Thick hair can be both a blessing and a challenge when it comes to finding the right haircut.
With medium-length styles, you strike the ideal balance between manageability and showcasing volume.
The right cut not only enhances natural texture but also simplifies daily styling, making it a game-changer for those with dense locks.
Tailored specifically to thick hair, these styles reduce bulk while maintaining movement, giving you a polished look without compromising comfort.
As trends shift toward effortless elegance, mastering the perfect medium-length haircut is essential.
Keep reading to uncover expert-approved ideas designed to transform your thick hair into a statement style.
1. V-Cut Choppy Layers
Thick hair often benefits from techniques that reduce bulk while enhancing movement, and a V-cut with choppy layers offers just that.
Strategically placed layers create depth and dimension, while the V-shape ensures the ends maintain an edgy, lightweight finish.
This style works especially well for medium-length hair, as the layers prevent a heavy, boxy appearance.
Choppy layers can be customized to suit face shapes, with shorter ones near the face softening sharp features.
To style, use a texturizing spray to emphasize the piecey effect or add soft waves for a modern, lived-in look.
Ideal for both casual and formal settings, this cut balances structure and fluidity, making it a versatile choice for those seeking manageable yet stylish thick hair solutions.
2. Wavy Textured Bob
This versatile haircut marries the chicness of a bob with the volume control that thick hair needs.
Subtle waves combined with textured ends offer a perfect balance of structure and movement, giving medium-length hair a trendy, effortless look.
The style is highly customizable; longer strands near the front frame the face, while the layered texture reduces heaviness throughout.
A wavy textured bob complements nearly all face shapes, enhancing features without overpowering them.
Pair this look with balayage highlights to add depth or create a natural sun-kissed effect.
Styling can be as simple as scrunching damp hair with mousse or using a curling iron for loose, defined waves. It’s a low-maintenance yet highly polished option for thick-haired individuals.
3. Medium Shag
For a modern, edgy vibe, the medium shag stands out as a trendy option for thick hair.
This haircut employs layers of varying lengths to create a feathered effect, lightening the overall weight while boosting volume.
Curtain bangs or side-swept fringe can add softness to the style, making it flattering for oval, round, or square face shapes.
Textured ends ensure the haircut doesn’t look too polished, offering a relaxed, tousled aesthetic that works well for casual occasions.
To style, add a curl-enhancing cream or texturizing powder for definition, or blow-dry with a round brush for a sleek finish.
Whether worn straight or wavy, the medium shag delivers dimension, movement, and easy styling—a top pick for effortlessly chic looks.
4. Layered Front Pieces
A medium-length haircut with layered front pieces offers a subtle yet effective way to frame the face while managing thick hair.
By layering the strands closest to the face, this style creates a contouring effect that enhances features and softens angular jawlines.
The technique keeps the bulk of the hair intact at the back, preserving volume while ensuring the front layers remain lightweight.
This cut is particularly flattering for heart-shaped and round faces, elongating the overall silhouette.
Use a straightener for sleek, face-framing layers or a curling iron for loose curls to enhance movement.
Perfect for professionals and casual outings alike, this haircut strikes the right balance between functionality and elegance, making it a go-to option for thick-haired individuals.
5. Textured and Highlighted
Thick hair transforms beautifully when paired with texture and highlights, offering dimension without overwhelming the natural volume.
Textured layers break up the density, while strategically placed highlights create visual interest and depth.
Lighter shades along the ends or near the face brighten the overall appearance and accentuate facial features.
This style works well with both warm and cool-toned highlights, allowing for customization based on personal preference and skin tone.
Whether styled sleek or tousled, the interplay of texture and color gives the hair a dynamic, modern look.
A texturizing spray can amplify the layers, while leave-in conditioners help maintain the highlighted sections.
This haircut is perfect for those seeking a bold yet practical update for medium-length thick hair.
6. Feathered Layers
A haircut designed to lighten the bulk of thick hair without compromising its volume, feathered layers bring texture and movement to medium-length styles.
This technique focuses on tapering the ends of each layer, resulting in a soft, flowing effect that flatters various face shapes.
The layers work best for individuals aiming to reduce heaviness around the crown and ends, making the overall style feel more manageable.
For added dimension, consider pairing this cut with subtle highlights or balayage. Styling options include blow-drying for a smooth finish or adding loose waves with a curling wand to enhance the feathered texture.
Easy to maintain yet impactful, this haircut offers a polished yet effortless look suitable for both professional and casual settings.
7. Subtle Highlights
Delicate streaks of color can dramatically elevate medium-length haircuts for thick hair, providing depth without overpowering the natural tone.
Subtle highlights strategically placed along the strands enhance texture and create a sun-kissed effect that looks natural and luminous.
Light brown, caramel, or honey shades work exceptionally well for darker hair, while soft blonde or ash tones complement lighter bases.
