Hairstyles for men with thick hair can be any look — from short to long and sleek to messy — that creates shape and definition without looking too bulky.
A short cut is an obvious choice for low-maintenance men, but you can still rock a longer look with the right cut. The modern mullet or shag is a great way to wear a longer style, keeping it light and manageable for denser hair.
Learn more about haircuts for men with thick hair from salon owner and stylist Rian Taylor of Philadelphia, PA.
💡 Key Things to Know First
- Find a barber who understands how to work with your hair density, type, and texture!
- Ask your stylist how to maintain this cut with products at home.
- When choosing the haircut, consider the styling and effort that will go into maintaining it.
- Any cut with a shaved component will be more manageable for thick hair, so taking sides down shorter will work well for balance.
Here’s a photo gallery of popular hairstyles for men with thick hair. Choose one that is more suited to your aesthetic!
#1: Brushed Forward French Crop with a Mid Fade
Are you looking to change up your same old boring buzz cut? This brushed forward French crop with a mid fade is one of the most trendy cuts of the year. And it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. I recommend asking your barber for a zero fade on the sides and a scissor cut on top.
Do this to maintain some much-needed length for this style. It’s even better if they can point cut or use a razor for added movement. Pick up the thickest styling clay you can find. Try Hanz De Fuko’s Quicksand. It gives men’s haircuts some height and molds any cropped fringe around the face at home.
#2: Swept Back Thick Hair
Nothing is more timeless and trendy than this swept-back thick hair! This men haircut is the perfect way to show off your long locks. It’s also keeping the satisfaction of buzzed down, out of the way, and over the ear sides. If you want a haircut like this, you can ask your barber for a fade undercut on the sides. Just ask for a length on top that suits your texture and style. I suggest at least 4-6 inches for this look!
#3: Low Taper with Shaved Designs
Maybe you don’t want a style that’s too short. Or you’re looking to transition your longer style into something clean-cut. Either way, this low taper with shaved designs may be for you.
If you visit your barber, ask for a low zero fade on the sides. Request enough left on top to stay out of the eyes when it falls forward but covers the forehead. With such men haircuts, leave a volume powder to keep the look nicely styled at home.
#4: Beard Fade with a Mid-Length Messy Cut
If you want to break away from your same old fade haircut, try this beard fade with a mid-length messy cut! This is a clean take on a more relaxed hairstyle.
Spend time applying some styling cream on towel-dried hair after a shower. You’ll be ready for the rest of the day with a soft, natural hold with enough control for a sharp style. This brings out the best hair style if you apply a Malin and Goetz Sage Styling Cream.
#5: Sharp Fade and Beard Fade
If you’re a trendsetter, check out this sharp fade and beard! Next time you visit your barber, plan to show them this picture. It features a zero drop fade on the sides and a textured scissor cut on top.
I recommend styling a man’s hair style with matte clay like Hand De Fuko’s Quicksand for maximum texture and hold.
#6: Thick Wavy Mid-Length Hairstyle
Many men are opting for longer hairstyles. This thick wavy mid-length hairstyle requires fewer trips to the barbers and frees up more time. To style, I recommend drying some sea salt spray into your hair. If you blow it back, it will give you a good foundation for hold. Remember, the finishing product depends on the look you want. Use pomade for a glossy finish, matte clay for a low sheen, and styling powder for a natural finish.
#7: Clean High Fade French Crop
A clean high, fade French crop on thick hair features the sides and back, fading to 0.5 while keeping a heavy, textured top. Maintaining the length on the top of the haircut gives you a point of difference with the sides.
This cut is for thick-haired men who want to maintain a lot of length through their hair on top. The high fade is for men who like to style or sweep their fringe over. If you like to keep a more natural unkept look, then this haircut is great for that, too. My best advice is to use Chambers Shaper spray while the hair is wet, then dry it thoroughly. Sea salt hair spray won’t make your hair greasy, giving it a light hold.
