Sky Kim, a seasoned hairstylist with over a decade of experience, currently works at Serge Normant at John Frieda in New York City. This article has been reviewed by her expertise, ensuring it’s packed with pro tips for styling thick hair.
If you’ve ever hesitated to chop your thick locks short, it’s understandable. Thick hair often needs length to keep volume under control, and styling short hair can feel daunting. But with the right cut and expert techniques, short hairstyles can bring out the beauty of thick hair while making it more manageable.
From classic bobs to edgy pixie cuts, here’s your ultimate guide to 57 stunning short haircuts that prove thick hair and short styles are a match made in heaven.
1. Michelle Williams: Iconic Pixie Cut
Michelle Williams channels ‘90s chic with her pixie cut featuring a deep side part and volume on top. It’s a versatile look for round faces, and her sleek, straight finish is achieved with Verb Volume Texture Powder and John Frieda Frizz-Ease Straight Fixation Styling Creme.
2. Old Hollywood Curls: A Lob That Turns Heads
Lily Collins stuns with a glamorous lob styled into vintage curls. Perfect for thick hair, this look is achieved with a large-barrel curling iron and a finishing touch of CHI Shine Infusion Hair Shine Spray for that signature red-carpet gleam.
3. Voluminous Pixie Cut
Mary J. Blige’s pixie cut takes volume to new heights with short, tapered sides and a fuller top. Use Drybar’s Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mousse to create lift and blow-dry backward for a statement-making finish.
4. Pink Pixie: Edgy and Feminine
Anika Noni Rose’s pink pixie is proof that thick hair can go bold and short. Tapered sides reduce bulk, while a textured top adds playful movement. A quick spray of Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray completes this carefree look.
5. Sleek Retro Pixie
Iman’s retro-inspired pixie is both sleek and chic, ideal for taming thick hair. Use Oribe Star Glow Styling Wax for shine and hold after flat ironing your hair for a polished finish.
6. Wet-Look Lob
Dua Lipa’s wet-look lob enhances her sharp jawline while keeping things modern. Apply Amika Supernova Moisture and Shine Hair Cream to damp hair and create soft waves for texture.
7. Slicked-Back Low Bun
Miranda Kerr shows how to elevate a simple low bun with thick hair. Apply Bumble and bumble Brilliantine for a glossy finish and secure your sleek strands into a tight, polished bun.
8. Half-Up Waves
Sarah Hyland’s half-up, half-down look combines volume and texture for a youthful vibe. Use Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray to achieve soft, tousled waves, leaving a few face-framing pieces loose for added charm.
9. Elegant Middle-Part Updo
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s middle-part updo is both effortless and romantic. Twist face-framing sections back and secure the rest into a low, messy bun. For volume, use Not Your Mother’s Plump For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter.
10. Loose Bun with Fringe
Emma Stone keeps it casual with a loose bun that leaves her fringe front and center. Add loose waves to your bangs with a curling wand and finish with Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist.
11. Faux Lob
Not ready for a full chop? Take a cue from Mindy Kaling’s faux lob. Style hair with R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Style Foam, roll the longer lengths under, and secure with straight pins for a temporary short-hair illusion.
12. Half-Up Bob
Lana Condor’s half-up bob is a great solution for short hair that can’t fit into a full updo. Flip out the ends for a playful touch using Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray.
13. Statement Accessories
Charlize Theron shows off her thick hair with a dramatic headband. Part your hair down the center and smooth it with R+Co Waterfall Moisture + Shine Lotion for a polished look.
14. Slick Baby Hairs
Yara Shahidi’s sleek baby hairs add flair to her updo. Use a fine-tooth comb and flexible gel to sculpt kiss curls or pin curls for a sophisticated finish.
15. Teased Pompadour
Take inspiration from Janelle Monáe’s pompadour to add height and drama. This style works perfectly for thick hair, adding a retro edge with a modern twist.