This understated color treatment pairs beautifully with layered or shaggy cuts, adding dimension and movement to the style.
Maintenance is simple with toning shampoos and regular conditioning treatments to preserve vibrancy.
Whether worn sleek or tousled, the combination of thick hair and subtle highlights ensures a dynamic, sophisticated appearance that’s easy to personalize for individual preferences.
8. Shag with Side Bangs
Effortlessly cool and versatile, a shag haircut with side bangs offers a flattering solution for medium-length thick hair.
This style combines layered, textured strands with bangs that sweep across the forehead, creating a face-framing effect that softens strong features.
The shag cut itself focuses on reducing bulk while maintaining volume, ensuring that the hair remains lightweight and full of movement.
Side bangs add a playful element and can be styled to blend seamlessly with the rest of the layers or stand out for a bolder look.
To achieve a tousled finish, apply a texturizing spray and use your fingers to scrunch the hair.
This haircut strikes the perfect balance between edgy and chic, making it a go-to option for effortless styling.
9. Mid-Length Shaggy Cut
Thick hair finds a perfect match in a mid-length shaggy cut, known for its ability to add structure while reducing bulk.
Layers of varying lengths create a tousled, lived-in effect that is easy to style and maintain.
The cut works particularly well for individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish option, as the layers naturally enhance the hair’s texture.
Pairing this style with curtain bangs or soft face-framing layers ensures it flatters a wide range of face shapes.
For styling, a volumizing mousse or curl cream can be applied to damp hair to emphasize natural waves, or a flat iron can be used for a sleek finish.
This cut offers versatility, blending casual vibes with just the right amount of sophistication.
10. Multicolored Sideswept Cut
A striking yet wearable choice, the multicolored sideswept cut allows thick hair to shine with added dimension and flair.
This hairstyle features a dramatic side sweep complemented by strategically placed highlights or lowlights that enhance depth and texture.
Bold combinations like caramel and auburn or ash blonde and platinum can highlight the natural movement of the cut.
The layers help reduce heaviness while ensuring the hair retains volume and body. Styling the side-swept sections adds a touch of drama and frames the face beautifully, making it suitable for round or square face shapes.
Use a texturizing spray or light pomade to define the layers and add hold. This haircut blends style and practicality, offering a modern take on medium-length hair.
11. Textured Angled Cut
An angled cut tailored with texture offers a sleek yet voluminous solution for medium-length thick hair.
The design gradually transitions from shorter strands at the back to longer ones in the front, creating a dynamic, elongated effect.
Textured layers add movement while minimizing weight, ensuring the haircut feels light and manageable.
This style flatters oval and round face shapes, as the angled ends frame the jawline beautifully.
For a modern touch, subtle highlights along the longer sections enhance depth and dimension.
Styling is versatile—use a flat iron for a smooth, polished finish or add loose waves for a casual, beachy vibe.
The angled cut’s clean lines and textured detailing make it a standout choice for thick-haired individuals.
12. Curly Style with Side Bangs
Natural curls gain a chic upgrade with the addition of side bangs, bringing balance and shape to medium-length thick hair.
This haircut prioritizes volume control by blending structured layers with soft, sweeping bangs that frame the face.
The style works particularly well for those with round or heart-shaped faces, as the bangs create an elongating effect.
To maintain definition and reduce frizz, use curl-enhancing products like mousse or leave-in cream.
Diffuse-drying ensures the curls maintain their bounce, while the side bangs add a playful element that complements the overall texture.
Whether dressed up or kept casual, this look celebrates natural curls, offering a polished, low-maintenance option that highlights the beauty of thick, textured hair.
13. Side-Parted Shag
An effortlessly cool side-parted shag combines modern trends with practical styling for thick hair.
This haircut features layers of varying lengths, reducing bulk while preserving volume and movement.
The deep side part adds a sense of drama, directing attention toward the face and enhancing the haircut’s visual appeal.
Perfect for square and oval face shapes, this style softens sharp angles and elongates the profile.
A texturizing spray or volumizing powder works wonders for amplifying the tousled, messy-chic vibe.
Alternatively, a round brush and blow-dryer can be used for a sleeker finish. Whether styled casually or with a polished edge, the side-parted shag offers a dynamic, versatile option for medium-length thick hair that remains stylish and easy to manage.
14. Feathered Bangs
Framing the face with feathered bangs offers a subtle yet impactful way to refresh medium-length thick hair.
The feathering technique lightens the weight of the bangs, creating a soft, airy look that pairs well with layered cuts.
This style suits heart-shaped and oval faces particularly well, as the bangs gently highlight the cheekbones and eyes.
When paired with long layers, the feathered effect ensures the overall look remains balanced, reducing bulk at the crown.
