While you may not have to deal with issues related to fine hair, thick hair can have its drawbacks. It can look heavy, it doesn’t do well with humidity, and too much volume makes it hard to style. But we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to find out what kind of thick hair you have, how to care for it, and the best men’s hairstyles for your hair type. Through this guide, we would like to help you understand how to care for your thick hair, the kind of hairstyle that will suit you, and allow you to enjoy your best hairstyle.
What Type of Thick Hair Do You Have?
Before looking at possible hairstyles, you need to find out whether you have thick hair and what type it is. To do this, pluck a strand of hair and feel it between your finger tips.
- ● You feel nothing = Fine hair
- ● You feel the hair strand = Medium hair
- ● The hair strand is noticeably thick and wide = Thick hair
Another way to find out whether you have thick hair is to compare it with a piece of sewing thread. The thread’s thickness is roughly the same thickness as medium hair. If your hair sample is wider than that, you have thick hair.
Thick Straight Hair
In a way, thick straight hair almost guarantees an awesome hairstyle. With this hair type, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing a look that matches your face shape. However, you also have to deal with a variety of problems.
- ● It can be difficult to style
- ● It won’t stay styled throughout the day
- ● Short trimmed hair tends to stand up vertically against the scalp like a cactus
- ● Long hair loses volume under its own weight
- ● Styling against the hair’s natural direction is difficult
Thick Wavy Hair
Thick wavy hair is quite similar to thick straight hair. You may think the waviness looks messy, but on the contrary, it gives you many options to create a playful and classic appearance—if maintained properly with daily care and the right kind of high-quality hair products. On the other hand, typical problems you may face with this hair type include:
- ● It can look bulky or heavy
- ● It does not settle down well
- ● It gets frizzy on humid or rainy days
- ● The style doesn’t last long after getting it cut
Thick Curly Hair
Thick curly hair requires more maintenance and tends to dry out easily. However, with daily care, the right styling products and correct hairstyle, you can rock a curly look that many will envy. Problems you may face with curly hair include:
- ● It’s troublesome to tame
- ● It gets frizzy on humid or rainy days
- ● It’s difficult to reproduce the hairstyle you like
Caring for Thick Hair
To make it easier to treat your thick hair, there are easy habits you can adopt to make sure your hair care is spot-on every day.
Shampooing and Conditioning
Because thick hair tends to easily become dry, dull, and brittle, there are a few unique considerations that need to be taken into account when shampooing and conditioning so that the hair stays healthy, moisturized and more manageable.
- ● Do not remove too much oil from the scalp as your hair will spread out and harden
- ● Use only a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that matches your hair type
- ● Try using amino acid-based, hair-friendly products instead of general shampoos and treatments
- ● When conditioning your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to apply it evenly, then wait a few minutes before washing it out
- ● Oil treatments before washing are helpful but don’t apply too much as the oil spreads easily and can also harden
Moisturizing Thick Hair
Due to the thickness of the hair, it’s difficult for the scalp’s natural oils to fully moisturize the full length of each hair strand. This leads to dryness and split ends.
There are a variety of high-quality moisturizing treatments that you can add to your hair care routine, which should make your hair more manageable and improve any stiffness or dryness you may have.
When applying a moisturizing product to your hair, start with the ends first and then work your way toward the scalp. If you do this while your hair is wet, the hair should absorb the product more quickly.
Blow-Drying
Directly blow-drying your hair when it’s wet can damage it. It’s best to let it dry naturally, but you can also pat your hair with a towel first and use a blow-dryer on the cool setting when the hair is at least 50-per cent dry. By allowing your hair to dry mostly on its own or with a towel, your hair will become more manageable.
If you do use a blow-dryer, be sure to point it toward your hair from above your head to reduce unwanted volume. You can also control unruly hair by holding it down as you blow-dry it for easier styling. One positive to blow-drying is that if done carefully, it can help minimize curly hair.
Thinning out Thick Hair
If you have thick, volume hair, having it thinned out can reduce the volume and make your hair easier to style. This is a useful trick especially if your thick hair has lots of volume or grows quickly.
Hairstyles for Men with Thick Hair
If you have tried the hair care advice above but you’re still not happy with the way it looks, some hairstyles can help you get the most out of your thick hair. These hairstyles would be perfect!
