How to style thick hair: Our top tips, tricks and hair hacks

If you’ve got thick hair, you’re probably used to receiving compliments about how lovely and luscious it is, left, right and centre. Safe to say that being blessed with naturally thick hair is something that many of us dream of. Though, of course, it can be both a blessing and a curse, as it can be rather time-consuming to maintain. Want a few tips and tricks on how to style thick hair? No problem: we’re dying to share our secrets, anyway!

So, if you love your gorgeous thick locks, but often struggle to manage it, check out our quick guide on how to style thick hair now, below.

Quick tips on how to style thick hair

Wash your hair less

If you’ve got ultra thick hair, it may be wise to minimise the number of times you wash it per week. If you exercise regularly, or if you’re used to washing your hair more frequently and find that it starts to get greasy quite quickly, invest in a good dry shampoo, like the TRESemmé Instant Refresh Cleansing Dry Shampoo, to keep it looking and feeling fresh on those in-between days.

When you do wash your hair, make sure not to skip your wash-out conditioner, but avoid conditioning the roots – and concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends, instead – as this can weigh it down and cause it to become oily quicker. Try the TRESemmé Cleanse & Replenish Deep Conditioning Shampoo and Remoisture Conditioner duo, whose gentle formula lets you lightly hydrate your locks without leaving you with heavy build-up!

Treat your hair to hair masks more

The secret to keeping your thick hair looking and feeling healthy is to lock in plenty of moisture. If you have thick, coarse hair, especially, it can easily become dry and frizzy.

As well as using conditioner every time you wash it, try and give your hair a regular treat by using a hair mask, like the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Oil Treatment Balm, whose natural oils-enriched, non-greasy formula will help hydrate and condition your hair, leaving it shinier, softer-feeling and more manageable – all without weighing it down.

Make layers your BFF

If you’ve got thick hair, then layers are your saviour. Getting your stylist to add in plenty of layers (preferably no shorter than your cheek bones) will instantly give your hair movement and depth.

But if you really want to remove excess weight, ask for textured layers – usually cut in with shears or scissors – which are great for removing bulk. It’ll work wonders on those who prefer a more natural, undone look, as well for those who want to enhance those naturally wavy or kinky textures.

Learn how to blow-dry your hair the right way

If you’ve got thick hair, blow-drying it can take what feels like an eternity. And not only is this super time consuming, but remember, the more you expose it to heat, the more damage you’re causing. Our top tip is to towel and air-dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry before picking up a hair dryer. Then, the trick is to divide and conquer.

Click here for our tips on how to blow-dry your hair properly!

Choose your accessory carefully

If your hair is extra thick, you probably find yourself regularly facing hair bobble roulette – spending your day wondering if your hair tie will hold or snap at any moment. To combat this fear, why not turn to a scrunchie, a ribbon, or a flat, fabric hair tie? These will provide the much-needed strength to keep your hair tied back while causing minimum damage.

If all else fails, tie it up!

If you’re short on time and your thick hair just won’t play ball, there are plenty of updos that not only look ultra stylish, but will also keep your wild locks under control and out of the way. So why not try one of these amazing braids for thick hair, or perhaps one of these hassle-free looks for the weekend? The choice, as they say, is all yours.

Found our guide on how to style thick hair useful? Why not check out what the best haircuts for thick hair are, too!