Short hairstyles might seem daunting to those who’ve stuck by long hair for most of their lives, but embracing short hair is not only a fun way to switch up your vibe, but also offers a much more low maintenance approach to haircare. Much like actresses who contractually agree to keep their hair long for recurring roles—think Emma Watson, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Emilia Clarke, to name a few—if you’ve grown bored of your longer lengths, this is your sign to consider a dramatically shorter style.
Short hair can be an ideal option if you’re blessed with a head of thick hair, too. If you select your cut wisely, it can quite literally lift a weight off your shoulders and cut down on maintenance time, too. So, which short hairstyles for thick hair work best? We consulted with Nicholas Hardwick, principal stylist at Josh Wood Colour, and Amir Mayha, co-owner and director of Aer Blowdry Bar, to discover their recommended short hairstyles for thick hair. See what they had to say below.
“This is a very practical but charming haircut and works on both wavy and straight hair types. You’ll need to work with your hairdresser to determine the best length for your hair type, and how long you actually want it to sit, and how much product you want to use, but thicker hair looks gorgeous styled in a long pixie,” says Mayha.
Short styles like this one can serve to emphasise your face shape and draw attention to your eyes.
Short hair and a strong fringe works every time.
Keep it modern with a blunt, choppy cut.
Balayage is the perfect way to show off your pixie cut.
If you’re worried about running out of styling options, don’t be. Just add a hair slide.
Never have to worry about hair blowing in your face again with a short cut and micro fringe like Em Ratajowski’s.
Looking for something super low maintenance? Opt for a close crop at the back and keep length in your fringe.
“The iconic one-length bob haircut is probably one of the coolest looks out there, and it’s an excellent option for women with thick hair. It can be combined with a thick short fringe to give your face a bold square-shaped framing, or with a side fringe should you want to add some softness,” says Mayha.
A short, blunt cut like this one is perfect for thick, wavy hair.
We love a retro bob—straight lengths, rounded-in ends, and a micro-fringe tick all the boxes.
Add drama to a short style like this one with a strong side part.
This shoulder-skimming cut is perfect for keeping hair out of the way during the warmer months.
Short, sleek, and so sophisticated. Jourdan Dunn nailed it with this style.
If you’re after a major switch up, why not consider a short style and a pop of colour?
Shoulder length bobs are the perfect length for keeping curly hair bouncy and bouyant.
“Rachel from Friends is the ultimate thick-hair muse, and while she had many looks throughout the seasons, one of the common denominators amongst them was side-partings. While those with thinner strands usually opt for centre-partings to ensure even distribution of the hair, those with thick hair can embrace a deep side-parting without concern,” says Hardwick.
A side part is the perfect style for adding quick and easy volume.
Already got short hair? Here’s the proof that changing up your parting is another great way to switch things up when you’re bored of your style.
Side parts can be a great option for those with a longer or oval face shape.
Tousled waves, short hair, and a side part suits literally everyone.
If you like to style your hair in up-dos, a side part can be a great way to add shape.
Day five hair? Just add dry shampoo and throw your hair into a side part to conceal greasy roots.
Side parts can help to add shape and structure to curly hairstyles.
“While blunt bobs can look amazing on those with thick hair, some of my favourites looks involve a bob with long layers, which can then be styled to appear lighter in weight using waving wands for movement and products for defining texture. It’s easily one of the most popular hairstyles my clients ask for—most likely due to its timelessness and versatility,” says Hardwick.
Balayage and lowlights are a great way to emphasise your layers.
Layers can help to add volume and movement to the ends of your hair.
We love the structure that the combination of a fringe and carefully cut layers creates.
If your hair is naturally straight, create waves or curls to emphasise your layers.
To avoid ends looking too thick and fluffy, ask your hairdresser to cut in layers to take off the weight.
Layers, curls, and balayage combined help to add definition and shape to hair that naturally falls flat.
Soft, defined waves are the easiest way to add shape to thick hair.
A rich treat for your tresses, this OUAI shampoo is specially formulated to deliver the right care for the thickest of hair types.
Much like the OUAI shampoo, this conditioner, packed with extra nourishing properties, has been created with thick hair in mind.
The key to keeping hair looking healthy and glossy is to indulge in a weekly mask; Miracle Mask is great for thick hair as the coverage is sublime.
A time-saving, transformative styling treatment that gives coarse or thick hair types a smooth, easy, and visibly healthier finish.
Anyone who has thick hair knows that the tangles can be terrible, so a detangling brush is a must. The thick bristles on this chic brush will separate your hair follicles with ease.
This rich cream works to define curls, hydrate, and protect, all wrapped up in a formula designed for thick hair.
Prevent those inevitable tangles while you sleep with a silk pillowcase, which is less likely to pull or snag your hair.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
