Thick hair can be difficult to manage, especially when cut too long or too short. In longer lengths, thick hair can be too bulky and heavy; in short lengths, hair tends to frizz or curl in unintended places. However, it doesn’t have to be that hard, just choose a happy medium (literally)! Shoulder-length hairstyles provide a perfect balance and allow you to play around with different looks in an instant.

You can experiment with different dimensions, textures, and layers. Done the right way, medium-thick hairstyles can offer a timeless, chic look you’ll be sure to love. Below are a few of our favorite hairstyles for women with thick hair.

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Kiely Williams Natural Kinky Curls

You may remember Kiely Williams wearing straightened or wavy hair from a while back when she was a part of Disney’s Cheetah Girls cast. I sure am happy to see her wearing her natural hair here!

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Jaz Sinclair’s Golden Curls

We all know that although curly hair can look a certain length when dry, it really is longer than it appears and it definitely is the case of Jaz Sinclair here, but in terms of looks only, this is a perfectly sound example of medium curly hair.

The golden highlights complement her skin so well it looks like there’s light bouncing off her just as it is. She looks lovely with this style.

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Danielle Rose Russell’s Wavy ‘Do

Red hair, but make it strawberry blonde! Danielle Rose Russell’s natural hair shade is so gorgeous I think it’s only fair that we also try to get it. 

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Olivia Buckland’s Balayage

Balayage brings such a main-character vibe to medium hairstyles! Olivia Buckland’s thick-ish balayage looks spectacular at this length.

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Masumi’s Angled Side Part

To be able to add more hair to one side of your side part with a medium hairstyle, it’s a good idea to steal Masumi’s look and go for an angled side part instead of the straight classic one.