If you, like me, are part of the thick hair club, you know the power—and the problems!—of having a glorious mane. We have volume for days, but finding a cut that removes the right amount of bulk to stop the dreaded “pyramid head” or the endless drying time? That’s the real challenge.
Thankfully, the trends for 2026 are all about strategic architecture, celebrating thickness while making it manageable and chic. I’ve rounded up my 22 favorite styles—from the weight-reducing Undercut Volume Lob to the dynamic Long Length Butterfly Cut—that will give your thick hair movement, shape, and an effortless elegance.
Get ready to embrace your full potential!
1. The Undercut Volume Lob
This is an ingenious cut for managing serious bulk. The Undercut Volume Lob keeps the flattering lob (long bob) length, but the entire underside (nape and sides) is shaved or aggressively clipper-cut short. This removes a significant amount of weight, allowing the top layer to sit lighter, bouncier, and perfectly shaped.
Ask for a collarbone-length lob with a clean, close undercut on the nape and sides. To style, apply a smoothing serum to the top lob layer. Blow-dry the top layer with a large round brush, pulling it up and away from the root to maximize the bounce achieved by the weight removal.
The undercut needs shaving or trimming every 2-3 weeks to remain sharp. Use a smoothing balm on the lob layer for a flawless, sleek finish. Avoid heavy root-lifting sprays; the volume is already built in.
2. The Textured Shag Lob
A fantastic cut for thick hair that wants volume and control. The Textured Shag Lob is a medium-length cut featuring aggressive, choppy layers concentrated on the crown and face. This technique removes heavy bulk and creates effortless, dynamic texture that looks best when slightly tousled and undone.
Request a collarbone lob with heavy, choppy layers throughout the length and crown. To style, apply texture spray and a light styling wax to damp hair. Use your fingers to scrunch and twist the layers while air-drying for a defined, piece-y wave.
Regular trims maintain the layering that creates the shag’s volume and removes bulk. Use a light texturizing product daily to refresh the volume. Avoid brushing when dry, which can lead to excessive puffiness.
3. The Long Layers with Internal Blending
This cut is ideal for long, thick hair that needs movement without sacrificing length. The Long Layers with Internal Blending uses strategic, deep internal layering (slicing) to remove bulk from the underside. This allows the hair to lie flatter and move more fluidly, preventing the dreaded ‘pyramid’ shape.
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Request long hair with a dense perimeter, asking the stylist to use slicing or internal layering techniques to remove bulk from the under-section. To style, apply a straightening balm and blow-dry straight using a paddle brush, guiding the hair downward for a smooth, sleek finish.
Use a smoothing oil on the mid-shaft and ends for a sleek, fluid look. Trim the ends every 10-12 weeks to maintain density. Avoid aggressive curling, which can instantly restore the undesirable bulk.
4. The Razor-Cut Texture Lob
This technique uses a razor to aggressively thin out the ends and layers, creating a highly feathered, tapered finish. The Razor-Cut Texture Lob removes bulk and makes the perimeter of the lob soft and light, offering a low-maintenance style that looks great air-dried.
Ask your stylist to use a razor to cut the length and internal layers for a highly textured, softened perimeter. To style, apply a light air-dry cream. Gently twist sections around your fingers and let the lob air-dry completely for a natural, soft wave.
Use deep conditioning treatments to ensure the razor-cut ends remain soft and don’t dry out. Avoid heavy styling products. Get a trim every 8 weeks to maintain the textured ends and lightness.
5. The Blunt Jaw-Length Bob (Thick Version)
While blunt cuts are great for thin hair, this version is specifically tailored for thick hair. The Blunt Jaw-Length Bob for thick hair is cut blunt, but with deep internal texturizing (invisible layers) underneath to remove bulk. This maintains the clean, structural line while making the cut wearable.
Ask your stylist for a blunt, jaw-length bob, emphasizing that deep internal texturizing must be used underneath to remove weight. To style, use a straightening balm and flat iron the hair for maximum sleekness, ensuring the dense-looking perimeter is clean.
Trims every 4 weeks are vital to keep the blunt line sharp. Use high-shine smoothing serums daily. Protect the top layer from humidity with anti-frizz spray to maintain the sleek silhouette.
6. The Long Layers with Heavy Face Frame
This cut uses the layers to create a gorgeous, sweeping structure around the face while the length is thinned out for movement. The Long Layers with Heavy Face Frame features thick, noticeable layers around the cheekbones and jaw, designed to draw the eye up and minimize bulk in the length.
Request long layers with a substantial, heavy face frame starting at the cheekbone. To style, use a large round brush to blow-dry the front layers back and away from the face to create a voluminous, structured frame.
Use a light styling wax on the front layers for definition and hold. Protect the layers with heat protectant spray. Trim the face frame every 6-8 weeks to maintain the structural shape.
7. The Wavy French Bob with Undercut
The ultimate combination for short-hair bulk management. The Wavy French Bob with Undercut hits at the chin, features soft, subtle layering for texture, and includes a hidden undercut at the nape to remove weight. This allows the bob to sit beautifully, light, and bouncy.
