If You Have Thick Hair, Consider These Cuts

2 min read

When it comes to hair, the paradox is that you always want what you can’t have. Those with curly hair want straight hair; those with stick-straight hair want waves; fine-haired folks want a thick, luscious head of hair; and, yes, even those with thick hair might want the alternative. Because having thick hair is not easy, especially when it comes to cutting it.

According to Austin-based celebrity hairstylist and precision cutting expert Ricky Hodge, one of the biggest misconceptions about thick hair is that having more hair means you should keep more of it. “People with thick hair need to understand that having more hair doesn’t mean leaving more hair,” Hodge tells ELLE. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is preserving density instead of creating shape. Thick hair should move. It should have intention. If it feels heavy, bulky, or helmet-like, it’s usually because weight wasn’t removed in the right places.”

But you don’t want to take too much length off, either. The real objective is strategic weight removal. “A great haircut isn’t about taking length off—it’s about taking weight off while maintaining the integrity of the shape,” Hodge adds. “The goal is to create flow, not chaos. Thick hair should feel luxurious, not overwhelming.”

The haircut matters just as much as the technique itself, and with a little help from Hodge, we found the best hairstyles for the thick-haired among us.

Extra-long layers

Long layers remain one of the most versatile options for thick hair because they distribute bulk throughout the length while preserving movement. If you cut layers correctly, they should soften the face and add dimension without compromising on fullness.

A classic Bob

Unexpectedly, a well-cut bob can actually be flattering with thick hair. The key is making sure that excess weight is removed internally rather than simply cutting the hair into a blunt shape—otherwise known as the forbidden “mushroom shape.” Internal texturizing lets the silhouette stay polished without getting the overly boxy or bulky look.

Shoulder-length cuts

If you want a happy medium between long and short hair, shoulder-length cuts offer maximal styling versatility. Removing weight through the interior of the haircut keeps the style from feeling dense while allowing thick hair to showcase its natural body and movement.

Short crops

Short haircuts can work beautifully on thick hair, but ensure that they are tailored to the individual’s texture and growth patterns. Rather than relying on excessive thinning, a good cut uses thoughtful shaping to create balance and make styling more manageable.