Best Hairstyles for Thick Hair Men to Try in 2026

Thick hair is an advantage when it is controlled. It offers volume, texture, and styling flexibility that thinner hair cannot match. The challenge is not adding body but removing bulk, shaping weight, and directing volume so the hair works with you instead of against you.

In 2026, the best hairstyles for men with thick hair focus on structure, layering, and intentional texture. Short to medium styles dominate because they keep density manageable while showcasing fullness in a clean, modern way.

This guide breaks down the 15 best hairstyles for men with thick hair, ranked for control, versatility, and real-world wearability.

Also make sure to check out Best Hairstyles for Men and Best Hairstyles for Thin Hair Men.

Table of Contents

• Top 15 Hairstyles for Thick Hair Men in 2026 (Ranked)

• Why Thick Hair Needs Shape and Control

• FAQ About Hairstyles for Thick Hair Men

Top 15 Hairstyles for Thick Hair Men in 2026 (Ranked)

1. Textured Crop

The textured crop is ideal for thick hair because it removes bulk while keeping movement. Choppy layers prevent the hair from puffing or sitting too heavy.

Style Icon: Harry Styles, known for controlled texture and density.

2. Short Quiff

Thick hair holds a quiff naturally. Keeping it short and layered prevents excessive height and stiffness.

Style Icon: David Beckham, often wearing refined quiff variations.

3. Short Fade

A fade removes weight from the sides and lets thick hair sit cleaner on top. Smooth blending is essential to avoid a boxy shape.

Style Icon: Usher, whose fades stay clean and controlled.

4. Short Undercut

Thick hair thrives with undercuts because contrast reduces bulk. The key is blending the top so it does not overwhelm the sides.

Style Icon: Jared Leto, often using undercuts to manage density.

5. Ivy League

This style works well for thick hair when properly thinned and layered. It offers polish without heaviness.

Style Icon: Brad Pitt, frequently pairing structure with fullness.

6. Side Part

A side part gives direction to thick hair. Soft parts work better than hard lines to avoid exaggerated volume.

Style Icon: Leonardo DiCaprio, known for balanced side-part styles.

7. Short Pompadour

Thick hair supports a pompadour easily. Keeping height moderate prevents the style from looking dated or top-heavy.

Style Icon: Bruno Mars, often wearing clean, controlled pompadours.

8. Crew Cut

A crew cut simplifies thick hair and keeps it manageable. Slight length on top helps avoid a helmet-like shape.

Style Icon: Ryan Gosling, known for understated classics.

9. Short Slick Back

Thick hair slicks back well when layered. Matte or low-shine products prevent heaviness.

Style Icon: Jon Hamm, often showcasing structured slick styles.

10. French Crop

The French crop keeps hair thick and textured forward, reducing bulk while adding definition.

Style Icon: Cillian Murphy, known for clean, density-controlled crops.

11. Short Spiky Texture

Thick hair excels with spiky texture. Soft separation is key to avoid stiffness.

Style Icon: Zac Efron, often wearing modern textured spikes.

12. High and Tight

This cut removes excess bulk and keeps thick hair disciplined. Adding slight texture on top prevents flatness.

Style Icon: Tom Hardy, known for rugged, clean cuts.

13. Tapered Buzz Cut

A tapered buzz cut reduces density while keeping shape. It is ideal for men who want minimal styling.

Style Icon: Chris Evans, often opting for clean tapered cuts.

14. Short Wavy Crop

For naturally wavy thick hair, this style controls volume while keeping movement natural.

Style Icon: Jake Gyllenhaal, often embracing textured wave-friendly cuts.

15. Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut works for thick hair when the fringe is textured, not blunt. It adds structure without bulk.

Style Icon: Russell Crowe, known for authoritative cropped styles.

Why Thick Hair Needs Shape and Control

Thick hair naturally creates volume. Without shaping, it can look heavy, puffy, or unintentional. The best hairstyles for thick hair:

• Remove bulk through layering

• Use fades or tapers to control sides

• Add texture to guide movement

• Avoid overly blunt cuts

Control creates style. Volume alone does not.

FAQ About Hairstyles for Thick Hair Men

What is the best hairstyle for men with thick hair? The textured crop and short quiff are the most reliable choices.

Should thick hair be layered? Yes. Layering prevents heaviness and improves movement.

Are fades good for thick hair? Yes. Fades help remove bulk and keep the silhouette clean.

What styling products work best for thick hair? Matte clay, paste, or cream provides control without stiffness.

Should thick hair be cut very short? It can be, but leaving some length on top often looks more balanced.

Do slick back styles work for thick hair? Yes, especially when layered and styled with low-shine products.

How often should thick hair be trimmed? Every 4 to 6 weeks to keep bulk under control.

Is thick hair harder to style? It requires more shaping, but it holds styles better once controlled.

Do spiky hairstyles work with thick hair? Yes. Thick hair is ideal for textured, matte spikes.

What should men with thick hair avoid? Blunt cuts, heavy gels, and styles with no layering.