30 Best Wavy Hairstyles for Thick Hair: Big, Bold & Beautiful

If you have thick hair, you know it has its benefits and challenges, especially when styling it in waves. Good news? Thick hair holds waves well, easily giving you a solid and voluminous look. Whether you love soft beachy waves or bold, structured curls, the right wavy hairstyle will help highlight your thick locks. From casual everyday to glamorous, the best wavy hairstyles let your hair do the talking.

1. Loose beach waves

Loose beach waves have a soft, carefree texture reminiscent of hair that has naturally dried after a day at the beach. They have a sleek, tousled look with subtle curls rather than tight curls, creating a carefree, sun-kissed vibe. These waves add movement and volume without looking too stylish with a curling iron, braid, or sea salt spray. They’re great for any occasion and quickly create a casual yet sophisticated vibe.

2. Air dried natural waves

Air-dried natural waves follow your hair’s natural texture, creating soft, effortless movement without heat styling. They have a relaxed, slightly tousled look that adds volume and volume while keeping hair healthy and smooth. Rubbing damp hair with a light curling mousse or cream creates these waves, making them ideal for easy, low-maintenance styling. They work great on all hair types and are perfect for creating a carefree, relaxed atmosphere.

3. Polished soft waves

Polished soft waves are sleek, elegant and effortlessly glamorous. They have a sophisticated, flowing shape and silky finish, giving hair a luxurious look worthy of the red carpet. Lightly brush through these waves after using a large barrel curling iron or round brush to create a soft, seamless effect. Perfect for any occasion, they combine sophistication and effortless beauty.

4. Blurry waves for a casual look

Combed waves create a soft, relaxed look with an effortless natural flow. By carefully combing the curls or waves, the hairstyle turns into a looser, more voluminous shape with a smooth surface. This technique gives hair a tactile, vibrant look, perfect for creating a chic yet low-maintenance vibe. Ideal for both casual days and elegant occasions, combed waves add airiness and romance.

5. Low-maintenance live waves

Low-maintenance wavy hair is easy to tousle and lightly untangle for a natural, effortless look. They have a soft, airy texture reminiscent of second-day waves—imperfect, but stylish. They can be achieved with minimal styling, such as braiding damp hair at night or using a texturizing spray, and are low-maintenance. These waves look great on all hair types and are perfect for creating a carefree beach vibe.

6. Light, familiar waves

Light, bouncy waves have a natural, tousled look that is relaxed yet stylish. Soft curves and airy movements create the perfect “woke up like this” vibe without looking over the top. Achieved with minimal effort – such as air drying, braiding or using a little texturizing spray – they require little maintenance. These waves are perfect for everyday wear and give a chic, carefree look that’s suitable for any occasion.

7. Hollywood-style waves

Hollywood style waves are glamorous, polished and perfectly shaped to evoke red carpet elegance. They are smooth, uniform and shiny, with smooth, crisp S-shapes, creating a timeless vintage look. Hollywood-style waves created with a curling iron and carefully brushed to create a smooth flow exude luxury and sophistication. They’re perfect for formal occasions and add a touch of classic Old Hollywood glamor to any style.

8. Deep, glossy S-waves

Deep, lustrous S-waves are smooth, sculpted and incredibly luxurious, creating a seamless cascading effect. Forming these waves into precise, uniform S-shaped patterns perfectly reflects light, creating a mirror-like shine. Created using precise curling and combing techniques, they impart a sophisticated, vintage elegance. S-shaped waves are perfect for special occasions or glamorous events, adding a touch of timeless Hollywood charm to any look.

9. Old Hollywood Glamor Side Parted Waves

Glamorous Old Hollywood waves with a side part epitomize vintage elegance and sophistication. These structured, lustrous waves flow in perfectly sculpted S-shapes for a timeless, red carpet-worthy look. The deep side adds drama and enhances the face-framing effect, making the style classic and very flattering. Using a curling iron and careful brushing creates luxurious, feminine waves with Old Hollywood charm.

