Thick wavy hair can be both a blessing and a bit of a puzzle.
Some days, mine feels like it has a mind of its own and other days, it’s my favorite feature.
Now that I’m in my seventies, I’ve learned that working with my hair’s natural volume and texture makes everything easier and honestly, way more flattering.
I’ve tried cuts that made me feel ten years younger and a few that made me want to hide under a hat.
So I pulled together my favorite hairstyle ideas that actually work for thick, wavy hair at this stage in life and make me feel like myself… but even better.
Voluminous Shoulder-Length Waves with Feathered Layers

This gorgeous hairstyle features soft, shoulder-length waves with plenty of bounce and body. The silver-gray tone looks absolutely radiant, adding a natural glow that flatters the skin beautifully. Feathered layers around the face create a gentle framing effect, giving the cut movement and softness without losing structure. There’s a subtle lift at the crown, which gives the whole look a lovely touch of elegance without feeling stiff or overdone.
What I really love about this style is how it feels effortlessly put-together. It has that perfect balance between polished and relaxed, which is honestly such a win for thick, wavy hair. The volume is just right—not too puffy, not too flat—and the layered shape makes it look like you’ve just stepped out of a salon, even on a casual day. If my hair had this kind of natural wave and texture, I’d wear this look on repeat.
Rich Auburn Layers with Soft Face-Framing Curls

This style shows off full, luscious layers in a rich auburn shade that feels warm and lively. The waves are thick and softly sculpted, with plenty of movement through the lengths. What really makes it pop are those sweeping front pieces that gently curve away from the face, adding a flattering frame without looking too styled or stiff. The cut has body without bulk, giving the hair bounce while still letting the natural wave do its thing.
I’m completely obsessed with this one. That deep, red-brown color adds so much personality, and it pairs beautifully with the voluminous curls. It’s one of those looks that feels timeless but also quietly bold. I could totally see this being a go-to for dinners, events, or just feeling fabulous at the grocery store. It’s got that graceful drama that makes you want to show off your hair a little extra.
Shag-Inspired Layers with Full Wispy Bangs

This hairstyle brings all the retro charm with a modern refresh. The tousled layers give the thick, wavy texture room to shine while keeping the overall shape light and full of bounce. The wispy, eyebrow-skimming bangs blend seamlessly into the side layers, softening the face and adding that laid-back, playful vibe. It’s one of those cuts that looks a little carefree but still totally intentional.
Personally, I think this look is such a fun nod to the classic shag without going full rockstar. It’s relaxed, flattering, and works so well with natural volume. The bangs give it just the right touch of youthful flair, and honestly, I’d wear this in a heartbeat if I wanted something low-maintenance that still feels stylish. It’s the kind of haircut that makes you feel like you have a little sass in your step.
Long Silver Waves with Soft Volume

This hairstyle features long, flowing waves that show off the fullness of thick hair without feeling heavy. The silver-white color has a soft, natural glow that lights up the entire face. Layers are kept minimal and long, which helps the waves fall beautifully and move with ease. There’s gentle volume at the roots and through the ends, giving it that graceful, airy finish.
What I love most about this style is how it feels both timeless and effortlessly elegant. It’s not trying too hard, yet it absolutely makes a statement. If you’ve got thick wavy hair and want to let it grow, this is such a pretty option. I can just picture this paired with a cozy sweater or a silk blouse and feeling instantly put-together. It’s romantic without being too precious, and that’s such a sweet spot to hit.
Glossy Chestnut Curls with Soft Lifted Layers

This stunning look features long, glossy curls that sweep and tumble with polished volume. The chestnut brown color adds richness and depth, and the subtle gradient from darker roots to warmer ends gives it extra dimension. Layers are gently shaped to lift the hair around the face and crown, letting those full curls open up without weighing the whole style down.
I honestly adore how luxurious this hairstyle feels. There’s something really empowering about embracing length and volume at any age, and this look totally proves that bold, beautiful hair doesn’t have an expiration date. If my hair had this kind of bounce, I’d be flipping it every chance I got. It’s elegant, confident, and has just the right mix of sophistication and softness.
Tousled Blonde Bob with Natural Waves

