1Sleek Bob
Jean Baptiste Lacroix//Getty Images A slick, blunt bob like the one Vanessa Hudgens' requires less skill than you might think. Straighten your hair with a flat iron (using a heat protectant, ofc) and flip out the ends of your hair to achieve that fun, flirty swoop. Finish with hair oil to tame flyaways.
2Shaggy Bangs
Neilson Barnard//Getty Images According to Hurtado, the shaggy haircut is ideal for thick hair because it removes some of the weight and bulk of your hair from your ends. Use a texturizing sea salt spray to create natural beach waves for a rocker-chic look like this style that Taylor wore at the Met Gala in 2016.
3Ethereal Headbands
Dan MacMedan//Getty Images Your shorter strands are the perfect canvas to show off a dainty headband. Style your hair in an artfully-tousled way with a little bit of pomade, and then rest a crown (okay, headband) of delicate gold stars, moons, flowers, or leaves on top for that ethereal vibe.
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4Piece-y Curls
Stuart C. Wilson//Getty Images Just because you're sporting a shorter hairdo doesn't mean that you can't get your curl on. Jennifer Lawrence went for loose curls to create a face-framing effect — use a 1.5 inch barrel and then brush out your hair to achieve similar results. If you're worried about using a curling wand on shorter hair, use a heat protectant glove to avoid any accidental burns.
5Wolf Cut
Mike Coppola//Getty Images The Internet-beloved wolf cut, as seen here on Miley Cyrus, is perfect for thick hair because the top volume and thinner lower layers naturally lend themselves to removing some of the weight of thick hair. Show your hairdresser a photo of exactly what kind of wolf cut you want, because they can range from shaggy lobs to full-on mullets.
6PIxie Cut with Bangs
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images Ever wonder how a good pixie cut gets that chic sort of ✨ je nais se quoi ✨? The secret is in the amount of natural volume that your hair provides at the crown, which means that your thick hair is perfect for the pixie cut style. Add swoopy, sleek front bangs for extra polish.
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7Embrace the Volume
Kevin Mazur//Getty Images Sure, there are plenty of ways to tame, flatten, and relax your thick hair, but don't be afraid to lean into the beautiful volume you naturally have every once in a while. Zendaya rocked her bouncy curls to the Teen Choice Awards back in 2017.
If you have straight, thick hair and want to recreate this look, curl your hair with your favorite curling iron or wand, and then lightly brush out the curls once they've cooled.
8Claw Clip Twists
Edward Berthelot//Getty Images New to the #shorthairgang and can't seem to figure out a fun way to get those strands out of your face? Even though a high ponytail may not currently be an option for you, you can twist those front pieces away from your face and secure them with several little claw clips placed at equal distances apart from each other. Practical and cute.
9Structured, Curly Bob
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images Yara Shahidi embraces her natural curls in a bob that hits right between her shoulders and her chin. The strong, sharp structure emphasizes her jawline, and is balanced out with soft curls that artfully fall in front of her face.
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10Teased-Back Volume
Gary Gershoff//Getty Images Whether you're looking to show off your eye makeup or simply get your long bangs out of your face, this brushed-back 'do gives you volume while also getting your hair out of your line of sight. Work some light-hold gel into your hair, and then spray your favorite hairbrush with hairspray before brushing back your hair for maximum hold.
11Slicked and Sleek
Pascal Le Segretain//Getty Images An edgy outfit like Cara Delevigne's utilitarian tank top is perfectly complimented by a slicked-back haircut. Start with slightly damp hair and saturate your short hair with gel before combing it backwards, to the side, or downwards depending on where your hair parts.
12Bendy, Piece-y Waves
Steve Granitz//Getty Images Add some texture to your naturally straight, thick hair by taking a straightener and bending it to the left and to the right to create light, subtle waves. It's a low-key look that adds dimension to your hair.
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13Side-Swept Mini Twists
Phillip Faraone//Getty Images You can still achieve a perfect twist out on short hair — micro-twists can be done on any hair over two-inches long. Use a twisting cream for extra definition. Bonus: a looser twist will be protective for your hair, which will encourage growth in the long run.
14Cheekbone-Framing Bob
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images Highlight the natural shape of your cheekbones by rocking an extra-short bob that frames your bone structure by dancing along it at a sharp angle. The thickness of your hair will still allow for fun movement and texture despite the shorter length.
15Spiked-Up Pixie
Brent N. Clarke//Getty Images If you made the drastic chop and are now sporting a dramatic pixie cut, bump up the intensity by taking some hair wax or pomade in your hands and spiking up your hair to create an androgynous, edgy style.
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16Mini French Braid
Ray Tamarra//Getty Images Another way to gather your hair up and away from your face when it's too short for a bun or ponytail is adding a little french braid across your temple. Grab a small section of hair and pleat as you normally would, but go horizontally, braiding away from your face.
17Close Cropped Sides
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images Show your thick hair some lovin' by letting that volume shine on top with shorter sides. Hurtado notes, "For natural hair, a faux hawk haircut that has tapered sides with the top longer with long bangs makes the hair look thicker and voluminous."
18Soft Old Hollywood Glam
Jim Spellman//Getty Images Take a leaf out of J.Lo's book and part your hair on the side before using velcro rollers or hot rollers on the ends of your hair to achieve soft, tight Old Hollywood-style waves. You can pin back one side with bobby pins for extra drama.
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
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