10. Large body waves with layers

Large body waves with layers are body, bounce and movement. A layered cut accentuates the waves without making thick hair feel heavy, but still gives it volume and flow. A round brush or large diameter curling iron creates these waves, resulting in a finished, glamorous look with a soft, airy finish. This style exudes confidence and classic beauty and is perfect for making a bold yet effortless statement.

11. Inflatable ejection waves

Inflatable waves are full of volume, movement and a silky polished finish. A round brush, blow dryer or large rollers create soft, lifted waves that feel effortlessly glamorous. The airy, weightless style gives hair a fresh, salon-quality look that lasts all day. These waves embody classic beauty with a modern, carefree twist and are perfect for any occasion.

12. Polished combed waves

Polished combed waves are soft, sleek and glamorous, creating a sophisticated yet natural look. By gently combing the curls, the waves become looser, looser and more flexible, giving the hair a luxurious and airy look. This style enhances shine and volume while maintaining an elegant, flowing shape. Combed waves create timeless beauty with a modern twist, perfect for creating a chic and sophisticated vibe.

13. Glamorous waves with extra sparkle

Glamorous waves with extra shine look sleek, voluminous and red carpet ready. These waves are smooth, well-defined and polished, reflecting light beautifully for a brilliant, glossy finish. Using a large-diameter curling iron and shine serum, you can create a style that exudes luxury and sophistication. These waves are perfect for special occasions, adding effortless elegance and star-studded glamour.

14. Volumetric feather effect

A voluminous feathered hairstyle is bouncy, flexible and effortlessly chic. This style uses soft feather layers that flutter outward, creating light, airy volume with a glamorous, retro feel. Using a round brush and blow dryer enhances your hair’s natural texture while maintaining smoothness and shine. This look is perfect for a supermodel-worthy, salon-fresh look. It combines body, shine and effortless sophistication.

15. Long, face-framing waves with layers

Long, layered waves that frame the face are soft, voluminous and flattering. Long blended layers add movement and volume, while face-framing details highlight your features. A hair straightener or curling iron creates these waves, creating a bouncy, cascading effect that appears glamorous and natural. This style exudes timeless elegance and effortless beauty, making it perfect for a casual chic or supermodel look.

16. Shaggy waves with bangs

Shaggy waves with curtain bangs look effortless, tousled, and full of texture, creating a cool, casual vibe. Chopped layers create movement and volume, while bangs softly frame the face and blend seamlessly into the waves. This style is perfect for a casual, laid-back look that still looks stylish and modern. This is the perfect low-maintenance, chic hairstyle that can be achieved with a texturizing spray or soft waves with a curling iron.

17. Layered waves for extra movement

Layered waves for extra movement are light, bouncy and full of natural flow. Strategic layering prevents thick hair from feeling heavy while enhancing the shape and size of waves. A domed wand or curling iron creates this look, creating a soft cascading effect that feels effortless yet polished. Layered waves are ideal for adding volume and texture, giving hair life and movement with minimal effort.

18. Feathery waves with soft layers

Feathery waves with soft layers are light, airy and full of movement for an effortlessly elegant look. Smooth, blended layers add volume and volume, while feathered ends give waves a subtle face-framing effect. A round brush or large-barrel curling iron creates this look, giving it a bouncy, salon-fresh look. It’s perfect for those who want a chic, voluminous style that’s soft and sophisticated.

19. Graduated layers with wavy volume

Graduated layers with wavy volume create a voluminous look and allow for easy movement. The layering technique creates volume at the crown, allowing the waves to flow naturally without making thick hair feel heavy. The blowing or curling attachment adds volume and texture to your hairstyle, giving your hairstyle a soft yet voluminous look. It’s perfect for those who love a sophisticated yet casual style with extra lift and shape.

20. Textured wolf cut with messy waves.

A textured wolf cut with loose waves is edgy, voluminous and effortless. Chopped, scattered layers create a bold, shaggy shape, while loose waves add movement and texture for the perfect undone look. A texturizing spray or sea salt spray enhances natural volume for a carefree, rocker look. It is ideal for those who want fashionable, low-maintenance style and bold personality.

