Thick hair is a gift – full, strong, and naturally eye-catching, but anyone who has it knows it can be a double-edged sword. Heaviness, humidity, and unruly texture is often the price to pay for having thick hair! Thick hair is incredibly versatile: it holds shape beautifully, delivers effortless volume, and provides a solid foundation for almost any style. If you’re looking to revamp your thick hair, the experts at Rush are specialists in cutting and styling men’s thick hair for any lifestyle or face shape. In this guide, you will find 30 styles to consider, styling products and maintenance advice.
Understanding Thick Hair: Benefits and Challenges
Thick hair is defined by three key factors: density, diameter, and volume. This combination gives it impressive strength. Thick hair holds its shape with ease, responds well to structured styles, and is often more resilient and slightly coarser than finer textures. But with all that fullness comes a few challenges: excess bulk, heat retention, taking longer to dry, frizz and often being harder to manage. Thick hair is a gift if it’s cut right, adding structure, volume, and longevity many hair types can’t match. Rush stylists understand how to work with density and texture, not against it, creating custom cuts that enhance your natural volume.
Top 40 Hairstyles For Men With Thick Hair
1. The Classic Pompadour
Description:
A timeless style that combines height, structure, and elegance, the pompadour features longer hair on top swept upward and backward, contrasting with neatly tapered sides. It offers a bold, confident aesthetic that’s ideal for both formal and casual looks.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think David Beckham or Bruno Mars, who’ve both made the classic pompadour a signature look polished, modern, and effortlessly stylish.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides the natural volume and density needed to hold the pompadour’s signature height. It resists collapse, keeping its shape throughout the day with minimal effort.
Styling Tips:
After towel-drying, apply a strong-hold volumising mousse or matte clay through the roots. Blow-dry upward using a round brush to create lift, then finish with a light-hold spray for flexible control. Rush stylists recommend keeping the sides neatly faded to emphasise the crown height.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape and side taper. Use a clarifying shampoo weekly to prevent product build-up.
2. The Textured Quiff
Description:
The textured quiff is a contemporary style that blends lift, movement, and an easy-going finish. With medium length on top, it’s designed to look intentionally tousled, offering height at the front, while the tapered sides keep everything looking polished.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Chris Hemsworth and Zac Efron, both favour the textured quiff for its effortless volume and relaxed, natural texture.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally supports the quiff’s height and voluminous appearance. Its fullness helps the style keep its structure throughout the day, while textured cutting techniques remove unwanted bulk, making it feel lighter and easier to manage.
Styling Tips:
Apply a sea-salt spray to towel-dried hair, then blow-dry from the root upwards to build volume. Add a matte paste to define the texture and keep the finish tousled.
Maintenance:
A tidy-up every 4 – 6 weeks keeps the sides sharp and the top balanced. Pair with a lightweight conditioner to reduce frizz and keep thick hair smooth.
3. Slick Back
Description:
The slick back is a refined, minimalist style that prioritises clean lines and smooth structure. Hair is kept longer on top and combed straight back for a sleek, controlled finish, while the sides are tapered or faded to enhance the cut’s silhouette. It’s a versatile look that works for both sharp, formal styling and relaxed, modern day-to-day wear.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think of actors like Keanu Reeves or Michael B. Jordan, both known for wearing the slick back in a way that feels polished, contemporary, and effortlessly confident.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair offers the density and strength needed to achieve a solid, sculpted slick-back shape. Its natural heaviness keeps the style in place, helping to maintain a smooth finish throughout the day.
Styling Tips:
On towel-dried hair, apply a strong-hold pomade. Use a comb to sweep the hair back for a sleek, polished look.
Maintenance:
Book a trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the top length and side taper. Use a clarifying shampoo weekly to remove product build-up and keep the hair looking glossy, clean, and well-defined.
