If you’re lucky enough to have thick, straight hair, you already know it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the natural volume gives you endless styling options—on the other, it can sometimes feel like it has a mind of its own. Finding the right balance takes a little extra care, but the payoff is worth it when you achieve that perfect look.
Here’s what this guide will cover:
Why thick, straight hair needs a customized approach to styling.
The best hairstyles for men with thick hair, whether you’re dressing up for a formal occasion or keeping it casual.
The difference between long hairstyles for men with thick hair and short ones.
Effortless tips to maintain and style your thick hair like a pro.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to turn your thick hair from a styling challenge into your standout feature. Let’s get started!
Why Thick, Straight Hair Needs Special Care
Thick, straight hair is a true standout, but let’s face it—it’s not always the easiest to manage. Before diving into different styles, it’s helpful to understand what makes this hair type unique. With the right care and approach, you can choose the best men's hairstyles for straight, thick hair that highlight its strengths and work with your lifestyle.
The Benefits of Thick, Straight Hair
Natural Volume: Thick hair practically styles itself with its full, voluminous look. No need for excessive products to create a body—it’s already built in!
Versatility: Whether you’re into classic cuts or leaning toward trendy styles, thick hair gives you the freedom to experiment and make bold choices.
Durability: Thick hair holds styles like a champ, so your look stays intact longer compared to finer textures.
The Challenges of Thick, Straight Hair
Weight: All that density can feel heavy, making it tricky to maintain volume in certain styles—especially longer ones.
Styling Time: Let’s be honest, styling thick hair often takes more effort and time to get it just right.
Frizz and Texture: Without the right products, thick hair can go from sleek to unruly faster than you’d like, leaving some styles harder to achieve.
Understanding these unique traits will set you up for success in finding the perfect men's hairstyles for straight, thick hair that work with—not against—your natural texture.
Short haircuts are the perfect mix of style and practicality—easy to manage and effortlessly cool. If you’ve got thick, straight hair, you’re in luck. Here are some of the best men's hairstyles for straight, thick hair that let your natural volume shine while keeping things polished.
1. Classic Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless favorite for a reason: it’s clean, low-maintenance, and always looks professional.
Why It Works: Thick hair can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the crew cut tames it into a neat, sharp style that’s universally flattering.
Styling Tip: Want to add a bit of personality? Use matte clay for a subtle texture that keeps your hair looking natural and light.
2. Modern Quiff
The quiff is like the Swiss Army knife of hairstyles—it works for anything, from a formal meeting to a night out.
Why It Works: Thick hair gives this style its signature height and volume, making it one of the best haircuts for straight-haired males.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry your hair upwards for that extra lift, then lock it in with a high-hold pomade. Trust me, the result is worth the effort.
3. Sleek Pompadour
Looking for a style that says “classic with a twist”? The pompadour is your answer. It’s retro-inspired but still feels fresh and modern.
Why It Works: Thick hair provides the perfect foundation for the height and volume this style needs to truly stand out.
Styling Tip: A round brush is your best friend here. Use it while blow-drying to shape the pompadour, then finish with a medium-shine pomade for that polished, camera-ready look.
4. Textured Taper Fade
The taper fade is where tradition meets trend. It’s stylish without trying too hard, which makes it a winner in any setting.
Why It Works: The clean contrast between the fade and the fuller top makes thick hair look sharp and well-defined.
Styling Tip: Ask your barber for a seamless fade (seriously, a good fade makes all the difference). Use a texturizing paste to keep the top looking effortless but intentional.
These short hairstyles not only make thick hair easier to manage but also let you embrace its natural volume and texture. With the right cut and a few styling tricks, your hair will go from just thick to totally on point.
The Best Long Hairstyles for Men With Thick Hair
If you’re a fan of long hair, thick hair can be your greatest asset. With its natural volume and texture, there are plenty of ways to make it look stylish while keeping it manageable. Here are some standout long hairstyles for men with thick hair that let you embrace the length while controlling the bulk.
