Having thick hair is a blessing, but it can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when you have short hair. The weight and volume of thick hair can make it harder to manage, style, and keep in place. However, with the right techniques and products, styling thick, short hair can be both easy and fun. In this article, we’ll explore 6 helpful tips for girls with thick hair to manage and style their short locks. Whether you’re looking for ways to tame the volume or make your hair more manageable, these tips will guide you toward achieving the perfect look!
1. Use the Right Haircut to Enhance Your Natural Texture
The first step to great short hair styling is ensuring you have the right cut. When you have thick hair, it’s important to choose a haircut that works with your hair’s natural texture rather than against it. Some cuts work better for thick hair because they allow your hair to move freely and prevent it from feeling too heavy.
Recommended Haircuts for Thick Hair
- Textured Bob: A textured bob cut is perfect for thick hair because it takes some of the bulk out while still maintaining volume. The layers help to lighten the load and make your hair look more manageable, giving you a stylish, effortless look.
- Lob (Long Bob): A lob is a versatile cut that can be worn straight, wavy, or curly. It’s ideal for thick hair because the length allows for more control, and layers can add movement without compromising the hair’s natural volume.
- Shaggy Short Cut: A shaggy cut with bangs adds an edgy, playful vibe while also helping to break up the density of thick hair. This cut allows for layers around the crown, which can give you more freedom to style your hair however you want.
- Layered Pixie Cut: If you’re feeling bold and ready for a pixie, layering is key. A layered pixie cut helps add texture and prevents thick hair from looking too bulky. It’s a great cut for girls who love the shorter length but still want to embrace their hair’s natural volume.
Choosing the right haircut can make all the difference when it comes to styling. A cut that is tailored for thick hair can reduce frizz, enhance texture, and make your styling routine quicker and easier.
2. Invest in Quality Hair Products for Thick Hair
Thick hair needs a bit more attention when it comes to hair products. The right products can help you control volume, reduce frizz, and keep your hair in place. However, using the wrong products can make thick hair look heavy or greasy. Here’s a breakdown of the products you’ll need:
Key Products for Styling Thick Short Hair
- Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner: Start with a lightweight volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Thick hair can get weighed down with heavy products, so look for formulas that are designed to lift and add body without overloading your strands.
- Leave-in Conditioner or Detangler: Leave-in conditioners help you manage thick hair and make it easier to style. They also reduce frizz and provide moisture without making your hair feel heavy.
- Texturizing Spray: A great texturizing spray can help you add some grit and volume to your hair, making it easier to create the tousled, bedhead look that is so popular with short hairstyles.
- Mousse or Foam: Mousse is a light styling foam that can give your hair volume and hold without weighing it down. It’s perfect for thick hair because it adds lightness and structure.
- Hair Gel or Pomade: For styling short hair with more structure, a small amount of gel or pomade can help you define pieces and add texture. Make sure to use a light formula so your hair doesn’t become stiff or greasy.
- Heat Protectant: If you’re using heat tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow-dryers, always use a heat protectant. This product is essential for preventing damage to thick hair, especially when you’re styling frequently.
Investing in good-quality products specifically made for thick hair can significantly improve the way your hair behaves, making styling much easier and more effective.
3. Embrace the Power of Layering
Layering is one of the best ways to manage thick, short hair. Layers create movement, remove bulk, and give your hair a more polished look. Without layers, thick hair can look heavy and difficult to style.
Benefits of Layering for Thick Hair
- Reduces Bulk: Layers help to remove the weight from thick hair, making it lighter and more manageable. This is especially important for girls with short thick hair who want to avoid feeling like their hair is too “puffy” or dense.
- Adds Texture: Layers create texture and volume, which is perfect for short hair. Instead of your hair falling flat or being too voluminous, layers balance the thickness and help shape the style.
- Increases Versatility: Layered hair gives you more styling options. Whether you want a tousled look or sleek straight locks, layers can help create different styles that work with your hair’s natural texture.
- Easier to Style: Layers are key to making thick short hair easier to style. They create natural movement and give your hair a bit of freedom, allowing for simpler maintenance and faster styling.