4. Crew Cut
Description:
The crew cut is a clean, low-maintenance classic defined by short length on top that gradually tapers down the sides and back. It’s neat, sharp silhouette creates a fresh, structured look that suits almost any occasion.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Actors like Chris Evans or Idris Elba often wear variations of the crew cut that look crisp, confident, and effortlessly smart.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair gives the crew cut its signature tidy shape and fullness. The density of thick hair ensures the top still looks voluminous, while the taper removes some of the bulk from the sides.
Styling Tips:
Although the crew cut needs minimal styling, a small amount of matte cream can be worked through the top to enhance texture and keep everything neatly in place.
Maintenance:
Visit the salon every 3 – 5 weeks to maintain the sharp taper and clean outline. Use a hydrating conditioner to keep thick hair soft and manageable.
5. Taper Fade
Description:
The taper fade is a sharp, contemporary style defined by gradually shorter lengths down the sides and back, blending seamlessly into longer hair on top. This smooth transition creates a clean, sculpted look that’s both modern and versatile – the perfect cut for every occasion.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think of celebrities like Drake or Michael B. Jordan, who frequently sport taper fades that look polished, balanced, and effortlessly stylish.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally enhances the taper fade’s structure. Its density allows the top to maintain shape and volume, while the fading removes bulk and weight from the sides, creating a crisp silhouette that stays neat with minimal effort.
Styling Tips:
Apply a small amount of matte paste, cream, or sea-salt spray to the top to define texture or add subtle lift. Whether you prefer a natural finish or something more controlled, the fade keeps the overall look sharp.
Maintenance:
For a consistently clean taper, book a refresh every 3 – 4 weeks. Use a lightweight moisturising conditioner to keep thick hair smooth and prevent dryness for the shorter lengths.
6. Undercut
Description:
The undercut is a bold, eye-catching style defined by a clear contrast between longer hair on top and shaved sides. This sharp separation creates a structured silhouette that can be worn sleek or textured, making it one of the most versatile looks for everyday or dressed-up styling.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Brad Pitt or Zayn Malik, both known for wearing the undercut in ways that feel edgy, contemporary, and effortlessly cool.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair gives the undercut plenty of volume and styling freedom. The density on top holds shape easily, while the short sides remove bulk. This makes the overall look lighter and more manageable.
Styling Tips:
Use a matte clay, pomade, or texture spray depending on the finish you prefer. Sweep the top back for a cleaner, more polished look.
Maintenance:
To keep the contrast sharp, schedule a refresh every 3 – 5 weeks. A weekly clarifying shampoo will help to prevent product build-up. Pair with a hydrating conditioner to keep hair hydrated and easy to style.
7. Modern Side Part
Description:
The modern side part is a timeless yet contemporary style that combines sophistication with versatility. Hair is neatly parted to one side, with longer lengths on top blended into shorter, tapered sides, making for a polished, sculpted look.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Ryan Reynolds or David Beckham, who frequently wear a side part that looks refined and effortlessly chic.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally enhances the side part, providing volume and density that holds the shape throughout the day. Its strength allows the part to stay defined while giving the style a full, structured finish.
Styling Tips:
Apply a light hold cream to towel-dried hair. Use a comb to create a precise part, sweeping the top into place while keeping the sides neat.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the tapered sides and clean part. Use a hydrating conditioner to keep thick hair smooth, manageable, and free from frizz, preserving the style’s polished, structured appearance.
8. Textured Crop
Description:
The textured crop is a modern, low-maintenance style characterised by short, choppy layers on top with a slightly tapered finish on the sides. Its tousled texture creates an effortless look that works well for both casual and professional settings.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think of Robert Pattinson or Jake Gyllenhaal, who often sport textured crops that look stylish, modern, and easy to wear.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair is perfect for a textured crop because its natural density gives the cut structure and fullness. The layers remove bulk and create movement, preventing thick hair from appearing too heavy or flat.
Styling Tips:
Work a small amount of texturising cream through damp hair. Use your fingers to tousle and define the layers, creating a controlled but messy finish.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the layers sharp and the sides tidy. Use a lightweight conditioner to keep thick hair soft and manageable.
