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

If you’ve got thick hair, you know it comes with perks and challenges—especially when styling waves. The good news? Thick hair holds waves beautifully, effortlessly giving you that whole, voluminous look. Whether you’re into soft, beachy waves or bold, structured curls, the right wavy hairstyle can bring out the best in your thick locks. From everyday casual to full-on glam, the best wavy hairstyles let your hair do all the talking.

1. Loose Beach Waves

Loose beach waves have a soft, carefree texture, resembling hair that has naturally dried after a day at the beach. They have a smooth, tousled look with subtle bends rather than tight curls, giving off a carefree, sun-kissed vibe. These waves add movement and volume without looking overly styled by using a curling wand, braiding, or sea salt spray. Great for any occasion, they quickly deliver a casual yet sophisticated vibe.

2. Air-Dried Natural Waves

Air-dried natural waves embrace your hair’s natural texture, creating soft, effortless movement without heat styling. They have a relaxed, slightly tousled look that enhances volume and dimension while keeping hair healthy and frizz-free. Scrunching damp hair with a lightweight mousse or curl cream creates these waves, making them perfect for an effortless, low-maintenance style. They work beautifully on all hair types and are ideal for a carefree, undone vibe.

3. Polished Soft Waves

Polished soft waves are smooth, elegant, and effortlessly glamorous. They have a refined, flowing shape with a silky finish, giving hair a luxurious, red-carpet-worthy look. Lightly brushing out these waves after using a large-barrel curling iron or a round brush blowout creates a soft, seamless effect. Perfect for any occasion, they balance sophistication and effortless beauty.

4. Brushed-Out Waves for a Relaxed Look

Brushed-out waves create a soft, effortless look with a relaxed, natural flow. The style transforms into a looser, more voluminous shape with a smooth finish by gently combing through curls or waves. This technique gives hair a touchable, lived-in feel, perfect for a chic yet low-maintenance vibe. Ideal for both casual days and elegant occasions, brushed-out waves add an airy, romantic touch.

5. Low-Maintenance Lived-in Waves

Low-maintenance lived-in waves are effortlessly tousled and slightly undone, giving hair a natural, relaxed look. They have a soft, airy texture that looks like second-day waves—imperfect yet stylish. Achieved with minimal styling, like braiding damp hair overnight or using a texturizing spray, they require little upkeep. These waves work beautifully on all hair types, perfect for a carefree, beachy vibe.

6. Effortless Lived-In Waves

Effortless, lived-in waves have a naturally tousled, undone look that feels relaxed yet stylish. Soft bends and airy movement create the perfect “woke up like this” vibe without looking overstyled. Achieved with minimal effort—like air-drying, braiding, or using a bit of texturizing spray—they require little maintenance. Perfect for everyday wear, these waves give a chic, carefree finish that suits any occasion.

7. Hollywood-Style Waves

Hollywood-style waves are glamorous, ultra-polished, and perfectly sculpted, reminiscent of red-carpet elegance. They are smooth, uniform, and glossy, cascading in sleek, defined S-shapes for a timeless, vintage-inspired look. Achieved using a curling iron and carefully brushed out for a seamless flow, Hollywood-style waves exude luxury and sophistication. Perfect for formal events, they add a touch of classic Old Hollywood glamour to any style.

8. Deep, Glossy S-Waves

Deep, glossy S-waves are sleek, sculpted, and ultra-luxurious, creating a fluid, cascading effect. Shaping these waves into precise, uniform S-patterns beautifully reflects light, resulting in a mirror-like shine. Achieved with precise curling and brushing techniques, they offer a sophisticated, vintage-inspired elegance. Perfect for red carpet moments or glamorous events, S-waves bring a touch of timeless Hollywood allure to any look.

9. Old Hollywood Glam Waves with Side Part

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

10. Big Voluminous Waves with Layers

Big voluminous waves with layers are all about body, bounce, and movement. The layered cut enhances the waves, preventing thick hair from feeling heavy while adding dimension and flow. A round brush blowout or a large barrel curling iron creates these waves, resulting in a complete, glamorous look with a soft, airy finish. This style exudes confidence and classic beauty, perfect for making a bold yet effortless statement.

11. Bouncy Blowout Waves

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

12. Polished Brushed-Out Waves

Polished brushed-out waves are soft, smooth, and glamorous, creating a refined yet natural look. By gently brushing through curls, the waves become looser, more blended, and full of movement, giving hair a luxurious, airy finish. This style enhances shine and volume while maintaining an elegant, flowing shape. Brushed-out waves offer timeless beauty with a modern touch, perfect for a chic, sophisticated vibe.

13. Glamorous Waves with Extra Shine

Glamorous waves with extra shine are sleek, voluminous, and red carpet-ready. These waves are smooth, well-defined, and polished, reflecting light beautifully for a radiant, glossy finish. Using a large-barrel curling iron and a shine-enhancing serum creates a style that exudes luxury and sophistication. These waves are perfect for special occasions, adding effortless elegance and star-worthy glamour.

14. Voluminous Feathered Blowout

A voluminous feathered blowout is bouncy, full of movement, and effortlessly chic. This style features soft, feathered layers that flick outward, creating light, airy volume with a glamorous, retro-inspired feel. Using a round brush and blow dryer enhances natural texture while keeping the hair sleek and polished. Perfect for a supermodel-worthy, salon-fresh look, this blowout is all about body, shine, and effortless sophistication.

15. Long, Face-Framing Waves with Layers

Long, face-framing waves with layers are soft, voluminous, and flattering. The long, blended layers add movement and dimension, while the face-framing pieces enhance your features. A blowout or curling iron creates these waves, creating a bouncy, cascading effect that feels glamorous and natural. This style exudes timeless elegance and effortless beauty, making it perfect for an everyday chic or supermodel-inspired look.