15 of 57: Teased Pompadour
A teased pompadour is a bold and stylish way to showcase thick hair. This voluminous style, rocked by stars like Janelle Monáe, is perfect for those seeking a dramatic and edgy look. To achieve this style, start by sectioning the top portion of your hair. Backcomb the roots to create volume, then smooth over the outer layer with a fine-tooth comb for a polished finish. Secure the teased section with bobby pins and mist with a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin for lasting volume. Pair this style with sleek, tucked-back sides for a balanced and modern vibe.
16 of 57: Bouncy Bob with Blunt Ends
This hairstyle is perfect for thick hair, offering a structured yet playful look. The bouncy bob with blunt ends emphasizes your hair’s natural volume and density. To style, apply a smoothing cream like Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother to damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush. Finish with a flat iron to curve the ends inward slightly. This chic look is versatile and suits both casual and formal occasions.
17 of 57: Messy Updo
A messy updo is a lifesaver for days when you want an effortless yet chic hairstyle. Gather your thick hair into a loose bun or knot, allowing tendrils to fall freely for a relaxed look. For added texture, spritz your hair with a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray before styling. This style is ideal for formal events or casual outings, offering a mix of elegance and ease.
18 of 57: Curly Pixie
A curly pixie cut is the ultimate low-maintenance style for those with thick hair. This look works best for naturally curly or wavy textures, allowing the curls to frame the face beautifully. Use a curl-enhancing product like DevaCurl SuperCream to define and moisturize your curls. For added hold, apply a light gel and fluff the curls at the crown for extra volume.
19 of 57: 1950s Throwback Bob
Channel vintage glamour with a 1950s-inspired bob. This polished style features soft, curled ends and a glossy finish. Start by blow-drying your hair with a round brush, then use hot rollers or a curling iron to create uniform curls. Brush through the curls gently and set the look with a shine-enhancing hairspray, such as Kenra Shine Spray. Pair this hairstyle with red lipstick for the ultimate retro look.
20 of 57: Textured Updo
A textured updo is ideal for formal occasions and can make thick hair appear lightweight and breezy. Start by curling your hair with a one-inch curling iron to create waves. Gather the hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a low bun, securing it with bobby pins. Pull a few pieces loose around the face for softness, and finish with a medium-hold hairspray.
21 of 57: Tousled Wavy Updo
This updo offers a laid-back, romantic aesthetic perfect for weddings or date nights. Begin by applying a wave-enhancing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry using a diffuser attachment. Gather your waves into a loose bun or ponytail, leaving some strands out for a tousled effect. Use a lightweight hair spray to keep the look intact while maintaining a soft texture.
Bob with an Accent Braid
Adding a braid to your bob can transform your hairstyle from simple to stunning. Part your hair to one side and create a small, three-strand braid near your temple, securing it discreetly with a bobby pin or clear elastic. For a textured finish, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray before styling. This look is playful yet polished, making it suitable for any occasion.
Choppy Textured Bob
A choppy bob adds depth and dimension to thick hair while maintaining a modern, edgy vibe. Request your stylist to create uneven layers that enhance the hair’s natural movement. To style, use a texturizing cream like Ouai Matte Pomade and scrunch your hair with your fingers for a piecey finish. This style pairs wonderfully with bold makeup for a trendy look.
Braided Pixie
Who says you can’t braid short hair? A braided pixie is a creative and fun way to style thick hair. Create small, tight braids along the sides of your pixie cut, adding a touch of uniqueness. For added flair, weave in metallic or colorful hair ties. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without stiffness.
Half-Up Bun
Nicole Richie’s simple short hairstyle features a half-up bun. Begin by applying a texture mist, such as Cuvée Beauty Champagne Hair Spray, to add definition. Next, part your hair horizontally from ear to ear. Gather the top section of hair and create a high, loose bun.
