A Top Stylist Just Told Me Exactly How to Make a Bob Haircut Work for Thin Hair
We asked an expert, and this is how to make the trending short hairstyle work for finer hair types.
Bob hairstyles have been dominating for months, and one of the questions I've been asked most by my friends and family since they've been in style is if bob haircuts can work for thin hair. Now that the short hair trend is here to stay as one of the defining hair trends of 2025 (and most likely 2026), I've committed myself to the cause of uncovering what chop complements finer locks to give my nearest and dearest a definitive answer. Let's face it, 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.
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 blunt, 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."
If you have fine or thinning hair, then a mid-length 'lob' haircut is also 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. I've rounded up all of these styles (and more) below, so have a scroll and don't forget to shop the best products for bob haircuts, too.
9 of the Best Bob Haircuts for Thin Hair
1. "Undone" Bob
If you're worried about your 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 nature of the cut.
2. 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. 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. Soft Bob
A great example of how soft movement can make your hair appear much thicker than it is.
5. A Bob With Bangs
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. A-Line Bob
If you opt for an a-line bob, why not try bending in the ends with a hair straightener like Hailey Bieber? The asymmetrical blunt cut will make your hair look super chic, but also appear much fuller and healthier.
7. Lob
As mentioned above, if you want to keep a bit of length, then a lob can be a great choice for finer hair types. Add some bouncy waves like the image above throughout the ends for a voluminous finish.
8. Sliced Bob
Last but by no means least, a sliced bob adds movement throughout the ends of your hair, and is a nice middle point between a blunt bob and lots of layering.
The Best Products for a Bob Haircut on Thin Hair:
A hot brush is a hair dryer alternative that works perfectly at 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 styling products. I recommend using a detox shampoo to help give it a good cleanse and leave your roots feeling light and bouncy.
Add some texturising spray to the roots for some serious lift. Oribe's is second to none.
As Reed mentioned above, a good hair primer will help to hold waves and body in your bob.
Speaking of waves, this GHD tong is great at creating that "undone" look.
If you're blessed with naturally wavy or curly hair, embrace that texture with a curl-defining mist—this one is aBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing Next in Beauty award-winner.
For those of you opting for a sleek, blunt bob, Colour Wow's Dream Coat is great at keeping those flyaways at bay.
