of this look lies in its perfect balance—polished enough for the office but totally casual enough for weekend brunching with your squad. Start by creating those gorgeous waves with your favorite curling technique, then simply pull back the crown section and secure it with your go-to hair tie. Seriously, could this be any more perfect for those of us blessed with thick locks?
10. Crown Braid Fishtail
Y’all, this intricate crown braid situation is about to become your new obsession! The way it combines classic braiding with that ultra-modern fishtail technique is absolutely everything. Creating this stunning style might take a bit of practice, but trust me, it’s SO worth it—start by creating a regular French braid, then transition into a fishtail pattern halfway through. The thick texture of your hair will make this braid look even more impressive, giving you that perfect Instagram-worthy finish!
11. High-Power Ponytail
Get ready to slay all day with this ultra-sleek, high-impact ponytail that’s giving major boss babe energy! The smoothness at the crown paired with that perfect wave in the tail is pure hair perfection. To recreate this power move, smooth your hair up with a boar bristle brush (your thick hair’s BFF!), secure with a strong elastic, then add those gorgeous waves to the tail. Here’s the game-changing tip: use a small hidden elastic at the base of your pony to prevent slipping—thick hair hack alert!
12. Pearl-Accented Waves
We’re absolutely LIVING for this pearl-embellished masterpiece that’s basically a work of art! Those perfectly placed pearl pins against the dark waves create the most stunning contrast ever. The secret to nailing this romantic look is all in the prep—start with a smoothing cream to tame any frizz, create those gorgeous waves, then strategically place your pearl pins for maximum impact. Fun fact: your thick hair will hold those accessories in place like nobody’s business!
13. Minimalist Claw Clip Style
This effortlessly chic claw clip moment is proof that sometimes less is absolutely more! The clean lines and subtle sophistication of this style make it perfect for those “I woke up like this” days that still need to look polished. Getting this look is literally as easy as gathering your hair back, twisting it up, and securing with a sturdy claw clip (emphasis on sturdy—thick hair needs serious hardware!). The best part? This style actually works better with thick hair because it gives you that perfect, full twist!
14. Rope Braid Masterpiece
This rope braid is serving pure hair goals and we are HERE for it! The intricate twisting technique creates the most amazing texture while keeping your thick strands perfectly controlled. Creating this showstopper is easier than it looks—divide your hair into two sections, twist each section separately, then twist them together in the opposite direction. Mind-blowing tip: spray your hands with hairspray before twisting to get that ultra-smooth finish!
15. Wavy Cascade Ponytail
Last but absolutely not least, this cascading wavy ponytail is what thick hair dreams are made of! The volume, the texture, the movement—it’s literally everything! Start by creating those perfect waves throughout your hair, then gather it into a ponytail at whatever height feels right for you. The secret sauce? Tease the crown slightly before securing for that extra touch of glamour. Your thick hair will make this style look even more dramatic and stunning!
Conclusion
Thick hair is your superpower, and these 15 styles are just the beginning of what you can create with your gorgeous mane! Remember, the key to rocking any of these looks is confidence and the right prep work. Start with well-nourished hair, grab your styling tools, and don’t be afraid to make these looks your own.
Whether you’re heading to a fancy event or just want to elevate your everyday style, there’s a perfect thick hair style waiting for you to rock it. Keep experimenting, keep slaying, and most importantly, keep celebrating that beautiful thick hair of yours!
