Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Uneek is known for her passionate commitment to natural black hair and holistic hair care. With years of experience as a hairstylist and a keen eye for staying current with trends, Uneek loves to inspire and empower the Black community to experiment with hairstyles and styling.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Sarah D’Angelo is a hairstylist and educator from Ontario, Canada, specializing in cutting and coloring naturally wavy, curly and super curly hair types. Sarah values growth and education and loves helping people embrace their natural texture. Her introduction to curl specific techniques in 2012, after almost a decade in the hairstyling industry, felt contradictory to everything she had learned; yet as a fellow curly person who could relate to its challenges, she recognized there was a need for inclusivity in hair education. Sarah enjoys the diversity and customization of working with her clients’ unique hair types. Her areas of expertise include dry hair cutting, hand-painted coloring techniques and product education. When not working behind the chair, Sarah loves to train new stylists, create tutorials, read and write.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
@gellalegaspi
When you’ve finally found the perfect shape to enhance your thick, wavy locks, you gain the freedom to play around with color and highlights. Adding warmth to black or brunette hair can totally transform it, so, a few chocolate brown highlights are a must.
Women with thick wavy hair often complain that their waves are difficult to style and resort to flat ironing as the only salvation from disobedient density. But why not use the unique qualities of your hair structure to your benefit? You only need to choose the right haircut, and your waves are going to look superb!
Wavy hair adds notes of playfulness and coquetry to your look. If you are also blessed with thickness, you can count on the right hairstyle to be one of the best accessories to your look. You can choose a trendy haircut of any length and experiment with different textures, popular finishes, or new hair color ideas and use a hairstyle generator to help you visualize different options.
In this article, we are going to view 60 varieties of hairstyles for thick wavy hair. Having looked through them, you’ll realize that your hair structure is not a curse but a cool advantage. The choice of the right hairstyle will help you look charming every day, whether it’s a formal or casual look.
@modernsalon
Many people would pay a lot of money to get waves like these, so use what you already have to your advantage. You don’t need waist-skimming lengths to showcase your curls in the best light. There is plenty of movement going on with this shoulder length style thanks to the rounded shape and layers throughout. Just embrace your natural wavy texture and you will be ravishing!
Whether you have short, medium or long wavy hair, texture and dimension are key players in creating an Instagram-worthy look. Darker roots and highlights mixed throughout will help achieve the illusion of depth, while waves – even the frizzy ones – will deliver the texture you crave.
@classicpgh_sami
Medium length strands are arguably the easiest to style, since there’s enough length to curl, braid, and more, plus the hair isn’t long enough to weigh styles down. Create a few big waves with a large curling wand and you’ve got an easy, everyday look.
@samrhairlife
A medium-length lob offers plenty of opportunities to style your hair. For a quick and easy hairstyle, scrunch your long wavy hair with light product to create even more texture and fullness. The razored ends provide a relaxed feathery appearance.
@julie.hairartist
The best haircut for someone with thick hair is one with a lot of dimension. Lowlights mixed with highlights help to break up the color of the hair so that it doesn’t appear too flat. Layers and loose waves are great because they enhance these effects even further.
@dc.gabriela.01
Talk about gorgeous shine, subtle balayage and tousled waves. Those loosely curled disconnected pieces are positively glowing. If your locks could use a boost, finish with a bit of shine serum.
@hairhunter
Love long hair, but crave the movement and bounce of shorter strands? Ask your stylist to give you a longer cut with medium layers throughout. This will give your hair a little lift without making it look or feel much shorter.
@hairbykacie1
Long wavy hairstyles are simply mesmerizing. To keep a layered cut interesting, a sleek and soft balayage will enhance movement to your back-skimming locks. The look evokes easy vibes and is a style you can rock any day of the week.
@amychristinehair
If you want wavy hair that stands out, try the three Bs: bronde, balayage, and bob. Bronde is having a huge moment right now, and the balayage approach guarantees a seamless blend. A bob cut eliminates dead ends and shows off only the best in your texture.
@heatherhairandbridalstylist
Thick wavy hair is beyond cute when cut as a bob, especially with choppy layers mixed in to create a shaggy, carefree look. Spritz in a little texturizing spray and let your natural waves do the rest of the styling for you. Effortless, yet chic!
