Thick hair presents a unique blend of advantages and challenges—while it offers enviable volume, body, and fullness that many dream of, it can also become overwhelming to manage, style, and maintain on a daily basis. Short haircuts provide an elegant solution for those blessed with abundant locks, offering structure, manageability, and style without sacrificing the natural benefits of thick hair. The right short cut transforms potentially unruly thickness into a deliberate, sophisticated statement that requires minimal effort while maximizing impact.
What makes short haircuts particularly ideal for thick hair is how they strategically remove weight and bulk while maintaining the hair’s natural texture and dimension. Unlike longer styles that can appear triangular or heavy, well-executed short cuts create balance through technical elements like internal layers, texturizing, and precision cutting. These techniques allow thick hair to move naturally, reducing styling time while preventing the flat or helmet-like appearance that can happen when dense hair is cut short without proper consideration for its unique properties.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated 55 stunning short haircuts specifically designed to flatter thick hair across different textures and face shapes. From classic pixies with texture that manage volume at the crown to graduated bobs that showcase thickness without overwhelming the face, these styles demonstrate how short cuts can transform thick hair from demanding to effortlessly chic. Whether you’re looking to simplify your hair routine, create a bold new look, or simply beat the heat with a cooler style, these options celebrate the natural abundance of your hair while making daily styling remarkably trouble-free.
Understanding and Managing Thick Hair
Before diving into specific haircuts, it’s helpful to understand what makes thick hair unique and how to work with its natural characteristics in shorter styles. Thick hair is defined not just by the quantity of hairs on your head, but also by the diameter of each individual strand. This creates distinctive challenges and opportunities when cutting and styling.
Characteristics of Thick Hair
Thick hair typically has greater density (more hair follicles per square inch), larger individual strand diameter, and more substantial weight than fine or medium hair types. This combination creates natural volume and body but can also lead to excessive bulk, longer drying times, and resistance to styling products and tools. Thick hair often appears fuller at the ends rather than lying flat, creating a triangular or “poofy” effect in certain cuts. Understanding these characteristics helps determine which short haircuts will work most effectively with your thick hair rather than against it.
Cutting Techniques for Thick Hair
Professional stylists use several specialized techniques when cutting thick hair short. Texturizing and thinning remove bulk without sacrificing the overall shape, while point cutting creates soft edges that prevent blunt, heavy lines. Internal layering reduces weight from within the cut without disturbing the exterior shape, and graduation techniques create dimension that makes thick hair appear lighter and more moveable. When consulting with your stylist, discuss these techniques specifically for your hair texture and desired maintenance level.
Styling Tips for Short, Thick Hair
Even the best short haircut for thick hair benefits from proper styling techniques. Use lightweight, moisturizing products that won’t weigh hair down but will help control frizz and define texture. Apply styling products to damp hair for the most even distribution and control. For blow-drying, use a brush appropriate for your specific cut—round brushes for volume and movement, paddle brushes for sleeker styles. Consider diffusing naturally curly or wavy thick hair to enhance texture while preventing frizz. Finally, embrace your hair’s natural tendencies rather than fighting them—the best short cuts for thick hair work with your natural texture while simply making it more manageable.
1. Short Layered Haircuts for Thick Hair
Then, this first idea is a very basic layered chin-length bob. It takes the edge off thick hair and makes it look less voluminous and fluffy, thanks to all its layers.
Also, invest in some good quality hair products to make it look shiny and sleek.
2. Short Textured Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Also, actress Raquel Welch has always had an impressive head of hair. When she went over the hill and turned 60, she too got the big cut, just like most women do.
Only that, for her, it was a super stylish layered pixie cut, seeing as she has such thick hair.
3. Modern Short Haircuts for Thick Hair
Then, this is a super cool long pixie cut, textured and very messy, with 2000s-inspired spikes all around.
Also, what we loved most about it was the color. It’s a very silky iceberg blonde, almost metallic, which will work fantastic with smokey makeup.
4. Low Maintenance Short Haircuts for Thick Hair
Then, does it gets more low maintenance than this? This is a beige blonde bob with long bangs on one side. It has choppy ends, and it’s very straight and sleek so that you don’t have to worry about styling it every day.
