If you’ve ever tried to tame thick hair, you know the struggle is real. It’s like trying to wrestle a wild animal into a cute, manageable shape.
But guess what? Short hairstyles for thick hair can actually make life a whole lot easier—and stylish too! Think sleek, chic, and just the right amount of “I woke up like this” vibe, without spending an hour on your hair every morning.
As someone who’s spent years experimenting with my own thick, unruly hair, let me tell you: short haircuts are a game-changer. They don’t just cut down on styling time, they also make your thick locks feel lighter, bouncier, and way more fun to work with.
From textured pixies to sharp bobs, there’s a short hairstyle for thick hair that’s perfect for you. Trust me, once you find the right cut, you’ll wonder why you didn’t take the plunge sooner!
1. Choppy Bob with Curtain Bangs
The choppy bob with curtain bangs is one of my personal favorites—it’s effortlessly cool, with a touch of vintage flair.
If you’ve got thick hair, this style works wonders in creating texture without adding bulk.
To pull it off, ask your stylist for lots of layers and keep the bangs a little longer for that perfect face-framing effect.
2. Voluminous Pixie Cut
If you love a short style that packs a punch, the voluminous pixie cut is your best bet.
It’s bold and fun, with layers that give your thick hair some serious lift.
This style is great for those with naturally wavy or textured hair, as the volume looks even better with a bit of natural movement.
3. Textured Bob
The textured bob is perfect for adding dimension to thick hair without the weight.
It’s low-maintenance but still looks like you’ve put thought into it.
A spritz of sea salt spray and a little tousling with your fingers is all you need to make this one shine.
4. Sleek Straight Lob
For those who want a sleek, polished look, the straight lob is the way to go.
It’s chic, modern, and works wonders on thick hair, as it helps balance the volume.
A straightener and a good smoothing serum will give you that mirror-smooth finish.
5. Layered Pixie Cut
A layered pixie cut is fantastic for anyone who loves a spunky, textured look.
It’s short, sharp, and oh-so-fun to style.
If your thick hair is prone to puffing up, layers will help keep it under control and give it a flattering shape.
6. Tousled Shaggy Bob
If you love a bit of wildness in your hair, this is the cut for you.
The shaggy bob combines structure and messiness in the best possible way.
It works beautifully with thick hair, giving it a lived-in look that’s full of personality.
7. Choppy Layered Bob
A choppy layered bob is perfect for thick-haired individuals who want a hairstyle that’s both edgy and manageable.
The key to this look is to add lots of layers to create movement without the heaviness.
Texturizing spray will add an extra oomph to the finish.
8. Inverted Bob for Thick Hair
This classic inverted bob has been a favorite for years and doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere.
For thick hair, it helps remove weight from the back while adding volume in the front.
It’s flattering on nearly every face shape, making it a safe bet for a bold but classic style.
9. Messy Bob with Beach Waves
The messy bob with beach waves is perfect for a relaxed, lived-in vibe.
With thick hair, this style makes it easy to embrace your natural volume while adding a fun, carefree twist.
A texturizing cream and a curling wand will help achieve those gorgeous waves.
10. Short Layered Bob with Fringe
Add a little drama with a short layered bob and fringe.
This style works well for those who want a balance of volume and a sleek edge.
The fringe softens the face, and the layers keep the thick hair from looking too bulky.
11. Curly Pixie for Thick Hair
Curly hair + pixie cut = a winning combo.
If you’ve got thick curls, the curly pixie cut is an excellent way to embrace your natural texture while keeping things fresh and fun.
Just remember to use a curl cream to define your curls and keep them frizz-free.
12. Asymmetrical Short Bob
An asymmetrical bob is all about making a statement.
It’s perfect for thick hair because it creates a sleek shape while allowing the hair to move freely.
You can either go for a dramatic side-sweep or a more subtle shift to one side.
13. Straight Blunt Bob
For a crisp, polished look, the straight blunt bob is your go-to.
It works well with thick hair because the blunt ends add weight and structure, preventing your hair from looking too poofy.
A flat iron and smoothing serum will help keep it sleek and shiny.
14. Curly Bob with Defined Curls
Curly hair looks absolutely gorgeous in a bob.
With thick hair, the curly bob gives you a playful, voluminous look that’s easy to maintain.
Using a curl-enhancing mousse and a diffuser will ensure your curls are defined and bouncy all day long.
15. Stacked Bob for Volume
If you’re looking to amp up the volume, the stacked bob is the cut you need.
It’s all about creating layers that add fullness in the back while keeping the front sleek.
For thick hair, it helps distribute the weight evenly, so you get volume without looking too puffy.
16. Sleek Rounded Inverted Bob
This style offers a bit of sophistication with its rounded edges and smooth finish.
For thick hair, the inverted bob removes weight from the bottom while providing a rounded, voluminous top.
It’s a flattering option for a more polished and sleek look.
17. Classic Pixie Cut
A classic pixie cut never goes out of style.
It’s ideal for thick hair because it gives you the chance to flaunt your natural texture while keeping things low-maintenance.
This style is a great option if you love the idea of a short, no-fuss haircut that still looks amazing.
18. Textured Pixie for Thick Hair
If you want a pixie cut that’s full of movement and character, the textured pixie is for you.
It’s perfect for thick hair because it’s layered in a way that removes bulk but keeps plenty of shape.
A lightweight mousse is your best friend for this style.