This chic short hairstyle features a softly tousled bob with layers that bring out the hair’s natural wave. The golden blonde shade brightens the face beautifully, while the slightly angled cut keeps it feeling fresh and modern. It’s got just the right amount of volume at the back and sides, giving the overall look a breezy fullness that’s flattering from every angle.
I think this one is such a little gem. It’s playful, light, and super flattering for anyone wanting something easy but still really stylish. Short hair can sometimes feel a bit limiting, but this cut shows how much personality you can pack into a bob. I love how those loose waves give it a relaxed, beachy feel without needing a ton of effort. Honestly, it’s the kind of haircut that makes you feel instantly confident and just a little extra fabulous.
Soft Curled Bob with Icy White Shine

This lovely bob has a soft, rounded shape with delicate curls that bring out the natural wave of the hair. The icy white tone is crisp and clean, giving the style a fresh glow that catches the light in all the right ways. Layers are subtle and blend beautifully, keeping the fullness intact while still allowing the ends to flick and curl with gentle movement.
What really gets me about this look is how classy it feels without being overly styled. It’s polished, but not stiff. Breezy, but still put-together. And that color? Absolute magic. If I had this silvery-white hue, I’d probably never stop looking in the mirror. It’s the kind of haircut that makes you feel like you’ve got it all figured out—even if you’re just heading out for coffee.
Side-Swept Long Waves with Natural Shine

This style features full, loose waves that fall past the shoulders with beautiful softness. The natural salt-and-pepper tones add depth and richness, giving the look a really elegant finish. A side-swept front section blends into the wave pattern effortlessly, bringing attention to the eyes and cheekbones without being dramatic or fussy.
I love how relaxed and graceful this feels. It’s got that “just ran my fingers through it and walked out the door” kind of vibe that looks amazing without requiring a ton of effort. The length adds a little bit of glamour, but the soft waves keep it grounded and natural. Honestly, if my hair looked this good air-dried, I’d never touch a curling iron again.
Layered Copper Curls with Choppy Bangs

This fun and fiery hairstyle is all about texture. The rich copper color warms up the entire face, while the layered curls add bounce and body in all the right places. Choppy, brow-grazing bangs add a touch of edginess and bring attention to the eyes, while blending naturally into the sides for a seamless look. It’s playful without being too wild, and the shape flatters thick, wavy hair beautifully.
I have to say, this one gives serious cool-girl energy. It’s youthful, confident, and totally fresh without looking like it’s trying too hard. I love how the curls have that slightly tousled feel, like you just scrunched them and ran out the door looking fabulous. And those bangs? Total game-changer. If I were feeling bold, this would be my top pick to switch things up without sacrificing volume or personality.
Natural Curly Layers with Airy Texture

This gorgeous hairstyle embraces the beauty of natural curls with layered volume that gives it so much life and movement. The curls are soft and loose, falling gracefully past the shoulders without feeling too heavy. The silvery tone adds a radiant glow, and the shape enhances the natural texture in a way that feels both effortless and flattering.
I love how this look feels completely authentic. It celebrates texture rather than fighting it, and that’s such a refreshing approach. There’s something really empowering about letting your curls take the spotlight, and this style does that with elegance. If I had curls like this, I’d skip the flat iron forever. It’s full of personality, and honestly, it just looks happy—like the hair is doing its own joyful little dance.
Fluffy Layered Bob with Side-Swept Volume

This soft, voluminous bob is shaped with layers that build fullness and body without feeling overdone. The light blonde tone adds brightness and warmth, and the sweeping front section frames the face beautifully. Each wave has a bit of bounce, creating a rounded silhouette that feels polished yet airy.
I really love how this one brings that “classic with a twist” kind of energy. It’s got structure, but still feels light and touchable. That swoop in the front? So flattering. It draws attention upward and adds a little drama in the best way. If I wanted a cut that made me feel fresh, vibrant, and a little extra glam without the maintenance of long hair, this would absolutely be it.
Soft Mid-Length Waves with Natural Texture

