How to Tame Thick Hair

Thick hair might sound like a dream, but if you’re one of the many guys struggling to style a dense, frizzy, or puffy mop every morning—you know it can feel more like a battle than a blessing.

At Cutthroat Barbers in Houston, TX, we help men tame thick hair every single day. While there’s no magic shampoo that can permanently thin your hair, there are smart habits and styling techniques that will make it easier to manage and keep you looking sharp.

Here’s how to tame thick hair like a pro.

What Makes Hair Thick in the First Place?

Your genetics decide how many hair follicles you have and how thick each strand is. The average person has between 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on their head. If your strands are wide and densely packed, it’s no surprise your hair feels out of control.

Thick, wavy, or curly hair also tends to get dry, since natural scalp oils struggle to move down the hair shaft. In Houston’s humid weather, that dryness often turns into frizz and puffiness. But don’t worry—here’s what you can do.

1. Wash Less Often, and Use the Right Shampoo

Daily washing dries out your scalp and hair, especially if you're using regular supermarket shampoos loaded with sulfates. That leads to frizz and swelling—making your thick hair even harder to handle.

Cutthroat Tip:

• Wash only 1–2 times per week

• Switch to a sulfate-free, nourishing shampoo

• Always follow with a moisturising conditioner

• Finish with cold water to seal hair cuticles and reduce volume

2. Rethink Your Drying Routine

Air-drying sounds easy—but thick hair that air-dries can puff out like a lion’s mane. On the other hand, hot blow-drying swells the hair and leads to frizz.

Do this instead:

• Pat dry using a microfiber towel (not a regular one)

• Skip the blow dryer or use it on a cool setting

• For a quick hack: pop on a beanie post-shower to naturally flatten volume

3. Style Smarter with the Right Tools

Thick hair isn’t just about control—it’s about how you control it. Avoid plastic combs or brushes that cause static and frizz. Use your fingers, or a wide-tooth comb, paired with the right product.

Use products like:

• Matte styling cream for texture and control

• Sea salt spray for light hold without greasiness

• Avoid heavy waxes or gels that weigh your hair down

4. Get the Right Haircut for Thick Hair

The best thing you can do for thick hair is to get a haircut that’s designed to manage it—not fight it. At Cutthroat Barbers, we use techniques like texturizing and thinning shears to reduce bulk while keeping your style sharp.

You might also consider:

• A mid fade to reduce side puff

• Layering to remove excess weight

Pro tip: Get your haircut every 3–4 weeks to stay on top of thickness and volume.

Taming thick hair doesn’t mean shaving it all off or hiding under a hat. It’s about finding the right rhythm—less shampoo, better drying habits, the right tools, and a cut designed to work with your hair, not against it.

Book your appointment and let us help you get that thick hair under control—without losing the edge.