Easy-to-manage hairstyles perfect for thick, luscious locks

Thick hair has a reputation for being both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, it’s full, healthy, and naturally voluminous. People pay good money for clip-in extensions to get what you have naturally! On the other hand, if you’ve ever tried to blow-dry a dense head of hair in July or wrestle it into a neat style before work, you know that “more hair” often means “more time.”

The truth is, thick hair doesn’t have to be high-maintenance if you have the right cut and a few go-to hairstyles that work with your natural texture and volume. Instead of fighting your hair into submission, the secret is learning to embrace what it does best, whether that’s holding a shape, creating big braids, or making even a simple bun look like an intentional, polished style.

This guide will walk you through the best easy-to-manage hairstyles for thick hair, tips for keeping them looking great, and some common pitfalls to avoid so your mane always feels like a blessing instead of a burden.

Why the right haircut changes everything for thick hair

Think of your haircut as the foundation for every style you’ll do. The wrong shape or length can make your hair feel bulky, shapeless, or just harder to deal with than it should be. The right cut, on the other hand, works with the density of your hair to make it easier to style, easier to dry, and more flattering overall.

With thick hair, weight removal is often key. This doesn’t necessarily mean going short—it means incorporating layers, texturing techniques, and the right length for your face shape and lifestyle. A skilled stylist will look at your hair’s texture (straight, wavy, curly, coily), how it behaves in humidity, and how much styling effort you want to put in each day before suggesting a cut.

If you’ve ever felt like your hair “just hangs there” or “takes forever to dry,” you’re probably overdue for a shape that lightens the load. And once you have that, you’ll find most of the styles in this list become much quicker to do.

Long layers are the easiest way to lighten and shape thick hair

If you love having long hair but hate the way it can feel heavy or blocky, long layers are your best friend. Layers remove bulk without making the ends look thin, which means you keep your volume while gaining movement.

The beauty of long layers is how versatile they are. They look great when air-dried for a casual day, curled for an evening out, or straightened for a sleek, professional look. And because the layers break up the weight, your hair is less likely to fall flat at the crown or puff out awkwardly at the ends.

How to style long layers quickly:

• Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to damp hair to help with detangling.
• If you’re air-drying, scrunch in a bit of curl cream or mousse to encourage natural waves.
• If you’re blow-drying, use a round brush at the crown to lift the roots for a little extra bounce.
• Finish with a light mist of shine spray to make the layers catch the light beautifully.

Extra tip: Ask for some face-framing layers as well. These will soften your features, make ponytails more flattering, and keep your hair from feeling like a heavy curtain around your face.

A lob gives you shape and style without losing versatility

The lob (long bob) has been a top choice for thick hair for years, and for good reason—it’s a perfect middle ground. It’s long enough to pull back into a ponytail or bun, but short enough that you’ll cut down significantly on styling time.

There are different ways to wear a lob, depending on your personal style:

• Blunt lob: Sleek and modern, great for straight or slightly wavy hair.
• Textured lob: Choppy ends and light layers make it casual and lived-in.
• A-line lob: Slightly longer in the front, which frames your face and gives a slimming effect.

How to style a lob effortlessly:

• If you have natural waves, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and let it air-dry for that beachy look.
• For a sleeker finish, blow-dry with a paddle brush and run a straightener lightly over the top layer.
• Want volume at the roots? Flip your head upside-down while drying for the last 30 seconds.

A lob is also forgiving between trims. Unlike some shorter cuts that lose their shape quickly, a lob can grow out gracefully for months without looking unkempt.

Braids are your thick hair’s secret weapon

Braids are the ultimate “look like you tried” style, even if you only spent five minutes on them. Thick hair gives you an advantage here—the fullness makes braids look substantial and intricate without much effort.

Some easy braid options for thick hair:

• Side braid: Perfect for casual days or running errands.
• French braid: Keeps hair secure and neat, even for active days.
• Fishtail braid: Looks intricate but is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it.
• Dutch braid: Creates a raised, rope-like effect that’s stunning on thick hair.

How to keep braids neat all day:

• Start with hair that’s slightly damp or has a bit of texture from dry shampoo—it’ll hold better.
• Use clear elastics at the ends to avoid a bulky knot.
• For a softer, boho look, gently pull at the edges of the braid to loosen it (“pancaking”).

Buns can be elegant, casual, or somewhere in between

One of the perks of thick hair is that your buns always look full and intentional. Even a messy bun can seem chic because you naturally have enough volume to give it shape.