This hairstyle keeps things simple and lovely with shoulder-grazing waves that have a soft, airy feel. The deep brown tone with hints of gray adds beautiful dimension, and the shape follows the hair’s natural body without forcing too much structure. There’s a gentle side part that opens up the face, and the ends curl in slightly, giving the look a gentle finish.
I honestly think this one feels like a cozy sweater for your hair. It’s comforting, timeless, and just really sweet. Not every style has to scream for attention—this one whispers confidence in the best way. If you like a more natural look that still feels put together, this might be your perfect match. I love how relaxed it is while still looking like you cared just enough.
Bouncy Blonde Curls with a Side Part

This playful hairstyle brings out the best in thick, wavy hair with its full, rounded curls and flattering shape. The side part creates a soft swoop that opens up the face, while the curls themselves are defined but not stiff. The honey-blonde color adds warmth and light, giving the entire style a cheerful, glowy finish.
What I love about this one is how cheerful it feels. It’s got that little bit of vintage charm—kind of like movie star curls—but in a way that’s totally wearable for everyday. If you’re after something with bounce and personality, this one checks all the boxes. It just feels joyful, like your hair is in a good mood and wants to take you somewhere fun.
Feathered Layers with Full Fringe

This hairstyle is all about soft movement and shape. The feathered layers create a breezy, lifted look that adds natural body to thick, wavy hair. The full fringe is light and wispy, falling just at the brows and blending seamlessly into the side layers. That silvery-white shade adds a luminous glow, giving the whole style a fresh, polished feel without being too stiff or overstyled.
I’m such a fan of this one because it gives that effortless “just had a great blowout” vibe even when you haven’t touched a blow dryer. It’s youthful, but not trying to hide anything—it just works with what you’ve got and makes it better. If I wanted a cut that moves, flatters, and feels a little fancy without being high-maintenance, this would absolutely be on my wishlist.
Deep Chocolate Waves in a Chin-Length Cut

This hairstyle features rich, chocolate-toned waves that are soft, sculpted, and full of dimension. The chin-length cut frames the jawline with just the right amount of volume, while the side part adds structure and balance. The waves have a smooth, defined shape that brings polish without feeling stiff or overly styled.
What really draws me to this look is how sleek and confident it feels. It’s short enough to be low-maintenance, but still gives you that full, touchable texture that feels elegant. The color is deep and glossy, and honestly, it makes the whole style feel expensive. If I wanted a power haircut that still felt feminine, this would be at the top of my list.
Long Ashy Curls with Natural Flow

This hairstyle features soft, ash-toned curls that fall just below the shoulders with gentle volume and flow. The natural wave pattern gives the hair bounce and texture without overwhelming the face. A relaxed middle part opens up the style evenly, while the shape follows the hair’s movement in the most effortless way.
What I really love here is the easygoing beauty of it all. It doesn’t try to be perfect—and that’s exactly what makes it gorgeous. There’s something really comforting about a style that embraces texture and lets it be the star. If you love a look that feels unfussy but still beautiful, this one might just be your hair’s happy place.
Layered Silver Curls with Light and Lift

This hairstyle is full of soft, airy curls that shape the face with a graceful sweep. The layered cut gives structure without weighing the hair down, and the bright silver color adds a fresh, radiant finish. Volume is focused through the mid-lengths and ends, giving the hair a lovely bounce and a touch of glamour.
I’m completely in love with how breezy and elegant this looks. It’s got movement, softness, and just enough volume to feel fancy without any fuss. That silver shade also has this ethereal glow that instantly brightens everything. If I were picking a hairstyle to make me feel beautiful and confident every single day, this would be a strong contender. It’s just the right amount of polished and playful.
Short Volumized Layers with Soft Wispy Bangs

This hairstyle features a short, layered cut with natural volume and gentle movement throughout. The warm brown shade adds richness, and the airy bangs softly graze the forehead without overpowering the face. Light waves through the sides and back give a flattering shape that hugs the cheekbones and jawline just right.
I really like how low-key and refined this one feels. It’s short enough to be practical, but still full of personality. The bangs are soft and easy, and the volume adds just the right lift to keep things feeling fresh. If you love a neat, easygoing style that still gives a little flair, this one totally fits the bill. It’s cozy, classic, and quietly confident.
Full Blonde Bob with Soft Waves and Curtain Bangs