Thick Straight Hairstyles
Thick straight hair often looks better with longer cuts that can stylishly accentuate the hair’s natural fullness and volume, but doesn’t mean it cannot rock short hairstyles. The hairstyles below are the best options for looking great with straight hair.
Pompadour Straight Hair
The pompadour is an evergreen style that is designed to showcase your voluminous locks, and there is no better hair type for this than thick straight hair.
Apply a small amount of pomade, mainly on the bangs and the top. Make it stand upward and then run it to the back. After that, gently grab the bangs and emphasize the volume. Then, apply a bit of hair spray to keep everything in place.
Quiff Thick Hair
The quiff is another style that finds its place in the list of favourites among thick-haired men. The hair is cut short on the sides and back, and kept longer on the top. A fade along the sides will make your look stand out, especially if you have a good volume of hair.
It would be better to raise your bangs with your hairdryer before using the styling product for better style. Pomade, clay, or wax can be used to create this look. Apply a small amount of styling product by running your fingers through the hair. Center on the bangs and top, then run it sideways. After that, grasp it firmly and pinch it to create a rough yet unified volume. Then, set it with a careful application of hair spray.
Thick Slick Back
The slick back style is what you associate with neatness. This hairstyle is a popular look for actors in period movies taking place in the first half of the 20th century. Despite being an older style, it never goes out of fashion. It works with a variety of hair types, including thick straight hair.
A slick back is easy to maintain as all you need is pomade. After combing it back while blow-drying, apply the product to your hair to finish styling it and lock it in place with some hair spray.
Side Part Straight Hair
The side part for straight hair is a simple cut. Just decide where to part on the side and comb the longer part sideways.
The side part for straight hair is a simple cut that looks particularly good with thick hair.
Gel or pomade can hold it in place throughout the day, with gel offering a more professional appearance. Simply apply the product after washing your hair and comb it to one side. If you cannot get the clear side part, make a side part with wet damp hair and dry it with a dryer. And if you find that you’re not getting enough volume, try flipping the part to the other side.
Thick Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a style that’s inspired by the mohawk. The sides have a taper fade with the hair along the top centre being kept medium to long and styled upright, making it an ideal cut to show off your thick straight hair. If you’re a professional during the week and a party person on weekends, this look is for you. Though it’s often suggested for shorter hair, it suits long hair, too.
To keep your faux hawk in peak condition, you can use wax, clay, or gel (wax is the preferred method). Apply the product with your fingertips, running them upward and forward. If your hair doesn't stand up well, it's a good idea to use a hairdryer to make it stand up for more volume.
Short French Crop
The short French crop is a mix of modern and classic vibes and a perfect cut for those who prefer not to spend too much time on styling or maintenance. The sides have a taper fade and hair is cropped short at the top.
It takes just a little bit of pomade, wax, or gel to keep you looking good all day, but you may not even need to style it if your hair is thick and short enough. Wash and blow-dry your hair in the direction you want it to go, then work in the product following the direction of the hair.
Curtain Bangs Straight Hair
Curtain bangs are synonymous with movie stars of the ’90s, and the thicker your hair the better they look. To create this style, decide where you want to part your hair in the middle and comb it toward the sides.
Apply a hair product that will hold the bangs in place. We recommend wax, which gives a natural finish with a smooth texture. If you cannot make a good centre part, part your hair while still wet and dry it with a dryer.
Thick Wavy Hairstyles
Thick wavy hair may be more difficult to tame than straight hair, but it’s also the look that a lot of men wish they could have. If you’re up for taking care of your coif, any of the hairstyles below are a great option for your hair type.
Thick Wavy Pompadour
For thick wavy hair, the pompadour is a classic fashion statement with a twist. Use your hair’s natural texture to its advantage for a unique silhouette rather than aiming for a perfectly symmetrical shape.
Apply a small amount of pomade or clay, mainly on the bangs and the top. Make it stand upward and then run it to the back. After that, grab the bangs and emphasize the volume. Then, apply a bit of hair spray to keep everything in place.
Messy Textured Quiff
The messy textured quiff is both traditional and modern and is best complemented with naturally wavy hair that helps give out an ‘I don’t give a damn’ vibe.
Once your hair is damp, gently blow-dry towards the direction you want, and then apply some wax by running your fingers through the hair. You can also use hair spray so that the strands stay where they should rather than falling across your forehead or over your eyes.
