Bob haircuts aren’t just for people with thick hair. In fact, even those with the thinnest hair can find a style that suits their needs. If you have thin hair and are ready to cut it, don’t overlook a bob or lob. Lacey Redway, a New York-based celebrity hairstylist and Nexus brand ambassador, says thinning hair shouldn’t be excluded from the bob conversation.
“Some people classify fine hair as fine hair, and vice versa, so it’s important to know the difference, especially when deciding which shape is best for your hair type,” says Redway. says. “Thin hair can have a lot of volume, but fine hair has less volume and thicker hair. Bob haircuts maintain the weight line throughout the hair without too many layers. It weighs less and is suitable for both thin and thin hair.
Interested in getting a bob? Below, we’ve compiled 16 of the best bob haircuts for thinning hair, along with advice from Redway’s experts.
half up bob
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If you want to add volume to your hair, add curls to create a half-up style. “It’s perfect for people with curly textures, as it adds dimension and variety to an open-ended style,” says Redway. “Proper layering allows beautiful curls to take shape and take on a life of their own.”
side part bob
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One of the best things you can do for damaged, thinning hair is to chop off dead ends, and this side-parted bob is a great start. To achieve a Sarah Paulson look, have your stylist cut your hair into a short bob that falls between your chin and below your ears. Her style involves putting her hair in a side part and pinning one side behind her ear. Add a texturizing spray and even lift the roots for added volume.
wavy bob
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A natural wavy bob like Saoirse Ronan’s is a great idea for people with thin hair. Adding a slight bend with waves or wands will give the illusion of thicker hair. Additionally, doing the side part instead of the center part is another way to lift your roots even more.
chin-length bob
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Chriselle Lim looks chic with a chin-length bob. This works especially well on thin hair because of its dull, layerless look. “Create thicker weight lines in your hair to compensate for thinner hair,” says Redway. Adding some glossy shine products will make your hair look super healthy. You can also add root powder to get more gravel.
french bob
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There are many different types of French bob, but one of our favorite cuts is Hailey Bieber’s. Fashion-forward without being too trendy, this cut is a great idea for those with fine hair. For a similar look, we recommend using one-length or minimal long layers.
smooth bob
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Ayo Edebiri’s cropped chin-length bob is the stuff dreams are made of. I love how her hair is tucked behind her ears, highlighting her facial features. To achieve this style, use an iron to flip the edges.
fringe bob
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Combining a fringe with a bob will always turn heads, especially in the case of Maria Borges. We think the piecemeal look gives off a big mermaid vibe, and the length of the bob itself, which falls just below the chin, is absolutely perfect. “Incorporating bangs into your style is a bolder choice,” says Redway. “A little bang can make your hair look thicker.”
flipped bob
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If a short bob isn’t on your mind, a lob (also known as a long bob) is an easy way to get started. Look at this hairstyle worn by Naomi Watts. From subtle layers to flipped ends and a lift at the roots, her hair gives the illusion of extra-thickness.
minimalist bob
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There’s something about this minimalist bob of Jessica Biel that’s giving us Anna Wintour vibes (sans bangs), and we’re here for it. “A blunt bob is the perfect shape for thinning hair,” Redway says.
micro bang bob
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Ling Ling’s micro-bang bob exudes major cool-girl energy. Her hair looks very thick, but if you want the same vibe, tell your stylist you want a chin-length choppy bob with bangs straight across just above your eyebrow bone. please.
beachy bob
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Gigi Hadid looks great in any haircut, but she looks especially good in this beachy bob. “This shape adds nice flare and character to the cut and gives the illusion of thicker hair,” Redway shares. For a ‘fresh out of the ocean’ look, add waves and a texture spray at the roots.
sleek bob
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This sophisticated look seen on Da’Vine Joy Randolph is perfect if you want to explore bangs. Bangs themselves require a little more maintenance, but the short length of the hair makes it easy to style. Make a blunt cut just below your ears and use a straightener to create curls at the ends to make your hair look fuller.
swoopy bob
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Julianne Hough’s bouffant bob proves that short hair can be just as playful. Pairing her light blonde hair with a middle part gives the illusion of fuller hair instead of straight flips. Redway likes this too, and suggests using a slick wand to smooth the hair behind your ears.
Easy bob
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If you have thin, naturally straight hair, try a cut like Sidney Sweeney’s. This no-fuss style is super easy to manage and doesn’t take up much time in your day. To emulate her style, opt for a shoulder-length cut with longer front layers.
dirty bob
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The great thing about this messy bob that Rihanna wore is that it’s especially great for thinning hair. Thick hair has no effect at all. Redway wholeheartedly agreed, saying, “This hairstyle is playful. I don’t mind looking thinner. I think this hairstyle suits thinning hair best!”
simple straight bob
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Redway warns, “Avoid going below the collarbone to avoid thinning the ends,” and a great example of doing the lob the right way can be seen on Gabrielle Union. For those with fine hair, this style looks beautiful on the sides or in the center part and can be easily curled or straightened.