9. High Fade with Voluminous Top
Description:
The high fade with a voluminous top is a bold, modern style that combines a dramatic short-to-long contrast with striking height on top. The sides and back are clipped high and gradually faded, while the top is left longer to create natural lift and movement.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Zayn Malik or Harry Styles, who frequently wear high fades with textured, voluminous tops that feel sharp and effortlessly stylish.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides the natural volume and strength needed to hold the elevated top, while the high fade removes bulk from the sides for a cleaner, lighter finish. This combination enhances the contrast, giving the style structure, height, and long-lasting shape.
Styling Tips:
After towel-drying, apply a volumising mousse or matte paste to the roots and work through the top. Blow-dry with a round brush to amp up that tousled texture.
Maintenance:
Trim every 3 – 5 weeks to maintain the fade and top shape. Use a lightweight conditioner to keep thick hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free.
10. Curly Top Fade
Description:
The curly top fade is a contemporary style that pairs naturally curly hair on top with neatly faded sides and back. This contrast highlights the curls’ texture while keeping the overall look clean and structured. It’s a versatile style that works for both casual and professional settings.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Lil Nas X wears a curly top fade that looks effortlessly stylish and modern.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick, curly hair holds shape naturally, giving the top section volume and definition without extra effort. The fade on the sides removes bulk and weight, making the style easier to manage, whilst emphasising the curls’ natural pattern.
Styling Tips:
Apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair. Use your fingers to define curls and encourage lift at the roots to achieve that ‘un-done’ look.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the fade crisp and the curls defined. Use a hydrating conditioner or leave-in treatment to reduce frizz and keep thick curls soft, healthy, and manageable.
11. Short Spiky Crop
Description:
The short spiky crop is a bold, textured style characterised by short, choppy layers that are styled upward to create definition and movement. Its slightly edgy finish makes it versatile for both casual and modern professional looks, giving thick hair a structured appearance.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Robert Pattinson or Brad Pitt, who have both sported spiky, textured crops that feel modern and stylishly playful.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides natural volume and resilience, making it perfect for holding spiky textures in place. The cut removes excess bulk while emphasising structure, ensuring the style looks lively and controlled without feeling heavy or flat.
Styling Tips:
Apply a matte paste or texturising cream to towel-dried hair, then use your fingers to lift and define the spikey texture.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the shape and keep the layers looking sharp. Blow-dry with a round brush or allow the hair to air dry naturally to amp up that tousled texture.
12. Faux Hawk
Description:
The faux hawk is a daring, contemporary style featuring longer hair in the centre of the head styled upward and toward the middle, with shorter, tapered, or faded sides.
Celebrity Inspiration:
David Beckham rocks a faux hawk that look modern, confident, and effortlessly stylish.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides the natural volume and strength needed to hold the height and shape of a faux hawk. The hair’s natural density ensures the centre stays full and defined, while the shorter sides reduce bulk and create a clean, balanced contrast.
Styling Tips:
Apply a strong-hold gel to towel-dried hair. Use your hands to lift and shape the from the root, creating texture and height. Add a sea-salt spray for extra definition and texture.
Maintenance:
Trim every 3 – 5 weeks to maintain the fade and keep hair at a manageable length. Use a hydrating conditioner or light styling cream to keep thick hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free, ensuring the faux hawk stays structured and dynamic.
13. Hard Part Comb-Over
Description:
The hard part comb-over is a sharp, polished style defined by a precise, shaved part and longer hair swept neatly to one side. This creates a striking contrast between the structured side and the voluminous top, resulting in a clean, professional, and contemporary look.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Henry Cavill has sported a hard part comb-over on the red carpet, exuding sophistication.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally supports the comb-over’s volume and structure, allowing the top to hold shape while the hard part remains defined. Its density makes the style resilient throughout the day, preventing the part from losing its shape.
Styling Tips:
Use a fine-tooth comb to create the parting, then sweep the top neatly to one side with a medium-hold gel.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the sides sharp and the part clean. Use a lightweight conditioner to maintain thick hair’s softness and manageability.
