12 Hairstyles for Men with Thick Hair

Having thick hair is a blessing, but it can sometimes feel like a challenge to manage. The right haircut can transform that volume and texture into a powerful style asset. This guide explores twelve fantastic hairstyles that work perfectly with thick hair, turning its natural density into a standout feature.

1. The Classic Undercut

The classic undercut remains one of the most versatile and timeless choices for men with thick hair. This look focuses on creating a stark contrast, with the sides and back either shaved or clipped very short, while the top is left long and voluminous. The beauty of the undercut lies in its adaptability—thick hair on top can easily become the center of attention. This haircut allows for various styling options depending on your preference.

For a polished and refined look, the top can be sleeked back with a high-shine pomade or gel. The sleek-back style not only accentuates the volume of the thick hair but also offers a neat, professional appearance suitable for formal settings. Alternatively, adding a side part can introduce a touch of classic elegance, giving the undercut a more traditional feel that never goes out of style.

For those who prefer a casual and modern vibe, styling the top with texture is a great option. This can be achieved using a texturizing spray or matte finishing product. Ruffling the long top hair with your fingers can add a carefree, tousled effect that's ideal for a day out or casual settings. With this cut, you can adjust the level of contrast depending on your personality and styling goals, making it a compelling option for anyone seeking a bold yet manageable haircut.

2. Getting the Right Cut from a Skilled Barber

Thick hair can be a work of art when handled by a skilled barber. These professionals understand the unique challenges and benefits of working with dense hair and know precisely how to craft a style that suits your face shape, hair density, and personal preference. The right barber will use techniques such as texturizing and clipping to strategically remove weight while maintaining the overall shape of the style.

Texturizing techniques, like using thinning shears or razoring, are essential tools in the barber's arsenal, especially for thick hair. When applied correctly, these methods reduce bulk, enhance movement, and create an even flow throughout the hairstyle. They can make a significant difference in taming puffiness and ensuring that even the thickest hair lays naturally.

Aside from the initial haircut, maintaining the style requires regular visits to your barber. Thick hair grows rapidly, and without consistent trims, it can quickly lose structure, becoming heavy and harder to manage. By scheduling appointments every three to four weeks, you can ensure your haircut remains sharp, stylish, and easy to maintain. Always communicate openly with your barber to discuss what works best for your hair type, styling habits, and desired look.

3. The Textured Crop

For men looking for a modern and low-maintenance hairstyle that leans into the natural volume of thick hair, the textured crop is a standout choice. This haircut is defined by its short, choppy lengths and deliberately messy, piece-y finish. Unlike styles that aim to smooth or tame thickness, the textured crop embraces it, giving it a contemporary, edgy appeal while remaining practical for everyday wear.

The textured crop involves cutting the hair short across the top, sides, and back, but the magic lies in the use of texturizing shears. These tools help create a natural separation between strands, resulting in a style filled with movement and layers. This haircut minimizes bulk in strategic areas while using the thickness of the hair to add dimension and structure.

Styling the textured crop is refreshingly simple yet impactful.

A matte paste or clay is the go-to product—just a small amount worked between your fingers and applied to the hair adds definition and holds the choppy layers in place. The textured finish suits any casual or laid-back environment while still appearing trendy. Thanks to its clean and refined structure, it also works well in more formal settings. Ultimately, the textured crop is perfect for those who want to showcase their thick hair with a modern, fashion-forward twist.

4. Athletic Haircuts for an Active Lifestyle

For men who lead busy, physically active lives, athletic haircuts are an ideal choice. These haircuts are both functional and stylish, designed specifically to ensure that your hair stays manageable during even the most intense physical activities. Typically, these styles feature shorter sides and a slightly longer top, creating a clean, streamlined appearance that requires minimal effort to maintain. The shorter sides not only help to reduce sweat and discomfort during workouts but also lend a polished, neat appearance suitable for any casual or professional setting.

The length on top, while still relatively short, offers some versatility for styling. With just a small dab of lightweight hair product like a matte paste or cream, you can quickly shape the top into a tidy or slightly tousled look after hitting the gym. Better still, the low-maintenance nature of these cuts reduces the time spent on grooming, making it an excellent option for men who value practicality. Whether you’re running, lifting weights, or engaging in a high-intensity sport, an athletic haircut won't get in your way – it works with you, not against you.

5. The Timeless Pompadour

The pompadour remains one of the most iconic and sought-after hairstyles, especially for men with thick hair. This bold, attention-grabbing style involves short, neatly trimmed sides paired with a long, voluminous top that is swept upward and back. Thick hair is particularly suited to this look due to its natural volume and fullness, which are critical for achieving the dramatic height that defines a pompadour.