5. The Felicity Jones
Also, if you were looking for celebrity inspiration when it comes to short hairstyles for thick hair, look no further.
Then, they have several on this list, and actress Felicity Jones is just the first one.
Also, she usually wears this fantastic black, brown bob with very loose beach waves and 60s heavy-set bangs.
6. The Lily Collins Short Haircut for Thick Hair
Also, we’ve seen actress Lily Collins go through a lot of short hairstyles for thick hair. However, we do have to say that this jaw-length bob is our favorite.
Then, it favors her round face best, making her look incredibly chic and feminine. No wonder she was chosen to be the face of Givenchy!
7. The Christina Hendricks
Also, some actors become known for different parts of their aspects, besides their acting chops.
Then, that’s the case for Christina Hendricks as well, who is very famous for making a case for redheads.
Also, this is how you do short hairstyles for thick hair, ladies!
8. Short Shaggy Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Then, meet the Italian chic. This is a wavy and shaggy bob that will attract all eyes to you.
Also, if your hair is not naturally wavy or curly, you can always use your flat iron to create this look, along with some sea salt spray for that mermaid feel.
9. The Mandy Moore Short Haircut for Thick Hair
Then, it was pleased to settle our eyes on Mandy Moore and discover she has turned into a fabulously fashionable and beautiful woman.
Also, she is wearing a chocolate brown long pixie cut spiked with blonde and red streaks and a pair of gorgeous golden statement earrings.
10. The Anne Hathaway
Then, another celebrity in dire need of ideas for short hairstyles for thick hair is our lovely Anne. Taming that mane has not always been easy for her.
Also, remember those scenes in The Princess Diaries? But if she could do it, so can you, and then we can all pretend to be the princesses of Genovia.
11. Asymmetrical Haircuts for Thick Hair
Then, cute is this asymmetrical pixie? One side of it is completely shaved off, while the other keeps all the goodness of your natural curls. This type of short hairstyle for thick hair gets you the best of both worlds.
12. The Selena Gomez
Then, one celebrity with amazingly thick hair has always been Instagram sweetheart Selena Gomez.
Also, nowadays, she wears her hair long and curly. However, there was a time in her more youthful years when she went for this awesome and slick bob.
13. The Charlize Theron
Then, arguably the most beautiful woman in the world and the face of French perfume J’adore Dior for many years, actress Charlize Theron has been a fan of short hairstyles for thick hair.
Also, there she is, wearing a very long and curly blonde pixie cut.
14. The Victoria Beckham
Then, there’s probably been through almost as many hairstyles as her equally famous husband. Evidently, some were more successful than others.
Also, for example, is an asymmetrical, caramel blonde, long pixie, perfect when it comes to ideas for hairstyles for thick hair.
15. The Meg Ryan
Then, though we got used to her 80s and 90s long hair look, when she became famous for starring in some of the best romantic movies ever made, we also love Meg Ryan with this shaggy and layered hairstyle that almost gives the impression she has curly hair.
16. The Lea Seydoux
Also, french actress Lea Seydoux also has a healthy head of hair. Therefore, she loves to turn to short hairstyles for thick hair.
Then, it is an amazing sandy blonde scruffy bob which she paired with almost no makeup at all. And we believe she looks absolutely amazing!
17. Short Hairstyles for Thick Dark Hair
Then, if you love this haircut and want to copy it, then you will need to break out your blow dryer or rotating brush.
Also, use some styling mousse and gently rotate the brush to avoid getting it entangled in your hair.
Then, you know perfectly well that once it’s in there, it’s impossible to get out.
18. The Jaimie Alexander
Also, we were first acquainted with her as the Lady Warrior Sif in the first Thor movie, and she has been turning heads ever since.
Also, s[eaking of heads, she is a fine example of how you need to approach short hairstyles for thick hair. Look her up!
19. The Audrey Tatou
Then, the second French actress on our list of short hairstyles for thick hair has opted for a very rich cacao-colored long bob.
Also, evidently, hers is Parisian chic, so you need to copy it in detail if you want to look like you just came back from a trip to la belle France.