14. French Crop
Description:
The French crop is a stylish, low-maintenance cut featuring short hair on the sides with slightly longer hair on top, often styled forward with a fringe. Its textured, choppy finish creates a modern, relaxed look. The French crop works well for everyday wear thanks to its smart, structured appearance.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Robert Pattinson and Timothée Chalamet have both worn French crops that combine effortless texture with contemporary style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair adds natural fullness and structure to the French crop, allowing the top to retain its shape and texture. Its density helps the fringe hold without collapsing, while the shorter sides remove bulk, making the style easy to manage.
Styling Tips:
Apply a small amount of matte paste or styling cream to towel-dried hair and use your fingers to define the fringe and textured layers.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the sides tidy and the top balanced. Use a lightweight conditioner to keep thick hair soft and manageable, ensuring the French crop stays structured and textured.
15. Caesar Cut
Description:
The Caesar cut is a classic, timeless style characterised by short, uniform length all around with a small, horizontal fringe at the front. It’s clean, minimalist shape creates a sharp, structured look, whilst offering low-maintenance sophistication.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Colin Farrell is a fan of the Caesar cut for its contemporary, polished finish.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair gives the Caesar cut natural density and strength, allowing the fringe and top to hold shape throughout the day. Its thickness also ensures the uniform length doesn’t appear flat, adding texture and definition.
Styling Tips:
Apply a small amount of matte styling cream to damp hair and comb forward to define the fringe.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to preserve the uniform length and sharp fringe. Use a lightweight conditioner to keep thick hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free.
16. Angular Fringe
Description:
The angular fringe is a modern, edgy style featuring longer hair at the front cut at a sharp, diagonal angle that tapers toward the sides. The top is left textured and layered, creating movement and a striking, contemporary silhouette that works for casual and fashion-forward looks alike.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Timothée Chalamet or Jacob Elordi, who often wear angular fringes that combine effortless texture with bold, modern style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally supports the angular fringe’s shape and volume, allowing the diagonal cut to hold and frame the face effectively. Its density provides structure, while the layered top prevents heaviness and adds movement.
Styling Tips:
Work a light texturising spray through towel-dried hair, using your fingers to define the angled fringe and enhance the layered texture.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the angular shape and prevent the fringe from becoming heavy. Use a lightweight hairspray to ensure the angular fringe stays structured and stylish.
17. Blowout Fade
Description:
The blowout fade is a bold, contemporary style featuring longer hair on top that is styled upward and back, creating dramatic volume, while the sides and back are sharply faded. This high-contrast look combines height, texture, and precision for a modern, eye-catching finish.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Zayn Malik or Justin Bieber, who have both worn blowout fades that are stylish, dynamic, and effortlessly modern.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally holds the height and volume of the blowout, allowing the top to maintain its lifted, textured shape.
Styling Tips:
Apply a volumising mousse to towel-dried hair and blow-dry upward using a round brush to create maximum lift. Finish with a light-hold spray for long-lasting volume.
Maintenance:
Trim every 3 – 5 weeks to maintain the sharp fade and top shape. Use a lightweight oil to ensure the blowout fade remains nourished and striking.
18. Modern Mullet
Description:
The modern mullet is a contemporary twist on a classic cut, featuring shorter hair at the front and sides with longer lengths at the back. This versatile style combines edgy, fashion-forward flair with everyday wearability, offering a bold statement while maintaining structure and balance.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Harry Styles or Jacob Elordi, who have embraced modern mullets that are stylish, dynamic, and effortlessly cool.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair adds natural volume and resilience to the modern mullet, helping the longer back maintain its shape while the shorter front and sides stay controlled.
Styling Tips:
Use a matte styling paste on towel-dried hair to define the layers with your fingers, sweeping the longer lengths back naturally while keeping the front and sides neat. Allow the hair to air dry to achieve that ‘un-done’ look.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the shorter sections tidy and maintain the shape of the back.