To pull off this timeless style, you’ll need a strong-hold pomade or gel to keep the hair in place and a blow dryer to help shape the volume and achieve a smooth finish. Start by applying pomade to towel-dried hair, then use the blow dryer and a round brush to direct the hair upward and back while creating lift and texture. With some patience and a bit of practice, the result is a polished, high-volume look that exudes charm and confidence. While the pompadour does require regular upkeep, such as trimming the sides and maintaining the top’s length and shape, the striking appearance it provides makes the extra effort well worth it. It’s a style that transitions seamlessly from formal events to casual outings, ensuring you look sharp no matter the occasion.

6. Investing in Quality Grooming Essentials

No matter which haircut you choose, the right grooming tools and products are essential for achieving and maintaining your desired look. For men with thick hair, investing in high-quality grooming essentials is particularly important to keep your hair healthy, manageable, and stylish. One critical tool to consider is a powerful blow dryer. This not only helps you create polished, voluminous styles like the pompadour but also reduces irritation and frizz by drying the hair efficiently and evenly.

When it comes to styling products, thick hair often thrives with high-hold pomades or clays, which maintain structure and prevent your style from collapsing throughout the day. For more relaxed or casual styles, a lightweight texturizing spray or cream can enhance your natural texture while keeping things effortless and touchable. Additionally, a good quality shampoo and conditioner designed for thick hair are vital for long-term hair health. Look for products that provide hydration and strengthen the hair shaft, making your hair easier to work with and more resistant to damage over time.

Finally, don’t forget about regular maintenance with a quality comb or brush to keep your style tidy and prevent tangling. By investing in these essentials and incorporating them into your routine, you’ll ensure that your thick hair not only looks great but stays strong and healthy for years to come.

7. The Modern Fade

The modern fade is a haircut that seamlessly blends style and sophistication, making it a go-to option for those with thick hair. This look involves gradually tapering the hair on the sides and back, eventually blending it into the skin at the base, creating a clean and polished transition. The beauty of the fade lies in its versatility; it can be paired with various textured styles on top to create striking contrasts.

For individuals with thick hair, the top can be styled into a quiff, pompadour, or even a messy, textured look, further accentuating the density and volume of the hair. For example, a quiff paired with a high fade provides a sharp and edgy appearance, while a messy, textured top with a low fade gives off a more relaxed and casual vibe.

The fade is particularly effective at keeping the sides clean and defined, drawing attention to the voluminous top and enhancing the overall balance of the haircut. Proper maintenance, including regular trims, ensures that the transitions remain smooth, and the style stays sharp, making the modern fade not just a haircut but a statement of timeless elegance.

8. Finding the Perfect Barber Near Me

Maintaining a style as precise as a fade or any meticulously groomed haircut requires consistent care and expertise. This is why finding a reliable barber near me is essential. A professional barber who understands the unique texture and growth patterns of your thick hair can make all the difference in achieving a polished and personalized look. Start by researching local barbershops in your area, paying attention to reviews, recommendations, and photos of their work online.

A good barber will not only skillfully execute your fade or chosen style but will also offer advice on how to maintain your look in between appointments. Look for someone who communicates openly, listens to your preferences, and provides tailored suggestions to suit your face shape, lifestyle, and hair texture.

Building a relationship with a trusted barber ensures consistent quality, as they learn to work with the intricacies of your hair over time. Whether it’s regular trims to keep a fade looking clean or touch-ups for a slicked-back style, having a professional in your corner saves you from DIY mishaps and ensures your haircuts remain crisp and on point, every single time.

9. The Slicked-Back Look

For those seeking a timeless and sophisticated hairstyle, the slicked-back look is a classic choice. This style involves combing the hair directly backward from the hairline, achieving a sleek and unified appearance. Thick hair is particularly well-suited for this look, as its natural volume and density prevent the style from appearing flat or lifeless. To create the perfect slicked-back look, start with freshly washed hair, as cleanliness ensures a smoother and more polished finish. Apply a high-quality pomade, gel, or styling cream with strong hold to provide structure and manageability. Distribute the product evenly through slightly damp hair, using your hands and a comb to ensure uniform coverage.

Once the product is in place, use a fine-tooth comb to glide the hair back in a continuous motion, working from the forehead toward the crown of the head. The trick to mastering the slicked-back style lies in maintaining sharp lines and smooth strands, which give it the distinguished and clean-cut appearance it is known for. For added polish, consider using a shine-enhancing product that complements the slick finish, ensuring your hair looks luxurious and well-groomed throughout the day. This look is perfect for formal events, professional settings, or nights out, as it exudes confidence and elegance. Regular trims are essential to keep the ends neat and the overall style tidy, as well as to maintain the sharp outlines intrinsic to this iconic hairstyle. When done correctly, the slicked-back look embodies sophistication, emphasizing the strength and fullness of thick hair while offering an effortlessly stylish appearance.