20. Mature Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair
If you are past a certain age and your hair has gone either totally or partially white, we suggest you don’t dye it.
Embrace and enjoy what nature gave you because it’s an awesome color and change that needs to be celebrated instead of hidden away under hair dye.
21. Sexy Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Everything about this look positively screams beauty and sultriness. This is an ear-length bob with a retro side part and loose vintage curls.
Think Marylin Monroe or Jane Russell off duty. Pair it up with cat smokey eye makeup and a pair of dramatic earrings.
22. Curly Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair
One of the best ways in which you can manage your very curly hair is by cutting it down to a short bob.
We suggest this jaw-length puffed-up version. It simply looks incredibly chic and very 20s Jazz Age, don’t you think?
23. Short Sassy Haircuts for Thick Hair
Speaking of the Jazz Age, here’s another type of bob, which will bring you even closer to the roaring 20s.
If the flapper is your preferred style, this is definitely your haircut. Use some argan oil to get that extra shine in your hair.
24. Chic Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Here’s British actress Keira Knightley’s ad for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle perfume.
She is the embodiment of the young French woman with a short and simple brown bob, natural makeup, and, of course, wearing Chanel.
25. The Sophia Loren
If you want to go back even further in time for inspiration when it comes to short hairstyles for thick hair, there’s no one better than Sophia Loren.
She was the true diva and bombshell of the 50s and 60s, showing the world what European beauty really looks like.
26. Short Hairstyles with Bangs for Thick Hair
Speaking of the 60s, this is a slick bob with thin and wispy bangs that was inspired by that era.
You can use it as your muse for short hairstyles for thick hair. We love how all the other elements belong to that era as well.
The long, oval nails, thick eyeliner, and the typical dress.
27. The Natalie Portman
Here’s another actress who famously serves as the face of an iconic perfume and who simply loves short hairstyles for thick hair.
Natalie Portman has been the beautiful face of Dior’s Miss Dior for a long time and is happier than we could not be. It’s a match made in heaven.
28. Short Blonde Hairstyles for Thick Hair
If you’re thinking about going blonde for the first time, you must do it in style. Take Rita Ora’s example.
Here she is channeling the unique beauty and style of the one and only Marylin herself. How’s that for short hairstyles for thick hair?
29. Cute Short Haircuts for Thick Hair
Which Sienna Miller is your favorite? The one with short hair or the one with long hair?
As far as short hairstyles for thick hair go, we obviously prefer the short-haired one.
However, we won’t say no to a long hair Sienna, as long as she keeps her sweet, white, honey blonde colored tresses.
30. Easy to Manage Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair
This naturally wild short bob is absolutely fantastic. The color is truly something to behold.
The basis is a warm, natural and luscious brown streaked with blonde and brass peekaboos. You should try this color if you have green or hazel eyes.
31. The Zendaya Short Haircut for Thick Hair
Her many hairstyles are almost as famous as she is nowadays.
However, we have to say that we absolutely adored this former Disney star when she emerged sporting this blonde shaggy pixie cut complete with layered bangs and a brown matte lipstick to match.
32. 50s Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair
If you’re in love with the 50s or simply adore pinup, do we have the hairstyle for you?
These are bottle-blonde bombshell curls that will surely get you noticed, especially if you pair them with a striking red lip and some eyeliner.
33. Retro Short Hairstyles for Thick Hair
You know that retro has been all the rage in the past years, ever since the hipster trend emerged. However, here’s a tip.
If you do go for these hairstyles for thick hair, make sure you have just the perfect makeup and outfits as well. Otherwise, it will just look outdated.
34. Short Edgy Haircuts for Thick Hair
This is a fantastic ginger asymmetric bob with wavy ends and short bangs that brush the eyebrows.
The look is so beautifully striking that it almost looks like something out of The Fifth Element.
Pair it with nude eye makeup and a tangerine red lipstick to mirror the orange in the hair color.
35. The Morena Baccarin
If you think her face is familiar, you’re not mistaken. She was Ryan Reynolds’ love interest in Deadpool.
She was amazingly cool, as she is in real life, with her brunette pixie cut and side-swept bangs. Don’t you love how her name matches her hair color? Morena means brunette in Spanish.
