PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Thick hair on guys is the best—you've got natural volume and tons to work with for styling. But it definitely comes with a few unique challenges, too, so how can you make the most of your look? We've covered everything you need to know below. From hairstyles to styling tips to maintenance, we're teaching you how to style your awesome, thick hair.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Mens Hairstyles for Thick Hair

PDF download Download Article
  1. Short, thick hair that is choppy and textured on top will look more styled than if it were all one length. When you're ready to style it, you can spike it up or brush it off to one side.
  2. Undercuts are long on top and short on the sides and nape of the head, so you can still have length without your hair being unruly or in your face all the time. Undercuts work best with thick hair because the long hair on top can support itself and maintain volume after you style it.
    Advertisement
  3. When thick hair gets long, it can get weighed down and hard to manage. Pulling your hair back in a bun or ponytail is an easy, stylish way to keep your long, thick hair out of your face. Experiment with wearing your bun or ponytail high or low on your head.
  4. Thinning shears are hair cutting scissors designed to thin out thick hair.[1] The next time you go to get your hair cut, tell your stylist you want your hair thinned out and see if they recommended thinning shears.[2]
    • Avoid using thinning shears if you have coarse hair. Thinning shears can actually make coarse hair appear thicker.
  5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Styling Tips

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hair products usually have 3 types of holds: low, medium, and high. Since thick hair tends to be heavier, a product with high hold is helpful when you’re trying to get it to stay up after you style it. When you’re shopping for hair products, they should say on the label what kind of hold they have.[3]
    • If you have coarse thick hair, you may be able to use products with weaker holds since your hair can stand up on its own more easily.
  2. Thicker products will give you more control over your hair than lighter products, and you won't have to worry about them weighing your hair down since thick hair is better able to support itself.[4]
  3. Hair serums are liquid products that reduce frizziness and tangles in the hair. A hair serum can make your thick hair easier to style by smoothing out the individual hairs on your head so they feel and appear thinner. To use a hair serum, pump a dime-sized amount on your hand and work it into your hair. Then, style your hair like normal.[5]
    • A little hair serum goes a long way, so be careful not to use too much. A dime-sized amount is usually plenty.
  4. Wide-toothed combs are better suited for thick hair since they have more space for the hair to pass through. Use a wide-toothed comb to style your hair into place and brush out any knots or tangles.[6]
  5. Brushing up your thick hair and applying a clay or wax to hold it in place can create a nice, voluminous look. Thick hair can support itself at longer lengths than thin hair can, so you can still create this style if your hair is on the longer side. If your hair is longer than 7 inches (18 cm), it may start to weigh itself down and fall flat.[7]
  6. Apply a dime-sized amount of clay or wax to your hands and rub them together. Then, run your hands through your hair from the front of your hairline to the back of your head. Don’t forget to brush the sides back as well. A slicked-back style is a great way to get long, thick hair out of your face.
  7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Haircare Tips

PDF download Download Article
  1. Thick hair doesn't need to be washed as frequently as thin hair does, so you can get away with not shampooing every day. In fact, washing your hair every other day will keep it healthier, since it won't get as dry and prone to breakage.[8]
    • If you have oily skin and hair, you may need to wash your hair every day so it doesn't get greasy.
  2. A moisturizing conditioner will help make your thick hair smoother and more manageable. Look for conditioners that say “moisturizing” or “deep conditioning” on the bottle.[9] Condition your hair in the shower right after you shampoo it.[10]
  3. Clarifying shampoos are stronger and more deep-cleaning than regular shampoos, and they’re great at washing out hair products that build up on hair, like waxes, creams, and hairsprays. Since thick hair is more prone to buildup, washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo once a week will keep your thick hair soft and clean.[11]
    • Clarifying shampoos can be harsh on hair, so don’t use one more than once a week.
    • Minimize dryness by using a moisturizing conditioner after you wash with a clarifying shampoo.
  4. Part of the challenge of styling thick hair is how much volume it has. That's why air drying is a good idea when you have thick hair — it prevents excess volume.[12]
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use hair wax after applying serum?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can, but it will be hard to get the wax out of your hair, so it might not be a great idea.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

About This Article

Arthur Sebastian
Co-authored by:
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Arthur Sebastian and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google. This article has been viewed 84,306 times.
2 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: October 26, 2024
Views: 84,306
Categories: Thick Hair
Article SummaryX

If you have short thick hair, go with a textured style and spike it up with a hair clay or wax. If you have medium-length thick hair, get an undercut so your hair is longer on the top and short on the sides and nape. To keep long thick hair out of your face, pull it up in a bun or ponytail. When styling your hair, use thick products that have high hold so your style stays in place. For more tips, like what comb you should use and how you should wash thick hair, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 84,306 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement