20 Fun and Trendy Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair

Hot child in the city, this one's for you.

Women who are born with thick hair have basically won the genetic lottery. More is more when it comes to hair, and you can never have too much of a good thing, especially when that good thing is a lush, thick mane. Looking for the best short haircuts for thick hair  shouldn’t be a problem for those brave enough to make the cut, as numerous options abound.

A fresh, new short ’do isn’t just a fun update; it’s also a way to stay on-trend while making the most of what you have.

Fun and Fabulous Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair

Check out a few of our favorite styles for short thick hair:

1. Lob

short haircuts for thick hair bob
Spice up your bob cut.

Those with thicker, wavy hair will really maximize the inherent texture in their hair type, as lobs tend to offer a lot of movement. Take the cut to the next level with a fun braided headband style.

2. Angled Lob

graduation hairstyles graduated bob
You can’t ever go wrong with a cap-friendly bob haircut. Photo credit: indigtalimages.com

This look is characterized as being shorter in the back and longer towards the face, reaching just a few inches past the chin. This sleek, trés chic hairdo is easiest to wear for girls with straight hair, as the angles look sharpest when blow-dried or ironed sleek. Voilà, instant fashion-editor locks!

3. ’90s Bob

short hairstyles for thick hair 90s bob
The ’90s bob. Photo credit: Indigital

Remember that cut you got for your yearbook picture, where everything was all one length? Yeah, it’s back and taking names. The one-length bob, usually reaching between the ear and chin, flatters women with straight, thick hair and an oval or round face. Achieve this silky and full-body finish by washing with Suave Professionals Collagen Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner.

4. Asymmetrical Chop

confident short hairstyles asymmetrical
Flip it out for added interest. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Similar to the angled lob, but this one has sides that are unequal in length. This is best worn with a kicky side part or an imprecise middle part with a slight flip on the ends. Popular in Asian countries (where a narrower, V-shaped jawline is the ideal), this cut camouflages harsher angles and literally will put your best face forward.

5. Cleopatra Bangs

short hairstyles for long faces
Create a signature look for yourself with a blunt bob. Photo credit: Dvora

Can you say check meowt? This iconic chopped ’do popularized by none other than the Queen of the Nile showcases an in-your-face blunt fringe—meaning thick hair is the best texture to keep a cut like this on its best behavior. Best for straight (or straightened) hair. Although, we like how a bit of a wave can offer a rebellious, punky touch.

6. Shoulder-Length Layers

short hairstyles for thick hair shoulder length layers
Soft, romantic layers are this year’s “The Rachel.” Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Think of “The Rachel,” but quieter and shorter. This hairstyle is ideal for heart-shaped faces. Best worn with some bedhead texture, it looks particularly pretty with a slicked part and a flip at the tips where the layers end.

7. Full-bodied pixie

short hairstyles for thick hair full pixie
The full-bodied pixie. Photo credit: Indigital

Yes, these kinds of short hairstyles for thick hair can be done. It’s ideal if you have anywhere from straight to wavy hair. Ask your stylist for some longer lengths at your crown. Style by either piecing the bang area to the side or blow-drying upwards as you create the female version of a quiff.

8. Cropped Afro

short hairstyles for thick hair cropped pixie
The cropped pixie. Photo credit: Indigital

This is a style that’s been gaining a lot of social media mileage due to its ease of wear and street-style cred. Ask for a baby afro that’s fuller at the crown, and which tapers ever so slightly towards the neckline for a chicer grow-out. Maintain moisture and happy curls with a leave-in product designed specifically for curls, like Emerge My Mane BFF Leave-In Conditioner.

9. Updated Boy Cut

short hairstyles for long faces feminine boy cut
The smooth boy cut is a masculine-feminine study in contrast. Photo credit: Indigitalimages.com

Another throwback from the ’90s! This version now comes equipped with more democratic layers on the top that can be romantically swept to one side and tucked behind your ears. Ladies with straight or wavy hair and a round, oval, or square-shaped face look especially fierce with this cropped style.

10. Add Some Balayage

short haircuts for thick hair balayage
Balayage adds so much depth and texture to your cut. Photo credit: Craig Alexander

Giving your hair some balayage highlights is a great way to add depth and texture to your short cut. It’s great for thicker hair types because it sections off hair, creating some space and the illusion that your hair isn’t as thick.

11. Dutch Headband Braid

girl wearing a dutch headband braid
Make your style stand out with a braid.

Need to add a little extra something to your short style? Try out a dutch headband braid. This is a great way to make your look stand out. Plus, it keeps your hair out of your face!

12. Hair Scarf Headband

girl with thick short wavy blonde hair wearing a hair scarf
Accessorize with a hair scarf.

Hair scarves are having a moment right now. We love this trend because no matter what length or hair type you have, the hair scarf is sure to look amazing in your locks.

13. Curly Afro

girl with curly afro wearing a pink blazer
Let your volume shine!

Ladies with this hair type have so much natural volume, so why not show it off? Grow out your natural hair and let those beautiful curls shine!

14. Hair Clips

girl with hair clips and short hair
Dress up your style with clips!

Hair clips are one of the easiest ways to dress up your style. we love that they’re easy to use, can be incorporated into many styles, and are practical too.

15. Curtain Bangs

girl with short thick hair and curtain bangs
Try out trendy bangs.

Curtain bangs are a great option if you’re looking to try out fringe, but don’t want to commit to a blunt bang style. Whether you have short or long hair, there’s a reason this look is so popular!

16. Effortless Waves

girl with short wavy dark brown thick hair
Effortless waves are an amazing go-to!

If you don’t have naturally wavy hair, add a bit of texture to your strands. We love how this look can create more movement.  To help add texture, we love using TRESemmé Dry Texture Finishing Spray. All you need are a few spritzes and you’re good to go!

17. Half-Updo

girl with half updo hairstyle
Go for a half-updo look!

When it comes to half-updos, thick hair thrives! Use your natural volume to your advantage by sporting this style.

18. Shaved Sides on Natural Hair

girl with natural hair and shaved sides
Try a cropped shaved style.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce the volume in your thick strands try out a shaved style with the volume focused on the top. This short hairstyle for thick hair is great because it involves little maintenance too!

19. Mini Afro

short-hairstyles-for-thick-hair-small-afro
Try out a cropped afro!

If you want to wear your hair naturally, but don’t want the upkeep of long locks, a mini afro may be the best option for you! This style shows off your natural hair without worrying about lots of maintenance.

20.  Wavy Lob

girl with wavy lob
A wavy lob is a classic.

Adding waves to your lob haircut is a great way to emphasize the natural volume in your hair. Plus, who doesn’t love a textured lob?! To lock your style in place, use a hair spray like, TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Texture Hold Level 1 Hair Spray. We love this spray because it holds your style in place all day without making it feel crunchy.

From dutch braids to mini afros, there are such a wide variety of short styles you can wear with thick hair.

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