6 Lovely Bob Styles For Thick Hair
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3 hours ago
Let your thick hair shine with these stunning bob ideas for all occasions
How To Tell Whether You Have Thick Hair
It’s fairly easy to tell what type of hair thickness you have. ‘If your hair feels coarse between your fingers and one strand is clearly visible, it’s likely thick,’ explains Luke Tyrrell, hair stylist and colour specialist. Fine or thin hair tends to be more translucent and lightweight, often requiring less heat to style. At the salon, I also assess hair by how it behaves when wet; thicker hair absorbs more water and takes longer to dry.’
Thick hair also refers to both the amount of hairs and how thick each strand is. ‘Hair thickness refers to the density of individual strands, not just how much hair you have overall,’ reminds Luke. And where people with fine hair typically have more individual strands (around 120,000 to 150,000), those with thick hair often have fewer (around 90,000 to 120,000) as each strand is naturally coarser.
@_claireisabella_ How I style my thick bob #bob #hair #bobstyling ♬ original sound – GemsOnVHS
Are Bobs Good For Thick Hair?
‘Absolutely,’ confirms Luke. ‘When tailored correctly, bobs can beautifully enhance thick hair. It’s all about balance and internal structure. A well-executed bob removes weight while keeping the shape crisp and full-bodied, which thick hair naturally supports. Think of the bob Zendaya wore during awards season – it’s a perfect example of how thick hair can elevate a clean, sharp silhouette.’
Which Lengths Work Best?
With thick hair, it’s about creating a structured shape that works in harmony with your chosen length. ‘For thick hair, chin-length to collarbone bobs are ideal,’ notes Luke. ‘Anything shorter can result in too much volume at the jawline, while mid-lengths allow for layering, movement, and a sleeker silhouette. A lob (long bob) with soft shaping works particularly well for those wanting a more low-maintenance, versatile style.’
Tips For Styling
The biggest hurdle when it comes to bob styling for thick hair is taming frizz. With this in mind, Luke recommends you, ‘start with a lightweight smoothing product, then use a large round brush while blow-drying to stretch the root and reduce bulk. Always finish with a cool shot of air to seal in shine. For my clients with thick hair and dimensional colour, I always recommend styling the bob with a soft bend using a large-barrel tong. This enhances both texture and tone beautifully.’
5 Bob Ideas For Thin Hair
1. Internal Layered Bob
If you’re after a classic bob style, then your stylist may suggest some behind-the-scenes sculpting. ‘Think a structured bob with hidden layers that remove bulk from within while keeping a sleek outer shape,’ explains Luke. ‘This technique allows thick hair to sit flatter and move more freely. Use a heat protector before styling with a flat iron for a polished finish.’
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2. Textured French Bob
Will the French bob ever go out of style? Unlikely. And since it works for both thick and thin hair alike, it’s an all-round winner. ‘This cut skims just below the cheekbones and features choppy, razored ends,’ says Luke. ‘It works with the natural density of thick hair, giving it an effortlessly cool, undone feel. You can also scrunch in a bit of styling product for airy volume and soft control.’
You can find more French bob ideas here.
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3. Sleek Lob
If a super short style doesn’t strike inspiration, then how about a lob? ‘A longer bob with minimal layering that falls around the collarbone is ideal for thick hair that prefers to lie heavier,’ says Luke. ‘It feels luxe and elegant. Blow-dry smooth with a round brush and finish with a serum for high-gloss shine’
You can find more lob ideas here.
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4. Shaggy Bob
For thick hair with some natural texture, lean into the elevated grunge look with a shaggy bob. ‘This layered, rock ’n’ roll-inspired bob gives thick hair an edge,’ notes Luke. ‘The internal texture lightens the load while the outer layers create movement. Best styled with a diffuser and a curl cream for natural, bouncy definition.’
You can find more shaggy bob ideas here.
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5. Hollywood Bob
Feeling inspired by Zendaya’s bob game? The actress knows how to style her strands into the perfect curled bob with a recognisably ‘old Hollywood’ feel. Working with the volume provided by naturally thick hair, the look is usually chin-length and incorporates super glossy waves or curls. Perfect for special occasions.
You can find more Hollywood bob ideas here.
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6. Hime Bob
While the hime cut has seen some major popularity on longer strands this year, it also translates beautifully into a bob – with face-framing layers and a full fringe perfect when it comes to sculpting thicker strands. Style straight and glossy for maximum impact.
You can find more hime bob ideas here.
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