@anhcotran
This inverted lob is a fantastic hairstyle for thick curly hair. Waves frame the face and drop down long enough to touch the chest in the front. Vary the angle of your cut depending on how distinctly angled you want your bob to be. For a glossier look, define your waves with a light hold styling product.
@prissyhippiebeautyshop
If you want a long bob, be sure to balance it out with some piecey layers. Thick, shorter cuts can look heavy if not properly shaped. Ask your stylist to give you layers that remove the excessive weight, not length.
@___phine___
Popular hairstyles for wavy hair are typically associated with layered cuts. These dark roots and honey highlights create volume and help to frame the face attractively. This hairstyle can also be parted on the side. This is a perfect transitional cut for women who want to let their lob grow out.
@rafaelbertolucci1
When choosing haircuts for thick curly hair, think of the bob; it will really accentuate your natural texture. This makes it a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to use heat — just apply a curl-defining product to enhance it, and you’ll be good to go.
@bettinafrost.hairpro
Textured haircuts for thick wavy hair are even more eye-catching when they feature a trendy hair color. The deep cinnamon brown of this shaggy, piecey bob is a unique color that stands out from the rest. The messy bob grazes the shoulders and has an athletic sporty vibe.
@sydneyfink_coast
Have fun with your thick curly hair. High-contrast balayage will truly stun with all that body. After all, balayage is all about the illusion of depth it creates. The fuller your locks, the deeper and more dimensional your hairstyle will look.
@colorbymichelle
Many stylists recommend choosing long haircuts for thick wavy hair since this length can help weigh locks down and reduce their volume. You can take this charming wavy haircut idea with internal layers, long curtain bangs and dirty blonde balayagelong curtain bangs as inspiration to tame thick locks and emphasize the beauty of your facial features.
@yukistylist
The only thing more appetizing than chocolate and honey highlights is pairing them with super-cute and super-loose waves. The piecey layers reduce bulk and give this cut a refreshing, airy quality. It’s a very light style, perfect for someone with thick wavy hair.
@prissyhippiebeautyshop
Many of the best cuts and hairstyles for thick wavy hair are specifically layered to bring out your natural texture, so you don’t have to do much heat styling. A side part and chin-length bangs help your waves form a flattering, face-framing shape.
@salsalhair
A little shag in your tresses is a good way to find your inner cool girl. The effortless vibes manage to be fresh, fun, and always in style. What’s even better is that the style looks just as chic with your natural hair color as it would with a balayage, ombre, highlights or whatever you’re feeling.
@ross_schultz
A medium-length shag is one of our go-to hairstyles for thick wavy hair. Parted in the center and tousled so that your waves fall naturally around your shoulders, looks just wonderful. Wispy tendrils frame the face, and the subtle gray highlights over black hair are all the rage.
@breeloveshair_
Want to really show off your thick strands? A stacked bob is the ideal cut since it lets you really showcase your hair’s body and volume. Thin subtle highlights enhance the overall effect.
@kimsantiago10
If you have super thick hair that doesn’t reveal your natural wave or curl, a bob cut with shaggy layers will help you create a little movement. Use a sea salt spray to emphasize texture, so your locks look bedhead chic, not frizzy.
@chrisjones_hair
An angled bob is an amazing cut for giving long wavy hair an extra edge. To play up the high-low drama of the look, keep face-framing strands as long as collarbone length and lift the shape up to the base of the neck in the back.
@styled_by_carolynn
The best way to wear a shaggy, wavy lob is by parting it in the center and adding face-framing blonde highlights to brighten the face. The choppy, sliced ends look gorgeous in free-flowing wavy hairstyles.
@domdomhair
When you’ve finally found the perfect shape to enhance your thick, wavy locks, you gain the freedom to play around with color and highlights. Adding warmth to black or brunette hair can totally transform it, so, a few chocolate brown highlights are a must.
@gellalegaspi
Naturally wavy hair is ideal for cutting a frame — this refers to the strands around the face being cut so that their ends curve inward, wrapping around the chin. Pairing this with an edgy, unkempt look can add a bit of sweetness to your style.
@chrisjones_hair
Who doesn’t love a nice, thick angled bob? This cut, featuring choppy, jagged layers proves you definitely don’t need a lot of length to make a statement. If some strands are too short to curl, use a flat iron to bend hair into loose waves.
