50+ Best Hairstyles and Haircuts for Thick Wavy Hair
The ultimate YHBB (your hair, but better) ~lewk~.
Tousled, casually sexy, and easy like Sunday morning, hairstyles for thick wavy hair are a perennial favorite of women who want to look effortlessly done, but without looking too done. It’s kind of like no-makeup makeup, but for hair. You know she didn’t wake up with those perfectly aligned waves, but she definitely knew how to fake ’em.
50+ Hairstyles for Thick Wavy Hair
And therein lies the promise: Hairstyles for wavy hair are the accessible looks of the moment. With the right looks and technique, effortless thick wavy hair can be yours. Read on:
1. Slick Parting
If you love your waves but want to tame them slightly, this look will give you a sleek and refined style that you can wear for any occasion.
2. Long Wavy Hair: Thick Layers
Face-framing layers flatter every face shape and are one of the top haircuts for layered hair. Styling layered hair isn’t very complicated and this is a haircut that looks just as good when it dries naturally as it does when you blow it out.
3. Straight Edge Medium-Length Hair
A straight-edged haircut can be a little trickier to deal with when it comes to thick and wavy hair. If you’re opting for a straight-edged style, you’ll want to get comfortable with your teasing comb.
4. New Hollywood Waves
Characterized by a seal-like shine and perfectly aligned loose curls swooped over one side of your face, this is a go-to classic hairstyle of Hollywood bombshells then and now. On hair that’s been blowdried straight, create a deep side part, then proceed to twist the hair around a closed flat iron, creating a looser, more angular bend in the hair.
5. Wavy Long Hair: Chunky Lob
Tackle two trends in one with this versatile, super trendy take on the regular lob. Prep hair with some texturizing spray like Suave Dry Texture Finishing Spray. After application, proceed to haphazardly twirl hair around a closed flat iron. Part your hair slightly off-center, shake it out and you’re done.
6. Short Wavy Hairstyles: Angled Bob
One of our favorite short wavy hairstyles is an angeled bob. If you have a lush, thick head of short hair, ask your stylist for a graduated bob – one of our favorite short wavy hairstyles. After your shower, rough-dry for a few seconds and proceed to haphazardly curl the front layers using a medium-barreled iron. Immediately stretch out each section once done for a looser curl.
7. Subtle Ombré
Looking for medium length haircuts for thick wavy hair? Color-saturated locks aren’t solely for the super long-haired; any hair length that’s thick and lush can look gorgeously well-dimensioned with a pretty ombré balayage.
8. Vintage Rolls
Big, proper, grown-up wavy hairstyles come into their element in a retro-inspired look. Hallmarked by shoulder-dusting waves that are curled under, they’re easily achieved with some mousse such as Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam and large-barreled curling iron.
9. Curtain Waves
Long, loose haircuts for wavy thick hair are a favorite of most women. They’re easy to do, ooze major sex appeal, and only look more awesome as the day wears on. Start with a mousse that imparts long-lasting hold and body on blow-dried hair. Proceed to curl sections around a medium- to large-barreled iron.
10. Dollface Bangs
A full brow-grazing fringe is a nifty way to mix up the texture on thick wavy hair. Using a blowout lotion, like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Blow Dry Balm. Blow-dry your fringe straight, resulting in some shiny, bouncy bangs. Proceed to style your waves using a curling iron.
11. Long Lob
A long bob is a great hairstyle for thick and wavy hair types, as a cut with lots of layers looks like it’s full of volume and natural body. To get the look, be sure to ask your stylist for a long bob that sits right at the collarbone.
12. Half-Up, Half-Down Long Wavy Hair
A half-up, the half-down style also shows off your thick wavy hair, so if you are looking for styling ideas that are both chic and functional, know that side twists always make a great styling choice. Set hair with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Extend Hold Level 4 to lock your curls in place.
13. Full Sexy Curls
If you are already blessed with thick wavy hair, rocking full curls is an easy look you can achieve. If your hair has a natural wave to it, it’s easy to achieve a full sexy curl. Simply grab a one or two-inch-sized curling iron, and proceed to create loose barrel curls throughout the head. Finish with some strong-hold hairspray to complete your look.
14. Asymmetrical
Try an asymmetrical chop to show off your thick wavy hair because asymmetrical bobs, in particular, can give your waves some attitude. To get haircuts for thick wavy hair like this, simply ask your stylist to create an asymmetrical cut.