1. Layered Haircut
Layers are a game-changer for long, thick hair, helping to reduce weight and add movement.
Why It Works: Layers create texture and prevent your hair from looking too heavy or bulky, keeping it light and natural.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to keep your layers soft, hydrated, and frizz-free. It’s all about effortless flow.
2. Relaxed Textured Shag
If you’re going for a carefree, tousled vibe, the textured shag is your go-to style. It’s casual, modern, and looks great with thick hair.
Why It Works: The layers and texture enhance the natural volume of thick hair, giving it a laid-back yet stylish finish.
Styling Tip: A few sprays of sea salt spray can work wonders, adding a beachy, textured look that’s effortless to maintain.
3. The Timeless Man Bun
Practicality meets style with the man bun, making it a favorite for men with long, thick hair.
Why It Works: It’s an easy way to keep your hair out of the way while showcasing its natural volume and thickness.
Styling Tip: Use a high-quality hair tie to secure your bun without causing breakage. Bonus points for a slightly messy finish—it’s all about effortless cool.
2025’s Most Popular Hairstyles for Men with Thick Hair
Want to stay ahead of the curve? These trending hairstyles for men with thick hair are turning heads in 2025:
1. Textured Crop
The textured crop is bold, edgy, and low-maintenance—perfect for those who like a little attitude in their style.
Why It Works: It emphasizes movement and volume, two things thick hair has in spades.
Styling Tip: Use a matte paste to enhance the texture while keeping the look natural and free of shine.
2. Side Part Fade
Classic meets modern with this style, combining a timeless side part with a clean fade.
Why It Works: The fade creates a sharp contrast with the fuller, thicker top, adding structure to your look.
Styling Tip: A water-based pomade will give you a sleek, polished finish without feeling heavy.
3. Undercut with Fringe
For the adventurous, the undercut with fringe is a bold and creative choice that lets you experiment with your look.
Why It Works: The shorter undercut balances the weight of thick hair, while the fringe adds a fun, modern twist.
Styling Tip: A texturizing spray will give your fringe dimension and keep it looking fresh all day.
Whether you’re rocking long locks or trying out a trending cut, thick hair gives you endless possibilities. With the right style and a few simple tricks, you can show off its natural volume and make it a standout feature.
Mastering Hairstyles for Men with Thick Hair
Thick hair is a gift, but it does take a little finesse to make it work for you. The good news? Once you master a few key techniques, your hair will go from a styling challenge to your best feature. Here’s how to perfect hairstyles for men with thick hair:
1. Invest in Pre-Styling Products
Think of pre-styling products as the foundation for your hairstyle. Heat protectants and volumizing mousses get your hair ready to style while keeping it safe from damage. Plus, they add a bit of lift, so your thick hair doesn’t feel weighed down before you even start.
2. Use the Right Tools
A good blow dryer and a trusty round brush are your thick hair’s best friends. The blow dryer adds volume where you need it, and the brush helps you shape your style like a pro. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek pompadour or a casual textured look, these tools make all the difference.
3. Don’t Overuse Products
We get it—sometimes it feels like more product equals better control. But with thick hair, a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more only if you need it. Too much product can leave your hair feeling heavy and flat, which is the last thing you want.
4. Keep It Trimmed
Even thick hair benefits from regular trims. Whether you’re rocking short cuts or longer layers, frequent trims help maintain the shape of your style and keep your hair looking fresh and healthy. Plus, it’s the easiest way to avoid split ends taking over.
Unlock the Best Hairstyles for Men With Thick Hair at Chicago Male Salon
At Chicago Male Salon, we take pride in crafting the best hairstyles for men with thick hair, offering styles like pompadours, textured crops, and layered cuts. We understand that thick hair comes with its unique challenges—extra volume, more styling effort—but we see it as an opportunity to create bold, standout looks tailored to your personality and lifestyle.
