27 Easy Hairstyles for Thick Hair

Thick hair is full and beautiful, but it can sometimes be hard to style especially when you’re in a hurry. The good news? There are plenty of easy hairstyles that work great with thick hair.

From buns and braids to ponytails and half-up styles, you can find looks that keep your hair neat and stylish without much effort.

In this list of 27 easy hairstyles for thick hair, you’ll find simple, everyday styles that are perfect for work, school, or just relaxing at home. These ideas will help you enjoy your thick hair without the fuss.

Easy Hairstyles for Thick Hair

1. Classic Braided Ponytail

This style mixes the practicality of a ponytail with the charm of a braid. The hair is first gathered into a high ponytail, keeping it secure and away from the face. Then, the ponytail is braided all the way down, creating a neat look that works great for school or daily outings.

It’s a go-to for thick hair because the braid holds shape well and doesn’t unravel easily. The thickness adds volume naturally, so there’s no need for teasing or extra products. This braid also stays put through the day, even with movement or outdoor activities.

You can wear it plain or dress it up with scrunchies or ribbons. It’s quick to do, beginner-friendly, and takes just a few minutes once you get the hang of it. Perfect for busy mornings.

2. Pearl Clip Half Ponytail

This hairstyle adds a cute twist with pearl hair clips stacked neatly along the side. The hair is pulled into a ponytail, but instead of going sleek, it’s styled with volume and waves for a soft feel. The thick texture of the hair helps anchor the big clips in place.

A claw clip holds the bulk of the hair at the crown while decorative pearl clips add visual fun. It’s a playful look that still feels tidy and dressed up. The waves add bounce and balance the top volume beautifully.

Great for class or casual events, this one is trendy without trying too hard. Thick hair works best here because it gives the clips something to hold on to without slipping.

3. Loose French Braid

This thick French braid flows down the center of the hair, starting high at the crown. It’s done loosely, which gives it that soft, airy feel that doesn’t tug or feel heavy. The braid stops mid-length, letting the rest of the hair flow naturally.

Thicker hair makes this braid look full and three-dimensional without much effort. You don’t have to worry about gaps or the braid looking too flat. It stays structured and pretty with minimal touch-ups.

It’s easy to do, especially for those used to basic braiding. You can wear it at school, work, or even on a casual hangout day.

4. Colorful Elastic Braided Ponytail

This fun and sporty hairstyle uses small colorful elastics to wrap around a simple braid. The braid starts from a ponytail base and is tied off every few inches with elastics in different shades.

It’s bright and playful, and it really suits thick hair because each section stands out more. The hair’s natural volume makes the braid pop, and the elastics stay secure without slipping.

Perfect for PE days, outdoor fun, or just a colorful look to brighten your mood. The style holds well through the day and adds personality without needing accessories or heat tools.

5. Side-Twist Ribbon Braid

This romantic hairstyle features a side twist that flows into a low ponytail, tied with a soft fabric ribbon. The top is gently twisted to the side, and the remaining hair is secured loosely.

Thick strands help the twist hold its shape, while the ponytail stays full and bouncy. The ribbon adds a cozy touch, perfect for cooler seasons or chill days when you still want to look styled.

It takes just a couple of minutes and doesn’t need much product or tools. If you have thick hair that tends to puff up, this will help control it while keeping things cute and soft.

6. Voluminous Curly Ponytail

Here’s a bold ponytail full of tight, natural curls gathered high on the head. The height lifts the look and shows off the curl pattern beautifully. A simple hair tie is all it takes, and no teasing is needed thick curly hair naturally gives it that wow effect.

This hairstyle works best with second- or third-day curls when they have the most bounce. It’s ideal for a statement look that’s still easy to pull together. A little edge control at the roots can help neaten the front.

You can add bobby pins or small clips to secure flyaways, but the star here is your natural hair. It’s trendy, expressive, and full of volume.

7. Crown Braided Half-Updo

A crown braid wraps around the back of the head, blending into loose curls below. This gives you the best of both styles neat on top and soft at the bottom. Thick hair makes the braid look fuller and more defined.

The rest of the hair is left down in natural waves or curls, which balance the braid above. It gives off a fairy-tale vibe while still being easy to wear on a normal day.

This is a good pick for semi-formal events, picture day, or just when you want something a little more detailed. It holds well and frames the head beautifully.

8. Double Twist Front with Loose Curls

This hairstyle starts with two small twisted sections from each front side, pulled back and clipped or tied at the back of the crown. The rest of the hair is curled and left flowing.