15. Shaggy Styles with Bangs
A great shaggy style with some added bangs helps play up your thick wavy hair, as it gives your hair an edgy and playful vibe. To get the look, ask your stylist to add some playful and wispy layers throughout your cut. This will help to give it some natural texture.
16. Side Bangs
Cut a thick fringe of side bangs into your thick wavy style to lessen the load on the back of your hair. Those with thick wavy hair know that your strands can get overwhelming at times. These side bangs will frame your face and lighten the load on the back of your head.
17. Messy Bun
Gather your thick hair up into a loose messy bun. Thick wavy hair will create a large and voluminous messy bun. Pull your baby hairs out around your face and at the nape of your neck for a truly undone and romantic look.
18. Accessorized Half Updo
Keep your hair out of your face with a chic and easy half updo. Braid the half-up portion of your hair and accessorize your look with flowers to take this style to the next level.
19. Wear a Beanie
When in doubt, throw a hat on over your hair. Women with thick wavy hair might find men’s beanies more comfortable as they’re generally larger and can accommodate your strands!
20. Thick Bob
We love how wavy hair curls up into a short bob. This style is ideal for thick hair as it shows off the thickness of your strands.
21. Major Volume
Tease the front of your hair to add some major volume to your thick strands. Go big or go home, right?
22. Silky Waves
Comb your strands for soft and silky long waves. Make sure to start at the bottom of your hair and slowly work your way up to avoid tangles and breakage.
23. Extra Volume
Flip your hair over to the opposite side of where you usually part it to add some extra volume. You can also grab a comb and lightly tease your roots to add even more volume to your strands.
24. Side Part
Comb your hair into a side part for a more casual and laidback look. Your thick hair will add instant volume to your style for a look with lots of height.
25. The Shag
Thick hair is the ideal base for a classic shag. These layers will instantly include lots of volumes when it comes to shag with thick hair. This haircut is majorly trending for 2021!
26. Loose Waves
Long thick and wavy hair is the ideal base for loose waves. This undone look is instantly more glamorous with thick hair for all the added volume.
27. Layered Wavy Bob
This classic bob takes on a new level dimension when worn with thick wavy hair. The choppy edges take your thick strands to the next level.
28. Messy Volume
Add easy messy volume by spritzing your roots with your favorite volumizing dry shampoo. This messy style is undone and chic in the best way. It’s also a great way to achieve an effortless style that still is put together.
29. Messy Long Hair
There’s nothing more beautiful than long wavy hair. Grow your strands as long as you like them to achieve this beautiful look. No matter if you have naturally wavy hair or curl your hair to achieve waves, there’s no need to worry about perfect waves. A little messiness adds an effortless touch to the look.
30. Long Silky Waves
Use your hairbrush to comb through your hair for the silkiest waves. Make sure to be gentle on your waves to avoid brushing them out too much.
31. Classic Waves
These classic waves are long, messy, and classically beautiful. Romantic and chic, they’re ideal for virtually any occasion.
32. Honey Brown Hues
Consider adding some dimension to your hair color for the ultimate silky brown strands. This eye-catching style reflects sunlight beautifully making it ideal for the summer months.
33. Defined Waves
Give your waves some extra definition for a more striking texture. Use a curling wand to wrap your curls for extra definition!
34. Defined Highlights
Ask your stylist to add some small highlights to define your waves even more! These subtle highlights will draw attention to your waves without any extra work needed on your end.
35. Caramel Waves
No matter how beautiful your hair texture is, everyone gets bored sometimes. Revamp your style with a caramel-colored hue. This tone is ideal for every season and perfectly complements a dark brown base.
36. Brushed-Through
Brush through your waves for a classic windswept style. We love how undone and easy this look is.
37. Old Hollywood Reimagined
Reimagine classic Hollywood waves with this longer, more glamorous style. Brush through your waves for an easy and romantic look.
38. Messy Lob
The messier, the better! That’s what makes this messy lob ideal – it doesn’t take any work on your end! If you curl your hair to achieve waves, brush out the curls for an undone look.
39. White Strands
We love thick, wavy white hair! There’s nothing more glamorous than this classic style.
40. White Blonde Hues
Try this icy hair color and draw even more attention to your gorgeous strands. This color is bold and eye-catching and will earn you loads of compliments.