You can add layers of varying lengths depending on how much texture or volume you want. For example, shorter layers at the crown can add lift, while longer layers around the edges can create soft, gentle waves.
4. Use the Right Blow-Dry Technique
Blow-drying is a crucial part of styling thick short hair. The way you blow-dry your hair can significantly impact its final look. If done incorrectly, thick hair can become too voluminous or frizzy. Here are some tips for blow-drying thick short hair to perfection:
Blow-Drying Tips for Thick Short Hair
- Section Your Hair: When blow-drying thick hair, it’s essential to section your hair into smaller parts. This allows you to dry each section evenly and helps create a smoother result. Use clips to divide your hair into manageable sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
- Use a Round Brush: A round brush helps add volume and smoothness to your hair. When blow-drying, use the round brush to pull the hair taut while directing the airflow downward. This creates a smooth finish and adds shine without frizz.
- Cool Shot Button: Once your hair is dry, use the cool shot button on your blow dryer. This helps to set your style and smooth out any frizz. The cool air also adds a glossy, shiny finish to thick hair.
- Blow-Dry Upside Down for Volume: For an extra boost of volume, blow-dry your hair upside down. This helps lift the roots and creates fuller, more textured hair, which is especially helpful for thick, short styles.
- Avoid Over-Drying: Thick hair can be prone to dryness, especially if you over-blow-dry it. Once your hair is dry, stop to avoid stripping moisture. Using a leave-in conditioner or a light serum can help seal in moisture.
Blow-drying with the right technique helps you achieve a smooth, polished look while maintaining volume and texture.
5. Incorporate Soft Curls for Added Texture
If you’re looking to add some texture to your thick short hair, soft curls are a great option. Curls add volume and movement, which work perfectly with thicker hair, helping you avoid the “blocky” look that can sometimes occur with short thick styles.
How to Curl Thick Short Hair
- Use a Smaller Barrel Curling Iron: A smaller barrel curling iron (about 1 inch) is perfect for creating defined curls that hold their shape. Make sure to curl small sections of your hair at a time to create more controlled curls.
- Curl Away from Your Face: For a more natural look, always curl your hair away from your face. This helps create soft, romantic waves that add depth and texture to short hair.
- Use a Heat Protectant: As mentioned earlier, always use a heat protectant before styling with hot tools. This will help shield your hair from the heat and prevent damage.
- Finish with Texturizing Spray: After curling your hair, use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to break up the curls and add a messy, tousled effect. This gives your hair an effortlessly chic look, perfect for casual or even formal occasions.
Soft curls are an excellent way to add dimension to thick hair without making it feel too heavy or overly styled. They provide texture and movement, making your short haircut feel fresh and lively.
6. Maintain Regular Haircuts to Keep Hair Healthy
Finally, one of the most important aspects of styling short thick hair is keeping it healthy. Regular haircuts are essential to ensure that your hair remains in great condition. Thick hair can be prone to split ends, frizz, and dryness, so trimming every 6-8 weeks can help maintain its shape and health.
Hair Maintenance Tips for Thick Short Hair
- Trim Regularly: As your hair grows, you’ll want to trim it regularly to keep it from losing shape. A trim every 6-8 weeks will keep your hair healthy and prevent it from looking unruly or overgrown.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Thick hair can often become dry, so it’s important to keep it hydrated. Once a week, treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask to help lock in moisture and prevent damage.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Thick hair doesn’t need to be washed every day. Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and more prone to frizz. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type.
- Avoid Heat Damage: While styling tools are great for achieving perfect short hair, using them too often can cause damage. Give your hair a break from heat every now and then, and use heatless styling methods when possible.
Maintaining a regular haircut schedule and treating your hair with care ensures that your thick, short hair stays healthy, manageable, and stylish.
Conclusion
Styling thick short hair can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and a few handy tricks, you can create beautiful, manageable styles. Start by choosing the right haircut that works with your hair’s natural texture, invest in quality hair products, embrace layering, and perfect your blow-dry technique. Add soft curls for extra texture and remember to maintain your hair’s health with regular trims and treatments. With these styling tips in mind, you can enjoy gorgeous, thick short hair every day!
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