Here’s How to Style Thick Hair Without the Struggle

How to Turn Down Excess Volume in Thick Hair

Volume isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though it can be a bit of an annoyance when it comes to everyday styling. Hairstylist Geo Brian says that controlling volume can help with manageability, which “can make it easier for styling and dealing with your hair every day.” First and foremost, he recommends the right haircut for your hair type. “A great haircut can change your life with thick hair,” he says. Long layers, textured short hairstyles, and cuts specific to your wavy or curly hair are at the top of the list for thick hair haircuts that help control volume. Brian is also a fan of classic bob and shag haircuts because “with the density of the hair, the shape of it just looks so great.”

Products can also help reduce the volume in your thick hair, with Brian noting that shampoo and conditioner are the most essential products to turn to. “Everything starts with shampoo and conditioner,” he says. “That’s what touches your hair the most, so that’s where it starts and ends.” The OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo & Conditioner is a great option because it’s specifically formulated to add moisture to frizzy, dry hair. It also smells incredible, thanks to its invigorating fragrance made of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, lily, and white musk. A great option for those struggling with dryness is the R+CO Atlantis Moisturizing B5 Shampoo + Conditioner Set. Whether your hair is struggling due to weather, heat styling, or coloring, this duo utilizes pro vitamin B5, glycerin, prickly pear stem extract, and nettle extract to repair breakage and boost hydration in only a few washes.

Another product Brian recommends is a hair mask. He stresses that you should buy a mask that will “smooth the cuticle” (i.e., make your hair shinier and more manageable). Formulated with squalane and hyaluronic acid, the AMIKA Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask is clinically proven to maintain your hair’s hydration for five days straight. Volume won’t be an issue so long as you use this product weekly in your hair-care routine. As for hair oils and serums, Brian cautions that “you have to be careful with serums and other products, as they could just wear your hair down or make it oily.” The DEW OF THE GODS Amalfi Gold Hair Serum is a lightweight option, ideal for thick hair types. It features olive and argan oils to promote shine, offer heat protection, and keep hair frizz-free. For those who need extra moisture and hydration, the SLEEK'E Silk'e Repair Therapy Hair Serum is calling your name. Jojoba oil, macadamia seed oil, squalane, and vitamin E combine to repair damage, boost shine, reverse dryness, and seal up split ends in just a few pumps.

How to Create Shape and Build Texture in Thick Hair

Creating shape and building texture in thick hair may seem antithetical to those who want to minimize volume, but the truth is, it can help take away unnecessary density in your strands. “It’s beneficial to add texture to thick hair because it breaks up the volume and mass of thick hair,” says Brian. “It can also make it feel and look lighter and airier when you style your hair.” Again, the key here is the right haircut. But even if you don’t have the “right haircut” for your thick hair, you can still play with shape and texture a few different ways.

One way is to use a flat iron, which Brian favors. “I prefer to use a flat iron because it will flatten the cuticle of the hair, and I can manipulate the hair to add waves or curls for more texture in the hair, but it won’t be too voluminous because a flat iron will knock out some of that volume.” A flat iron can also help frizzy hair types better manage their frizz. The key is to use the right heat protectant and temperature setting. We, along with everyone else on the internet, love the benefits that the trending COLOR WOW HAIR Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray has to offer. Ideal for frizzy hair, it leaves you with glass-like shine thanks to humidity-blocking technology. The formula is also incredibly lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about it weighing down your already heavy hair. Pair it with the best hair straightener for your hair type, and you’re all set to style thick hair.

Another thing you can do to build texture is by using, you guessed it, hair products. Brian shares, “I love a great texture spray, wave spray, or dry shampoo to add texture to thick locks. These are going to break up the hair in your styles to make it look more natural.” The ORIBE HAIR CARE Dry Texturizing Spray not only minimizes oil production on day-two hair, but it also adds lightweight texture and helps maintain moisture. As far as wave sprays go, we’ll never not recommend the BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Superfoods Banana + Coconut Soft Wave Texture Spray, because it smells good enough to eat, provides a lightweight grip to allow you to create any hair look, and offers optimal hydration thanks to coconut sugar, banana extract, and coconut extract (talk about a multi-hyphenate styling product). And finally, we’d be remiss not to recommend a dry shampoo. IGK HAIR First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo sops up dirt, grime, and oil in seconds, even on day-four hair. Plus, it offers the perfect grip to style your strands as desired.

The Easiest, Everyday Hairstyles for Thick Hair

1. Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle for Thick Hair

Brian shares that this is a classic hairstyle to “cut down density” in thick hair types. “It looks both trendy and classy, he continues. “At the same time, it cuts down the volume in your hair instead of having a thick ponytail.” Sorry to you high ponytail fans out there, but the half-up half-down style is the way to go. It’s also a great way to show off your natural texture, whether you have wavy hair, curly hair, or straight hair. And you don’t need to have long hair to pull it off; every hair length can create a half-up style that works for them.

2. Claw-Clip Twist Thick Hair Hairstyle

Claw clips are everywhere right now, so there’s a high probability you already own one. Brian is a fan of the hair accessory, noting, they’re “better than a ponytail or elastic because you get no tension on your hair and no breakage if you’re blonde or have thinner hair.” While there are numerous claw clip hairstyles to choose from, we’re fond of the classic French twist. It’s especially lovely on hot days when you want your thick hair off your neck and out of your face. Start by grabbing all your hair and twisting it into a tight twist. Next, secure it with a large claw clip (like the GIMME BEAUTY Gimme Thick Hair Large Claw Clip), and you’re good to go.

3. Sleek Bob Thick Hair Hairstyle

Bobs simplify styling for thick hair. They make it so you have less to work with, especially in length. One style Brian loves for bobs is a sleek, classic bob. Part your cut down the middle, use a heat protectant, then take a flat iron to your strands to sleek them down. That’s all it takes to create this look.

4. Textured Shag Thick Hair Hairstyle

The shag is another haircut Brian recommends for thick hair types because it cuts down the volume and offers a great shape to play with. Any hair type can rock the shag (yes, even curly hair looks gorgeous in a shag cut); you just need to go to the right hairdresser. Once you get the cut, you can air-dry it to show off your natural hair texture, or blow-dry it to create a sleek, frizz-free look. Use EVO HAIR The Shag Beach Paste to add beachy, lived-in texture before you head out the door.

5. Nineties Blowout Thick Hair Hairstyle

“Volume can be a great thing,” says Brian, who notes that big hair is coming back in a big way. The ’90s blowout is one of the most sought-after hairstyles of late, and Brian loves it for thick hair. “I always say, work with what you have and never against it.” To get the look at home, start by working a generous amount of the SUTRA Heat Guard® Blowout Cream through damp hair. Then blow-dry using a boar bristle round brush to create body and movement. You can also use a blow-dry brush on dry hair if you aren’t skilled with a round brush and blow-dryer combo. These hair dryer brushes work for every budget. Finish with a lightweight hairspray so your blowout doesn’t fall, and you’re all set.

6. French Braids Thick Hair Hairstyle

On days when your hair isn’t cooperating and you don’t have the time or energy to style it, French braids are the ideal option. Even two three-strand brands will work if you don’t know how to French braid. But don’t worry, with this five-step tutorial, you’ll be able to do it in no time.

7. Messy Bun Hairstyle for Thick Hair 

Throwing your hair up in a messy bun is textbook thick hair behavior. You really don’t need to do anything besides twist it up and secure it with an elastic before going about your day. You can elevate it a bit by slicking your hair back into a tighter bun (see ya, flyaways) for date night or an evening out with the girls. Your thick strands will look amazing in any bun style you go with.