21. Thin layered waves with light texture

Subtle layered waves with a light texture are soft, airy and full of movement for a relaxed yet stylish look. Light, feathery layers add dimension, while tousled waves create a natural, laid-back vibe. Achieved with a texturizing spray or soft curling iron waves, this style adds volume without looking too structured. It’s perfect for creating a carefree and casual look that’s suitable for any occasion.

22. Voluminous long layers with soft, defined waves.

Voluminous, long layers with soft, well-defined waves create a finished, bouncy look that requires effortless movement. Long, flowing layers enhance shape and prevent thick hair from feeling heavy, while soft, defined waves add volume and shine. Created with a large diameter curling iron or a round brush, this look exudes classic glamor with a modern, tactile finish. It is ideal for those looking for a chic, voluminous style that is elegant and casual.

23. Textured wavy bob with volume

A textured wavy bob with volume is chic, effortless and dynamic. Soft tousled waves add volume, while textured layers create a light, airy, natural feel. A flat iron or curling iron creates this look, balancing messiness and polish for a casual yet stylish vibe. It’s perfect for those who want a modern, low-maintenance bob with a touch of effortless cool.

24. Soft, textured wavy lob (long bob).

Soft, textured, wavy hairstyle (long bob) is an easy, modern and flexible hairstyle. The shoulder length makes it versatile, while the flowing waves and subtle layers add dimension and volume. Loose, casual waves come to life when shine and lightness are easily combined with a curling iron or flat iron. This look is perfect for a chic, low-maintenance style with a laid-back, beachy texture.

25. Sleek yet textured blunt wavy bob

A sleek yet textured straight wavy bob is modern, edgy and effortlessly chic. A sharp, blunt cut gives hair a polished and structured look, while soft waves add texture and movement for a balanced look. This bob creates a cool, minimalist look with perfect volume created using a flat iron or curling iron for soft, loose curls. It’s perfect for those who love a trendy, low-maintenance style that’s both sleek and playful.

26. Short hair with a wavy texture.

A short hairstyle with a wavy texture is edgy, carefree and full of movement. The choppy layered cut creates volume and volume, while soft tousled waves highlight the messy, casual vibe. This look combines a laid-back rock star aesthetic with minimal effort and using a texturizing spray or sea salt mist to add texture. Ideal for those who love bold, effortless style and individuality.

27. Chopped Wavy Bob with Highlights

A choppy wavy bob with highlights is playful, textured and stylish. Jagged layers add dimension and movement, while light highlights add dimension, making waves pop. A curling wand or flat iron creates messy waves, giving your hairstyle a gorgeous tousled look and a modern edge. This look is perfect for those who love a low-maintenance beach vibe with a touch of brightness.

28. Romantic soft curls on long waves

Romantic soft curls on long waves are elegant, feminine and glamorous. Loose, flowing curls add volume and movement, while long waves create a flowing, dreamy effect. Created with a large diameter curling iron and gently combed for softness, this look exudes timeless romance and sophistication. It’s perfect for weddings, dates, or any occasion where you want a sleek and sophisticated look.

29. Long shiny mermaid waves.

Long, lustrous mermaid waves are flowing, luminous and effortlessly ethereal. Deep cascading waves create a soft movement reminiscent of the ocean, while the shimmery finish adds volume and a silky finish. This style uses a large-barrel curling iron or a three-barrel waver to create a dreamy, beachy, and glamorous vibe. It is ideal for those who love a romantic goddess look with a touch of nautical elegance.

30. Easy boho waves with layers

Easy layered boho waves are carefree, textured and full of movement. Soft, flowy layers add volume, while loose waves create a laid-back, beachy vibe. This style creates a natural, lively look with a bohemian twist using a curling iron, braid, or sea salt spray. It is suitable for those who prefer a free, relaxed atmosphere with minimal style.