Side Part Bob
Jennifer Hudson’s look is both sleek and straightforward. A dramatic side part and high shine can elevate a bob for a modern take on a 1920s style. Create a deep side part and apply a thickening spray. “With the part in place, blow-dry the hair using a medium flat brush, lifting the roots slightly at the crown and part,” explains McLaren. Use a small flat iron with a frizz-fighting spray to smooth the hair and ends. “For a very clean finish, use the flat brush and pin the sides back,” he suggests.
Byrdie Tip: For a quick styling alternative, McLaren recommends using a strong-hold gel to comb damp (not wet) hair into place. Allow it to air dry with a hairnet for hold.
Long Lob with Bangs
This season’s popular “It” cut is ideal for thick hair. The layers thin out the hair while enhancing curls or waves. Scrunch a styling cream (like It’s a 10’s Miracle Styling Cream) into your hair after showering. Consult a guide on air-drying thick hair for best results.
Messy Updo
This beautiful updo offers a more relaxed, messy style. Part your hair down the middle. Apply Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Styling Cream and use your fingers to comb your hair back. Depending on your short hair’s length, secure the ends with bobby pins at the back of your head or twist them into a bun.
Copper-Colored Bob
Halsey’s copper bob is a stunning look. To achieve her voluminous curls, section your hair and curl each section with a 1 ½-inch curling wand. Mist Paul Mitchell’s Extra-Body Boost Root Lifter throughout your roots. Use a fine-tooth comb to tease the hair at the crown, building height. Flip your hair to one side for added volume.
Heavy Side Bang
Reese’s hair is styled in a back bun with a heavy side bang. Straighten your hair and separate your fringe. Sweep the remaining hair into a low bun. Mist Kristin Ess The One Signature Hair Water over your hair.
Wispy Curly Updo
Rita Ora’s wispy, curly updo is enviable. Use a small barrel curling iron to create tight ringlets. Spritz DevaCurl Devafresh Scalp & Hair Revitalizer for added definition. Gather your curls and loosely pin them at the back of your head. Embrace a slightly messy look.
Voluminous Ponytail
This voluminous ponytail with long fringe complements Halle Berry’s short, thick hair. Tauber recommends starting with dry hair and misting a texture spray at the roots. Pull your hair into a loose ponytail at the back of your head. “Split the ponytail in half, spray texture spray on the ends, and backcomb loosely with a brush for volume and texture,” she says. For defined pieces, Tauber suggests applying a finishing cream to the fringe and hairline. Odele Air Dry Styler is a good option.
Angled Bob
Kelly Rowland has showcased various hairstyles, but this natural lob is a standout. Shorter, thick, textured hair can sometimes appear boxy, but not in this case. Long layers and a balanced protein-moisture treatment give Rowland’s lob a light and airy feel.
90s Supermodel Lob
Zendaya can effortlessly pull off any hairstyle, including short, thick hair. Hoang recommends applying a gel serum and blow-drying the hair. “At the hairline, use a tail comb to stretch out the hair for a polished look,” he advises. Create a classic curl set with a two-inch barrel tong. Brush out the curls, part your hair to the side, and apply hair oil to the ends for shine.
Wavy and Side-Swept
For a down-do, take inspiration from Anne Hathaway’s wavy, side-swept style. Create a deep side part. Curl your hair with a one-inch curling iron and apply Redken’s Rewind 06 Texturizing Styling Paste for texture. Sweep all your hair to one side.
Chin-Length Bob
Natalie Portman’s chin-length bob features a center part and loose waves. Part your hair down the middle and apply Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray. Use a wide barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Finger-comb your hair for a relaxed feel.
Waxy Pixie
This pixie hairstyle for thick hair is easy to recreate. Focus on the top section, creating loose waves. Apply Sexy Hair’s Healthy Sexy Hair Styling Paste and comb the hair back with your fingers.
Messy Bun with Accent Braids
Shailene Woodley’s messy bun is elevated with accent braids along her ear. Section off a two-inch section of hair at the hairline, moving toward your ear. Create two one-inch French braids, stopping behind your ear. Gather the remaining hair into a messy bun. Finish with Bumble and bumble’s Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray.