10. The Long Man Bun

For those who admire the art of growing their hair long, the long man bun stands out as an excellent option, especially for individuals with thick hair. Thick hair provides the perfect foundation for a man bun, as its natural density ensures the bun appears full and substantial, avoiding the sparse or limp look that can sometimes plague thinner hair types. To achieve this style, the hair is typically grown out to shoulder length or longer, allowing for a versatile range of bun sizes and placements. Some men prefer a low bun resting at the nape of the neck for a casual, relaxed vibe, while others opt for a high or mid-level bun to project a more contemporary, edgy aesthetic.

One of the key benefits of the long man bun is its adaptability. It pairs beautifully with an undercut, where the sides and back are buzzed or faded, reducing bulk and creating a striking contrast with the longer hair on top. This variation is ideal for men who want to maintain a lightweight, manageable style while showcasing their thick hair in the bun. Additionally, the long man bun can be worn in its full length, emphasizing its natural volume and flow without any additional trimming or shaping.

Styling the man bun requires minimal effort, but precision and care are important to maintain its appearance. Most men find it easy to gather hair into the desired position, subtly twisting it into a neat coil before securing it with an elastic band or hair tie. Using hair products like leave-in conditioners or smoothing creams can help tame flyaways and create a polished, finished look. For a touch of ruggedness, some men often pair the long man bun with a well-maintained beard, creating an eye-catching blend of refinement and masculinity. Whether for casual outings or more formal occasions, the long man bun remains a stylish and practical choice for those with naturally thick hair.

11. The Messy Quiff

The messy quiff is a stylish, carefree twist on the classic pompadour, perfect for men seeking a look that is both modern and versatile. Thick hair is an ideal canvas for this hairstyle, as its natural volume and texture make it effortless to achieve the fullness and structure required for the quiff. Unlike the sleek and precise finish of a pompadour, the messy quiff thrives on a more disheveled and textured appearance, conveying a sense of laid-back confidence and charm.

Creating the messy quiff begins with slightly damp hair, which should be prepped with a volumizing mousse or a lightweight styling product to enhance body and grip. A blow dryer is then used to build volume, lifting the front and crown areas of the hair while directing the strands back. The key to mastering the messy quiff lies in the finishing technique—using a texturizing clay or matte pomade, the hair is styled with fingers to achieve a piece-y, tousled effect. This approach ensures the hairstyle stays soft and natural, avoiding the stiff or overly polished aesthetic of more structured looks.

The versatility of the messy quiff extends to its adaptability for different scenarios, from casual brunches to semi-formal events. For a more polished execution, the sides can be lightly tapered or faded, creating a distinct contrast with the voluminous top while maintaining a cohesive overall look. This hairstyle also pairs well with different face shapes and outfits, adding a dynamic edge without overpowering the individual's natural features. The messy quiff is truly a masterpiece of casual sophistication, proven to amplify the character of thick hair effortlessly.

12. The Side-Parted Comb-Over

The side-parted comb-over is the epitome of timeless elegance, offering a professional, classic look that has stood the test of time. This style is particularly suited for men with thick hair, as the natural weight and volume of dense strands help the comb-over maintain its structure throughout the day. The foundation of the side-parted comb-over is a deep, clean part typically positioned on one side of the head, which defines the hairstyle's shape and provides a sharp, tailored aesthetic.

To achieve this look, precision is critical. The hair should be freshly washed, using a lightweight conditioner to enhance smoothness and prevent frizz. After hair is slightly dried, a styling wax or pomade is applied, focusing on the longer section that will be swept across the top. A fine-tooth comb is essential for creating the deep side part with precision, guiding the hair into place while ensuring a sleek finish. For a sophisticated variation, some men choose to apply a “hard part,” where the parting line is shaved in by a barber, emphasizing the hairstyle's structure and creating contrast with the thicker, combed portion of hair.

The comb-over can be tailored to modern or traditional tastes based on how the sides are styled. A classic option retains medium-length sides, creating a uniform, balanced look. Alternatively, a contemporary spin might incorporate faded or tapered sides, adding a progressive touch to the hairstyle. Pairing the comb-over with a neatly trimmed beard or stubble enhances the overall appearance, creating harmony between facial hair and hairstyle. Whether attending a business meeting or a formal event, the side-parted comb-over is a sophisticated and confident choice, showcasing the enduring appeal of thick hair when styled impeccably.

Conclusion

Thick hair offers a fantastic foundation for a wide range of stylish and modern haircuts. From short and textured to long and voluminous, the key is to choose a style that suits personal preferences and lifestyle. With the right cut and proper maintenance, thick hair can be transformed into a man's most defining feature.