#8: Thick Textured Crop for Older Men
A textured crop for older men is classic and perfect for men with medium to thick hair. This trendy cut lasts 6-8 weeks without looking sloppy. The front pieces are longer with rounded edges. Short hairstyles for men can be styled in various ways to create a masculine men’s style.
For thick hair men, it’s a messy style that’s easy to work with in the morning. It’s a classic shape designed to maximize masculinity, and it’s for various gentlemen. I recommend using a matte pomade to elevate such a hairstyle for men.
#9: Silver Thick Mohawk with No Fade
A silver thick mohawk is a great look for men with high-density hair. This haircut is great for showing off an edgy and stylish style. Make sure to ask your barber for a zero-fade mohawk, as this will ensure it has maximum impact. For best results, use matte clay or pomade to keep flyaways under control and give definition to the cut. This hairstyle could be perfect for you with an oval face shape. Just make sure not to go too short on the sides so it doesn’t overwhelm your features. To finish off, apply Bedhead by TIGI Hard Head hairspray in moderation. It gives hold without leaving your hair too stiff.
#10: High Pompadour Men’s Hairstyle
This high pompadour men’s hairstyle for thick hair is classic yet very stylish. This higher pomp haircut features a full head of hair with a long top. I suggest using a grease pomade to achieve the comb lines and height. Thick haircuts and styles like this pompadour are for men wanting a classy style.
#11: Skin Fade Caesar Haircut
This skin fade Caesar haircut is also a skin fade crop for thick hair. It’s one of the trendiest hairstyles right now. It’s a 90s style with a modern twist that blends into the scalp while leaving the top-heavy and natural. Thick men’s hairstyles like this one work well on men with a good hairline on the front fringe. Men with straight, thick hair may have trouble getting texture through the top. To style, use a texture spray and clay and slowly blow dry it into your damp hair using a diffuser.
#12: Disheveled Medium-Length Texture for Thick Wavy Hair
This disheveled medium-length texture for thick wavy hair shows off tons of movement. Try Aveda Control Paste when styling. It gives thick hair a highly texturized yet low-sheen style that’s smooth and not sticky. Using a texture cream on towel-dried hair and allowing it to air dry will give it the most natural finish. If you like a more controlled hold, use a styling gel instead.
To disheveled thick, wavy hair:
- Towel dry hair to remove excess moisture.
- Work a quarter-sized amount of high-hold texture cream through hair.
- Use fingertips to style hair.
- Allow hair to air dry the rest of the way for the best results.
#13: Unique V-Cut Style
Are you looking for a classic hairstyle with a modern twist? Ask your stylist or barber to try a wedge haircut—this style of cut pairs well with a v-shaped fade. A combo like this will allow you to get the benefits of a short and long style at the same time! Try styling with a matte pomade to hold the look together effortlessly.
#14: Punk-Inspired Choppy Hair with Fringe
This choppy hair with fringe screams punk rock! The thick hairstyle has a serious style that combines smooth and a shattered texture.
To style:
- Towel dry hair.
- Use a paddle brush to smooth the front half of your hair forward.
- Use fingertips to lift hair in the back, creating an edgy and contrasting look.
- Work a nickel-sized texture cream through the front, directing it forward and piecing out the ends.
- Use a medium to high hold styling paste to lift and separate the hair in the back.
Inject your thick hair with Bed Head Headrush. It’s like shining adrenaline with a superfine mist! Add extra reflection to the front with a light aerosol shine spray to your choppy fringe.
#15: Heavily Layered Short Cut
Not everyone wants their hair cut with clippers, as you can see with this heavily layered short cut. The sides have been cut, leaving the sideburn natural, but the base of the neck has been tapered. Long layers have been cut into the top and styled using a volume spray and possibly sea salt spray. Maintenance does come with this, as you must style it daily.
#16: Shaved Sides and a Disconnected Long Top
If you want a longer style, shaved sides and a disconnected long top could be what you need. It has faded short on the back and sides, then blended to the temple. The top section has been disconnected and left long for him to style as he wants. To emulate the look, you must dry some sea salt spray into it for the base of the hold. Then, finish off with some styling powder. Remember to ask your barber to recommend some products.