36. The Julianne Hough Short Haircut for Thick Hair
Leave it to actress Julianne Hough to show us how short blonde hairstyles for thick hair should work.
She sports a cross between a short bob and a long pixie with feathered ends and dark caramel roots.
Just look at what it does for those crystal clear blue eyes of hers!
37. Short Stylish Haircuts for Thick Hair
As far as style goes, we don’t advise you to copy just this haircut. We’re giving you the green light to copy this entire look.
Down to the polka dot silk shirt with the theatrical bow on one shoulder, the 60s makeup, and the beautiful selfie in the vanity mirror.
38. Short Haircuts for Thick Wavy Hair
We’ve referenced Marylin impersonators several times in this article already. But now we think we found the best one.
It’s a superb idea for short hairstyles for thick hair that you can use too!
The shade is Marylin blonde, of course, and all you need are some well-placed curls and a lot of red lipstick.
39. Short Bobs for Thick Hair
Actress Julia Stiles is here to demonstrate how to pull off short hairstyles for thick hair as the girl next door. It’s easy!
First, you get a simple bob with a set of side-swept bangs in the color of your choosing. Then you style it with some mousse.
Then you become everyone’s favorite!
40. The Marion Cotillard
We believe it’s safe to say by now that French actresses and French perfume have dominated our list of short hairstyles for thick hair.
Therefore, we don’t mind one more, especially when she’s this gorgeous. Marion Cotillard is wearing a fresh and sweet, natural brown bob.
41. The Emma Stone
Speaking of a sweet bob, it doesn’t get any sweeter than Emma Stone on the red carpet.
By the way, did you know the Easy A actress is actually a natural blonde?
But she likes to dye her hair a fiery shade of red or a much more delicious type of ginger.
42. Easy to Style Short Haircuts for Thick Hair
Lucy Hale’s outstanding short and choppy raven bob should win awards for its beauty.
It had us believing she should have had a part in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, if not as Daisy herself, then at least as some form of eye candy.
We’re in love!
43. The Michelle Dockery
We bet you’ve never seen Lady Mary with this amount of makeup and showing this much skin before.
The downstairs of Downton Abbey will surely have something to talk about when she gets back.
Not to mention her fantastic hot chocolate-colored 1920s bob, which we are glad to see she maintains in real life as well!
44. The Ginnifer Goodwin Short Haircut for Thick Hair
Although she has become the queen of the boyish pixie these past years, Ginnifer Goodwin looks equally good in a bob as far as short hairstyles for thin hair go.
We love how she always pairs it with oversized earrings so as to elongate her round face.
45. The Diane Keaton
It seems as if actress Diane Keaton has been sporting this hairstyle for so long.
It has now become part of her image and a bit of an iconic look for her. We support her fidelity to the style and look forward to seeing if she changes it at all in the next few years.
46. The Sharon Stone
Here’s a pixie cut that will send you straight back to the 2000s.
Sharon Stone kept the beacon lit for that decade with a bottle blonde spiky hairstyle, raw black eyeliner, and large hoop golden earrings.
She’s another lady faithful to glory days long gone.
47. The Pink Short Haircut for Thick Hair
No matter what she does, Pink is always current. Maybe that’s because she was always so ahead of her time.
This 2008 super shocked platinum pixie is still very much the rage today, almost ten years after she wore it.
It goes to prove that some ladies really do know how to wear short hairstyles for thick hair.
48. The Afro
What to do when you have such curly hair? The answer is so much simpler than you ever thought. Get the shortest curly pixie cut you can.
The second step is to dye your pixie cut in one of today’s most fashionable colors, such as this copper red mixed with a bit of brown.
49. Best Short Haircuts for Thick Straight Hair
Here’s a fact for you. If you have straight and thick hair and you go for a blunt cut, it will blow up on you like a little mushroom.
That’s why you need to let your stylist give you some layers so that the tresses can arrange themselves neatly on your head and lose the volume and the puff.
50. The Kerri Russell
Once you have those layers we discussed above, you can run to your curling iron and get these fantastic sweetheart curls that Keri Russell wears.
