I love my thick hair, but let’s be real—some days it feels like a lot to handle. It can be heavy, it takes forever to dry, and some styles just don’t hold. If you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place. This isn’t about fighting your volume, it’s about working with it.
These 13 hairstyles are my absolute go-tos. They’re practical, pretty, and designed to make your life easier. Whether you’re rushing out the door or prepping for a special night, there’s an idea here for you. Let’s turn that beautiful mane into your best accessory.
1. The Effortless Low Bun
This is my savior on busy mornings. It looks polished but takes under a minute. The key is to embrace a little messiness—it actually works better with thick hair!
Simply gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it loosely, and wrap it into a bun. Don’t pull every strand tight. Secure with a scrunchie or spiral hair tie (a game-changer for thick hair!). Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness.
2. Half-Up, Half-Down with a Twist
A basic half-up ponytail can get bulky. This simple twist adds instant style and reduces volume in the best way. It’s perfect for keeping hair off your face while showing off your length.
Take two small sections of hair from above your temples. Twist each one back and secure them together at the back of your crown with a small, clear elastic. For extra hold and flair, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it.
3. The Textured Ponytail
Skip the sleek, high-tension pony. A textured one is way more flattering and comfortable for thick hair. It gives that “I tried, but not too hard” vibe.
Lightly backcomb the crown area for a bit of lift. Gather your hair at your desired height, but before securing it, run your fingers through it to keep it loose. Use a tie, then gently pull the ponytail up and outwards to create more volume at the base. A light mist of texturizing spray is magic here.
4. Braided Crown
This looks intricate but is surprisingly simple. It’s ideal for second-day hair or when you want a totally romantic, ethereal look. It also neatly contains all your hair.
Part your hair down the middle. On one side, create a simple three-strand braid from your temple back towards your ear. Repeat on the other side. Then, take each braid and pull it across the top of your head, pinning it securely underneath the opposite braid. Tuck in any ends.
5. The Claw Clip Updo
Claw clips are back and they are a thick-haired girl’s best friend. They hold so much more securely than most pins. This is the ultimate quick, chic updo.
Flip your head over, gather all your hair at the crown, and twist it once. Fold the twist into a loose loop and secure the base of the loop with a large, sturdy claw clip. Let some pieces fall out naturally—it’s part of the charm.
6. Sleek Low Pony with a Part
For days when you want a more polished look, this is it. The deep part and low placement prevent your hair from looking like a heavy triangle.
Create a deep side part. Apply a smoothing serum or cream to dampen frizz. Brush all your hair back smoothly to a low point at the nape of your neck. Secure with a strong elastic. For a flawless finish, take a small piece of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin underneath.
7. Messy Space Buns
Don’t save these for festivals! Two buns distribute the weight of thick hair perfectly and are incredibly fun. The messier, the better.
Part your hair down the middle. Make two high ponytails. Instead of twisting them neatly, loosely wrap each ponytail around its base to form a bun and secure with pins or another elastic. Pull them apart to make them fuller and pull out lots of short pieces around your face and neck.
8. The Voluminous Blowout (The Easy Way)
You don’t need a pro to get that bouncy, voluminous look. The trick is to dry your hair in sections with a round brush, focusing on the roots.
- Start with damp, heat-protected hair.
- Lift sections at the crown and direct the airflow at the roots as you dry.
- Roll the ends under with the brush for a smooth finish.
- Once dry, flip your head over and give the roots a quick blast of cool air to set the volume.
9. Rope Braid Ponytail
Elevate a simple ponytail in seconds. A rope braid is easier than a regular braid and looks so elegant. It tames thickness beautifully.
Make a mid-height ponytail. Split the tail into two equal sections. Twist each section clockwise, then wrap them around each other counter-clockwise. Secure the end with a small elastic. Gently pull on the edges of the braid to make it look fuller and softer.
10. The Accessorized Headband Look
A wide headband or scarf is a secret weapon. It instantly pulls a look together and manages any frizz or flyaways around your hairline.
You can wear it with your hair down and wavy for a boho feel, or with a low ponytail or bun for a classic look. Place the headband over your hair, starting at the crown and sliding it back. Then, use your fingers to pull a little hair out over the band to soften the edge.
11. Twisted Low Bun
Similar to the effortless bun, but with a more defined shape. This is my go-to for work or dinner. It feels special but is still super easy.
Make a low ponytail. Twist the entire ponytail tightly until it starts to coil on itself. Wrap the twist around the base of the ponytail to form a neat bun. Secure with pins. This style holds all day because the twist gives the pins more to grip onto.
12. Waterfall Braid
This braid looks like you spent an hour, but it’s a simple pattern. It adds a beautiful detail to down hairstyles without needing to braid all your hair.
Start a French braid at your temple. As you braid, instead of adding all the hair from the top section, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new piece of hair from the top to replace it. Continue this “drop and replace” pattern along the side of your head, securing the end with a clear elastic.
13. The “Slept-In” Waves
Forget hot tools. The best waves for thick hair come from a braid you sleep in. It gives you soft, loose, romantic texture with zero heat.
On damp hair, apply a light mousse. Split your hair into two or four sections and braid each one loosely. Sleep on it! In the morning, undo the braids and run your fingers through the waves. Scrunch them gently—do not brush!—and you’re done.
Conclusion
See? Having thick hair is a blessing, not a burden. The secret is choosing styles that celebrate your natural volume rather than fighting against it. My biggest tip is to invest in good hair ties, a strong claw clip, and a trusty texturizing spray. With these 13 ideas in your back pocket, you’ll have a gorgeous, easy option for every kind of day. Go show off that amazing hair!
Quick Thick Hair FAQ
Q: What’s the best hair tie for thick hair?
A: I swear by spiral/telephone cord ties or soft scrunchies. They hold without snapping or creasing your hair.
Q: How do I reduce drying time?
A: Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel, then apply your products. Use your blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle on medium heat, sectioning your hair to dry the roots first.
Q: My updos always fall. Help!
A: Make sure your hair isn’t too silky-smooth on updo days. A little texture from dry shampoo helps pins and clips grip. Also, criss-cross your bobby pins when inserting them for maximum hold.
Q: Any product recommendations for frizz?
A: A lightweight smoothing serum or cream applied to damp hair is a must. Look for ones with argan oil or silicone (like dimethicone) to seal the cuticle without weighing hair down.
Q: Can I get layers with thick hair?
A: Absolutely! Long, face-framing layers are a dream. They remove weight, add movement, and make styling even easier. Just communicate with your stylist that you want to keep length but reduce bulk.