Top 4 Tips for Coloring Thick Hair

Coloring thick hair doesn't have to be difficult – it’s simply a matter of knowing how many boxes of color you'll need and the best way to apply it. It's also important to choose the shades that suit you best. If you're unsure where to start, we've got you covered! Check out our expert guide on selecting the perfect hair color for thick hair, applying it with ease, and keeping it looking fabulous!

How to Choose the Best Hair Color for Thick Hair

Start by choosing the type of product you want to use – permanent, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent color. Not sure which shade is right for you? Try our Color Advisor Quizto discover your perfect match. For thick hair, one pro colorist tip is to opt for a product with a creamy, conditioner-like consistency. This will help make the application process smoother and ensure even coverage, all while giving your hair a luxurious feel.

Once you choose the right shade, you want to make sure you have enough color. A typical box of hair color should cover just below shoulder-length hair with fine-medium density. If you have thick and/or long hair, you may want to get two color kits to ensure you have enough for even saturation all over. The last thing you want to do is run out of color mid-application!

What Is the Best Hair Color for Thick Hair?

There’s no straightforward answer to this question – it all depends on your preferences and personality! Nevertheless, some connections exist between different colors and thick hair, so let’s get into them.

Dark Colors

Dark hair colors are generally great for making thin hair look thicker. So, if you choose a darker shade, you’ll likely enhance the look of your hair’s thickness – which is great if you really want to embrace and flaunt the fullness of your hair. Deep brunette or soft black shades are stunning options that can beautifully highlight your thick, luxurious locks.

Light Dimensional Highlights

Light colors, on the other hand, make your hair look more dynamic and less “heavy.” If you don’t really want an overall color that is too dark or heavy-looking, you can go for some highlights. The highs and lows throughout the color will add some lightness and lift to your overall look, which will really bring out the movement and liveliness of your hair.

Thick Hair Maintenance and Coloring Tips

Now that you've figured out how much color you need for thick hair and explored some shade options, let's dive deeper into the coloring process and hair care tailored specifically for thick hair.

Prep and Section Your Hair

Do you want to make coloring your thick hair at home easier? Then prep and color application are key!

Even the best hair color won’t work if it’s not applied evenly. Start by combing your hair to remove any tangles and/or buildup from heavy styling products. This will make the application process much easier.

Before you start applying color all over, take a few extra minutes to section your hair. This simple step will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and ensure a more even application. Want to know how to section your hair? It’s easy:

You want to create four "quadrants," two in front and two in back.

• Using a comb, part your hair down the middle from front to back.

• To create the first section, comb from the top of the center part to the top of one ear. This will give you one section in front and one in back. Twist the hair of each section and secure it with a clip.

• Repeat on the other side. 

• Our Professional Color Tool Kit gives you all the tools you need to do this – just like a pro colorist.

Be Generous with Your Conditioner

We’ve talked about how many boxes of color you need for thick hair – well, the same rule applies to hair care products. Meaning, you might need to use slightly more conditioner than is recommended.

This is necessary because, just like when coloring hair, you want an even distribution of the product, specifically throughout the lengths of your hair in order for the product to do its job.

The Takeaway

Thick hair is beautiful, and if you follow the steps listed above, you can help keep it looking healthy, strong, and shiny. While you may need to use two boxes of color and take the time to section your hair during application, the stunning results will be well worth it. Whether you opt for dark or light shades, thick hair looks amazing in any color, giving you the freedom to choose from a wide range of shades. Ultimately, what matters most is that you feel confident and comfortable with your new hair color!

You might also read: How to Make Your Hair Color Last Longer