19. Textured Mohawk
Description:
The textured mohawk is a bold, modern style featuring longer, choppy hair along the centre of the head with closely cropped or faded sides. Its deliberately messy, layered texture creates movement and edge, making it perfect for a striking, contemporary look that works in casual or fashion-forward settings.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Adam Levine or David Beckham, who have both sported textured mohawks that combine structure with a relaxed, effortless style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally holds the height and texture of the mohawk, allowing the central strip to maintain volume and shape throughout the day.
Styling Tips:
Apply a strong-hold hairspray and use your fingers to lift and separate the layers along the central strip.
Maintenance:
Trim every 3 – 5 weeks to maintain the fade or cropped sides and the length of the centre. Use a lightweight conditioner to keep thick hair frizz-free and healthy.
20. Low Fade with Textured Top
Description:
The low fade with textured top is a modern, versatile style featuring a gradual fade starting just above the ears, paired with longer, textured hair on top. This creates a balanced, contemporary look that works for both casual and professional settings, highlighting natural volume and movement.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think of Chris and Liam Hemsworth, who often wear low fades with textured tops that feel stylish, effortless, and perfectly suited for thick hair.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides natural density and structure, allowing the textured top to hold shape and volume all day. The low fade reduces bulk around the sides and back, making the style easier to manage, whilst emphasising the contrast with the longer hair on the top.
Styling Tips:
Apply a mattifying clay to towel-dried hair. Use your fingers to tousle and define layers, enhancing the natural texture.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the fade and keep the top neat, yet textured.
21. Side-Swept Fringe
Description:
The side-swept fringe is a stylish, contemporary cut, featuring longer hair at the front that is swept diagonally across the forehead, paired with shorter, tapered sides.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Timothée Chalamet or Zayn Malik, who often wear side-swept fringes that combine effortless texture with a modern, polished style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally supports the fringe’s shape and volume, allowing it to hold its sweep and frame the face effectively. Its density adds structure while the layered top prevents heaviness, creating a soft yet defined finish.
Styling Tips:
Apply a light-to-medium hold styling cream and use your fingers to sweep the fringe to one side, defining layers for natural movement.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the fringe’s length and shape.
22. Tapered Afro
Description:
The tapered afro is a modern, clean take on the classic afro, featuring longer, textured hair on top that gradually shortens towards the neck. This creates a balanced, structured silhouette that highlights natural curls while keeping the overall look neat and polished.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Jaden Smith often wears tapered afros that combine bold texture with contemporary style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick, curly hair naturally holds the shape and volume of a tapered afro, giving the top height and density while the tapered sides reduce bulk for a cleaner, more manageable finish. The cut enhances natural texture without compromising structure.
Styling Tips:
Use a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner on damp hair. Define curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, maintaining the taper’s clean lines.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the taper and overall shape. Regularly use a deep-conditioning mask to keep thick curls soft, healthy, and frizz-free.
23. Disconnected Undercut
Description:
The disconnected undercut is a bold, contemporary style where the top is left significantly longer, whilst the sides and back are clipped short, creating a sharp contrast between lengths. This striking look is versatile and edgy.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Brad Pitt or Zayn Malik, who have both sported disconnected undercuts that feel modern, dynamic, and effortlessly stylish.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides natural volume and structure to the longer top, allowing it to hold shape and movement, while the short sides emphasise the dramatic contrast.
Styling Tips:
Apply a strong-hold matte paste and comb through to shape the top, creating texture or sleekness depending on your preference.
Maintenance:
Trim every 3 – 5 weeks to maintain the sharp contrast between top and sides. Use a lightweight conditioner to keep thick hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free.
24. Curly Shag
Description:
The curly shag is a relaxed, textured style featuring layered curls throughout the top and sides, creating movement, volume, and a modern, effortless silhouette.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet both love their curly shag cuts. This style combines playful texture with contemporary sophistication.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick, curly hair naturally holds the layers and volume of a curly shag, enhancing its bouncy, full-bodied shape.
Styling Tips:
Use a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner on damp hair. Define curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, allowing the hair to air dry to achieve that ‘un-done’ look.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to keep layers fresh and curls defined. Invest in a good-quality curl regimen to keep your curls looking their best.
