10 Head-Turning Hairstyles and Haircuts for Thick Wavy Hair in 2020

Watch out for the big waves.

Natasha | December 10, 2019

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It is super important to ensure that your tresses are thick, happy and healthy to get the most out of your overall look, but what if it’s too thick? Don’t worry about it, we got you and your thick hair covered.

Thick, wavy hair is generally characterised by a thick strand and/or loads and loads of volume. You can get almost any hairstyle with thick hair, and chances are, you never need extensions.

Your hair is the crown that you never take off – which is why it needs to stay slaying! Tossed in a fancy up-do or casual and easy like a lazy Sunday morning, these hairstyles for thick, wavy hair are favourites for women who want to look effortless with minimal effort. It’s like no-makeup makeup, but for hair.

Here are our favourite picks on what you can do with your thick wavy tresses.

Lots and lots of layers

choppy layered hairstyle — Source: Unsplash

The perfect way to maintain thick hair is by sculpting it perfectly to your face shape. What a better way to do that than face-framing layers? 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.

The Hollywood wave

woman with blonde hair thick hair wavy — Source: Shutterstock

Characterised by a luscious shine and perfectly aligned loose waves swooped over one side of your face, this is a go-to classic hairstyle of Hollywood bombshells then and now.

Tresemme

TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray

TRESemmé Care and Protect Heat Defence Spray_front of bottle image_300ml_product image

Editor’s Tip: The last thing you want with your sultry Hollywood wave is flyaways! Maximise smoothness by spraying your hair with the TRESemmé Heat Defence Spray before going in with your heat styling tools. Once your hair is straight, create the iconic wave by twisting the hair around your flat iron, creating a looser more angular bend in the hair. For a high-shine gloss to boost your look, follow this up with the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil.

Experiment with asymmetrical cuts

Woman with uneven bangs — Source: Shutterstock

Tackle two trends in one of these versatile and super trendy takes on the regular bob. Asymmetrical chops show off your thick wavy hair because asymmetrical bobs, in particular, can give your waves some attitude. To get the best asymmetrical haircut for your thick wavy hair, we suggest you visit a professional hairstylist: asymmetrical cuts may be edgy, but they’re also tricky to get right. But once they’re done right, they are unforgettable!

Classic high ponytail

woman with a high curly ponytail puff — Source: Adobe Stock

One of the best things about thick hair is how it takes the classic ponytail to a whole new level. Buh-bye boring ponytail, hello sophisticated beauty!

Tresemme

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil

Leave out a few strands at the front hairline to frame your face, and apply a bit of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil to smooth out any flyaways.

Vintage rolls

We love anything that is vintage and these vintage rolls are perfect for thick, wavy hair. Remember when we said thick hair can achieve almost any look? This is one of them. You will be guaranteed to have enough luscious locks to create voluminous rolls with minimal effort.

Curtain curls

woman with healthy brown curly hair — Source: Adobe Stock

Long loose hairstyles are a favourite of most women with wavy, thick hair. They’re easy to do and only look more awesome as the day wears on. Our golden secret with this look? Don’t be afraid of a bit of texture, it only adds to the dramatic volume!

Thick hair with a fringe

woman with black hair fringe — Source: Shutterstock

A full brow grazing fringe is a nifty way to mix up the texture on thick wavy hair.

Dove

Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Oil Conditioner

Go to product

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Shampoo_front of bottle_250ml_product image

Editors Tip: Fringes look best on healthy-looking and nourished hair, so that’s what you need to aim for with this look. We recommend you use the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner on your wash day. Infused with natural oils such as African Macadamia Oil, this range will deliver intense nourishment to your locks, ensuring that it is shiny, smooth and healthy-looking.

Romantic updo for thick hair

woman with updo hairstyle — Source: Adobe Stock

One of the best ways to show off your wavy thick hair is with a romantic updo. It just looks so chic and effortless – and it really is effortless! All you need are tons of bobby pins and a bit of hairspray, and you have a chic, functional ‘do that will look great at any formal occasion.

Tresemme

TRESemmé Extra Hold Styling Hairspray

TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray_front image_100ml_product image

Editors Tip: Keep your hair looking perfect all night and day with the TRESemmé Extra Hold Styling Hairspray. This quick-drying hairspray will lock your curls in place, keep flyaways at bay, and it brushes out easily when the night is over.

Super-sized double braids

super sized braids — Source: Shutterstock

If you are already blessed with thick wavy hair, rocking thick plaits is an easy one for you. You won’t need to struggle for those much-desired voluminous loops, because you will have it naturally! Give this double braid a go for your next festival – simply plait them closely together and tug gently on the loops to fill in the gaps and even them out.

Super long, super sleek

woman with long sleek dark hair — Source: Adobe Stock

If super long hair is your vibe, we suggest trying out the sleek look. This look is edgy and urban. All that said, the best thing about this look – hands down! – is that it totally makes you look like a modern-day Rapunzel. Definitely a positive in our books!