19. Curly Crop with Side Part
The curly crop with a side part is a playful yet chic way to show off your thick curls.
The side part adds a bit of structure, while the crop keeps the curls under control.
Use a curl cream for definition and volume, and you’re good to go!
20. Wavy Short Bob
A wavy short bob is effortlessly stylish and works well with thick hair.
It’s perfect for those who want a bob that has movement without feeling too heavy.
A salt spray or light styling mousse will help enhance those natural waves.
21. Choppy Pixie Bob
The choppy pixie bob is the epitome of fun, flirty, and free-spirited.
It works wonders with thick hair, allowing you to keep texture without sacrificing shape.
This one is all about the layers, so don’t be afraid to ask for some extra choppy layers for that lived-in vibe.
22. Tapered Bob Cut
The tapered bob cut gives your thick hair a soft, flattering silhouette.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to reduce bulk while keeping a clean, sharp look.
A little styling gel or pomade can help smooth out the edges and add some shine.
23. Messy Shag Bob
If you’re into edgy, rock-and-roll styles, the messy shag bob is your answer.
It works wonderfully with thick hair by breaking up the volume and adding tons of texture.
Use a light mousse to tousle it up and give it that carefree, undone finish.
24. Feathered Pixie
The feathered pixie is a timeless cut that feels both fresh and sophisticated.
For thick hair, it helps lighten the load by adding layers that create a feathered, airy effect.
A round brush and blow-dryer can help you achieve the perfect soft feathered look.
25. Retro Bob with Curls
A retro bob with curls is a great way to add a vintage vibe to your thick hair.
It works best with thicker textures, as the curls provide volume and body without weighing the style down.
A large-barrel curling iron will help you achieve those gorgeous retro curls.
26. Tousled Layered Pixie
For those who love a slightly messy, yet chic look, the tousled layered pixie is ideal.
It works beautifully with thick hair, offering layers that break up the volume and create a soft, tousled finish.
A bit of texturizing spray can help boost the effect.
27. Stacked Bob with Subtle Balayage
Want to take your stacked bob to the next level? Try adding some subtle balayage highlights.
The stacked bob gives your hair tons of volume, and the balayage adds dimension and depth, making your thick hair look even more stunning.
28. Sleek Pixie with Side Bangs
The sleek pixie with side bangs is perfect for thick hair that tends to be a bit unruly.
The side bangs create a flattering face frame, while the sleek pixie keeps everything polished and manageable.
A smoothing serum and flat iron will give you that ultra-sleek look.
29. Angled Bob for Thick Hair
An angled bob works wonders for thick hair by creating a sharp, structured silhouette that still has movement.
The angle gives the hair a dynamic shape, and the layering helps remove any bulk.
This style is perfect for anyone looking for a sleek yet voluminous look.
30. Blunt Bob with Textured Layers
The blunt bob with textured layers is a bold, striking look that works perfectly with thick hair.
The blunt ends give it an edge, while the layers keep it from looking too heavy.
A lightweight styling cream can add some extra definition and texture.
A modern shag pixie cut is perfect for those who want to add some texture and fun to their thick hair.
This style offers layers that create volume and movement while keeping the look fresh and modern.
Use a bit of styling mousse to get that perfect, tousled finish.
32. Bouncy Textured Bob
A bouncy textured bob brings tons of volume to your thick hair without the bulk.
The key is in the layers—ask your stylist for light layers that will keep the shape, but allow for movement.
A light mousse will enhance the bounce and texture.
33. Chin-Length Bob with Waves
The chin-length bob with waves is a super flattering and easy-to-maintain option for thick hair.
The waves add softness, while the chin-length cut creates a sleek, defined shape.
A curling iron or wand will help you create those effortless waves.
34. Curly Afro Short Cut
For those with natural curls, the curly afro short cut is a bold and beautiful way to rock your thick hair.
This style embraces your natural texture and volume while keeping it fun and easy to manage.
A curl cream or defining gel will ensure your curls stay bouncy and defined.
35. Sleek Pixie Bob with Flipped Ends
A sleek pixie bob with flipped ends is a playful twist on a classic style.
For thick hair, this style gives you structure and definition without adding weight.
A straightener can help flip the ends to perfection, giving it a polished yet playful finish.
36. Rounded Bob with Fringe
If you want something soft and feminine, the rounded bob with fringe is a great choice for thick hair.
The round shape creates volume while the fringe adds a playful edge.
Use a round brush when blow-drying for a smooth, voluminous effect.
37. Inverted Pixie with Highlights
The inverted pixie with highlights gives you a bold yet polished look.
The highlights add depth to the layers, and the inverted cut creates an ultra-flattering shape.
Use a shine serum to keep those highlights looking fresh and vibrant.
38. Tapered Pixie Cut with Side Bangs
This tapered pixie cut with side bangs is a fantastic option if you want a low-maintenance yet stylish cut for thick hair.
The tapered sides give it structure, while the side bangs soften the look.
A little styling paste will give you that perfect tousled finish.
39. Curled Short Pixie
For those who want a little extra texture, the curled short pixie is a fun way to embrace your thick hair.
This style adds movement and volume, creating a playful yet polished look.
A curling iron and light hairspray will keep your curls intact throughout the day.
40. Layered Short Bob with Volume
A layered short bob with volume gives your thick hair the perfect balance of fullness and lightness.
The layers remove some weight, while the volume on top creates an elevated, chic finish.
Use a volumizing mousse to add even more lift.