@styled_by_carolynn
Shaggy hairstyles for thick wavy hair are cool and stylish, yet they also help create an airy and effortless texture. The heavy layering removes a vast deal of bulk, which is common in thick hair types, making your waves lightweight and bouncy.
@tatumshanehair
Great hairstyles for thick curly hair often have rounded edges — strands appear to create a U-shape from the back, and the face-framing pieces up front are the shortest. This eliminates unnecessary weight and prevents the bottom of your hair from looking too heavy and unbalanced.
@stefanishaircreations
There are tons of lob hairstyles for wavy hair to choose from, but inverted shapes are often the most popular. Long pieces in the front allow wavy tendrils to hang, while short layers in the back amp up the natural volume of thick hair.
@derley
A long A-line bob on wavy hair is a beautiful sight. Choppy ends and cute irregular waves create a 100% natural spontaneous look you’ll love. The blurred side parting contributes to the overall tousled finish that makes this style irresistibly magnetizing.
@brooklyndecker
Neat platinum waves throughout the length cover twisted bangs with their soft curves. No roughness, no choppiness, just fantastic feminine texture and heavenly lightness reflected in every lock. The natural volume of thick hair is enhanced with darker roots. A perfect shoulder length hairstyle with a hint of romance.
@modernsalon
Although it has a very distinct texture and jagged lines, this bob leaves an impression of a very soft and feminine style; thanks to light natural waves, accentuated with bold pale blonde highlights for a superb dimensional effect. Pair it with side-swept asymmetric bangs.
@modernsalon
Don’t you love the way this bulky thick wavy hair transformed into a totally new shape without removing much legnth? The new cut does away with triangle hair and is amazing in its simplicity and trendiness. Use a curl cream to give your wavy locks a more defined look and add volume to the top of your dark mane.
@hollygirldoeshair
Haircuts for thick wavy hair need balance to avoid becoming too voluminous or poofing out into the notorious pyramid shape. Strategic layers are the answer to this problem. Longer at the front and shorter at the back, this cut tames big hair without sacrificing style. For even more dimension, opt for a balayage.
@corynneylon_hair
With thick hair you don’t need a complicated haircut. You just need some well-placed layers and a striking shape. A choppy angled lob will do just fine. Blend layering with a color fade if you want to avoid that unflattering triangular silhouette.
@salsalhair
A medium length is ideal if you want to maximize how long your hair is yet minimize how much hair you have to maintain on a daily basis. If you’re lucky enough to have naturally wavy hair, something as simple as a soft ombre will bring a chic-factor to your cut.
@maayanbirnstein
Wavy hairstyles can rely on the bold mix of lowlights and highlights to create the look of depth. The more dimensional your cut is, the more defined the waves will look. This texture really pops against the stark color varieties of this blonde-and-brown balayage – or whatever high contrast-color combo you choose.
@felipefhr
Hairstyles for wavy hair don’t need to be over the top because the beautiful texture and movement that the waves bring is amply cute. A few highlights will make your tresses stand out, though. Should you opt for a balayage, it can be just a shade or two lighter than your natural hair color and still look gorgeous, helping to maintain the health of your waves.
@kristykellyjarvis
Haircuts for wavy hair can be totally versatile. With a little tousle, a little frizz and some layers, you have a classic, shaggy hairdo. Effortless waves create a polished coif, while blonde highlights channel SoCal vibes. The more volume your hair has the more you can experiment with different looks. So, embrace your thick tresses!
@kearybladel
A balayage that mimics the awe-inducing effects of sun-kissed locks is perfect if you’re in the mood for something natural, yet still prepared to make an impact. Pair it with messy waves and a hint of frizz and you’ll basically be transported straight to the beach.
@vipbodyhair
Similar hairstyles for thick curly hair have become classics and won the hearts of both teen-age girls and adult ladies. These bouncy curls are universally flattering for practically all face shapes, except for very broad faces which should avoid excessive volume on the sides. You can finally forget about flat ironing! The bouncy curls are extremely appealing and feminine.
@scarlett.actress
This hairstyle lets you effortlessly create a look of sass. We can easily picture her riding a motorcycle or at least a scooter. This hairstyle, nevertheless, remains fairly feminine and will look awesome if paired with a short dress and ankle boots.