25. Buzz Cut with Beard
Description:
The buzz cut with beard is a clean, low-maintenance style featuring evenly clipped short hair all over the scalp, paired with a well-groomed beard. This combination creates a bold, masculine look that balances simplicity with a strong, structured aesthetic.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Jake Gyllenhaal or Chris Evans, who often pair a buzz cut with a neatly shaped beard for a modern, confident style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair ensures the buzz cut appears dense and uniform, while also complimenting a full beard. Its natural volume and texture give the look a solid, well-defined presence that is both rugged and refined.
Styling Tips:
Use a set of clippers to maintain an even length across the scalp. Shape and trim the beard regularly to compliment the buzz cut and enhance facial features.
Maintenance:
Trim the hair every 2 – 4 weeks to maintain a crisp, even buzz. Keep the beard conditioned and neatly shaped to match the haircut.
26. Long Top with Short Sides
Description:
The long top with short sides is a versatile, modern style featuring significantly longer hair on top contrasted with closely cropped or faded sides. This creates a bold, structured look that highlights volume and texture on top, while keeping the overall style clean and easy to maintain.
Celebrity Inspiration:
David Beckham often wears variations of this cut, combining contemporary edge with effortless style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally supports the long top, giving it shape, volume, and movement throughout the day. The short sides reduce bulk and enhance contrast, making the style more manageable while emphasising the fullness and texture of the top.
Styling Tips:
Apply a matte paste or styling clay to towel-dried hair. Use fingers or a comb to shape the top, creating volume, texture, or a sleek finish depending on preference.
Maintenance:
Trim the sides every 3 – 5 weeks to keep the contrast sharp and the top every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain length and shape.
27. Short Curly Crop
Description:
The short curly crop is a stylish, low-maintenance cut featuring tightly cropped hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer, textured curls on top. This creates a clean, modern look that highlights natural curl while keeping the style controlled and manageable.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Nicolas Hoult or Rami Malek, who often wear short curly crops that combine effortless texture with contemporary style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick, curly hair gives the crop natural volume and resilience, allowing the curls on top to hold their shape while the shorter sides reduce bulk. Its density ensures the style looks full and textured without appearing heavy or unruly.
Styling Tips:
Apply a curl-enhancing cream or light mousse to damp hair. Use your fingers to define the curls on top, keeping the sides neat and tidy.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the length and shape. Regularly moisturise and condition to keep thick curls soft and manageable.
28. Surfer Waves
Description:
The surfer waves style is a relaxed, textured cut featuring medium-length hair with natural, tousled waves that create effortless movement and volume. This casual, beach-ready look works well for thick hair, offering a carefree, stylish vibe that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Think Chris Hemsworth or Jason Momoa, who have both sported surfer waves that combine natural texture with a laid-back, modern aesthetic.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally enhances the waves, giving them body, resilience, and definition.
Styling Tips:
Apply a sea salt spray or lightweight texturising cream to damp hair. Scrunch the hair with your fingers while blow-drying or let the hair air-dry naturally to enhance natural waves.
Maintenance:
Trim every 6 – 8 weeks to keep ends healthy and maintain shape. Regular conditioning helps keep thick hair soft and hydrated.
29. Soft Curtain Fringe
Description:
The soft curtain fringe is a modern, versatile style featuring longer hair at the front parted down the middle, gently framing the face. Paired with shorter or tapered sides, it creates a relaxed, stylish silhouette that works for both casual and polished looks.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Timothée Chalamet often wears a soft curtain fringe that perfectly matches his aesthetic.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally supports the fringe, giving it body and shape while allowing it to drape smoothly.
Styling Tips:
Apply a light styling cream or texturising paste to damp hair. Use your fingers to part the fringe and enhance its soft, flowing texture.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the length and shape of the fringe.
30. Bro flow
Description:
The bro flow is a relaxed, medium-to-long hairstyle where the hair naturally sweeps back away from the face, creating effortless movement and a laid-back silhouette. It looks best when the hair grows long enough to tuck behind the ears, giving it a casual but intentionally styled feel.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Keanu Reeves is well known for his bro flow, often wearing it with natural movement and minimal styling.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides the fullness and weight needed for the bro flow to sit back smoothly while still maintaining body and shape as it grows.
