An Expert Just Told Me Exactly How to Make a Bob Haircut Work for Fine Hair—9 Tips I Now Swear By
Bob hairstyles were so popular during the summer months, and now that winter has arrived, it looks like the short-hair trend is here to stay, and I for one am not mad about it. Not only does the hairstyle look super chic, but it's perfect for pairing with roll-neck jumpers and oversized coats this season for an elevated look. That being said, there's definitely something scary about cutting your hair, so you want to make sure that you're choosing the right bob hairstyle for you.
The other day, my friend said she was thinking about taking the plunge and going short for winter, but she was worried that a bob might not suit her hair type, as it's quite thin and fine. I knew a bob would look beautiful on her, so in order to ease her worries, I reached out to Adam Reed, hair stylist and founder of Arkive Headcare, to get an expert's opinion on how to make a bob haircut work for thin hair. So, if you want to know how to make your hair appear thicker and fuller when getting the chop, keep on scrolling for all the tips and tricks.
Does a Bob Haircut Work for Thin Hair?
According to Reed, a bob haircut can absolutely work for thin hair. "It's all about getting that balance between movement and volume of the bob when you have fine hair," he explains. "Then, you've got to look at density and weight. I’d recommend giving finer hair a stronger, weightier outline, with soft movement through the interior." Texture is another element to consider. "If your hair is really curly, I’d suggest not going in with massive amounts of layers because it will tend to shrink up the volume, which you want to keep," says Reed.
What Type of Bob Haircut Is Best for Thin Hair?
There are lots of bob haircuts that work for thin hair. If you want your hair to appear thicker, then I would recommend a boxy bob. This is where your hair is all kept at one length and is given a really sharp, blunt finish, which makes it look super healthy and full of volume. One of Reed's favourite styles is an undone look with vintage-inspired full-bodied waves. "This style can add volume and structure to the hair; just make sure to prep with a primer to ensure it holds the wave and body," he advises. Reed also recommends adding lift to the roots when styling this cut. "Spraying your fingers with a texturising spray and putting them directly into your hair will help to add volume."
The Best Bob Haircut Tips for Thin Hair:
1. Opt For An "Undone" Cut
If you're worried about you hair looking too think with a bob, an 'undone cut' is the answer to your problems. A bob will instantly appear thicker and fuller thanks to the tousled, "messy" nature of the cut.
2. Try A Blunt Bob
Laura Harrier's blunt bob is one of the chicest hairstyles for fine hair I've seen all year. A blunt cut will create a more even weight distribution at the ends of the hair, giving a fuller and thicker appearance.
3. Try A Loose Wave Bob
Want to add some volume? Waves and wispy bangs should do the trick. Perfectly tousled waves not only add volume to your ends, but they can make your roots appear thicker too.
4. Ask For A Soft Cut
A great example of how soft movement can make your hair appear much thicker than it is. Softer cuts are much less likely to have your hair sticking flat against your head giving the illusion of voluminous layers.
5. Add A Fringe to Your Bob
Everyone is pairing their bob with a fringe this season, and I can totally see why. A fringe will make your hair look much fuller.
6. Try the A-Line Bob
If you opt for an a-line bob, why not try bending in the ends with a straightener like Selena Gomez? The asymmetrical blunt cut will make your hair not only look super chic but appear much more full and healthy as well.
7. Go For Full-Bodied Waves
You could also try full-bodied waves for a serious statement and vintage feel, not to mention it will make your hair look much thicker than looser waves.
8. Keep Things Natural
Don't be afraid to let your natural hair texture come through. A shorter hair cut will make your hair look instantly thicker and you can add products that enhance your natural texture to increase this.
9. Opt For a Low-Maintenance Style
A low-maintenance style will ensure that you don't have to worry about having too many steps in your hair routine, Keeping things simple will allow you to focus on easy, everyday styling to make your hair appear thicker.
Shop Products for a Bob Haircut on Thin Hair:
A blowdry brush is perfect for adding volume to both the roots and the ends of your hair.
When your hair is slightly finer or thinner, it can easily be weighed down by different products, so use a detox shampoo to help give it a really good cleanse.
You also don't want to weigh it down with a heavy conditioner, so opt for a more lightweight option like this one by Templespa.
As Reed mentioned above, a good hair primer will help to hold waves and body in your bob.
Speaking of waves, this BaByliss wand is great at creating that "undone" look.
If you're blessed with naturally wavy or curly hair, embrace that texture with a curl-defining cream.
For those of you opting for a sleek, blunt bob, this spray from Color Wow is great at keeping those flyaways at bay.
Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.