#17: Mid-Fade Thick Hairstyle
The thicker your hair, the more shape you can create. This mid-fade thick hairstyle has been cut to suit the client’s hair. The fade has been kept low and arched up to the top. This suits the disconnected top as it supports the weight of the style. If you want to wear a similar style, I suggest using sea salt spray to style. This will give you a strong foundation for you to create hold. I recommend finishing off with some styling powder to complete the style.
#18: Full and Choppy Thick Hair
Not every customer wants a fade; some like to keep it longer. This cut was done with all scissors using various techniques, such as point cutting, slicing, and texturing. The hair has a natural wave, so some nice textured curls can be styled into the top while keeping some straight texture for this full and choppy thick hairstyle.
If you can create this look at home, it helps to take advice from your barber and possibly buy their products. This is the hairstyle men would have fun styling!
#19: Mid-Length Cut with a Side Part
You don’t have to go super short every time you get a cut! Try a mid-length cut with a side part instead. Medium-length to longer hair for men like you is very in right now, so there’s no better time for you to try something different!
#20: Icy Mullet
Mullets are returning stronger than ever, as seen with this icy mullet. The hair has been previously lightened and toned to achieve the grey color, and a good way to keep it toned is to use a purple shampoo. This mullet has been cut to look like a shag style with choppy layers and a good blow-dry for texture. Sea salt spray and styling powder will be good for styling. The beauty of this style is that it looks just as good natural as styled.
#21: Sexy Mid-Fade with a Spiky Top
Some like to add texture to their straight hair. Pay attention to how this will give it more movement, as seen with this sexy mid-fade with a spiky top. It has been taken down to the skin around the ears and faded up, leaving more hair to transition into the top. The top will have been cut using a technique called point cutting. This will leave the ends of your hair textured. I suggest using a good styling powder for the best styling.
#22: Thick Mid-Fade + Faux Hawk Haircut
This thick mid-fade + faux hawk fade haircut is balanced and doesn’t look too voluminous. When paired with facial hair, it looks bold.
Men with thick hair are guaranteed great hairstyles; a mid-fade is perfect for achieving this. Finish with strong hairspray or wax to keep your hair high and dramatic.
#23: Thick Undercut with Hard Part
A thick undercut with a hard part is an extremely popular trend for men with thick hair. Undercuts allow for a portion of the hair to remain short and tidy while giving the freedom for longer lengths. Adding a hard part line makes it easy to style and dress up for more formal events.
It’s the haircut men would love if they were looking for easy maintenance!
#24: Textured Top and Disconnected Undercut for Coarser Hair
Try a textured top with a disconnected undercut for coarser hair that tends to be stubborn or hard to style. The texture is a great way to make coarse hair easier to manage. An easy style with a textured top and disconnected undercut is an “intentionally messy” style that can be achieved with some tousled waves or curls.
#25: Clean High Fade for Guys with Thick Hair
This clean high fade for guys with thick hair is a reminder of Jason Statham’s haircut. This thicker hair is trimmed all around and keeps all of the hair in the short to medium thick hair range.
#26: Wavy Modern Thick Mid-Fade Haircut with Beard for Men
This wavy modern thick mid-fade haircut for men highlights its thickness. The thick cut shows off the natural beauty of thick, healthy hair. Feel free also to grow out a thick beard to complete the style.
#27: The Ivy League Cut + Back-Swept Hairstyle
The thick Ivy League cut + back-swept hairstyle is a formal and traditional classic haircut, and this is an exceptional representation by barber Nodar Borovko of Russia.
“This is a longer version of a crew cut. This thick hairstyle is long enough for parting, with sides that are short. New barbershops come close with metrosexual cuts, but they’re not quite pompous,” Borovko explains.
This thick, swept-back style is for men who want to save time combing their hair. With no more than 1.5 inches of hair on top and a gradually shorter fringe, it’s great for all activities.