Styling Tips:
Apply a light leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream to damp hair, then use your fingers to comb the hair backward. Air-dry for a natural finish or diffuse gently for added shape.
Maintenance:
Trim every 10–12 weeks to keep ends healthy while allowing the length to grow and maintain its flowing structure.
31. Long Wavy Layers
Description:
Long wavy layers create a natural, flowing look that adds movement and dimension throughout the hair. The layered lengths remove heaviness while enhancing the hair’s natural wave pattern, resulting in a relaxed yet refined shape that suits both casual and dressed-up styles.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Jason Momoa often wears long wavy layers that showcase fullness and effortless texture.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair holds layered shapes exceptionally well, preventing the style from looking flat while allowing waves to fall with fullness and control.
Styling Tips:
Use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair and scrunch gently to define waves. Let it air-dry or diffuse for added texture.
Maintenance:
Trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain the layered structure and prevent split ends.
32. Wavy Quiff
Description:
The wavy quiff combines classic volume with natural movement, featuring longer hair on top that’s swept upward and back while the sides remain shorter for balance. Its textured shape gives a stylish yet easygoing feel.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Harry Styles frequently sports a wavy quiff that showcases his signature volume and texture.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair creates natural lift and density, allowing the quiff to maintain height without collapsing.
Styling Tips:
Work a medium-hold mousse or sea-salt spray into damp hair, then blow-dry upward with your fingers or a vent brush to build volume.
Maintenance:
Visit the barber every 4–6 weeks to keep the sides tidy and the top length shaped.
33. Brush Up
Description:
The brush-up features short sides with medium-to-long hair on top that is lifted straight upward for a sharp, clean, and structured look. It’s a great style for adding height and drawing attention to facial features.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Zac Efron has often worn a brush-up style that shows off its sleek vertical volume.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair naturally stays upright and full, making it easy to build height without heavy styling products.
Styling Tips:
Use a volumising spray at the roots, then blow-dry the hair upward. Finish with a matte paste or light pomade for hold.
Maintenance:
A trim every 3–5 weeks keeps the sides neat and prevents the top from growing too heavy.
34. Mid Fade with Pompadour
Description:
This style pairs a smooth mid fade on the sides with a longer, fuller top that’s swept back in a controlled pompadour shape. It creates a clean contrast between sharp fades and voluminous top styling.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Bruno Mars has worn variations of a pompadour with faded sides, showcasing bold height and structure.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair provides natural density that helps build dramatic lift while keeping the pompadour polished and full.
Styling Tips:
Blow-dry the top backward using a round brush to create shape. Apply a strong-hold pomade or wax for definition and staying power.
Maintenance:
Fades require touch-ups every 2–4 weeks to stay sharp; the top can be trimmed every 6–8 weeks.
35. Layered Medium-Length Cut
Description:
A layered medium-length cut offers structure, movement, and a balanced silhouette, with layers strategically placed to remove bulk and enhance natural flow. It’s versatile enough for both textured and smooth looks.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Chris Hemsworth has sported medium layered cuts that enhance his thick, textured hair.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Layers lighten heaviness and prevent triangle-shaped bulk while allowing thick hair to fall naturally with shape.
Styling Tips:
Use a lightweight cream or texture spray, then scrunch or finger-comb for a natural finish.
Maintenance:
Trim every 6–10 weeks to keep the layers balanced and maintain overall shape.
36. Tousled Bedhead Look, Classic Scissor Cut
Description:
The tousled bedhead style embraces natural texture and effortless movement, with medium-length hair left intentionally messy for a relaxed, undone effect. It gives a cool, casual vibe without looking sloppy.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Robert Pattinson frequently showcases a tousled, bedhead aesthetic that feels intentionally dishevelled.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair holds messy volume beautifully, giving the style texture without looking flat or stringy.