This beautiful bob features full, voluminous waves that bounce with every movement. The bright blonde shade lights up the face, while the curtain bangs gently part and frame the forehead for a breezy, open look. Layers add body and shape, helping the thick texture feel light and airy instead of bulky.
I adore how fresh and youthful this one feels without trying too hard. The waves are styled but still soft enough to feel natural, and those bangs? Total face-brighteners. If I wanted a hairstyle that felt modern, flattering, and super easy to wear day after day, I’d absolutely go for this one. It’s cheerful, classy, and just a little bit flirty—in the best way.
Long Chocolate Layers with Brushed-Out Waves

This glamorous hairstyle showcases long, layered waves with a smooth, brushed-out texture that feels lush and full. The deep chocolate tone is rich and dimensional, and the layers start high enough to frame the face beautifully without losing length. Volume is concentrated toward the ends, giving the whole look a soft, flowing shape that feels balanced and elegant.
I’m obsessed with how luxurious this one looks. It’s giving volume, it’s giving shine, and it’s doing it all with total grace. There’s a timeless feel to it—like a classic movie star moment—but it still feels approachable. If I had this much bounce and body, I’d never stop flipping my hair around just for fun. It’s the perfect mix of polished and powerful.
Long White Waves with Effortless Texture

This gorgeous hairstyle showcases long, softly layered waves that fall with natural volume and grace. The bright white hue adds a stunning glow, and the tousled texture gives the entire look an easygoing, breezy feel. Layers are subtle but effective, helping the hair move freely without feeling too heavy or structured.
What I really adore about this one is how it looks so naturally beautiful, like it didn’t even try—and yet it totally delivers. It’s romantic without being too styled, and those flowing waves just feel so dreamy. If I had this kind of hair, I’d be tempted to leave it down every single day. It’s got that “I woke up like this, and somehow it’s fabulous” kind of magic.
Smooth Silver Waves with Face-Framing Layers

This hairstyle brings together soft structure and natural movement with mid-to-long waves that gently frame the face. The cool silver shade brightens the overall look, while long layers give the hair shape without taking away any fullness. The strands fall gracefully over the shoulders, creating a calm, elegant flow that’s easy to wear.
I really admire how relaxed and polished this one feels at the same time. It’s simple in the best possible way. The layers do a great job softening the face and giving just enough shape, and the color is absolutely glowing. If I were going for a graceful, everyday style that still turns heads, this would definitely be one of my go-tos. It’s just so effortlessly lovely.
Rounded Shoulder-Length Curls with Soft Bangs

This hairstyle features full, shoulder-length curls that are bouncy and beautifully shaped. The soft bangs fall just over the forehead with a wispy finish, blending into the sides to create a flattering frame around the face. Light blonde tones add brightness, and the overall cut has a rounded silhouette that feels youthful and timeless.
I think this one is such a charming mix of cozy and cute. The volume gives it a little drama without being over the top, and the bangs soften everything in such a flattering way. It’s the kind of hairstyle that looks great for everyday but still feels special. If I wanted something classic with a touch of playful, this would be it for sure.
Silver Tousled Bob with Gentle Curls

This hairstyle features a soft, chin-length bob with natural-looking curls that give it effortless volume and charm. The silvery hue adds a cool, elegant tone, and the curls are loose and airy, giving the whole cut a gentle, romantic shape. It frames the face beautifully without feeling bulky, thanks to subtle layering.
I love how this look is both relaxed and full of personality. It feels natural but never boring, and it gives thick hair a soft, wearable shape that works for everything from casual mornings to dressy evenings. If I were looking for a shorter style that didn’t skimp on texture or style, this would be a no-brainer. It’s cozy, classic, and just a little bit whimsical.
Flowing Ash Layers with Side-Swept Lift

This hairstyle features long, flowing layers that drape naturally with a soft wave and effortless movement. The ash-gray tone adds a cool sophistication, while the side-swept front section brings a gentle lift around the eyes and cheekbones. The shape follows the hair’s natural texture, giving it bounce and body without looking overly styled.
What I love about this one is how graceful it feels—it’s like quiet confidence in hair form. The side part gives just enough structure, while the rest flows freely in a way that’s super flattering and easy to maintain. If I wanted a look that felt elegant but still true to my natural hair, this would be such a beautiful pick. It’s timeless, fresh, and totally unfussy.