When styling, Borovko advises, “Use a matte paste for the finish or hair pomade for a shiny look, especially for thick Asian hair.”
#28: Shaggy Brush Cut with Messy Texture
This shaggy brush cut with a thick messy texture is easy to recreate. Since it’s textured messy, you just put your hands through your hair, and styling is done.
Florida-based barber Herbin Delgado recommends using Layrite pomade for this thick men’s haircut for style. “This style is for men with thick hair that’s naturally all over the place. This means your hair doesn’t naturally want to comb over a certain way unless you use a lot of product,” Delgado explains.
It’s ideal to use as little product as possible and still have the style hold for the whole day. This messy textured cut is the perfect option for guys with thick hair!
#29: Clean Line Up and Bald Fade Haircut for Men with Thick Hair
This clean line up and bald fade haircut for men with thick hair is easy to maintain. “A well-executed skin fade will never be old-fashioned,” says style creator Benny Machado of Newport News, VA.
To recreate this thick hairstyle, use precise hair cutting and blowdrying techniques. Machado states, “Try Skilledbarber Fiber Gum. It has a low to medium hold. This lined up haircut with a fade is for men with straight, thick hair.”
#30: Modern Thatch Combover with Sharp Hard Part
This modern thatch combover with a sharp hard part is a traditional thick hairstyle created by barber Eric Soto from Pennsylvania.
“A hard part is a line in the hair created with a trimmer or razor. This is done instead of parting or sectioning the hair with a comb or brush,” Soto explains.
This thick cut is a fade transition with a light-to-dark contrast. Use pomade with a shine on your long hair to achieve this cut for thick hair.
#31: Side Part + Low Fade with a Long Curly Top
This side part + fade with a long curly top is timeless. It’s a creation by barber Ron Talley from Riverside, CA. The low skin fade is perfect for short to medium-thick hair.
When styling this short men’s haircut, try Uppercut Deluxe Matt Clay. Talley explains, “It works best on wavy hairstyles and for men that want to keep that thick natural curl and wave.”
The side part is a classic cut that any man can rock. This low fade looks best on men with a little wave in their hair.
#32: Spiky and Textured with Long Thick Hair on Top
Spiky and textured with long thick hair on top is a clean style for most men. It’s one of the easier hair styles for men with thick hair, as stylist Jade Kirkbride of Utah claims.
“Try Kevin Murphy FREE.HOLD styling paste to create this shape. Work the product through your hair, piecing and twisting certain strands. That will give you a textured, not-so-perfect style,” Kirkbride explains.
For maintenance, ask your barber to use thinning shears to thin out the top and a razor to keep your texture. Short haircuts like this make styling thick, wavy hair manageable. If you’re a guy with thick hair looking for a new hairstyle, mention this to your barber. You may even be able to wear it as a mohawk if cut correctly.
#33: Brushed Back & Natural Curly Crop
This brushed-back and natural curly crop combines high volume and thick hair. It’s textured, brushed back, and has a natural look and feel. Barber Zach Ramsey of New York designs this one.
Ramsey states, “Use a light amount of sea salt spray and a matte finish clay for styling. The more natural the finish, the better.”
This is the high and thick volume hair style men with thicker hair would love because it’s much easier to maintain. Much more than a shorter clipper cut.
#34: U.K.-Inspired Fade with Short Sides
This U.K.-inspired fade with short sides creates a thick, wavy texture paired with a smooth fade. Men’s hairstyles like this will eventually make their way to the US!
According to barber Mikey Henger of Pennsylvania, “Any salt spray would be a key element to give your hair texture. Adding some texturizing and volumizing powder will also aid in styling.”
The cropped fringe style is a great haircut for men looking to stand out. It makes the dapper hair styles men with thick hair can wear. It’s easy to style and even easier to maintain.
#35: Naturally Curly Hair with Tapered Sides
This is naturally curly hair with a mid-fade for thick hair, designed by stylist Shawn Barbz of Canada. This cut works well with curls, but men with curly or straight hair can wear this men’s taper haircut.