16. Shaggy Waves with Curtain Bangs

Shaggy waves with curtain bangs are effortless, tousled, and full of texture, creating a cool, laid-back vibe. Choppy layers create movement and volume, while curtain bangs frame the face softly and blend effortlessly into the waves. This style is perfect for a relaxed, undone look that still feels stylish and modern. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance, effortlessly chic hairstyle, achieved with a texturizing spray or soft waves from a curling iron.

17. Layered Waves for Extra Movement

Layered waves for extra movement are light, bouncy, and full of natural flow. The strategic layering prevents thick hair from feeling heavy while enhancing the shape and dimension of the waves. A blowout or curling wand creates this look, resulting in a soft, cascading effect that feels effortless yet polished. Perfect for adding volume and texture, layered waves give hair a lively, dynamic feel with minimal effort.

18. Feathered Waves with Soft Layering

Feathered waves with soft layering are light, airy, and full of movement, creating an effortlessly elegant look. Smooth, blended layers add volume and dimension, while the feathered ends give the waves a delicate, face-framing effect. A round brush blowout or large-barrel curling iron creates this look, giving it a bouncy, salon-fresh finish. It is perfect for those who want a chic, voluminous style with softness and sophistication.

19. Graduated Layers with Wavy Volume

Graduated layers with wavy volume create a dimensional look with effortless movement. The layered cutting technique builds volume at the crown while allowing the waves to flow naturally, preventing thick hair from feeling heavy. A blowout or curling wand enhances body and texture, giving this look a soft yet voluminous bounce. It is perfect for those who love a polished yet relaxed style with extra lift and shape.

20. Textured Wolf Cut with Messy Waves

A textured wolf cut with messy waves is edgy, voluminous, and effortlessly cool. The choppy, disconnected layers create a bold, shaggy shape, while the messy waves add movement and texture for a perfectly undone look. A texturizing spray or sea salt mist boosts natural volume, giving this cut a carefree, rocker-chic vibe. It is perfect for those who want a trendy, low-maintenance style with a bold personality.

21. Wispy Layered Waves with Effortless Texture

Wispy layered waves with effortless texture are soft, airy, and full of movement, creating a relaxed yet stylish look. The light, feathery layers add dimension, while the tousled waves give a natural, undone vibe. This style, achieved with a texturizing spray or soft waves from a curling iron, enhances volume without looking too structured. It is perfect for a carefree, effortless look that works for any occasion.

22. Voluminous Long Layers with Soft, Defined Waves

Voluminous long layers with soft, defined waves create a complete, bouncy look with effortless movement. The long, flowing layers enhance the shape and prevent thick hair from feeling heavy, while the soft, defined waves add dimension and polish. This look, crafted with a large-barrel curling iron or round brush blowout, exudes classic glamour with a modern, touchable finish. It is perfect for those seeking a chic, voluminous style that feels elegant and effortless.

23. Textured Wavy Bob with Volume

A textured wavy bob with volume is chic, effortless, and full of movement. The soft, tousled waves add dimension, while the textured layers create a lightweight, airy feel with natural volume. A flat iron or curling wand creates this look, balancing messy and polished for a relaxed yet stylish vibe. It is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, modern bob with a touch of effortless cool.

24. Soft, Textured Wavy Lob (Long Bob)

A soft, textured, wavy lob (long bob) is effortless, modern, and full of movement. Its shoulder-grazing length makes it versatile, while smooth waves and subtle layers add volume and dimension. Loose, undone waves come to life as polish and effortlessness blend seamlessly with a curling wand or flat iron. This look is perfect for a chic, low-maintenance style with an effortless beachy texture.

25. Sleek Yet Textured Blunt Wavy Bob

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

26. Short Shag with a Wavy Texture

A short shag with a wavy texture is edgy, carefree, and full of movement. The choppy, layered cut creates volume and dimension, while the soft, tousled waves enhance the messy, undone vibe. This look embraces a laid-back, rockstar aesthetic with minimal effort, using a texturizing spray or sea salt mist for added texture. Perfect for those who love a bold, effortless style with plenty of personality.

27. Choppy Wavy Bob with Highlights

A choppy, wavy bob with highlights is playful, textured, and stylish. The choppy layers add volume and movement, while the highlights enhance dimension, making the waves pop. A curling wand or flat iron creates undone waves, giving this look a superb, tousled finish with a modern edge. This look is perfect for those who love a low-maintenance, beachy vibe with a touch of brightness.

28. Romantic Soft Curls on Long Waves

Romantic soft curls on long waves are elegant, feminine, and glamorous. The loose, cascading curls add volume and movement, while the long waves create a flowing, dreamy effect. Styled with a large-barrel curling iron and gently brushed out for softness, this look exudes timeless romance and sophistication. It is perfect for weddings, date nights, or any occasion where you want a graceful, polished finish.

29. Long, Glossy Mermaid Waves

Long, glossy mermaid waves are flowy, luminous, and effortlessly ethereal. The deep, cascading waves create a soft, ocean-like movement, while the high-shine finish enhances dimension and silkiness. This style uses a large-barrel curling iron or triple-barrel waver, capturing a dreamy, beachy-meets-glam vibe. It is perfect for those who love a romantic, goddess-like look with a touch of seaside elegance.

30. Effortless Boho Waves with Layers

Effortless boho waves with layers are carefree, textured, and full of movement. The soft, flowing layers enhance volume, while the undone waves create a relaxed, beachy feel. This style creates a natural, lived-in look with a bohemian touch using a curling wand, braiding, or sea salt spray. It suits those who prefer a free-spirited, effortless vibe with minimal styling.