Whether you’re after a sharp, structured vibe or something more relaxed and carefree, the right hairstyle can make all the difference. Thick hair is more than a feature—it’s your signature. Let’s help you own it.
Most Common Questions
1. What is the best haircut for straight-haired males who want a low-maintenance style?
The best haircut for straight-haired males who prefer low maintenance is the crew cut or buzz cut. These styles are the epitome of simplicity—they’re clean, stylish, and require almost no effort to keep looking sharp. The crew cut is especially great if you want a bit of texture; it keeps thick, straight hair under control while still feeling polished. Meanwhile, the buzz cut is perfect for anyone who loves a no-fuss, sharp aesthetic that practically styles itself.
Here’s a tip: for a little extra flair, ask your barber to add subtle texture to the top of a crew cut. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. Both of these cuts work wonders for thick hair because they manage its density while still letting its natural volume and shine take center stage. Bonus? They flatter almost every face shape.
2. What are the most popular long hairstyles for men with thick hair this year?
This year, long hairstyles for men with thick hair are all about balancing volume with movement. Layered cuts are a standout choice, and for good reason—they reduce bulk, add texture, and keep thick hair from feeling heavy. Layers create a full-bodied yet weightless look that’s both practical and stylish.
If you’re into something a little more casual, the textured shag is a perfect choice. It’s effortlessly cool, with just enough edge to keep things interesting. Think of it as a relaxed, modern look that’s easy to wear. And, of course, the man bun continues to reign supreme for its blend of practicality and style. It’s a great way to keep your thick hair neat while still showing off its volume.
3. Which short haircuts for men with thick hair work best for different face shapes?
The best short haircuts for men with thick hair depend on your face shape—and the good news is, there’s something for everyone. For round faces, styles like quiffs or pompadours work wonders by adding height and elongating your features. If your face is square, textured crops or fades help soften those sharp angles while showing off your hair’s natural texture.
Heart-shaped faces look great with tapered cuts, which balance the forehead and jawline. And if you’re lucky enough to have an oval face? You can pull off just about anything, from sleek fades to buzz cuts. Whatever your face shape, these cuts help manage the volume of thick hair while keeping it stylish and polished. To keep your look in place, opt for matte clays or pomades—they provide hold without weighing your hair down.
4. How can I prevent thick, straight hair from looking flat in longer styles?
Keeping long hairstyles for men with thick hair full of life requires a bit of strategy. First, regular trims are non-negotiable—they keep your hair healthy and prevent it from becoming too heavy. Adding layers is another game-changer. Layers create movement and reduce bulk, making thick hair easier to style and less prone to flatness.
When it comes to products, lightweight volumizing options like sea salt sprays or mousses are your best friends. They enhance texture and add lift without weighing your hair down. Letting your hair air-dry and scrunching it with your hands can also help maintain a natural, voluminous look. Avoid heavy creams or oils—they might flatten your hair and undo all your hard work. Instead, stick to products designed for thick hair that provide lift and definition. With these techniques, your longer styles will always look dynamic and full of personality.
5. What’s the best way to achieve textured hairstyles for men with thick hair?
Creating textured hairstyles for men with thick hair is all about starting with the right foundation. A good haircut is key, so talk to your barber about adding layers or pointcuts. These techniques add separation and movement, making your thick hair easier to style and manage.
Once your haircut is sorted, it’s time for products. Pre-styling products like sea salt sprays or texturizing mousses are your secret weapons for enhancing natural definition. When it’s time to style, opt for a matte clay or paste—this will hold the texture in place without giving it an overly shiny finish. Want to go the extra mile? Use a diffuser on your blow dryer to lock in the texture and maintain a natural, effortless look.
In Conclusion
Thick hair is a blessing, and the right hairstyles for men with thick hair will let you show it off effortlessly. Keep it fun, keep it fresh, and always style it in a way that feels true to you!