Barbz advises, “Use Elegance Wax and Pomade for the hair on top of your head. Use a minimal amount to get that messy look. If you have a beard, use Elegance Hair and Beard Oil. This will leave your beard softer with a light shine.”
These thick curls with tapered sides are perfect for a gentleman who wants to try something new. Weekly maintenance is suggested with the hair products mentioned above.
#36: Young Professional Combover Part Hairstyle for Men
This young professional thick combover part hairstyle for men is casual yet sophisticated. This cut has soft blending up the sides, with the part being long enough to feather back, and is created by Arkansas-based barber Drake Pieper.
“To create this style, use a blow dryer to give it as much body as possible. Use a small amount of a matte clay product to hold the style together while maintaining a natural look,” Pieper states.
Pieper also suggests asking your barber to exaggerate the feathering back of the sides to give it that nice, blended feel. Make sure you dry it almost straight back from the part rather than down and away from it.
The medium-length hair that’s normal to medium in thickness is the ideal canvas for this cut. Plus, it must be more straight than curly. With enough blow drying, curly or thick hair can still be manipulated to achieve this awesome hair cut style for men.
#37: Texture Cut with Highlights and a High Shine Finish
This textured cut with highlights and a high-shine finish adds dimension and interest to men’s hair. It works so well on a thick and wavy hair type. Stylist Rebecca Franklin of Canada created it.
“Use a matte paste with a stronghold for styling. American Crew Fiber is good since it makes your hair look natural, but still has a stronghold,” says Franklin.
Any man with thick hair can rock this, as the styling options are endless. Having the top styled up a bit will add some height. If you have curly, straight, or wavy hair, you can still have this hairstyle with slight variations.
Franklin claims, “This is for guys that like short hair but still want to style it because the sides can be as short as you want.”
#38: Short Side Bald Fade With Natural Twists
This thick haircut is a short side bald fade with natural twists, cut by barber Victoria Rivera of Lancaster, PA.
“Any man, especially black men, with a natural curl pattern could go for this hairstyle. It’s very simple and low-maintenance,” Rivera emphasizes.
“Use Twist Sponge and the curl cream when styling it,” says Rivera. “First, start with water, add cream, then twist and blowdry at the same time on warm heat.”
#39: Cool Combover Short Haircut for Thick Hair
This cool combover short haircut for thick hair uses all aspects of barbering. A detailed description of this cut would be a combover with a mid-bald fade and the top trimmed. I advise those who wear these hair cuts for men to use a light pomade. Many dudes over-saturate their hair with pomade or gel, but ideally, just a small amount is necessary. This hairstyle is for a guy with thicker hair but can be tailored for any man. Ask your barber to cut the top of your hair shorter if you’re active.
#40: Modern Slicked Back Hair with a Taper Fade
This thick modern, slick back hair with a taper fade is classic. To achieve this slicked-back hair, blow dry it with your hands. After drying, apply a matte cream product such as Layrite Matte Cream. Though this is a hairstyle for men with thick and straight hair, it’s a universal look that can work on thin hair, too! This taper fade is one of those men’s hairstyles that takes some time to style daily.
#41: Pompadour Prep Hairstyle for Men with Thick Hair
This pompadour prep hairstyle for men with thick hair is high yet soft. Try Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray. It does double duty, providing a high hold and a medium shine finish. Styling hair with a round brush while blow drying is essential to creating a style that stays put all day.
#42: Classic Side Part for Thicker-Haired Men
The classic side part for thick hair doesn’t need salon maintenance. Grab a comb and pick a side; you’re ready to be a classy gentleman. To upgrade the look, shave the sides for a disconnected undercut style.
#43: Fresh Faux Hawk Short Cut
This fresh faux hawk short cut is one of those classy hairstyles for thick hair men.
Its shaved sides and spiky short hair upfront make any guy with thicker hair look youthful.
