11 Thick Hair Hairstyles For School

Welcome back, trendsetters! If you’re blessed with a glorious mane of thick hair, you know the struggle (and the triumph!) of finding styles that are not only beautiful but also practical for a busy school day. As your personal beauty editor and Pinterest trend expert, I’ve curated 11 high-energy, visually stunning hairstyles that will keep your thick tresses looking flawless from morning classes to after-school activities. Get ready to elevate your everyday look with these aesthetic and inspiring hair ideas!

The Polished High Ponytail

The high ponytail gets a chic upgrade, proving that simplicity can be utterly stunning. This look is perfect for keeping thick hair out of your face while showcasing its beautiful volume and length. It’s trending for its sleek sophistication and versatility, easily transitioning from a casual day to a more polished evening. To achieve this, ensure your hair is smooth at the roots and the ponytail is secured high on the crown, allowing your thick hair to cascade elegantly. This style particularly suits oval and heart-shaped faces.

The Braided Headband Twist

Combine functionality with bohemian flair with the braided headband twist. This charming style uses sections of your own thick hair to create a beautiful ‘headband’ effect, keeping stray hairs at bay while adding an intricate detail. It’s a Pinterest favorite for its romantic vibe and ability to make an everyday look feel special. This style works beautifully on all hair textures, especially those with natural waves, and it frames the face beautifully, highlighting features. Simply take two small sections of hair from each side near your temples, braid them, and secure them across the top of your head.

The Effortless Low Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils

A low bun doesn’t have to be boring; for thick hair, it’s an opportunity for a voluminous, elegant statement. This style is currently trending for its ‘undone but chic’ aesthetic, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated look that’s perfect for any school day. The addition of soft, face-framing tendrils adds a touch of delicate charm and softens the overall silhouette. It’s incredibly versatile and suits most face shapes, especially round or square faces benefiting from the softening effect of the tendrils. Keep it loose and lovely for maximum impact.

Voluminous Half-Up, Half-Down

Embrace your hair’s natural volume with the ultimate half-up, half-down style. This look is all about showcasing your gorgeous thick hair while keeping the front sections neatly swept away, allowing you to focus on your studies without distraction. It’s a timeless trend that feels fresh and modern, offering a perfect balance between polished and playful. The key is to create a slight lift at the crown for added dimension. This style is universally flattering and works wonderfully on all hair lengths, accentuating cheekbones and jawlines.

The Intricate Fishtail Braid

For those who love a touch of bohemian artistry, the fishtail braid is your go-to. This intricate yet surprisingly simple braid beautifully showcases the depth and dimension of thick hair, making it look even more luxurious. It’s trending for its unique texture and ability to elevate a simple outfit into a statement look. While it might look complex, the technique is quite straightforward once mastered. This braid is particularly stunning on long, thick hair of any texture, creating an elongated and elegant silhouette that’s sure to turn heads.

Double Dutch Braids

Sporty, chic, and incredibly practical, double Dutch braids are a powerhouse style for thick hair. They keep every strand neatly in place, making them ideal for active days or when you need maximum focus. This look has seen a massive resurgence, loved for its cool-girl vibe and its ability to protect hair while looking utterly stylish. They work best on medium to long thick hair and can be adapted with varying tightness or looseness. This style creates a beautiful, defined structure on the scalp and enhances the face shape by drawing attention upwards.

The Sleek Top Knot

The top knot for thick hair is a statement of minimalist elegance. Unlike its messy counterpart, this sleek version is all about polished perfection, offering a sophisticated way to keep your hair completely off your neck and shoulders. It’s trending for its clean lines and high-fashion appeal, making it a powerful choice for presentations or when you want to exude confidence. Achieve this look with a strong hold product and a smooth brush. This style beautifully highlights the neck and collarbones and is particularly striking on those with oval or diamond face shapes.

The Elevated Messy Bun

The messy bun for thick hair is less ‘rolled out of bed’ and more ‘effortlessly fabulous.’ It’s about strategic messiness that still looks put-together, providing a comfortable yet incredibly chic option for school. This style is a perennial favorite on social media for its relaxed charm and easy versatility, making it perfect for those ‘no-fuss’ hair days. For thick hair, the trick is to embrace the volume, allowing natural texture to shine. It suits virtually all face shapes and is a go-to for quick, stylish comfort, especially on busy mornings.

The Playful Bubble Braid

Inject some playful personality into your look with the trending bubble braid! This fun and unique style involves creating a series of ‘bubbles’ down your ponytail, offering a fresh take on traditional braids. It’s a massive hit on Pinterest for its whimsical charm and ability to make thick hair look incredibly voluminous and eye-catching. The technique is simple: secure sections of a ponytail with elastic bands and gently pull to ‘bubble’ them out. This style is fantastic for adding visual interest to long, thick hair and is particularly adorable on round or heart-shaped faces.

Side-Swept Hollywood Waves

Unleash your inner starlet with glamorous side-swept waves. While often associated with red carpets, this luxurious style can be adapted for school, bringing a touch of old-Hollywood elegance to your daily routine. Thick hair holds these waves beautifully, allowing for maximum impact and volume. It’s a classic trend that never fades, offering a sophisticated and polished alternative to everyday looks. To achieve this, use a large barrel curling iron and brush out the curls for a softer effect. This style beautifully highlights one side of the face and jawline, adding a refined touch.

Textured Ponytail with a Chic Scarf

Elevate a simple ponytail into a fashion statement by adding a stylish scarf. For thick hair, this means adding an extra layer of visual interest and personality to an already voluminous style. This trend is exploding for its versatility and ease, allowing you to instantly transform a basic look into something uniquely you. Choose a scarf that complements your outfit or expresses your mood. This style is incredibly adaptable to all hair lengths and textures, and it’s a fantastic way to introduce color and pattern near your face, making it universally flattering.

There you have it – 11 sensational hairstyles designed to make your thick hair shine all school year long! From sleek and sophisticated to playful and bohemian, these looks are not just about aesthetics; they’re about embracing your natural volume and making every day a great hair day. Experiment with these trends, find what makes you feel confident, and remember that your thick hair is a true crown. Now go forth and conquer the school halls with style!