Bro Flow
The carefree look of the mid-length bro flow reaches its pinnacle when paired with naturally wavy locks. It’s easy to take care of, too.
Just comb it back when wet and allow it to air dry. While wavy hair can often keep its shape without much work, you can also use wax to reinforce it.
Slick Back Wavy Hair
If fun and playful isn’t the look you're going for, the slick back is an excellent choice for a more professional appearance.
Comb your hair back or at an angle as you blow-dry. Then apply wax, pomade, or gel that can hold your wavy hair throughout the day. Finish styling and lock it in place with some hair spray.
Side Part Wavy Hair
The side part is a classic variant for wavy hair and has a distinctly different look than those rocking a side part with straight hair.
Pomade or wax can hold it in place throughout the day. Apply the product after drying your hair and comb the hair to one side.
Messy Fringe
This effortless and rugged style puts your thick wavy hair centre stage by keeping the bangs long and minimizing the sides with a taper fade.
The fringe is styled in the front so that it covers the forehead. A small amount of pomade, clay, or wax should be enough to keep your hair looking fresh throughout the day.
Textured Crop
Much like the bro flow, the textured crop is at its best when paired with wavy hair. It’s suitable for all occasions and looks particularly good with a taper fade on the sides and back.
To get this style, apply a small amount of clay once the hair is dry or use matte wax for a dry texture.
Curtain Bangs Wavy Hair
Unlike with straight hair, this style is much easier to maintain if your hair is naturally wavy because the look doesn’t need to be perfectly uniform.
The key to rocking wavy curtain bangs is to not get your hair too messy or dirty by excessive use of hair products. However, we do recommend using a little bit of wax to create additional movement. Avoid matte wax as it can make it harder to style and create too much volume.
Thick Curly Hairstyles
The key to a good hairstyle for thick curly hair is to accentuate the hair’s strengths while minimizing the need for products. Hairstyles that feature volume and texture, like those below, are great options to try.
Curly Pompadour
Own your curls with this majestic coif. The curly pompadour puts the best of your hair’s natural features on full display while keeping a classic look that has stood the test of time.
Creating the shape takes minimal effort. Apply a little bit of pomade or clay to the bangs and top, raising the bangs to emphasize the volume.
Curly Quiff
The quiff was traditionally reserved for straight and wavy hair but it has become a popular alternative for thick curly hair, too.
A little bit of pomade or wax is all you need. Apply hair spray after styling is done. If the quiff won’t naturally stay in place, it would be better to blow-dry your bangs with your hairdryer before using the styling product for better styling.
Slick Back Curly Hair
Professional meets playful with this classic style. The slick back is not reserved only for straight or wavy hair—even curly hair can have a go at this look.
To create this style, you will need to spend a little extra time in the morning. Once you have towel-dried your hair, blow-dry it in the direction you want to style it. Then apply pomade or clay while using your brush and hands to shape the hair.
Side Part Curly Hair
Sporting a side part requires extra effort as curly hair naturally tends to return to its original position no matter how you part it. If you’re willing to take the time though, you won’t regret choosing this style.
Pomade or wax can hold it in place throughout the day. Apply the product after drying your hair and comb the hair to one side.
Curly Fringe
Like the pompadour, a fringe style puts your curls front and centre. Also, by adding a side fade, you can make your face appear longer and thinner.
The fringe is styled in the front so that it covers the forehead. A small amount of wax should be enough to keep your curls locked in place.
Box Fade
The box fade is for those who love to stand out among the crowd. The hair should be higher at the top and always faded on the sides. Choose the cut on the top depending on the shape of your head or your personal tastes.
Styling doesn’t require any products but a little bit of skill with shaping the hair to maintain the angular lines.
Curtain Bangs Curly Hair
What’s great about this look is that it doesn’t need to be uniform and the cut highlights the curls with little effort on your part.
We recommend using a small amount of wax to create additional movement, but avoid matte wax as it can make it harder to style and create too much volume.
Make Your Thick Hair Match Your Personality
Whether straight, wavy, or curly, there are plenty of ways to have your thick hair match your personality. Take a moment to figure out which type of hair you have and do your best each day to keep it healthy and moisturized. Also, by understanding hairstyles that are right for your hair type, you can effortlessly maintain it long after your visit to the barber. Enjoy creating your own unique style!