Part your hair sideways and sweep your bangs to one side as well. The pink-red lipstick is a must here, of course.
51. Rock’n’Roll Short Haircuts for Thick Hair
Rockability is a style that has to come together out of all the things that define you. This includes accessories, clothes, makeup, and, of course, the hairstyle you choose. Talk to your stylist about what would suit your best.
52. The Long Pixie Cut
One of the best ways to deal with your thick hair is a long pixie cut. It will give you the advantage of both a short hairstyle in the back, freeing your nape, and a long set of bangs brandishing the wealth of your thick hair.
53. The Shaggy Long Pixie Cut
Why should you go for a shaggy haircut? Because you can is the best answer.
Having thick hair means that you can pull off this unique hairstyle like none other, and we believe you should take advantage of this.
54. The Ginger Pixie Cut for thick hair
Another way in which you can take advantage of your thick hair is by coloring it in a rich and untraditional shade.
Like this fiery ginger that has been mixed with a bit of burnt orange for good measure.
55. The Mauve Stacked Bob
Stacked bobs are back in fashion! They were previously in at the beginning of the 2000s, but they are seeing another moment in the sun as we speak. However, you need to make them modern, so dye them in a kooky color!
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Haircuts for Thick Hair
How can I prevent my short haircut from looking too puffy with thick hair?
Preventing a puffy appearance in short haircuts for thick hair requires both the right cutting technique and appropriate styling methods. When getting your haircut, ask your stylist to incorporate specific techniques that manage bulk: internal layers remove weight without affecting the outer shape; texturizing thins out areas prone to excessive volume; and point cutting creates soft ends rather than blunt ones that can contribute to puffiness. For daily styling, use products specifically formulated for thick hair control—lightweight serums and creams that provide definition without adding volume. Apply styling products to damp hair and distribute evenly from roots to ends, focusing on areas that tend to expand unwanted. When blow-drying, direct airflow downward along the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle, and use a concentrator nozzle for targeted styling. For naturally textured thick hair, consider using a diffuser attachment with your hair dryer to maintain definition while preventing excessive volume. Many people with thick hair find that heavier styling products (like pomades or waxes) help “weigh down” sections that tend to puff out, particularly around the crown area.
Which short haircuts work best for thick, curly hair?
Thick, curly hair thrives with short haircuts that embrace and enhance its natural texture while providing strategic shape and weight distribution. The pixie cut with longer layers on top allows curls to create volume where desired while keeping sides and back neat; the curly bob (chin to jaw-length) maintains enough length for curls to form properly while removing excess weight; and the shaggy, layered cut with curtain bangs creates movement throughout while framing the face beautifully. For successful short cuts with curly thick hair, ensure your stylist cuts your hair dry (or at least 70% dry) to account for shrinkage and spring factor—curly hair appears significantly shorter once dry than when wet. Look for stylists specifically trained in curly hair cutting techniques like DevaCut or Ouidad methods. For styling short curly thick hair, minimize brushing when dry (which creates frizz), apply curl-enhancing products to soaking wet hair, and either air-dry or diffuse gently to maintain curl integrity. Many people with thick curly hair find that shorter cuts actually require less daily styling than longer options, as the reduced weight allows curls to maintain their natural pattern with minimal intervention.
How often should I trim my short haircut for thick hair?
Short haircuts for thick hair typically require more frequent trims than longer styles to maintain their shape and manageability, with most needing attention every 4-6 weeks. The specific timing depends on several factors: very short pixie cuts generally need maintenance every 3-4 weeks as even small amounts of growth significantly change the style; bob-length cuts can usually extend to 5-6 weeks between trims; and heavily layered or textured cuts might require touch-ups every 4 weeks to maintain their intended shape and prevent bulkiness. Your hair’s growth rate also impacts timing—thick hair often grows at a rate of approximately ½ inch per month, but this varies individually. The specific cutting technique used affects maintenance schedules too—precision cuts with clean lines (like blunt bobs) show growth more quickly than heavily textured or deliberately “messy” styles that look intentional as they grow. Many salons offer bang or neckline touch-ups between full haircuts at reduced rates, which can extend the time between complete cuts. Establishing a good relationship with your stylist allows for personalized recommendations based on your specific hair growth patterns and style preferences.
