6 Stunning Bob Styles For Thin Hair
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7 hours ago
In need of some hair inspiration? These bob ideas prove that the super short cut can work just as well (if not better) for thin hair.
Are concerns over thin hair putting you off a short transformation? Not for long. According to stylists, these are the perfect bob cuts for thin hair.
How To Tell Whether You Have Thin Hair
You don’t need to head to the salon to find out whether you have thick or thin hair. ‘You can determine your hair thickness by examining your scalp,’ says Charlie Illi, top stylist and advanced technician at Brooks & Brooks. ‘Take a front section of your hair and pull it to the side. If you can visibly see sections of your scalp underneath or through the hair, then your hair is thin. And if you can barely see your scalp at all, your hair is thick.’
It’s worth noting that thin and fine hair are two different things: ‘fine hair’ refers to the diameter of individual hair strands (how thick each hair is), while ‘thin hair’ refers to the density of hair on your scalp (how many hair follicles you have per square inch). ‘People with fine hair typically have more individual strands – around 120,000 to 150,000 – while those with thick hair often have fewer – around 90,000 to 120,000 – as each strand is naturally coarser,’ notes Charlie.
Are Bobs Good For Thin Hair?
‘Yes absolutely,’ confirms Charlie. ‘But be aware, some bob styles will need to be styled a certain way to create the look – this is something very important to discuss with your hairstylist.
‘For thin hair the best bob to have is a one length bob,’ she recommends. ‘Avoiding layers keeps the ends thick and provides the hair with maximum volume. Depending on the face shape, the shorter the hair the thicker it becomes, so sometimes taking the length up a notch is better for thin hair. If the fine hairs at the contour edges are making the hairline thin, sometimes adding a fringe thickens the look up too.’
As for specific styles, the stylist suggests that ‘the safest option is a one-length bob or a Japanese bob, as it’s very chunky and doesn’t have layers.’
@ashleynicolequiroz Also adding a root or hair fiber spray is the cherry on top! 🙌🏼 #shorthair #hairstyles #shorthairstying #thinhairhairstyle #blowdryerbrush #bouncyhair #bobhaircut ♬ original sound – ashley quiroz
Which Lengths Work Best?
The thin or thickness of your hair won’t necessarily dictate the length you should take your bob. Rather, Charlie recommends referencing you face shape. ‘The length highly depends on your face shape,’ she tells C&TH. ‘Typically oval face shapes can wear pretty much any bob length. With other face shapes, I would need to consider softening corners or even adding volume in areas. Generally speaking for thin hair: the shorter the cut, the thicker it will look.’
Tips For Styling
The biggest frustration for those with thin hair? Maintaining volume. ‘Thin hair can often fall quite flat and struggle to hold and build volume,’ reiterates Charlie. ‘So your best friend is going to be texturising products that mould the hair into shape, and a round brush. A root mousse will also help lift volume at the roots and stop the hair from collapsing.’
6 Bob Ideas For Thin Hair
1. Japanese Bob
One of the biggest hair trends for 2025, the Japanese bob is also a winner for thin hair. ‘This hairstyle is cut at a one length and sits well on thin, straight hair,’ notes Charlie. ‘It’s often opened up on the face to create a nice frame. And when it comes to styling the best technique is to blow dry over the brush, so that the strands are slightly curved under.’
You can find more Japanese bob ideas here.
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2. Micro Bob
For something a little (read: a lot) shorter, try the micro bob. ‘This is a very short bob that literally starts at the back hairline, and then it reaches up to the height of your lips,’ explains Charlie. ‘This can look great with a sharp jawline. Usually you see this cut tucked behind the ears to enhance its shortness. It looks great straight or styled with some natural texture.’
You can find more micro bob ideas here.
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3. Carved Bob
An all-rounder cut for thin hair, says Charlie, is the carved bob. ‘This is great for someone with wavy and thin hair,’ she emphasises. ‘The carved bob will give the locks a beautiful shape and balance the volume of your hair. It can be styled wavy with mousse or some sea salt spray – the messier the better.’
You can find more carved bob ideas here.
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4. Soft Blunt Bob
If you’re not quite sold on a chunky, super-straight bob, try a soft blunt bob. ‘A refined take on the classic blunt bob, this 2025 update features subtle internal layering for movement while maintaining a solid perimeter to create the illusion of density,’ explains Luke Tyrrell, hair stylist and colour specialist. ‘It’s perfect for fine hair, as it adds weight to the ends, preventing the look from appearing too wispy. Styled with a sleek finish or soft bends, this cut complements the “quiet luxury” aesthetic dominating the season.’
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5. Airy French Bob
One of the chicer bobs that works well for thin hair is the French bob. ‘This chin-grazing bob is making waves with its effortlessly chic appeal,’ says Luke. ‘It incorporates light, invisible layering to add volume at the crown while keeping the shape full. Ideal for fine hair, it enhances natural texture without looking heavy. Paired with curtain bangs or a soft micro fringe, it embodies the Parisian-inspired undone glamour seen on recent runways.’
You can find more French bob ideas here.
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6. Italian Bob
If you’re still on the fence about going short, then an Italian bob is your best option. ‘A slightly longer and fuller take on the bob, the Italian bob (hitting between the chin and collarbone) is all about soft, voluminous movement,’ says Luke. ‘For 2025, we’re seeing this cut styled with a “liquid hair” effect – high-shine, glossy finishes that amplify the illusion of thickness. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a polished yet voluminous look.’
You can find more Italian bob ideas here.
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Featured image: London Fashion Week SS20 Street Style (c) Deborah Iona, British Fashion Council