Blow-dry the bangs using a round brush to achieve a voluminous, swooping finish, or let them fall naturally for a relaxed aesthetic.
This haircut strikes a harmonious blend of sophistication and ease, providing a flattering option for those seeking an update without drastic changes.
15. 70s-Inspired Shag
A retro aesthetic meets modern sensibility with the 70s-inspired shag, perfect for medium-length thick hair.
This haircut embraces choppy, textured layers that deliver a carefree, voluminous look.
Curtain bangs or a center part accentuate the vintage vibe while framing the face in a flattering way.
The layered ends prevent the style from feeling heavy, making it ideal for managing the natural density of thick hair.
Styling can be tailored to personal preferences, from messy waves created with a curling wand to a sleek blowout for a polished throwback feel.
With its combination of structure and movement, this cut offers a nostalgic yet practical option for anyone wanting to channel timeless charm with a touch of effortless edge.
16. Accent Color and Texturizing
Thick hair comes to life when paired with accent colors and subtle texturizing techniques.
Highlights or lowlights strategically placed throughout medium-length hair can add dimension and break up density, giving the style a lighter, more dynamic appearance.
Texturizing, achieved through techniques like point cutting or razor layering, reduces bulk while maintaining volume and movement.
Popular accent shades like caramel, honey, or ash tones can complement various base colors, offering a versatile look for any season.
For styling, a volumizing mousse or light pomade enhances texture and keeps the accents defined.
This approach not only elevates the visual appeal but also improves manageability, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet striking hairstyle for thick hair.
17. Soft Razored Layers
Strategically razored layers offer a lightweight, flowing style for medium-length thick hair.
By using a razor to taper the ends of each layer, this technique removes excess bulk while maintaining the hair’s natural density and bounce.
The result is a soft, airy look with plenty of movement that suits both straight and wavy textures.
These layers can be styled to frame the face, enhancing features like cheekbones or jawlines, making it a flattering choice for most face shapes.
To style, a blow-dryer and round brush can add volume, while a texturizing spray amplifies the piecey effect.
This cut provides a polished yet effortless appearance, ideal for those looking to achieve a modern, sophisticated aesthetic without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
18. Beachy Waves
Loose waves with a sun-kissed texture offer a carefree, tousled look that complements medium-length thick hair beautifully.
This hairstyle emphasizes natural volume and movement, giving the appearance of effortless beauty.
To achieve the signature wave pattern, a curling wand or flat iron can be used, followed by a texturizing spray for added definition.
Incorporating balayage or subtle highlights enhances the style further, creating depth and a sunlit effect that frames the face.
Beachy waves are versatile, suitable for casual outings or dressed-up occasions, and work particularly well with layered or feathered cuts.
Maintenance is minimal, as the waves look best slightly undone. This timeless style pairs functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a go-to option for thick-haired individuals.
19. Tapered Layered Cut
A tapered layered cut provides structure and definition while keeping medium-length thick hair lightweight and manageable.
The design starts with shorter layers near the crown, gradually lengthening toward the ends, creating a seamless flow and reducing overall bulk.
This style is particularly effective for balancing volume and movement, offering a flattering silhouette for oval and square face shapes.
Tapered layers are versatile and can be paired with a side part or bangs for added customization.
For styling, a blow-dry finish with a round brush delivers a sleek, polished look, while curling the ends adds texture and bounce.
The tapered cut’s precision and practicality make it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined yet versatile medium-length haircut.
20. Rounded Layered Style
Thick hair benefits greatly from a rounded layered style, designed to add shape and volume without feeling overwhelming.
The layers are cut to follow the natural curve of the head, creating a soft, rounded silhouette that flatters heart-shaped and oval faces.
This style evenly distributes the weight of thick hair, preventing it from looking too heavy at the ends.
For added dimension, consider subtle highlights that enhance the curvature of the layers.
Blow-drying with a round brush enhances the style’s shape, while texturizing sprays can bring out natural movement.
Whether styled sleek or tousled, this haircut combines elegance with practicality, offering a polished and balanced look that works well for both casual and formal settings.
Lives In: New York, NY
Expertise: Cosmetology (Hair, Skin & Nails)
I’m Anna Peterson, the founder of Salon Route and a seasoned beauty salon owner. As a licensed cosmetologist, I pursued in-depth studies in Cosmetology at the Aveda Institute. My professional journey spans over a decade, during which I’ve worked with top-tier brands like Sephora, L’Oréal Paris, MAC, and RMS Beauty. This experience has been invaluable in managing my salon, where I regularly cater to diverse client needs and preferences. At Salon Route, we provide practical guides and information, helping real-world individuals navigate the beauty landscape with confidence. My expertise in various beauty domains, coupled with my experience in addressing unique client requirements, underscores my commitment to excellence in the beauty and wellness industry.
