Styling Mistakes To Avoid If You Have Thick Hair

If your mane is ultra-thick and hard to manage, you may be tempted to just stick it in a bun or ponytail so you don’t have to bother with it. But the right haircut—and a few tweaks to your styling routine—could be the key to a more manageable mane. Here are four things you may want to consider when styling thick hair.

1. Get a layered haircut

Those who have extremely thick hair often find that their mane feels heavy, even if it’s on the shorter side. Getting a layered haircut can help remove some of that weight (and bulk) without sacrificing your length. This small change makes styling a much less tedious task—and helps ensure that your hair is voluminous in all the right places.

If you want a shorter cut, consider asking your stylist for a textured lob. This piecey cut usually hits around the collarbone and boasts soft layers cut throughout for body, texture, and movement. The classic shag is another great option for those with thick hair. The retro haircut for thick hair features choppy layers that remove bulk and give your hair a tousled, rock-and-roll feel. If your hair is wavy or curly, styling this cut is also a breeze—it’s made to look a little messy, so in many cases, all you’ll need is a curl-defining leave-in to help enhance your natural texture.

Those looking to rock longer hair may want to try face-framing layers. With this cut, your stylist will cut soft layers into the pieces that surround your face to remove unnecessary weight and help accentuate your features. Your layers can start anywhere from the cheekbones to the jawline—we suggest asking your stylist what approach they think is best based on your hair type and styling preferences.

2. Use frizz-fighting products

Generally, those with thick hair are more likely to experience frizz—and this goes double for those with thick, curly hair. One way to combat those flyaways is by incorporating an anti-frizz serum into your styling routine. We like the Biolage Professional Smooth Proof Serum. Work a pump of the luxe formula throughout your hair when it’s damp and dry as usual for long-lasting frizz and humidity control, plus tons of healthy-looking shine.