#44: Thick Layered Haircut Combover for Older Men
This layered haircut combover for older men with thick hair is sharp! The longer length on top and sides makes it classic. Try Gage for Men Shaping Cream for hold, flexibility, and a medium finish. Always work products through your entire head of hair. Working product through only one section will result in uneven styling and finish.
#45: Thick Buzz Cut
The simple thick buzz hairstyle is refreshing and sleek and is more easily pulled off by boys with thick hair.
#46: Short Faux Hawk
A short fauxhawk with dense, dark hair produces a clean-cut yet modern finish. Try American Crew Molding Clay. It provides concentrated styling power that lets you manipulate your hair. Oval, square, and round shapes with thicker, coarser hair types can rock this hairstyle. As seen in the picture, have your barber or stylist detail the thick hair around your face for a nice crisp line. This will provide a great frame for your face and enhance your strong features.
#47: Business-Friendly Haircut for Thick Wavy Hair
This business-friendly haircut for thick wavy hair is perfect for dark-haired men—especially thick-haired men who want a corporate-friendly coif. Thick wavy hair men can also remain youthful with this thick hairstyle. To style, try American Crew Firm Hold Gel. It’s non-flaking, alcohol-free, and has a low pH to prevent scalp drying. Wavy hair can be tricky to work with. If you like more control, use a blow dryer to finish drying your hair after you work the gel through it.
#48: Short Shag with Layers
A short shag with layers is a medium to short cut styled around the head to create tons of movement. It also adds a shattered feel around the ends. Use Bed Head B for Men Multi-Tasking Grooming Cream. It’s a lightweight cream that gives natural definition and control. For extra hold, opt for a medium-hold pliable styling paste instead. Men with an oval, square, or pear face shape with thick straight hair will wear this style well.
#49: Brushed Up Spiky Hair + Tapered Quiff Shape
This brushed-up spiky hair + tapered quiff shape style resembles an undercut. The difference is in the blending through the thick sides. Try OSiS Grip for extra style support while blowdrying. This thick quiff with undercut is sometimes difficult to describe to a stylist or barber. Always bring photos to show your stylist or barber what style you’re after for your thick hair.
#50: Casual Curls for Men’s Medium Thick Hair
Casual curls for men’s medium-thick hair? Yes, please! A wavy hair cut shorter near the sides and left longer at the top creates a laid-back style. This is a great reason to boost your thick hair with a semi-curled texture!
Then, try American Crew Grooming Spray. It’s a variable hold finishing spray that you can use on damp or dry hair to hold your style in place. It provides control with a soft, touchable finish.
#51: Brushed Up Crew Cut
This brushed-up crew cut haircut is great on hair with a very coarse texture or hair that is extremely thick. Try Bed Head B for Men Power Play Firm Finish Gel. It provides control without flaking. Gel works better on brush-up with a thick texture. This is because gels offer more control and structure to stubborn hair textures.
#52: Thick Surfer Hair with an Undercut
This thick surfer hair with an undercut is a super simple long style for thick hair. It also works well on men with straight hair texture. Add a shaved line to create a thick undercut with a hard part style. Split hair slightly (don’t create an obvious side part) over one eye rather than right down the middle. Stay away from parting the hair in the middle. That tends to say “geek” rather than “chic.”
#53: Deep Side Part Combover
This is a deep side part combover on coarser hair. This thick style is parted deep to one side, giving it tons of touchable lift and a high-stakes cut. Try Redken for Men Loose Ends Liquid Pomade. It gives longer lengths a mild, flexible finish. For extra control, add a bit of medium or high-hold aerosol hairspray.
#54: Neat and Brushed Forward Crew Cut
This neat and brushed forward crew cut is ultra-dense dark hair. It’s styled close to the head for a polished, clean-cut finish. Grab OSiS Gelastic for a firm hold with a high-shine finish. Men with thicker hair of any texture can pull off this style. Ask your barber to create this thick haircut using clippers through the sides and back. Then ask for scissors in the top area. The two lengths can then be blended with texturizing scissors.