What styling products work best for short, thick hair?
The ideal styling products for short, thick hair provide control and definition without adding unnecessary weight or stiffness. For pre-styling on damp hair, lightweight leave-in conditioners help manage frizz while adding moisture; volumizing mousses create lift at the roots while controlling overall volume; and heat protectant sprays shield thick hair from damage during blow-drying. For finishing and daily styling, texturizing pastes or creams add definition and separation to layered cuts; light-hold pomades provide control with natural movement; and dry texturizing sprays refresh styles between washes while adding volume where needed. Those with natural texture should consider curl-enhancing creams that define curls without crunchiness or stiffness. When selecting products, look for those specifically labeled for thick or dense hair, as they’re formulated to provide adequate control without excessive heaviness. Apply styling products strategically, concentrating on areas where you need the most control (typically the crown for thick hair) and using smaller amounts than you might expect—thick hair absorbs product differently than fine hair. Many people find that cocktailing (combining) products works effectively for thick hair; for example, mixing a small amount of smoothing serum with a texturizing cream can provide both frizz control and definition.
Can thick hair look good in a very short pixie cut?
Thick hair can look absolutely stunning in very short pixie cuts—in fact, thickness often creates the ideal foundation for these ultra-short styles, providing natural volume and structure that finer hair types struggle to achieve. The key to a successful pixie on thick hair lies in customized cutting techniques that work with your specific hair density and texture. A skilled stylist will incorporate significant texturizing and thinning to remove bulk in strategic areas while maintaining volume where desired, typically leaving slightly more length on top compared to the sides and back. Pixies for thick hair usually feature point-cut edges (rather than blunt lines) to prevent heaviness and allow for softer transitions between lengths. The extra body that thick hair naturally provides helps pixie cuts maintain dimension and movement even at very short lengths. For styling a pixie on thick hair, lightweight products with medium hold work best—heavy products can make thick hair appear greasy or weighed down in such short styles. Many people with thick hair find that pixie cuts actually reduce daily styling time dramatically, as the controlled length manages thickness automatically while still showcasing the hair’s natural texture and body. Far from creating a “poofy” effect, a well-executed pixie on thick hair creates a sophisticated, editorial look with impressive versatility.
Conclusion
Short haircuts for thick hair represent the perfect intersection of practicality and style, transforming potentially challenging density and volume into manageable, sophisticated looks that enhance rather than fight your natural hair characteristics. Throughout this collection of 55 stunning options, we’ve explored how strategic cutting techniques—from layering and texturizing to graduated shapes and precision angles—can create short styles that remove excess weight while maintaining the enviable body and dimension that thick hair naturally provides. These cuts demonstrate that embracing your hair’s thickness rather than struggling against it leads to the most flattering and low-maintenance results.
What makes these short haircuts particularly valuable for those with thick hair is their ability to simplify daily routines while still offering impressive versatility. The reduced length minimizes drying and styling time, decreases product usage, and eliminates many common thick hair challenges like heaviness and unmanageable volume. Yet these styles don’t sacrifice impact—from bold pixies that showcase facial features to textured bobs that move beautifully, short cuts for thick hair make a confident statement while requiring minimal effort to maintain.
As you consider these inspirations, remember that the most successful haircut will be one that complements not just your hair texture but also your face shape, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic. Working with a skilled stylist who understands the unique properties of thick hair will ensure a cut that enhances your natural attributes while addressing your specific concerns. With the right approach, short hair can transform thick locks from demanding to effortlessly chic—celebrating the natural abundance you were blessed with while making everyday styling remarkably trouble-free.
Which of these short haircuts for thick hair resonates most with your personal style? Are you drawn to the boldness of pixie cuts, the versatility of bobs, or the edgy appeal of undercuts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Susan is a successful hair stylist who chose to combine two of her biggest passions: writing and styling! When she is not sharing her experience with out readers, Susan updates her skills and knowledge with new styling courses and trainings. She specializes in event hair and makeup and is working on her own illustrated hairstyle book.
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