Hairstyles for Thick Wavy Hair Women: 6 Short to Long Ideas

Thick wavy hair is undeniably beautiful; but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. If you’re searching for practical, stylish, and low-fuss looks, this guide will help you explore the best hairstyles for thick wavy hair women love for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Whether you’re dealing with too much volume, difficulty with styling, or lack of shape, the key lies in choosing a cut that works with your texture; not against it. We’ll share specific styles, maintenance tips, and how to pick a look that complements both your face shape and lifestyle.

Why the Right Cut Makes All the Difference

Need more inspo based on length? Explore our best hairstyles for women with wavy hair guide; it breaks down cuts for short, medium, and long wavy hair types.

Thick wavy hair has its own agenda. It’s full, it’s bouncy; but without the right shape, it can turn into a bulky mess. The goal? Maintain your volume without looking like you’re wearing a helmet. The right cut lifts your waves, gives movement, and makes styling 100x easier.

Think long layers to break up bulk, texturizing shears to release weight, and tapered ends to avoid the dreaded triangle shape. From cropped to collarbone, smart shaping makes styling easier.

Short Hairstyles That Handle Volume Like a Pro

Ready to chop? Short hair doesn’t mean sacrificing your wave pattern; in fact, it can make it pop. Here are some tried-and-true short hairstyles for thick wavy hair women swear by:

1. Wavy Bob with Layers

A classic bob gets a glow-up with choppy layers. This one hits around the chin, making it light, bouncy, and easy to style.  At the Savage x Fenty Lavish Lace show, Rihanna wore a wet-look bob that gave her waves movement and effortless edge.

Lucy Hale is another fan of the lived-in bob look, often pairing hers with tousled texture and subtle bends.

2. Tapered Shag

This isn’t your mom’s shag. The modern version has blended layers that carve out your natural wave shape. It’s messy and cool. Rihanna rocked an iconic blonde shag during her ANTI era; proof you can do glam and undone at the same time.

Or channel Halle Berry’s signature chaotic-shag, tousled and powerful.

3. Textured Pixie

A pixie cut with volume and wave? Absolutely. The trick is to keep the top long enough for your texture to come through. Halle Berry has been the pixie poster girl for years; her soft spikes with wave definition are iconic. Mean while, Joey King has worn a side-swept pixie with curls that frames her face beautifully.

Looking for more short looks that flatter mature faces? See our short wavy hairstyles for women over 60 for timeless options that still feel fresh.

And if you’re not ready to commit to a cut? Our wavy clip-ins extensions are perfect for testing out length, thickness, or even that fringe moment; without touching your real hair.

Medium & Long Looks That Keep Things Flowing

If mid-length texture is your comfort zone, check out our full post on medium length hairstyles for women; it’s packed with ideas that balance ease and style.

1. Long Layers with Face-Framing Pieces

A solid go-to if you love long hair but hate the triangle effect. Kelly Rowland has worn this with soft, honeyed waves and choppy framing layers that lift her cheekbones and keep things light around the face. At Emmys 2019, Zendaya absolutely turned heads with side part long layered with big Hollywood waves.

2. Soft Updos with Texture

Hairstyles for thick wavy hair women looks stunning pulled up with volume and face-framing strands. A sculpted bun or high twist can highlight your waves without flattening them. One of the most talked-about examples? Zendaya’s blonde updo with dark roots at the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2025 show, an elegant yet edgy and high-fashion look.

Or take a cue from Jennifer Lopez, who paired her updo with wispy bangs for a soft, romantic vibe that never feels over done.

3. Curtain Bangs + Natural Waves

Curtain bangs are effortless and timeless. They open up the face and blend seamlessly with waves, adding softness without bulk. Olivia Wilde has made this her signature look; think loose, shoulder-length waves paired with parted fringe that frames without overpowering. It’s low-maintenance chic at its best.

Keeping Your Hair on Point: Thick Hair Styling Tips

Styling hairstyles for thick wavy hair women is about enhancing what you already have.

Know your wave type: 2A is fine and loose, 2B is wavier with light frizz, and 2C is thick and coarse with strong S-shaped waves. Tailor your care routine accordingly.

Wash less often: About every 2 – 3 days. Use sulfate-free shampoos and deep condition weekly to keep strands hydrated and manageable.

Detangle gently: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb on damp hair. Avoid brushes; they can stretch and frizz out waves.

Scrunch in a lightweight curl cream and let your hair air dry, or diffuse on low heat for defined waves. Flip your head upside down for root volume.

Use heat protectant before straightening or curling. Stick to ceramic tools and adjust the temperature based on your hair’s density.

Sleep mindfully: A satin pillowcase or loose braid at night helps prevent tangles and frizz.

Keep your hairstyles for women thick wavy hair looking salon-fresh. Because your hair is your crown girl. And if you’re on your hair growth journey, our raw lace wigs are a must for bad hair days. They’re made with real, unprocessed hair, pre-plucked hairlines, and invisible blends that look like your own. It’s the easiest way to look glam, fast.

And when you’re ready to elevate your wave game? Shop our real, raw texture extensions to build volume, length, or movement – your way.

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