“Thick or coarse hair benefits most from hydration and controlled texture. Using moisturising products that enhance the hair’s natural movement helps maintain softness, manageability and shine, while preventing excess bulk through the finished style. For deeper care with these hair types, I rely on the Design Essentials Honey Crème Masque. After cleansing, I apply it to towel-dried hair, cover it with a processing cap and leave it under heat for 30 minutes before styling. If the hair is extremely thirsty, brittle or particularly abundant – as thick hair can be! – I apply the mask in sections with a tint brush, targeting areas that need extra care, such as split ends or weakened mid-lengths, then process under heat.”
“For thicker hair types, it’s crucial to cut with both the hair’s texture and its shape in mind. I recommend using internal layering to encourage the natural wave pattern without creating frizz. In terms of styling, I always style on damp hair, scrunching the product upwards to encourage the natural pattern again. Oway’s Sea Salt Spray is perfect for enhancing this natural movement and texture, leaving you with that great, lived-in finish.”
“With thick hair, the blow-dry is where the result is made or lost. I always say tension before temperature. Using the right brush, working in clean sections and drying the hair properly before refining makes a huge difference. When hair is rushed half-dry, it expands, but when it’s dried with intention, it smooths and sits better for days.
When it comes to colouring, colour placement matters more than the amount of colour used with thick hair types. Heavy, all-over application can emphasise density and weight. Strategic placement that works with the haircut enhances movement, softens the finish and creates a more forgiving regrowth for clients.”
“Honestly, thick hair has so much personality already, you just have to stop fighting it! I’m always saying less is more with texturising – too much of it can turn great volume into total chaos.
When it comes to colour, I love keeping things glossy and dimensional; thick hair reflects light so well, so you don’t need to overdo it. People with thick hair already have so much going on, so I’m all about enhancing what’s there rather than overworking it. A great cut and glossy finish go a long way.”
“Thick, coarse hair needs proper care, or it will let you know about it! Hydration is everything, from the shampoo you use to how you prep before styling. If you get that right, your client’s hair will becomes easier to manage with longer-lasting styles, and they will actually start enjoying how much hair they have. Preparation is the difference between a good style and a great one. Leave-ins, creams and oils help to smooth the cuticle, ensuring thick hair styles faster and lasts longer.”
“When applying extensions to thick hair, it’s very important to do a full consultation first. Assess the hair’s density, texture and growth patterns so you choose the best method and correct amount of extension hair. Thick hair needs enough extension weight to blend seamlessly without gaps.
I also recommend using smaller, even sections. While thick hair is good at hiding the bonds, it also needs balanced placement, so the extensions don’t sit unevenly or create bulk in the wrong places. Lastly, I recommend always detangling the hair thoroughly and letting it dry completely before application. Thick hair may hold more moisture in its layers, and this can affect bond adhesion.”
“Working with dense, coarse hair often involves longer service times and heavier product use. With this in mind, I find that Easydry’s 100% Compostable Salon Towels offer consistent absorbency from root to ends, helping stylists manage excess water, colour and treatments with control. For thicker hair that is prone to dryness, roughness or frizz, using soft, lint-free towels makes a surprisingly noticeable difference with continued use.”
“For thicker-haired clients, I find razoring is a good technique to remove weight and create a more feathered look. If you want to keep the hair smoother, however, keeping it as a solid cut can also work well, as the weight pulls the hair down to keep it straighter.”
“One of my favourite products that I love to use on thick hair is the Shed Con[seal]er Camouflaging Cream For Frizz & Split Ends. It’s great for taming frizz and keeping the thick hair controlled, smooth and shiny.”
“When working with thick or coarse hair, consultation is key. I like to gently detangle and section the hair to assess scalp condition, dryness and overall health – this will tell you how the hair will respond before you even begin. When cutting, layers are your best friend for thick hair. They redistribute weight rather than build it, but fundamentals always come first. Take it section by section, stick to your core techniques and don’t rush. If density sits heavily at the nape or around the occipital area, subtle undercutting or very targeted texturising can refine the shape, but precision is key to avoid grow-out issues.
Styling should also be intentional from the start. Thick, coarser hair needs to be dried smooth from damp – rough drying only encourages frizz and instability. A large-barrel ceramic brush, such as the Olivia Garden Speed, allows you to take bigger sections and speed up drying time, while still keeping the finish controlled and polished.”
“There are so many hairstyles for thick hair! It all just depends on how your client wants to wear it. Haircuts are making a huge comeback through disconnections, undercuts and layering, too. Thick hair suits all styles – from pixie cuts to layered long hair and even one length – and its texture often makes it easier to manipulate in order to achieve the results you’re looking for. Yes, thick hair has its own maintenance levels, but the right cut will make all the difference.”
“When colouring thick hair, one of the biggest things to determine is whether the hair is thick in terms of follicular density or strand density. Follicular density refers to how many hairs are on the head, while strand density refers to how thick each strand is.
Also, when looking at inspiration pictures and videos, it’s important to identify the differences between your client’s hair and the hair in the example. In general, thicker hair tends to swallow up contrast, so if you are trying to create thicker ribbons, the hair can end up looking dull and lifeless. Watch out!”
“Thick hair can often be frustrating – or, in some cases, actually scary – for some hairdressers, but I think it’s something you should fall in love with. If you perfect your craft, thicker-haired clients honestly work in your favour for salon growth and profitability. At Medusa, for example, long, thick hair always comes with a supplement charge.
Cutting thick hair can be daunting, but time and precision will be your best friends. As long as you’re keeping the hair wet, nourished and hydrated, you can work with it like any other hair.”
“Thick, coarse hair is actually a dream if you know how to treat it properly. My approach is always about control through moisture; the more hydrated the hair, the better it behaves. I love cuts that remove weight internally but still feel polished and intentional, so the hair moves beautifully without losing its strength.”
“I actually love working on thick hair because it gives you so much to work with, especially when it comes to blow-drying. I work methodically in clean sections, and I make sure the hair is at least 80% dry before refining. Using tension is key – thick hair responds beautifully to controlled tension and heat, which creates a polished, expensive finish. I also focus on directing the airflow properly to smooth the cuticle and enhance shine.”
