A Top Stylist Just Told Me Exactly How to Make a Bob Haircut Work for Thin Hair

Bob hairstyles have been dominating for months, and one of the questions I've been asked most by my friends and family since they began trending is if bob haircuts work for thin hair. Now that the short-hair trend is here to stay as one of the defining hair trends for 2025, I've committed myself to the cause of uncovering what chop compliments finer locks to give my nearest and dearest a definitive answer.

I'm also driven by how chic bob haircuts look. Be it a layered bob or '90s bob à la Kendall Jenner's latest hairstyle. 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, 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 as a hairstyle 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 and a bouncy bob. "This style can add volume and structure to the hair; just make sure to prep with a primer [like a heat protectant spray] 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."

What is the Most Flattering Bob Length for Thin Hair?

If you have fine or thinning hair, then a mid-length collarbone-skimming 'lob' haircut is a great choice if you want to keep some length. Likewise, a sliced bob with graduating layers can help create the illusion of more movement through your lengths, and a blunt bob can instantly make hair look thicker and healthier.

The Best Bob Haircut Tips for Thin Hair:

1. Opt For An "Undone" Cut

If you're worried about you hair looking too thin 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 chin-length bob is one of the chicest hairstyles for fine hair I've seen all year. This 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 bangs 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 Hailey Bieber? The asymmetrical blunt cut will make your hair not only look super chic but appear much fuller and healthier 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 haircut is an easy natural hairstyle that makes your hair look instantly thicker. You can add products that enhance your natural texture to increase density, too.

9. Opt For a Low-Maintenance Style

A low-maintenance haircut 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.

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