Medium Length Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Medium Length Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Medium length hairstyles for thick hair – Navigating the world of hairstyles for thick hair can be a challenge, especially when aiming for a medium length. Thick hair offers versatility, but requires careful consideration of styling techniques and product choices to avoid overwhelming volume or creating an unmanageable look. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of popular medium-length hairstyles for thick hair, addressing common challenges and offering solutions for achieving a stylish and manageable look.
Defining “Medium Length” and “Thick Hair”
Understanding the terms “medium length” and “thick hair” is crucial for selecting the right hairstyle. Medium length generally refers to hair that falls between the chin and the shoulders, encompassing a range of lengths from just below the chin to a few inches above the shoulder blades. Thick hair, on the other hand, is characterized by both high density (the number of hair strands per square inch) and a large hair diameter (the thickness of individual strands).
Thick hair can be straight, wavy, or curly, each texture presenting unique styling considerations.
The difference between thick, straight hair and thick, curly hair lies primarily in the way the hair falls and its volume. Straight hair tends to lie relatively flat, while thick, curly hair can create significant volume due to its natural texture. Wavy hair falls somewhere in between, offering a blend of body and manageability.
Popular Medium Length Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Several popular hairstyles are well-suited for medium-length, thick hair. These styles offer a balance between style and manageability, allowing for various levels of customization based on individual preferences and face shape.
- Long Bob (Lob): A classic choice, the lob offers versatility and can be styled straight, wavy, or curly. Styling often involves blow-drying with a round brush for volume and smoothness.
- Layered Lob: Layers add movement and reduce bulk in thick hair, preventing it from looking heavy or flat. Styling can involve blow-drying with a round brush for volume or using a texturizing spray for a more relaxed look.
- Clavicut: This style falls at the collarbone, creating a chic and modern look. It often benefits from subtle layers to prevent it from looking too heavy. Styling usually requires a blow-dry and potentially some light straightening or curling.
- Blunt Cut: A bold choice, a blunt cut creates a strong, sleek look. This style requires precise cutting and regular maintenance to keep the ends looking sharp. Styling often involves straightening or using smoothing products to maintain a sleek finish.
- Shag: This style incorporates layers of varying lengths to create texture and movement. It’s ideal for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. Styling might involve texturizing products and air drying for a natural, tousled look.
| Hairstyle Name | Description | Best Face Shapes | Styling Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Bob (Lob) | Classic, versatile, chin-to-shoulder length. | Oval, round, square | Blow-dry with a round brush for volume and smoothness. |
| Layered Lob | Lob with layers for movement and reduced bulk. | All face shapes | Blow-dry with a round brush or use texturizing spray. |
| Clavicut | Collarbone-length cut, often with subtle layers. | Oval, heart | Blow-dry and potentially straighten or curl. |
| Blunt Cut | Sharp, sleek, one-length cut. | Oval, square | Straighten or use smoothing products. |
| Shag | Layered cut with texture and movement. | All face shapes | Use texturizing products and air dry. |
Hairstyles Based on Face Shape
Choosing a hairstyle that complements your face shape can significantly enhance your overall appearance. Medium-length hairstyles for thick hair can be adapted to suit various face shapes.
- Round Face: A layered lob or a clavicut with subtle layers can create the illusion of length and slim the face. Avoid blunt cuts that might accentuate roundness.
- Oval Face: Oval faces can carry off most hairstyles. A blunt cut, a long bob, or a shag can all look flattering. Layers can add volume and texture.
- Square Face: Soften angular features with a long layered bob or a wavy shag. Avoid styles that are too blunt or severe, which might emphasize the square jawline.
- Heart Face: Balance a wider forehead with a long bob or a clavicut with soft layers around the face. Adding volume at the bottom can help create proportion.
Maintenance and Styling
Managing thick, medium-length hair requires the right products and techniques. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is crucial to prevent dryness and breakage. Styling products like volumizing mousse, smoothing serums, or texturizing sprays can help achieve the desired look.
Drying methods vary depending on the desired style. Air drying is a low-maintenance option, while blow-drying allows for more control and volume. Straighteners and curling irons can create specific styles. For example, let’s detail styling a layered lob.
- Apply a heat protectant spray to damp hair.
- Use a volumizing mousse at the roots.
- Blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the roots for volume.
- Use a flat iron to smooth out any remaining frizz or waves.
Addressing Common Challenges
Thick hair can present certain challenges, such as frizz, volume control, and flyaways. Using anti-frizz serums and smoothing creams can help manage frizz. For volume control, consider using lightweight products and avoiding heavy oils. Flyaways can be tamed with hairspray or smoothing serums.
Managing volume in thick hair involves finding a balance between control and maintaining body. Layering, strategic blow-drying techniques, and the use of weightless styling products can all contribute to achieving a manageable yet voluminous style. For instance, choosing lightweight mousses over heavy creams can prevent a weighed-down look.
Hairstyle Inspiration: Examples, Medium length hairstyles for thick hair
Here are some hairstyle ideas for various occasions.
A sleek, straight long bob with subtle caramel highlights for a professional setting. The straight style creates a polished and sophisticated look, while the highlights add depth and dimension.
A wavy, layered lob with honey blonde balayage for a casual weekend. The waves create a relaxed, effortless style, while the balayage adds a sun-kissed glow.
A voluminous, curly shag with rich auburn highlights for a formal event. The curls create a glamorous and romantic look, while the highlights add warmth and shine.
Key Questions Answered
How often should I wash thick hair?
Washing frequency depends on your hair and scalp type. Generally, washing every 2-3 days is sufficient to avoid over-drying.
What are some good products for taming frizz in thick hair?
Anti-frizz serums, smoothing creams, and leave-in conditioners can help manage frizz. Look for products containing ingredients like argan oil or shea butter.
Managing medium length hairstyles for thick hair can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you’re aiming for styles that are both stylish and manageable. However, many techniques overlap with simpler approaches; for instance, learning a few key methods from resources like this guide on easy hairstyles for curly hair can be surprisingly helpful. This is because the principles of minimizing tangles and maximizing definition translate well across hair textures, ultimately making your medium-length thick hair easier to style.
Can I air dry thick hair without it becoming frizzy?
Applying a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz product before air drying can help minimize frizz. Using a microfiber towel instead of a regular towel can also help.
How can I add volume to my thick hair without making it look too heavy?
Texturizing sprays or mousses can add volume without weighing down the hair. Layering and strategic cutting techniques can also help.