16 Mens Hairstyles Medium Wavy Thick Hair for Men Short Haircuts

Thick, wavy hair is a blessing and a challenge. Managing that volume requires the right cut.

Short haircuts for medium wavy hair offer style without the daily struggle. These looks are masculine and modern.

Explore these 16 top-tier styles tailored for your hair type. From classic fades to textured crops, find your next look.

1. The Textured Quiff with Mid-Fade

This style utilizes the natural volume of thick hair to create significant height. The mid-fade keeps the sides sharp, emphasizing the wavy texture on top for a modern finish.

For men with thick waves, this cut reduces bulk while maintaining a strong, masculine silhouette. It works perfectly for professional environments or casual weekend outings without requiring excessive effort.

Use a matte clay to define the waves without making them look greasy. This ensures the quiff stays in place throughout your workday while looking natural and effortless.

2. Wavy Side-Parted Taper

The side-parted taper is a timeless choice for men who want a sophisticated look. It tames thick waves by directing them to one side, creating a clean and organized appearance.

By tapering the sides, you eliminate the “mushroom” effect that often plagues men with thick hair. This structure provides a balanced frame for the face and highlights your jawline.

Apply a light-hold cream to damp hair to manage the waves without stiffening them. This allows for a touchable texture that still looks groomed and intentional for any occasion.

3. The Modern Pompadour with Low Fade

Thick, wavy hair provides the perfect foundation for a high-volume pompadour. The low fade keeps the look contemporary and prevents the hair from looking too heavy on the sides.

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This style celebrates the natural movement of your hair rather than fighting it. The waves add a unique twist to the classic pomp, making it appear more lived-in and stylish.

A blow dryer is your best friend for this specific look. Use a round brush to lift the front sections while directing the waves backward for maximum impact and height.

4. Messy Fringed Crop

The messy fringed crop is ideal for men who prefer a rugged, low-maintenance aesthetic. It allows thick waves to fall forward naturally, creating a relaxed and youthful vibe.

The sides are typically kept very short to provide a stark contrast with the textured top. This balance ensures the hair doesn’t look unkempt, despite the intentional messiness of the fringe.

Work a small amount of sea salt spray into the hair to enhance the natural wave pattern. This adds grit and hold without the weighed-down feeling of traditional gels or waxes.

5. Disconnected Undercut with Waves

The disconnected undercut features a sharp transition between the long, wavy top and the buzzed sides. It is a bold choice for men who want to stand out.

Because thick hair can be difficult to manage, removing the bulk from the sides makes styling much faster. The waves on top provide a soft contrast to the aggressive undercut.

This cut is particularly effective for men with rounder face shapes. The height on top and the shaved sides help to elongate the face, providing a more masculine profile.

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6. Low-Maintenance Caesar Cut for Thick Hair

The Caesar cut is a functional option for men who deal with unruly waves. By keeping the length short across the entire head, you minimize styling time significantly.

The thick texture adds a layer of depth to this classic cut that straighter hair types lack. It results in a dense, uniform look that appears very healthy and well-maintained.

This style requires almost zero product to look good. A quick towel-dry and a light touch of pomade for shine are all you need to be ready for the day.

7. Textured Ivy League

The Ivy League is a slightly longer version of the crew cut, allowing for more styling versatility. It is a quintessential masculine look that suits thick, wavy hair perfectly.

By keeping the hair short but long enough to comb, you can transition from a professional side-part to a casual messy look. The wavy texture adds modern character.

Ask your barber for a “point cut” on top to remove excess weight. This technique allows the waves to sit flatter while still retaining their natural, attractive movement.

8. High-Volume Slick Back with Drop Fade

Slicking back wavy, thick hair creates a powerful and commanding presence. The drop fade follows the natural curve of the head, adding a sleek, artistic element to the cut.

Unlike straight hair, wavy hair won’t lie completely flat when slicked back. This is an advantage, as it provides built-in volume and a more interesting texture than a flat look.

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Use a water-based pomade for this style to achieve a healthy shine. It provides enough hold to keep the waves back while allowing for easy washing at the end of the day.

9. The Wavy Crew Cut

The crew cut is the ultimate masculine staple for the modern man. When applied to thick, wavy hair, it creates a rugged look that is incredibly easy to maintain.

The short length on top prevents the waves from becoming too frizzy or unmanageable. It emphasizes the density of the hair while keeping the overall shape clean and professional.

This is an excellent choice for active men or those who spend a lot of time outdoors. It stays in place during physical activity and requires minimal attention to look great.