Request a chin-length bob with soft ends, light subtle layering, and a clean, close undercut at the nape. To style, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair. Gently scrunch and allow the hair to air-dry naturally to bring out the soft, full wave.
The undercut needs shaving or trimming every 2-3 weeks. Use a wave mousse on the lengths for texture. Trim the bob perimeter every 5-6 weeks to keep the length bouncy and light.
8. The Heavily Layered Shag (Mid-Length)
This is a high-volume, high-movement cut that thrives on thick texture. The Heavily Layered Shag features layers of varying lengths, starting high on the crown, designed to remove maximum bulk. The resulting shape is voluminous, textured, and easy to manage with minimal heat.
Ask for aggressive, heavily varied layers throughout the cut, concentrated at the crown and sides. To style, apply texture spray and use a diffuser on low heat, focusing on lifting the roots for massive volume and texture.
Regular trims maintain the layering that creates the shag’s volume. Use a light texturizing spray daily to refresh the volume and separation of layers. Avoid heavy oils that weigh the layers down.
9. The Long Length Butterfly Cut
The layers of the Butterfly Cut are perfectly suited for breaking up the weight of long, thick hair. The Long Length Butterfly Cut creates the illusion of short layers on top and long hair underneath, maximizing lift and bounce while removing significant bulk from the top section.
Request butterfly layers with the shortest pieces starting at the chin, blended seamlessly. To style, use a large round brush and blow-dry, flicking the layers outward to maximize volume and bounce at the crown.
Use a light texturizing spray before blow-drying for extra grip and movement. Preserve volume overnight by loosely clipping the top section on the crown. Protect layers with heat spray during styling.
10. The Tapered Ends Lob
This cut uses a slicing technique at the perimeter to soften the ends, which works well on thick hair that tends to look blocky. The Tapered Ends Lob has long, blended layers that flow into ends that are gradually thinned out (tapered) to look fluid and lightweight.
Ask for long, blended layers that flow into the perimeter, which should be texturized to taper softly towards the bottom. To style, use a smoothing balm and blow-dry straight, allowing the taper to create a clean, fluid finish.
Trim the ends every 8 weeks to maintain the clean, tapered effect. Use a light oil on the ends to emphasize the healthy, fluid look. Avoid harsh, blunt cuts, which can look too dense on thick hair.
11. The Deep Side Part Swoop Lob
A simple styling trick built on a strategically thinned-out lob. The Deep Side Part Swoop Lob is a collarbone-length cut that uses internal layers and is worn with a dramatic, far-off-center part. This change forces the thick hair to lift at the root, instantly creating immense, manageable volume.
Use a rat-tail comb to create a deep side part (far over the arch of the eyebrow). To style, apply a root-lifting spray and blow-dry the root of the heavier side up and over to the opposite side to set the volume.
Use a volumizing powder at the root for daily lift maintenance. Sleep with a large clip at the root of the deep side to preserve the height. Use a light, flexible hairspray to hold the swoop elegantly.
12. The Asymmetrical Sleek Lob (Internal Layers)
This cut uses structure to manage bulk. The Asymmetrical Sleek Lob is worn flawlessly straight and has a defined angle (longer in the front), but includes deep internal layering to prevent bulk from forming the ‘triangle’ shape. The sleek finish emphasizes the clean line.
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Request an A-line cut that is longer in the front with deep internal layering underneath. To style, use a smoothing balm and flat iron the hair for maximum sleekness, ensuring the sharp, angled perimeter line is visible.
Trims every 6-8 weeks are vital to preserve the crisp A-line angle. Use high-shine smoothing serums daily. Protect the hair from humidity with an anti-frizz spray to maintain the sleekness.
13. The Wavy Lob with Choppy Ends
This style emphasizes the texture of the hair, allowing the wave to provide the movement. The Wavy Lob with Choppy Ends features a collarbone length cut with minimal long layers, but the ends are cut choppily to remove weight and encourage a natural wave pattern.
Ask for a collarbone lob with minimal layers and heavily point-cut or razor-cut ends for a choppy finish. To style, apply a wave activating cream to damp hair. Use a diffuser or air-dry, gently scrunching the hair to bring out the wavy texture.
Use a curl-enhancing cream to maintain wave definition. Trim the ends every 8 weeks to maintain the chopped perimeter. Avoid excessive heat, which can cause the ends to look dry.
14. The Face-Framing V-Cut
Ideal for very long, thick hair that needs shape. The Face-Framing V-Cut uses long layers to create a defined ‘V’ shape at the back perimeter, which naturally removes weight from the ends. The long face-framing layers prevent the cut from looking too severe.
Request long layers that are cut to create a distinct ‘V’ shape in the back. To style, use a large curling iron to create waves, ensuring the waves flow naturally and accentuate the pointed ‘V’ shape at the back.
Use a light hairspray to encourage the wave movement. Trim the ‘V’ shape every 10-12 weeks to maintain its point and remove weight. Focus conditioning on the long, thick ends.