Styling Tips:
Apply a light texturising spray or matte clay to dry hair, using your fingers to create separation and controlled chaos.
Maintenance:
A light trim every 6–8 weeks prevents overgrowth while keeping the style effortlessly textured.
37. Slicked Slide Pompadour
Description:
The slicked side pompadour combines strong side direction with dramatic top volume, creating a sleek, vintage-inspired shape. The hair is swept up and to the side for a structured, polished silhouette.
Celebrity Inspiration:
David Beckham has worn various slicked pompadours that highlight strong structure and clean lines.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair maintains height and slicked definition easily, ensuring the style stays in place throughout the day.
Styling Tips:
Use a firm-hold pomade, combing the top up and to the side. Blow-drying beforehand creates a stronger pompadour shape.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the sides tidy and the pompadour well-defined.
38. Classic Scissor Cut
Description:
The classic scissor cut is a clean, timeless style created solely with scissors for a natural, tailored finish. It features balanced length on top and sides, offering structure without harsh fades.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Ryan Gosling often wears a classic scissor cut that’s polished yet soft around the edges.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Scissor techniques allow barbers to tailor bulk removal precisely, keeping thick hair manageable while retaining its natural body.
Styling Tips:
Use a small amount of lightweight cream to keep the hair neat while maintaining natural movement.
Maintenance:
Trim every 4–6 weeks to hold the shape and keep the edges clean.
39. Ivy League
Description:
The Ivy League is a short, refined style with a slightly longer top that can be neatly side-parted. It strikes the perfect balance between clean and stylish, offering a collegiate, well-groomed look.
Celebrity Inspiration:
Matt Damon has showcased Ivy League cuts that embody the classic and polished nature of the style.
Why It Works for Thick Hair:
Thick hair gives the top enough fullness to hold a clean part while keeping the sides tidy and structured.
Styling Tips:
Apply a small amount of light pomade or cream and create a defined part with a comb.
Maintenance:
Trim every 3–5 weeks to maintain the clean, tidy silhouette.
Styling And Maintenance Tips For Thick Hair
Product Essentials
When styling thick hair, using the right products is key to maintaining control, without losing too much natural volume. Lightweight clays, texturising sprays, and matte pomades are ideal for defining texture, definition and holding shape, whilst keeping the hair flexible. Heavy creams or waxy products should be avoided, as they can weigh hair down, losing the hair’s natural body. For expert-approved results, Rush stylists recommend products from Kérastase, Redken, and American Crew. Products from these lines provide the perfect balance of control, texture, and movement for thick hair.
Blow-Drying Techniques
Start by gently towel-drying hair to remove excess water and avoid frizz. Use your hairdryer and a round brush to lift the roots, working in sections for even control whilst maintain the body and volume of thick hair.
Regular Upkeep
To keep thick hair looking its best, schedule a trim every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain the cut’s structure and prevent excess bulk. Compliment this with a deep conditioning treatment once a month to soften thicker hair, making it more manageable. For a polished, professional finish, book a refresh at Rush.
Book Your Rush Appointment
Rush stylists customise thick-haircuts using thinning scissors, blending and texture cutting, along with offering a range of in-salon services for men, such as Gents Cut & Finish. Visit your nearest Rush Salon for a personalised men’s styling consultation, designed to make the most of your thick hair.
FAQ's
What is the best haircut for thick hair?
Long layers and textured cuts can help remove excess weight of thick hair, making the hair more manageable and reducing bulk.
How can I make my thick hair easier to style?
Use a nourishing leave-in conditioner and style in sections; asking your stylist to thin certain areas can also make daily styling easier.
What’s the best product for thick hair?
Light smoothing creams or lightweight leave-ins help control volume and frizz without making hair feel heavy.
How often should I cut my thick hair?
A trim every 4 – 6 weeks keeps the shape tidy, prevents heaviness at the ends, maintaining easier and sharper styling.
How to stop thick hair from getting frizzy after washing?
Invest in a good-quality hydrating shampoo and conditioner and avoid heat styling where possible.