You can go for:

• High buns: Great for hot weather or gym days.
• Low buns: Polished and elegant for work or evenings out.
• Messy buns: Effortless weekend style.

Quick bun-making tips for thick hair:

• Use a strong hair tie or even two ties stacked to keep the base secure.
• If your hair is heavy, pin sections separately instead of twisting all at once—this distributes the weight and feels more comfortable.
• Want extra polish? Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic and pin in place.

Ponytails don’t have to be boring

Ponytails are a classic, but with thick hair, you can elevate them into a real style statement.

• High ponytail: Playful, energetic, and shows off your hair’s thickness.
• Low ponytail: Sleek and professional.
• Wrapped-base ponytail: Hides the elastic for a cleaner finish.

How to avoid ponytail headaches with thick hair:

• Don’t pull it too tight—let the roots have a little give.
• Use a spiral hair tie or a bungee-style elastic to hold securely without too much tension.
• If your ponytail starts to droop during the day, add a small bobby pin vertically at the base to prop it up.

How to make thick hair more manageable for any style

Even the easiest hairstyle can turn frustrating if your hair isn’t prepped for it. A good routine makes all the difference. The key to making it work for any look, whether it’s a sleek blowout, a bouncy braid, or a casual messy bun, is all in the prep. 

When your hair is tamed, nourished, and strategically layered before you even pick up a brush or styling tool, the whole process becomes infinitely easier. With the right products, tools, and techniques, you can take your hair from “wild and willful” to “smooth and stunning” in a matter of minutes—no salon appointment required.

• Wash strategically: Overwashing can make thick hair dry, but underwashing can make it heavy. Aim for every 2–4 days, depending on your scalp.
• Condition generously: Mid-lengths to ends need moisture to stay smooth and frizz-free.
• Detangle in sections: Use a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends and working upward. If you suffer from dryness, be sure to add a bit of Lauren Ashtyn Moisture Repair Spray during this step! 
• Protect from heat: Always use a heat protectant spray if you’re blow-drying or using hot tools.
• Finish with a lightweight oil or serum: This adds shine and smooths without weighing your hair down.

What are some common mistakes to avoid with thick hair?

When you’ve been blessed with a head full of thick hair, it’s easy to assume that more is always more—but even the most enviable mane can fall victim to the wrong habits. Sometimes it’s not the styles themselves that cause frustration, but the small, everyday missteps that make your hair harder to manage than it needs to be. 

From product overload to brushing blunders, these common mistakes can lead to frizz, breakage, or just plain styling headaches. The good news? Once you know what to avoid, your hair will thank you with smoother, shinier, and more cooperative strands.

1. Skipping layers entirely
   Without layers, thick hair can look triangular or mushroom-like. Even subtle layers help break up the bulk.
2. Overusing heavy products
   It’s tempting to load up on creams, serums, and oils, but too much will weigh your hair down and make it feel greasy. Stick to lightweight formulas unless your hair is extremely coarse or dry.
3. Neglecting trims
   Split ends are more visible in thick hair because they tend to spread apart and create a frizzy halo. Trimming every 8–12 weeks keeps your styles looking neat.
4. Fighting your natural texture
   If your hair wants to be wavy, constantly straightening it will not only eat up time but also cause heat damage. Learn styles that enhance your natural look instead.
5. Using the wrong tools
   Small, flimsy brushes and elastics aren’t made for thick hair. Invest in sturdy tools—a large paddle brush, quality hair ties, and strong bobby pins will save you frustration.
6. Ignoring product distribution
   With thick hair, it’s easy to apply styling products only to the top layer, leaving the underneath dry or frizzy. Work in sections so every strand gets attention.

Loving your thick hair starts with styles that work for you

At the end of the day, thick hair is a blessing, one that offers endless styling possibilities when you know how to work with it instead of against it. Whether you gravitate toward long, flowing layers, playful braids, sleek ponytails, or effortless updos, the key is finding styles that enhance your hair’s natural volume while keeping your daily routine stress-free.

By embracing low-maintenance techniques, avoiding common styling mistakes, and choosing cuts that suit both your texture and your lifestyle, you’ll spend less time battling tangles and more time feeling confident in your look.

So go ahead! Experiment, play around, and find your signature style. Thick hair isn’t just something you manage; it’s a crown you wear every single day. With the right cuts, styles, and care, it can be both beautiful and blissfully easy to handle.