How to manage thick hair, from the right haircut to the best products to help tame, detangle and nourish

He calls this is ‘Diamond Dry Cut’ approach; sculpting dry so you can see the shape of the hair evolve. This is particularly useful for thick hair as precise layering can add movement and balance, to ensure hair isn't too bottom-heavy and ‘pulled down’ towards the ends, making it flat and lifeless. “Precision layering also cuts home-styling times in half,” van Clarke adds.

What is the best way to style thick hair?

As unmanageable as thick hair can feel, you have endless options for styling: rope braids, the half-up bun, high ponytails (the list really does go on). it's also within your reach to recreate the tumbling waves of Swedish influencer Matilda Djerf. #velcrorollers has topped 176.6M views on TikTok, and celebrity hair stylist Tom Seeley, whose clients include Huda Kattan, Jessica Alba and Kendall Jenner, is happy to sing their praises. “The benefit of rollers is that you can put them in your hair when it's still warm from your blowout and leave the hair to cool on the rollers for a long-lasting bouncy blowout.”

Seeley recommends using large rollers for a big, bouncy blowout. “If you’re looking for that ‘Matilda Djerf hair’ then you’re going to want to use smaller ones through the layers and to frame the face, and larger ones through the length, all rolled in the same direction and thickness so that the curls and waves form perfectly.”

KITSCH Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers

£11.50

Selfridges

If you've got long hair with layers, these are the best ways to totally transform your look while keeping all of the length

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What sort of hair brush is best for thick hair?

“Poor-quality hairbrushes can do enormous damage, both from the friction the bristles create on the hair shaft, to the snagging, tangling and breakage a poorly-designed brush will cause,” says Van Clarke. “The type of bristle, the density of bristle, and the variation of bristle length are all critical to how the brush work.”

Avoid brushing wet hair (stick to a wide-tooth comb) and try not to over-brush, Michael says. Long, thick hair may benefit from a paddle brush with a round brush for styling. Nylon bristles are great at detangling, as are boar bristles, which use the natural oils from your scalp and gently detangle without harsh pulling. There are plenty of synthetic and vegan options on the market, too.

Aveda Large Wood Paddle Brush

£25

Look Fantastic

What are the best products for thick hair?

When it comes to keeping thick hair healthy and manageable, the key is finding nourishing products that don't weigh hair down. “Products that properly hydrate and soften the hair will put a more fluid, glossy vibe back into the look,” says van Clarke.

Thick, coarse and curly hair tends to be thirstier due to the structure of the protective cuticle responsible for ‘waterproofing’ strands. Therefore, products designed to hydrate will always make a difference, especially if hair feels dry and coarse to touch. Thicker hair is also more likely to come into contact with heat tools (hands up if you have thick hair and rely heavily on GHDs to tame it every morning?) So damage-repair products are also no-brainer, especially if you colour treat your hair.

“Thick hair can be hard to control and often show signs of dryness and damage, so it’s important to use a moisturising and nourishing shampoo and conditioner,” confirms celebrity hair stylist Paul Percival. “Thick hair also craves extra hydration and nutrients to stop it from expanding outward, so I recommend a hair treatment once or twice a week to reduce frizz and add shine.”

These are our favourite products for keeping thick hair healthy, glossy and manageable…