15. The Full Fringe with Long Layers
This combination is excellent for framing the face and adding sophistication to thick hair. The Full Fringe with Long Layers features a thick, straight-across fringe that instantly breaks up the volume around the face, while internal layers in the length prevent the perimeter from looking too dense.
Request a thick, straight-across fringe paired with long layers that include internal weight removal. To style, blow-dry the fringe straight down immediately after washing. The length can be worn straight or with soft waves.
Fringe trims are vital every 3 weeks to maintain the length. Use dry shampoo specifically on the fringe daily to prevent oiliness. A weekly smoothing mask controls the thickness of the length.
16. The Blended Collarbone Bob
A simple, chic length that is made manageable through careful weight distribution. The Blended Collarbone Bob is cut to skim the collarbone and uses seamless, internal layers only to remove bulk from the under-section, maintaining a clean outer appearance.
Ask for a blunt-looking collarbone length with deep internal texturizing to remove bulk. To style, apply a straightening balm and let it air-dry straight, or use a paddle brush and blow-dry for a smooth, natural flow.
Use a lightweight smoothing cream to minimize frizz and bulk. Trim the length every 8 weeks to maintain the flattering collarbone length. Focus moisturizing treatments on the ends for health and shine.
17. The Razor-Cut Bob with Volume
This short bob relies on aggressive thinning to manage volume. The Razor-Cut Bob with Volume hits the chin and uses a razor to create significant internal layering and texture, allowing the hair to lift and sit much lighter without looking chunky or heavy.
Ask your stylist for a chin-length cut using a razor on the internal structure to remove bulk and create texture. To style, apply a light texturizing mousse and use a diffuser on low heat, scrunching the layers for lift and soft wave.
Frequent trims (every 6 weeks) are essential to maintain the structural layers and volume. Use a light styling wax on the ends for definition. A quick tousle with dry shampoo is ideal for daily volume.
18. The Symmetrical Mid-Part Lob (Thinned)
This look maintains balance and sleekness, adapting well to thick hair through aggressive internal layering. The Symmetrical Mid-Part Lob features a flawless center part and is cut with deep layers to manage volume, worn straight and smoothly over the shoulders.
Use a rat-tail comb to create a mathematically straight center part. Request a collarbone length with deep internal layers to control bulk. To style, apply a smoothing serum and blow-dry the hair symmetrically on both sides with a paddle brush.
Maintain the center part using a fine-tooth comb daily. Use anti-frizz serum during air-drying, especially in humid conditions. Trim the ends regularly to maintain the clean perimeter.
19. The Lived-In Curl-Enhancing Cut
This cut is specifically layered to support and maximize the natural definition of Type 3 (curly) hair, focusing on bulk removal. The Lived-In Curl-Enhancing Cut is layered strategically to prevent the triangular shape and encourage voluminous, balanced curls.
Consult a curl specialist for a medium-length cut that strategically layers the curls to encourage lift and shape, removing bulk. To style, apply a curl cream and gel. Use a diffuser to dry the curls, focusing on separating the coils for definition.
Deep condition weekly to maintain curl health and definition. Use a curl refreshing spray daily to reactivate the coils. Sleep in a silk bonnet to preserve the shape and reduce frizz.
20. The Long Choppy Ends
A simple solution for thick hair that needs weight removed from the bottom. The Long Choppy Ends features long hair with minimal layering, but the perimeter is aggressively point-cut or razor-cut to remove bulk from the ends, creating a lightweight, fluid perimeter.
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Ask for long hair with minimal layers, requesting that the ends be aggressively point-cut or razor-cut for a choppy, lightweight finish. To style, use a light smoothing oil on the lengths and let the hair air-dry naturally.
Trim the ends every 8-10 weeks to maintain the lightweight, choppy perimeter. Use a light oil on the ends for definition. Avoid blow-drying the roots flat, which can make the ends look heavier.
21. The Chin-Length Straight Cut (Thinned)
This cut is kept short to maximize the appearance of density while being manageable. The Chin-Length Straight Cut for thick hair is cut bluntly, but includes deep texturizing on the underside to remove weight, allowing the sleek top layer to sit neatly without looking bulky.
Ask for a true blunt, single-length cut that skims the chin, with aggressive texturizing underneath. To style, apply a lightweight thickening spray and blow-dry straight. The short length requires minimal styling to look full and neat.
Trims every 5 weeks are crucial to maintain the blunt line and chin length. Use a root-lifting spray before drying. Avoid excessive feathering on the top layer, as the sleekness is important.
22. The Voluminous Outer Layer Lob
This cut uses layering to focus volume on the top half of the hair. The Voluminous Outer Layer Lob is heavily layered on the external, top section, with longer hair underneath. This technique provides maximum bounce and lift, ensuring the thick hair is concentrated at the crown for a dynamic silhouette.
Ask for a collarbone lob with aggressive, feathered layers on the top and outer sections of the hair. To style, use a strong volumizing mousse and blow-dry the outer layers with a round brush for maximum lift and bounce.
Use a volumizing powder on the outer layers daily for lift. Protect the layers with heat protection spray. Trim the outer layers every 8 weeks to maintain their buoyant shape and prevent heaviness.