@mgyllenhaal
This tender and a bit naive hairstyle suits young and romantic girls. The ease of styling and excellent look are its main advantages. With adorable lightweight waves you will feel like a character in French movies, regardless of where you live!
@american_salon
If you are a fan of low-maintenance bob cuts, take notice of this wavy style. Wavy strands cut in layers make this look remarkably textured and voluminous. Spice up your natural hair color with delicate babylights to attract more glances to your stunning beachy waves!
@rodrigues_ricardo
A short cut is a good option for someone looking for an everyday style that’s as easy to maintain as it is cute. If your straight hair ever feels a little boring, add some texture with these tousled choppy layers. Style it to the side for extra volume.
@shapesbyveronika
Clever haircuts for thick wavy hair let you wear it loose and not look and feel overwhelmed by volume. Wavy and curly hair is just as versatile as straight locks when it comes to creative dye jobs. This shoulder-length ‘do with slightly longer layers in the front was a blank canvas just calling out for some pretty purple pieces.
@chrisweberhair
She doesn’t need a dramatic shape, wild bangs, or hair accessories. Her locks are beautiful just the way they are. The long cut style with V-shaped layers and subtle highlights is just gorgeous.
@sammiiwang
Is anything dreamier than long, bouncy waves? This mermaid-inspired look requires hair that holds a curl, so the longer and thicker the better. Wrap large sections around a curling wand and finish with dry shampoo, not hairspray, to add some grit.
@caroliiine_k
Shoulder-length hair can appear smaller when its waves are defined with a product and tousled to look natural and casual. This angled cut will enhance the texture and bounciness of your wavy hairstyles.
@shannonvanfleet
Warm up your hairdo with some chestnut and honey brown highlights. The toasty tones are a chic complement to the ease of a wavy cut. Plus, if you have thick hair, the contrast of the colors will pop, because what you lack in length your locks make up for in fullness.
@ericastallings
A good cut for someone with shorter wavy hair has short layers at the back. This way your hair lifts naturally, but it is not too full. The waves and different lengths will keep your look totally sleek, so you can show off your bright auburn locks in style.
@s.g.p.hair
Spice up your bob with a cinnamon balayage. Warm tones brighten up this short cut making it a stylish choice, yet still practical for the workweek. The wispy layers add some dynamics, keeping the coif from feeling stagnant.
@shmoakin_hair
You can go for disheveled waves or you can opt for a more structured look. This silvery gray ‘do falls into the latter category with these gorgeous bouncy, defined curls. The style has a retro vibe, but the funky dye job keeps things modern.
@lilygstyles
When shaping hair with a rounded edge, excess weight is removed, and you may play up the fresh new ends with a balayage. Blending a warm caramel shade into a dark base instantly brightens up hair without too much bleaching.
@bysrvt
Layers are an essential part of hairstyles for wavy hair. This bob features precise edges and graphic shape although its texture is perfectly undone. It skillfully blurs the strictness of the classic angled bob.
@modernsalon
Since textured, thick hair can do a lot of the styling for you, haircuts for wavy hair are often quite simple. Have your stylist create layers that compliment your hair’s natural movement, and use texture-enhancing shampoos and conditioners to bring out your natural wave.
@timm.morrison
Perfect curls from root to tip seem way too formal and finished, so leaving out the ends of your hair while curling prevents styles from looking too prom-like. Ask your stylist for piecey, jagged ends to ensure your future waves are effortless and cool.
@mane_ivy
A hairstyle can say a lot about the person. For example, this wispy wavy bob haircut with long playful bangs is perfect for your artistic personality. Style your wavy strands with a texturizing spray to keep this effect for the whole day. Looks fun and creative!
@slickback_buttahtoast
Ok, there were a couple of worthy options for thick wavy hair in various lengths. Remember that lived-in, carefree styles are trending, so don’t be in a hurry to sleek your luxurious tresses down.
There are a few simple recommendations to follow if you want to maintain the health and beautiful appearance of your thick wavy locks:
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
Thick waves carry the ultimate benefit of having the ability to be worn big or small. If you want to amplify texture and volume, try applying a product with hold, like mousse or gel, into wet hair and diffusing it upside down. If you want looser texture with less volume, apply a heavier styling product like a curl cream and air dry. You have the best of both worlds”