5 Low Maintenance Haircuts for Thick Hair

Thick hair requires additional time and attention when it comes to almost every aspect of hair care. Due to the additional layers and more hair in general, it takes longer for stylists to cut, color, treat and style compared with normal to thin hair. Having said that, it’s important for thick-haired clients to know what they’re getting into before having their hair cut in a certain style or length. If a thick-haired client requests an easy-to-maintain haircut, here are a few go-to styles any stylist can learn and recommend.

1. Long Layers: Widely loved and worn by thick-haired people everywhere, the long layers haircut is both flattering and low maintenance. With such widespread popularity and a number of techniques, it’s also a style mastered by countless stylists. The key to keeping this haircut from being ultra time-consuming is by keeping it healthy, nourished and moisturized. Stylists should communicate to their clients that, as long as the proper professional hair care products are used (i.e., anti-breakage shampoo, leave-in treatments, etc.) and hair is not overly exposed to hot styling tools, a long layered look is relatively easy to take care of for those with thick hair.

2.Messy Lob: To be clear, almost any style that includes the word “messy” is going to bring along a less-involved maintenance routine. However, a lob is a great medium length haircut for those who are looking to take a bit of weight off their thick hair. Hollywood loves the lob, too, solidifying the idea that this cut is both flattering and photogenic. Stylists can optimize ease and minimize effort for their clients by incorporating texture and layering into the hairstyle. These elements are essentially what makes up the “messy” look, allowing for wiggle room and little effort when it comes to styling.

3.Wavy Shag: Stylists can recommend this retro-chic cut to clients with thick hair who want to try out a fun and trendy look without a huge maintenance routine. Shag styles are versatile, and clients with thick, naturally not-quite-straight hair might find it to be their new go-to. This cut looks great air dried for a casual, everyday look, but when blow dried with a round brush and finished with hair styling products like texture spray or shine serum, it’s the perfect special-occasion haircut as well.

4.Dimensional Color + Curtain Bangs: Who says color-treated hair can’t be low maintenance? At times, thick hair can look flat or one-dimensional due to a lack of color variation or the style of haircut. If the intended result is a hair look that involves both professional hair color and a minimally involved maintenance routine, consider a natural-looking highlighting technique like subtle babylights, a soft balayage or even a blended ombre look. These techniques help to give dimension to the hair and make it look super healthy and full of movement. For an even more elevated look, cut a pair of trendy curtain bangs that will contour the face and won’t require frequent trims as they grow out.

5.Short Textured Look: This customizable haircut focuses on uneven, textured layers and an overall short hair length. Instead of a maintenance-filled blunt cut that looks best when frequently trimmed, go for a more relaxed bob style that embraces piecey, perfectly-imperfect locks. The shorter hair length means less time drying or styling and more time going about the normal day!