Choppy Bob Behind the Ears
For a casual style, sweep your bob behind your ears like Kristen Stewart. Tauber suggests applying a texture lotion, such as Enjoy Texture Cream, to damp hair and tousling it dry for a beachy texture. She recommends finishing with a lightweight wax for texture, separation, and shine. KMS Hairplay Dry Wax is a good choice.
Textured Messy Bun
This messy bun is full of texture. Apply Paul Mitchell’s Invisiblewear Undone Texture Hairspray. Gather your hair into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Loosen a few face-framing strands.
Bob with Defined Waves
Katy Perry’s bob is styled with defined waves. Use a hair waver instead of a curling iron. Create a deep side part and use Bed Head’s A Wave We Go Adjustable Deep Waver.
Middle-Part Curls
Thick hair makes growing out a hairstyle easier, especially with natural waves. “With the added lightness, curls will appear curlier and have more bounce,” says Macaluso. Ask your stylist for longer layers in the front to shape and emphasize your curls. After the cut, enhance your natural texture with a lightweight styling paste, like Redken’s Dry Shampoo Paste 05.
Brushed Back Bob
Emilia Clarke’s thick bob is brushed back for a simple, edgy style. Maintain your natural texture and add volume at the crown by teasing the roots. Apply Amika’s Got Grit Dry Texture Paste while combing the hair back with your fingers.
Fringed Bob
This short haircut features a piecey fringe. Apply IGK’s EXPENSIVE Hi-Shine Gloss Treatment to both your bangs and the rest of your hair for high-shine texture.
Volume and Bangs
For Taylor Swift’s voluminous style, start with towel-dried hair. Apply volumizing mousse to the roots and moisturizing cream from mid-shaft to ends. “Blow-dry the hair with a round brush for volume, ensuring the bangs have a slight bend to frame the face,” says Hoang.
“Once dry, apply Oribe’s Swept Up Volume Powder Spray to the crown and backcomb the roots for lift and texture,” adds Hoang. Pull your hair back into a low inverted twist, leaving a few wispy pieces around
the face. Hoang recommends using an anti-humidity spray to set the look and prevent frizz.
Braided Updo
Jada Pinkett Smith’s braided updo for short hair features multiple sections for definition. Hoang recommends running a styling cream (like Andalou Naturals Argan Oil & Shea Styling Cream) through the hair and parting it in the center. Create four separate three-strand braids and secure the ends with elastics. Pull out a few face-framing strands for a wispy, effortless look.
Edgy Pixie Cut
Nia Long’s pixie cut is styled in a clean, edgy way and is easy to achieve. Hoang advises prepping hair with a leave-in conditioner to detangle and prepare it for styling. Blow-dry the hair while smoothing it down with a flat brush. Apply heat protectant before flat ironing. For added height and volume, Hoang recommends using a molding paste on top.
Effortless Updo
This updo for short, thick hair is both sleek and effortless. Apply Shu Uemura’s Sheer Laquer Hair Spray before combing the hair back into a smooth, bump-free low bun. Loosen a few strands around the face for a perfectly imperfect updo.
Waxy Pixie
Ruby Rose’s pixie haircut is styled with wavy texture. With the sides kept short, the focus is on the top portion. Apply a small amount of Paul Mitchell’s Firm Style Super Clean Sculpting Gel to your fingers and comb the hair back, tousling it to create a slight wave.
Would you like the remaining hairstyles completed with the same detailed approach?
Styling Tips for Thick Hair
- Layer Strategically: Layers can help reduce bulk and make styling more manageable.
- Invest in Quality Products: From texturizing sprays to heat protectants, the right products make all the difference.
- Work with Your Texture: Embrace your natural volume and waves instead of fighting them.
Ready to make the chop? These 57 flattering hairstyles for thick hair prove that short styles are versatile, chic, and totally achievable. Whether you go for a classic bob, a bold pixie, or something in between, there’s a look here that’s perfect for you.
