10 Easy Hairstyles for Thick Hair

Thick hair is a blessing — full, voluminous, and naturally eye-catching — but anyone who has it knows it can also feel heavy, hard to manage, and time-consuming to style. On busy mornings, thick hair can take longer to dry, longer to straighten, and sometimes feel overwhelming when left loose. That’s why finding easy hairstyles specifically designed for thick hair is so important.

The good news? Thick hair has one major advantage: built-in volume. While others rely on teasing and texture spray to create fullness, you already have it naturally. The key is choosing styles that distribute weight evenly, reduce bulk, and enhance your hair’s natural movement without making it feel heavy.

Pinterest trends show that the best hairstyles for thick hair are the ones that embrace volume instead of fighting it. Structured braids, layered ponytails, textured buns, half-up styles, and soft waves are especially flattering because they control fullness while showcasing your hair’s density. Instead of trying to flatten thick hair, these styles work with its natural shape.

Another common challenge with thick hair is comfort. Tight ponytails can feel heavy. Loose styles can expand throughout the day. The solution lies in smart sectioning, strong elastics, and strategic layering within the hairstyle. Many easy hairstyles for thick hair focus on dividing the weight — like double braids or low buns — which reduces scalp tension and keeps styles secure longer.

Thick hair also holds styles extremely well. Curls last longer. Braids look fuller. Buns appear more voluminous. That means even simple techniques can create dramatic results with minimal effort.

In this guide, you’ll discover 10 easy hairstyles specifically designed for thick hair. Each idea includes a clear explanation, step-by-step instructions, and a materials list to help you recreate the look comfortably and confidently. Whether your thick hair is straight, wavy, or slightly textured, these styles will help you manage volume while keeping things simple and stylish.

Let’s explore these effortless, flattering hairstyles that make thick hair easier to love every day.

1. Layered Low Ponytail

Introduction

The layered low ponytail is perfect for thick hair because it helps distribute weight while keeping the style sleek and controlled. Instead of gathering all the hair into one heavy section, this technique subtly manages bulk while maintaining a polished appearance.

This hairstyle works beautifully for school, work, or casual outings.

Why It’s Ideal for Thick Hair

It prevents the ponytail from feeling too heavy and reduces tension on the scalp.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Brush hair thoroughly to remove tangles.
2. Apply smoothing serum to control frizz.
3. Divide hair into two horizontal sections (top and bottom).
4. Secure the bottom section into a low ponytail.
5. Gather the top section and secure it over the first ponytail.
6. Combine both sections gently.
7. Wrap a strand around the base to hide elastics.
8. Finish with shine spray.

Materials Needed

• Strong elastic bands
• Brush
• Smoothing serum
• Bobby pin
• Shine spray

2. Half-Up High Volume Bun

Introduction

Thick hair creates the perfect full mini bun when styled half-up. This look removes some weight from the bottom while showcasing your volume.

It’s trendy, practical, and easy to achieve.

Why It Works

It reduces heaviness around the face while keeping length visible.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Section off the top half of your hair.
2. Gather into a high ponytail.
3. Twist loosely.
4. Wrap into a bun.
5. Secure with elastic or pins.
6. Loosen slightly for fullness.

Materials Needed

• Elastic
• Bobby pins
• Texturizing spray

3. Double Dutch Braids

Introduction

Double Dutch braids are perfect for thick hair because they control volume and distribute weight evenly.

This style is secure and long-lasting.

Why It’s Practical

It keeps hair tight to the scalp and prevents bulk from expanding.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Create a clean middle part.
2. Start Dutch braiding from the hairline.
3. Add hair gradually.
4. Continue to ends.
5. Secure with elastics.
6. Gently pull braid edges for fullness.

Materials Needed

• Comb
• Elastics
• Hairspray

4. Textured Low Bun

Introduction

A textured low bun looks especially full and elegant with thick hair.

Why It’s Comfortable

It keeps weight low at the nape instead of high on the crown.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Gather hair at nape.
2. Secure into low ponytail.
3. Twist loosely.
4. Wrap into bun.
5. Secure with pins.
6. Pull strands loose.

Materials Needed

• Elastic
• Bobby pins
• Texturizing spray

5. Long Side Braid

Introduction

Thick hair makes braids look fuller and more dramatic.

Why It’s Flattering

It controls volume while showcasing length.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Sweep hair over one shoulder.
2. Divide into three sections.
3. Braid firmly.
4. Secure with elastic.
5. Pull gently for fullness.

Materials Needed

• Elastic
• Comb
• Light spray

6. Claw Clip Half Twist

Introduction

A claw clip is excellent for thick hair when using a large, sturdy clip.

Why It’s Easy

Quick and reduces bulk at the back.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Gather half the hair.
2. Twist gently.
3. Secure with large clip.
4. Leave rest loose.

Materials Needed

• Large claw clip
• Brush

7. High Braided Ponytail

Introduction

A braided ponytail prevents thick hair from feeling too heavy.

Why It’s Secure

The braid holds shape and reduces tangling.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Create high ponytail.
2. Braid tightly.
3. Secure at end.
4. Spray lightly.

Materials Needed

• Strong elastic
• Hair tie
• Hairspray

8. Loose Waves with Layers

Introduction

Soft waves help break up density in thick hair.

Why It’s Beautiful

Adds movement without adding more bulk.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Apply heat protectant.
2. Curl large sections.
3. Alternate directions.
4. Brush lightly.
5. Add texture spray.

Materials Needed

• Curling iron
• Heat protectant
• Texture spray

9. Low Twisted Ponytail

Introduction

Twisting thick hair before tying it helps manage bulk.

Why It Works

Creates structure without heaviness.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Create low ponytail.
2. Divide above elastic.
3. Flip ponytail through.
4. Tighten gently.
5. Spray lightly.

Materials Needed

• Elastic
• Brush
• Hairspray

10. Double Low Buns

Introduction

Splitting thick hair into two buns reduces weight and adds style.

Why It’s Balanced

Even distribution prevents scalp strain.

Step-by-Step How-To

1. Middle part hair.
2. Secure two low ponytails.
3. Twist each into bun.
4. Pin securely.
5. Spray lightly.

Materials Needed

• Elastics
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray