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Republished source article: This article originally appeared in Byrdie. First-person statements, product selections, quotations and editorial-team claims belong to the original source.
By: David Alexander
Stocksy
Lots of men view having a full head of hair as a solely positive thing, as many struggle with hair loss on the other end of the hair growth spectrum. However, aside from having more to play with at the barber, possessing thick hair poses its own unique challenges. It can be unruly, hard to handle, poof up and frizz in humid weather, and take forever to dry.
Luckily, with the right tools and techniques, thick, luscious hair can be easily managed—no matter your lifestyle or desired aesthetic. To help you get your ‘do under control and in the style you desire, we consulted hair experts Rod Galvao and Jeff White, and got all the thick hair styling advice you need.
Keep reading for thick haircut and styling tips that are sure to make your haircare routine a breeze.
Meet the Experts
- Rod Galvao is a stylist at Gem House in Brooklyn, NYC.
- Jeff White is a barber at Fellow Barber’s Williamsburg location.
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Consider a Chop
The easiest way to control very thick hair might also be the most dramatic—cut it short. A shorter length can be a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance style. Depending on how it’s cut, a shorter hairstyle still leaves room for endless styling options. “Textured, shorter cuts work best for thick hair,” says barber Jeff White. “When you texturize the hair with scissors, you’re removing bulk that many clients with thick hair do not want. It also lends itself to edgier looks, which I love.”
“The best haircuts are more texturized because they balance the weight of thick hair and the volume,” adds stylist Rod Galvao. “Layers are also good, only blunt cuts aren’t recommended.”
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Find Products That Work for You
For those with thick hair, a styling product will help with control. Product will add weight and allow you to create nearly any style you want.
White says, “I like to use Fellow Barber’s Hybrid Clay on thick, shorter styles. It makes it easy to sculpt the texturized look into place. [I also like] using a leave-in conditioner or a styling product that is highly moisturizing like Fellow Barber’s Styling Cream, which adds hydration that thick hair needs, especially if the hair is wavy or unruly.” Galvao recommends a curl activator, Kevin Murphy Killer Curls, if you have curly thick hair.
What products aren’t great for thick hair? “Mousses are the no-go here,” says Galvao. “Also, be careful with wax and pomades. Usually, the consistency can make thick hair look greasy. Oils are also recommended only [on] dry hair. Avoid volumizing products, as most of these will give a drying aspect and sometimes look crunchy and even stiff.”
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Use a Blowdryer and Brush
In addition to the products you use, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a brush and blow dryer to help with styling your hair. “Have in mind that you will sometimes need extra products like a blow dryer and a brush to achieve the desired look,” says Galvao. “I recommend blow drying the hair first and then finishing the styling with products.”
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Grow it Out
Does your hair stick straight up when it’s short? In that case, growing your hair out to a longer length may help keep flyaways weighed down. For stubborn hairs that refuse to lay flat, try using a smoothing cream like John Freida’s Frizz Ease Secret Weapon.
A longer style is also a versatile option if you still want the freedom to wear your hair down or up.
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Let It Air Dry
Excessive heat is damaging for any hair type, but on thick hair specifically, too much heat can lead to extreme breakage and frizz. But, even with air-drying thick hair, frizz is still possible. The right products can tame frizz, keep hair looking shiny, and make it easier to style. If you don’t have time to let your hair air dry on its own, opt for a cooler setting on your hair dryer. This will add some extra volume and decrease drying time.
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Condition Away
Those with thick hair should always use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. White advises to shampoo no more than three times a week, but you should condition your hair every day. “Thick hair needs more moisture and hydration,” he says. “Shampooing too frequently can strip hair of the natural oils it needs.”
After a good shampoo, apply about a dime-sized amount of conditioner to your hair, comb it through with a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly, and leave it on for several minutes. A good conditioner made for your hair type will help soften your hair and make it more manageable.
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Avoid Too Many Layers
While layers can add volume and movement, in thick hair, shorter layers can stick straight up—or out. If you want to remove some bulk from your hair, ask your hairstylist to use a razor to help thin it out. “If your hair is thick, the longer it is, the more trouble you’ll have without a certain amount of layering and texture,” adds White. “For that reason, I recommend shorter, more wispy styles that are thinned out.” A razor creates more texture and movement than regular shears but can help reduce areas that may appear heavy or too thick.
Source: Byrdie
Original publication date: 2011-08-11T17:15:12.000-04:00