For thick hair, this adds structure to the front while still letting the natural body and volume show in the back. The curls don’t fall flat, and the twist helps keep the front off the face.

It’s a sweet and casual look great for a relaxed day or when you want something neat but not too formal. A little hairspray can help the twists stay in place.

9. Defined Spiral Curls Half-Up

This look is all about bouncy spiral curls gathered into a half-up style. The top half is secured with a clip or band, giving the face a clear frame, while the rest of the curls fall freely down the back.

Thick hair helps this style shine, since it creates that full curtain effect with the curls. The half-up lift stops the hair from feeling too heavy, especially for long styles.

Perfect for warm weather or anytime you want your hair down without too much in your way. The curls add natural flair and movement with very little effort.

10. Braided Detail with Floral Clips

This style combines a small braid on each side, pulled together at the back with fancy floral clips. The rest of the hair flows down in natural curls or waves.

Thick hair gives the braids nice width, and the texture helps hold the clips firmly in place. This is a sweet choice for parties, family outings, or school events.

It adds charm without being too much work, just braid two small sections, clip them together, and let the rest flow. A few bobby pins can help secure flyaways if needed.

11. Braided Side Ponytail

This look mixes soft waves with a cute side braid that blends right into a low ponytail. The braid starts near the part line and curves down, making it perfect for adding style without too much work. It’s a great way to keep thick hair off your face while still showing off those full waves.

The braid helps control the top section, while the ponytail lets your natural volume shine. If your hair tends to feel heavy, this style helps keep things balanced without pulling on your roots. It looks polished but still relaxed enough for casual days.

You can wear this with a flannel shirt or a sundress, it goes with anything. Just add a bit of hairspray to keep it all in place, and you’re set for the day.

12. Side Braid with Low Bun

Here’s a soft side braid that wraps into a thick low bun at the nape of the neck. The braid starts from one side, then curves around and merges into a tucked bun for a smooth, flowy finish.

Thick hair adds that plush look to the bun, making it stand out with volume and texture. This is perfect when you want something neat without being too tight. The braid keeps the top in check and adds a nice detail.

It works for casual events, family gatherings, or even school photos. Just twist the bun loosely and pin it in place. You can leave a soft strand out front for a sweet touch.

13. Butterfly Clip Messy Bun

This playful hairstyle uses a big clip shaped like a butterfly for a fun finish. All you do is twist your hair into a low messy bun and clip it in place. The messier, the better, especially with thick hair that holds shape easily.

It’s quick and looks cute without trying too hard. The clip adds charm while the bun keeps things comfortable. If your hair is thick and tends to puff out, this is a great way to tame it in seconds.

You can pull out a few strands around your face or leave it all clipped tight, it works both ways. Perfect for busy mornings or a day around the house.

14. Pull-Through Bubble Braid

This bubble braid is done by tying hair with small elastics every few inches down the back, then gently tugging each section to puff it out. It gives a cool, chunky braid effect without needing to do actual braiding.

Thick hair makes each bubble look extra full and defined. This style is great if you want a bold, playful look that stays put. It’s sporty, fun, and stands out from a plain ponytail.

You can wear this for school, weekend hangouts, or even gym days. It’s fast to do and holds shape all day with just a few elastics.

15. Baseball Cap Bubble Braid

This look pairs a bubble braid with a cap, making it the go-to style for sporty days. The braid starts under the cap and runs down the back, puffed out with elastics for a fun finish.

Thick hair fills each bubble nicely, so the braid doesn’t look flat. The cap hides any messy roots, and the style keeps your hair out of the way without needing heat or tools.

Great for hikes, errands, or game day. Just brush, tie, and go. It works well on both freshly washed or second-day hair.

16. Volumized Side Braid

This dramatic braid starts high on the head and travels diagonally across, ending in a loose tail full of volume. Each section is gently pulled to give that wide, soft shape.

It’s ideal for thick hair because it holds that teased-out, full look naturally. You don’t need to tease or curl anything just braid loosely and fluff it up as you go.

You can wear it to dinner, dates, or whenever you want to do something a little extra without much fuss. Just secure with a clear elastic or a soft tie at the bottom.

17. Sleek Mid Ponytail

This polished ponytail is all about smooth roots and waves at the bottom. The top is brushed clean and tied in the middle of the head, with a small strand wrapped around the band for a neat finish.

It works well for thick hair because the weight helps the ponytail stay down and feel balanced. The natural volume at the ends gives it a soft bounce.

Perfect for work, school, or meetings. It’s low-effort and always looks neat. Add a little serum on top to tame flyaways, and you’re ready in minutes.

