I Have Long, Thick Hair But These 13 Bob Styles Are Convincing Me to Get the Chop

It's official, 2024 is the year I'm actually going to commit to cutting my (almost waist-length) hair into a bob. It's been over a decade since I last experimented with short hair, and while I am, admittedly, nervous about the prospect of such a drastic change, I'm also excited.

The fact that my go-to everyday hairstyle is throwing my hair up into a bun or pinning it back with a claw clip has meant that I haven't really embraced having long hair for quite some time. In fact, I find it quite cumbersome and downright irritating at times—having to continuously sweep my hair back from my face, and dealing with the inevitable knots and tangles that somehow form out of nowhere is one of the major downsides of having long, thick hair.

One thing I've learned in my time as a beauty editor is that short haircuts always look good on thick hair. I'm very fortunate not to have to worry too much about adding volume to my lengths or lift to my roots, so when it comes to choosing a bob hairstyle, my focus will be mainly be on the length and the shape.

Last week I made the bold move of booking in for 'the big chop' with my hairdresser, which means I really can't go back now... Below, find the bob hairstyles for thick hair that I've bookmarked for inspiration.

See the Bob Hairstyles Inspiring Me to Get My Thick Hair Chopping:

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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I love the way that this short style embraces the weight and volume of thick hair to create an angular shape.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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The subtle gradient of the cut—with longer strands at the front and shorter at the back will be perfect for my naturally straight, thick hair.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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Shorter hair means more time for styling—loose waves are a failsafe way to add movement to thick hair.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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Thick hair lends itself well to a cut with blunt, choppy ends.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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To fringe or not to fringe? The age old question has been tempting me—there's something about pairing a fringe with a bob that looks so chic.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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Another option for thick hair—subtle layered bangs to add shape and frame the face.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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If my hair was curly, this is exactly the style I'd be opting for. Thick, curly hair looks incredible when your stylist uses layers to strategically create shape.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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I have to admit that Hailey Bieber's bob was the one to inspire me to get the chop in the first place. I love how she styles it with tousled lengths and choppy ends.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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This elegant style is proof that even thick hair can be styled into a sleek, straight look.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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Curled up, flicks ends are such a fun way to create shape and movement in a micro bob.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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This French girl-inspired bob combines Bardot bangs with a shoulder-length cut—such a great combination.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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If I opt for a longer bob or decide to grow it out, this is exactly how I want it to look. Thick, tousled, and shaped at the ends to create texture.

Bob hairstyles for thick hair

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This effortless bob hairstyle is oh so practical—ideal for summer when you really do want the weight of your hair off your neck and back.

The best styling products for thick hair:

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.