41. Mega-Volume
Use a teasing comb to add mega volume to your long waves. Gently tease your hair from roots to ends to achieve this all-over voluminous look.
42. Tucked Back
Tuck your hair back behind your ears for a chic and unexpected look. This style pulls double duty and shows off your hair and your face at the same time!
43. Soft Layered Wavy Hair
Ask your stylist to add some soft layers at the ends of your locks! This will create a beautiful rounded shape on your hair for a super soft look.
44. Slight Volume
Add some slight volume to your hair to reimagine your usual style. Volume is key for a super eye-catching look.
45. Off-Center Part
Easily switch up your perspective with a slightly off-center part. This change of perspective is a small change that makes a huge difference.
46. Sideswept Long Wavy Hair
Pull all of your hair over to one side and let your long wavy hair cascade over your shoulder. Gathering all of your hair together like this will draw even more attention to your beautiful texture.
47. Half Up
Pull a section of hair back and secure it with a bobby pin! This style shows off your strands and your gorgeous complexion at the same time!
48. Messy Long Waves
Wear your waves long and messy for an easy and chic look. This look requires virtually no effort at all and it’s a total crowdpleaser.
49. Messy Highlights
Add a subtle but defining pop of color! These small messy highlights are easy to maintain and make a huge difference in your overall look.
50. Soft Layers
Get rid of some of that classic thick-hair-heaviness with soft layers. Ask your stylist to use thinning sheers to take some of the weight off your strands!
51. Highlight Your Hair
Add some icy cool highlights to brown waves for some real dimension. This allows you to maintain your classic tones with a bit of an upgrade.
52. Full Fringe Haircuts for Wavy Hair
There’s nothing better than a full set of fringe on thick hair. This is one of our favorite haircuts for wavy hair because it will offset some of the weight you’re used to feeling at the back of your head.
53. Slight Ombré
Add a slight ombré hue to lighten up your style. This look will brighten up your strands without sacrificing your root color!
54. Glamorous Wavy Long Hair
Wear your waves in the center part for an instant touch of glamour. This center part is all the rage in 2021 – will you get in on this trend? If you want an even trendier look too, add a money piece. This face-framing highlighting technique will brighten up your overall look.
55. Scarf Braid
Headscarves are one of our favourite hair accessories here at All Things Hair; not only can they mask a bad hair day, but they can totally transform an everyday look in an instant.
So if you are looking to make a style statement with your thick mane, make this woven headscarf braid your next look. Credit: @emmachenartisty
Tip: Why not try enhancing your braid by pancaking? To do this, gently tease some of the sections with your fingers to create a fuller looking plait.
56. Messy Side Braid
Braids are absolutely stunning and by far one of the most popular hairstyles for thick, frizzy hair right now. The good news is, not only is this casually textured fishtail braid incredibly stylish, but it helps to tame unmanageable frizz too!
Editor’s tip: Want to know how to get those lived-in textures through your braid? Try sprinkling some Suave Root Lifting Volume Boosting Spray on the lengths of your hair to help create texture, giving it grip, so it stays intact all day long.
57. Formal Up Do
This wavy low bun is one of our favourites. Not only does it pull your hair away from your face (and the back of your neck), but it will look pretty amazing for a formal occasion too. Credit: @jodycallanhair
58. Wavy Half-Up Do
Another easy and fabulous way to style thick wavy hair is by creating a half-up, half-down ‘do.
Simply pull up a section of your hair on top, twisting it into a messy bun or top knot and fasten into place with as many bobby pins as you need. Let the rest of your hair fall freely in gorgeous, tumbling waves, and add a touch of prettiness with a decorative hair accessory around your half-up bun!
59. Wavy pixie cut
Thick, wavy hair doesn’t have to be worn long to look stylish; it can also look utterly stunning when cropped into a cool, short pixie! To enhance those naturally wavy textures you’ve been blessed with, it’s best to go for a slightly longer or grown-out pixie, which will give you room to really play around with styling.
Editor’s tip: If you’re a wash-and-go kinda gal, just scrunch in some Suave Professionals Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to get that beachy, tousled look and leave to air-dry.
Have we inspired you to try one of these haircuts for wavy hair? Tag us @AllThingsHairUS so we can check out your new look!