18. Retro Half-Up Ponytail

This half-up hairstyle brings that vintage feel with big, bouncy curls and volume at the crown. A section from the top is tied back and clipped, while the rest of the hair flows freely.

Thick hair makes this style look bold and lifted without needing backcombing. The clip helps hold the height, and you can add a couple of statement pins for sparkle.

Best for dressier days or fun occasions. It’s girly, bold, and quick to pull together if you already have your hair curled.

19. Dragon Braid Ponytail

This thick braid gets its name from the chunky, scale-like sections that run down the back. It’s made by layering hair loops and tying with elastics, making a bold ponytail that looks complex but is easy to pull off.

Thick hair makes each loop stand out, giving the braid a strong shape and hold. It’s a good alternative to regular braids if you want something new but simple.

Great for teens, students, or anyone who wants a bold hair day. Pair with a casual tee or gym wear, it’s flexible and fun.

20. Soft Low Pony with Scrunchie

This soft style uses a scrunchie to tie a simple low ponytail, letting natural waves or curls show. It’s super low-maintenance and perfect for thick hair that already has texture.

The scrunchie adds a gentle hold and a pop of color, while the waves make the ponytail look full without effort. You can pull out a face-framing curl or two for a soft look.

This is ideal for hot days, running errands, or chill school mornings. It works best when your hair is air-dried and already wavy.

21. Twisted Fishtail Half-Up

This half-up hairstyle mixes two twisted fishtail braids that meet in the middle, forming a soft pattern across the back. The rest of the hair is left down in loose waves, giving a nice mix of structure and flow.

Thick hair helps this style shine because it adds fullness to both the braids and the loose sections. You don’t need to braid tightly just twist gently and secure. It holds well thanks to the hair’s natural weight.

This look works for weddings, dinners, or even brunch with friends. It feels dressed up but is still comfy to wear all day.

22. Triple Twist Braid

This creative braid starts with smaller side braids that join into a big central braid at the back. It builds volume as it goes down and finishes with a thick, textured tail.

Perfect for thick hair, this style stays full and shaped from top to bottom. The smaller braids add fun detail without being hard to do. The thickness makes the braid look bold with minimal effort.

You can wear it for special events or just to change things up for the week. A little shine spray can give it that soft, healthy look.

23. Sleek Double Cornrows

This style features two thick cornrows braided cleanly from the front all the way to the back. The roots are smooth, and each braid is firm and even, making it super tidy and long-lasting.

Thick hair works well for this because it fills out the braids nicely, giving them that chunky, defined look. It stays neat all day and doesn’t require daily styling, making it a good low-maintenance option.

It’s perfect for school, workouts, or hot days when you want your hair out of the way but still stylish. Add edge control to keep the front smooth if needed.

24. Soft Pull-Through Half Braid

This look features a soft pull-through braid that begins at the crown and gently blends into the hair below. The rest of the hair is curled and flows down in full waves.

The braid isn’t tight, so thick hair gives it structure and bounce. Each loop pops out naturally, giving the braid a full, soft shape. The style feels airy but stays in place.

It’s great for events, parties, or just a fun switch from your usual style. Add a few pins if needed to hold the braid together, and you’re good to go.

25. Braided Crown Ponytail

This ponytail gets a cute update with two side braids that meet at the center and wrap around the base. The hair below is curled and left flowing, showing off volume and bounce.

It’s a good pick for thick hair because the braids give shape to the top, and the ponytail feels light even with lots of hair. Wrapping a strand around the base hides the tie for a cleaner look.

You can wear this anywhere: class, a picnic, or even a simple celebration. It adds a touch of fun without being too fancy.

26. Low Rolled Bun with Twist

This soft updo starts with two twists at the front that flow into a low bun. The bun is gently rolled and secured at the back, and small hair accessories can be added for a touch of shine.

Thick hair makes this bun look full and well-shaped without much teasing. It holds nicely with just a few pins and stays balanced through the day.

This is a lovely choice for weddings, parties, or formal dinners. It looks styled without needing complicated tools or steps.

27. Wrapped Half Ponytail with Clip

This hairstyle pulls back sections from both sides and wraps them around a loose half ponytail, finished with a small, sparkly clip. The rest of the hair stays down in soft waves.

For thick hair, this is a great way to add a bit of control while keeping most of the length free. The wrapped section helps frame the head and gives it a gentle lift.

You can wear this with a dress or even a tank top, it’s flexible and easy. A touch of hairspray keeps flyaways down while the clip adds a stylish touch.