Thick hair is undeniably beautiful, but it can sometimes be tricky to style without feeling weighed down or overwhelmed. The key to mastering thick tresses lies in finding the right cut—one that enhances volume, adds movement, and complements your natural texture.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle update or a bold transformation, these 23 medium hairstyles for thick hair are guaranteed to inspire your next salon visit. From layered lobs to textured shags and everything in between, we’ve got looks that suit every face shape, skin tone, and personal style.
Let’s dive in!
1. Choppy Lob
Style Inspiration: Olivia Palermo
If you’re not quite ready to go short but still want a fresh, modern look, try a choppy lob. Sitting perfectly at collarbone length, this cut gives off effortlessly cool vibes while keeping enough length to play with styling options. It works beautifully on wavy textures and thicker strands.
2. Wispy Top Knot
Style Inspiration: Kendall Jenner
Looking to maintain volume while keeping your thick hair under control? Try a wispy top knot. Kendall Jenner’s voluminous lob with flicked-out layers proves that thick hair can be both stylish and sleek—especially when styled with a side-swept bang or dramatic parting.
3. Textured Layers
Style Inspiration: Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Texture is your best friend when you have thick hair. Priyanka Chopra Jonas shows us how layered cuts can soften density while enhancing dimension. Ask your stylist for textured layers to remove bulk and create a more dynamic silhouette.
Editor’s Tip: Use a texturizing powder like VO5 Instant Volume Powder to emphasize those layers and add natural-looking volume.
4. Layered Haircuts
Style Inspiration: Taylor Hill
Layers are a game-changer for thick hair. Whether you opt for long, subtle layers or short, choppier ones, they help frame your face and reduce weight. Taylor Hill’s wavy mid-length cut is proof that layers can make even the thickest hair feel light and airy.
5. Angled Blunt Cut
Style Inspiration: Sandra Bullock
Make a statement with a sharp, A-line bob that angles shorter in the back and longer in the front. Sandra Bullock’s sleek, blunt cut exudes polish and sophistication, proving that thick hair can be both structured and chic.
Editor’s Tip: Keep your cut glossy and smooth by using a heat protectant spray like TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray before straightening.
6. Flipped-Out Layers
Style Inspiration: Jasmine Sanders
Channel your inner ’70s glam with flipped-out layers. Jasmine Sanders’ golden blonde cut adds body and bounce, giving thick hair a fun, retro-inspired lift that feels totally current.
7. Dramatic Side Part
Style Inspiration: Brunette Model
Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest impact. A deep side part instantly transforms your look and adds drama. Plus, it’s easy to switch up daily—perfect for anyone who loves versatility.
8. Shoulder-Length Cut with a Fringe
Style Inspiration: Krysten Ritter
Bangs are back—and they’re perfect for thick hair. Krysten Ritter’s dark brown waves with a soft fringe show how a fringe can frame your face and give a classic cut a modern twist.
9. Fluffy Ends
Style Inspiration: Brunette Model
For a softer, more feminine finish, try fluffy ends. Add loose waves with a curling wand to enhance the rounded cut. It’s an easy way to bring movement and romance to any medium-length style.
10. Rounded Lob
Style Inspiration: Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie’s blonde rounded lob proves that simplicity never goes out of style. The curled-under ends keep thick hair from looking too heavy, while highlighting your natural volume and shine.
11. Cool-Girl Lob with Bangs
Style Inspiration: Yara Shahidi
Natural curls deserve love too! Yara Shahidi’s curly lob with bangs celebrates her texture while keeping the look modern and stylish. Perfect for anyone embracing their coils.
12. Wavy Shag Cut
Style Inspiration: Paris Jackson
The ’70s shag is officially back—and it’s ideal for thick hair. Paris Jackson’s layered shag with piecey bangs removes weight at the bottom and adds playful texture that’s full of movement.
13. Side-Parted Waves
Style Inspiration: Kerry Washington
Thick hair doesn’t always mean volume—it can also be sleek and sophisticated. Kerry Washington’s side-parted waves prove that a little texture can elevate your look and give you instant red-carpet glamour.
14. Ombre Waves
Style Inspiration: Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba’s ombre waves are a masterclass in color dimension. For thick hair, adding an ombre effect can lighten the overall appearance while maintaining richness and depth.
15. Free-Flowing Curls
Style Inspiration: Curly Redhead Street Style
Don’t hide your curls—show them off! A medium-length cut enhances the beauty of natural curls, offering versatility and volume. Make sure to work with a stylist experienced in curly hair for the best results.
16. Long Layers
Style Inspiration: Jenna Coleman
Long layers are perfect if you love your length but hate the heaviness. Jenna Coleman’s wavy shoulder-length cut proves that the right layering can transform thick hair into something soft, romantic, and full of life.
17. Glossy Side Fringe
Style Inspiration: Janel Parrish
Janel Parrish’s glossy dark cut with a sweeping side fringe is all kinds of fabulous. A side part and fringe instantly frame the face and add polish to any medium-length style.
Editor’s Tip: Boost shine with a finishing spray like TONI&GUY Finishing Shine Spray for that red-carpet glow.
18. Grown-Out Bangs
Style Inspiration: Ashley Benson
Not ready to commit to a full fringe? Try grown-out bangs. Ashley Benson’s layered ash blonde cut shows how easy it is to transition into bangs with minimal maintenance and maximum style.
19. Face-Framing Layers
Style Inspiration: Alexa Chung
Alexa Chung’s short face-framing layers are the ultimate low-maintenance style. They automatically elevate your look, whether you wear your hair straight, wavy, or tousled.
20. Curly Shag with Bangs
Style Inspiration: Sandra Oh
Sandra Oh’s curly shag with bangs is a dream come true for natural texture lovers. The cut adds definition to curls and highlights facial features—plus, the bangs really make her eyes pop.
21. A-Line Lob
Style Inspiration: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Rosie’s A-line lob blends the best of short and long styles. With shorter layers in the back graduating to longer lengths in the front, it creates the illusion of a bob while maintaining versatility.
22. Medium Wavy Haircut
Style Inspiration: Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman’s effortless wavy lob is timeless and flattering on everyone. It’s the kind of cut that looks good no matter your age or occasion—just sweep back the waves and go.
23. Easy Shoulder-Length Cut
Style Inspiration: Street Style Star
Sometimes, less is more. This undone, tousled look is perfect for women who want to wake up and go without spending hours styling. Add texture with VO5 Dry Texturising Spray for that just-right bedhead effect.
Final Thoughts
Thick hair may require a bit more attention, but with the right cut and styling products, it can become your most striking feature. Whether you prefer sleek and structured or wild and wavy, there’s a medium hairstyle here that will flatter your face and fit your lifestyle.
So what are you waiting for? Book that salon appointment and get ready to rock one of these stunning medium hairstyles for thick hair!
