Low maintenance medium length haircuts for thick hair

I'm not trying to be dramatic, but I have the thickest hair in the world. I typically warn stylists before I come in for a cut or color because I know it will take them longer to style than most hair. If I blow-dry my own hair, it can take me up to 45 minutes to get it dry. Maybe the worst part is how hard it is to find a hairstyle that sticks. Not enough layers, and I risk looking like a Christmas tree. Too many layers, and I look like I belong in an '80s band.

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Essential styling products for thick hair:
Which haircut is best for thick hair?
Should thick hair be layered?
Does thick hair look better long or short?
What is the most low maintenance haircut?

I recently got my hair cut by Jennifer Matos, a hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon, and ended up with the perfect balance of layers and length. The result is bouncy and light hair that I can still comfortably pull into a ponytail or bun. "With thicker hair, over-layering can do the opposite [of what you want]," she says. "You think it will get lighter, and it will actually get heavier."

Matos recommends long layers paired with face-framing for hair like mine, which can get curtain-y. If you have coily or curly thick hair, she says you're free to play around with shorter layers and curly bangs. See below for the best low-maintenance haircut ideas for thick hair—get ready to show these to your stylist at your next appointment.

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@hungvanngo

Long, choppy layers are the perfect laid-back hairstyle for thick hair.

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@cassiskovic

Curly bangs and piecey layers make super-thick, curly hair look goddess-like.

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@jeannine.roxas

If you have longer hair, you can add some volume on the top with curtain bangs.

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@kat.shearer

Curly curtain bangs and long layers help make sure ringlets really pop.

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@cassiskovic

Tightly textured hair lends itself to face-framing layers and tons of layers toward the roots so that you can get volume where you want it.

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@justinemarjan

If you want endless length, opt for layers that start at your collar bones for hair that has movement even when it's grazing your ribs.

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@nikkilee901

When you have thick hair, layers that start at your chin help balance a long cut.

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@nikkilee901

Choppy, face-framing is a thick-haired person's best friend.

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@cassiskovic

Curtain bangs add a little something to curly hair. Keep the front pieces short, and angle your layers down to frame your face.

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@nikkilee901

Face-framing pieces help keep long hair bouncy.

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@nikkilee901

If you want to try bangs, opt for a shaggy, piecey fringe with face-framing side pieces to keep hair balanced.

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@symphanisoto

Tons of layers give thicker hair movement and shape.

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@bettinalooney

If you want to go for a bob, opt for long layers and face-framing pieces so your hair won't look triangular.

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@cassiskovic

If you have really curly hair, it's the perfect opportunity to experiment with more layers. A cut like this will infuse your hair with playful energy.

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@freddieharrel

For a style like this, opt for shorter layers on top to get all the life you're looking for.

Essential styling products for thick hair:

Bumble and Bumble

Don't Blow It Thick (H)air Styler

$31

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This hairstyling cream helps curb frizz and allows the perfect air-dried look every time.

Ouai

Detangling and Frizz Fighting Leave In Conditioner

$28

Shop Now

Thick hair can get tangled easily—there's just so much of it! This detangling spray will solve any knots.

R+Co Bleu

Smooth & Seal Blow-Dry Mist

$77

Shop Now

This heat-activated blow-dry spray seals the hair's cuticle, leading to effortlessly smooth and soft hair.

Which haircut is best for thick hair?

The Best Haircuts for Thick Hair That Work with Your Glorious....

Long Layers. For those who prefer a low maintenance cut, adding long layers throughout can break up the bulk without requiring any more upkeep. ... .

Blunt Ends. ... .

Textured Bob. ... .

Wavy Bob. ... .

Sleek Bob. ... .

Asymmetrical Cut. ... .

Shoulder-length Lob. ... .

Face-framing Layers..

Should thick hair be layered?

If your hair is fine and thick, layers will help reduce weight and add movement. If it's fine and thin, light layers might be preferred, to keep as much hair as possible. Coarse, thick hair is typically very layer-friendly and frequently preferred.

Does thick hair look better long or short?

"If you have thicker hair, then you want it to be just a little bit longer. If you have a really nice wave to your hair, you want to accentuate that because when you're cutting it you're removing a lot of the weight, and what the weight does is it enhances your natural texture."

What is the most low maintenance haircut?

The most low-maintenance haircuts are very short haircuts like pixies and cuts with long layers that make styling easy and don't require a ton of salon maintenance. While you'll still need to see your stylist every few months to keep your cut looking its best, you can go longer between appointments.