10. Angular Fringe for Thick Waves

The angular fringe is a stylish choice that involves cutting the hair at an angle to create a sharp point. It utilizes thick waves to add volume and dimension.

This look is perfect for men with square or diamond face shapes. The asymmetry of the fringe helps to balance strong facial features while showcasing the natural hair texture.

To style, use a light wax to piece out the ends of the fringe. This highlights the “angular” aspect of the cut and keeps the waves from blending into one mass.

11. Soft Mohawk (Faux Hawk) with Waves

The faux hawk is a great way to experiment with height without committing to a full mohawk. Thick, wavy hair provides the structural integrity needed to support this style.

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The sides are tapered or faded, while the center strip is kept longer. The natural waves give the “hawk” a softer, more approachable appearance than the spiked versions.

Rub a small amount of firm-hold paste between your palms and push the hair toward the center. The waves will create a natural, textured peak that looks both edgy and controlled.

12. Scissored Taper for Natural Texture

For men who prefer a more traditional look, the scissored taper avoids the use of electric clippers. This results in a softer finish that blends waves seamlessly.

This technique is excellent for thick hair as it allows the stylist to manually thin out bulky areas. It creates a bespoke look that follows the unique growth patterns.

The scissored taper grows out much more gracefully than a skin fade. It is the ideal choice for men who can’t visit the barber every two weeks for maintenance.

13. The Blowout with Skin Fade

The blowout is a high-energy style that pushes all the hair upward and outward. Combined with a skin fade, it creates a striking contrast that is very modern.

Thick hair is essential for this look to prevent it from appearing thin or sparse when styled upward. The waves add a “cloud-like” texture that is very visually appealing.

To maintain the shape, use a hair dryer on a high-heat setting while brushing upward. Finish with a blast of cool air to lock the waves in their elevated position.

14. Modern Shag with Short Sides

The modern shag takes inspiration from 70s aesthetics but updates it with cleaner lines. It allows the thick waves to be the star of the show on top.

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By keeping the sides short, you avoid the dated look of a traditional shag. The top is layered heavily to remove weight and encourage the natural wave to pop.

This style is perfect for men with a creative flair. It looks best when it’s a bit “undone,” making it one of the easiest styles to manage on a daily basis.

15. The “Bro Flow” Lite

The “Bro Flow” Lite is a shorter version of the popular medium-length style. It focuses on pushing the hair back and allowing it to fall naturally behind the ears.

For men with thick waves, this style creates a look of effortless cool. It suggests a relaxed personality while still appearing intentional and well-groomed for a professional setting.

A leave-in conditioner is the secret to this look. It keeps the thick waves hydrated and heavy enough to “flow” backward without getting frizzy or standing straight up.

16. Rugged Brush-Up with Tapered Sides

The brush-up is a simple yet effective way to manage thick hair. It involves directing all the hair on top upward, away from the forehead, for a clean look.

Because wavy hair has natural “kinks,” the brush-up takes on a textured, rugged appearance. The tapered sides ensure the focus remains entirely on the volume of the hair.

Use a matte pomade and your fingers rather than a comb. This maintains the natural separation of the waves and prevents the style from looking too stiff or over-styled.

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How often should men with thick wavy hair get a haircut?

To maintain the shape and manage the bulk, you should visit your barber every 3 to 4 weeks. Thick hair tends to lose its silhouette quickly as it grows, making regular trims essential.

What are the best styling products for thick wavy hair?

Matte clays and sea salt sprays are excellent for providing hold and texture without adding weight. For a more polished look, water-based pomades or grooming creams help define waves while controlling frizz.

Can men with thick wavy hair wear very short haircuts?

Yes, short cuts like the Caesar or crew cut work exceptionally well. The natural thickness of your hair provides a dense, full appearance that makes these simple cuts look more premium and structured.

How do I stop my thick wavy hair from becoming frizzy?

Frizz is often caused by dryness, so using a moisturizing conditioner is key. Additionally, avoid towel-drying your hair aggressively; instead, pat it dry or use a microfiber towel to keep the hair cuticle smooth.

Will these hairstyles work for all face shapes?

Most of these styles are versatile, but those with height—like quiffs and pompadours—are best for round or square faces. Shorter, more balanced cuts like the Ivy League or crew cut suit almost any face shape.

Is it necessary to use a blow dryer for these styles?

While not strictly necessary for every cut, a blow dryer helps “set” the direction of thick waves. Using heat can make it much easier to achieve volume and keep your hair in place throughout the day.