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A bob is a versatile, timeless, and chic haircut that works for any hair type – especially thick hair.
It’s a common belief that extra length benefits thick hair as it balances out the fullness, but a bob is actually a great choice for creating definition, adding movement, and bringing the perfect amount of volume. So if you’ve been drawn to the convenience of a short cut, know that there’s a bob style out there for you.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing the best bob hairstyle ideas for thick hair. Be sure to scroll down for some inspiration before you head to the salon!
Why Bobs Work For Thick Hair
Bobs are known for their ability to create fullness, which means they’re a natural choice for anyone whose hair is already thick. The distinctive and well-defined silhouette is perfect for flaunting your hair’s best features, like its shine and volume.
It’s also a great way to add movement and bounce, especially if you’re used to long styles that can weigh hair down. Plus, a bob comes with all the benefits and convenience of a short cut: reduced weight (which may be a welcome relief for someone with thick hair), faster washing and drying times, and overall easy maintenance.
If all that wasn’t enough, bobs are wonderfully versatile. There are so many different interpretations of the bob that you’ll be able to find one that suits your hair type, face shape, and personal aesthetic. From cute and curly to sleek and smooth and everything in between, bobs are one of the most diverse haircuts out there.
What To Consider When Getting A Bob With Thick Hair
You might be worried that the short and blunt nature of a bob will make your thick hair look too bulky, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Keep the following considerations in mind when choosing your bob style:
- Lighten up the look with layers
- Choose a longer length – bobs don’t have to be super short
- Avoid cuts that are overly blunt
- Use products that support sleekness
The Best Bob Cuts For Thick Hair: Top 12
1. Classic blunt bob
You can’t go wrong with this timeless cut! A classic blunt bob is cut straight around the head at a uniform length. While you can play around with length from the jawline to the collarbone, a slightly longer style will help create balance and maintain a good level of volume; short bobs can sometimes look too heavy or wide on thick hair.
2. Lob
The lob, or long bob, is a fantastic solution for anyone with thick hair who wants the look of a bob but is still partial to longer cuts. Lobs are typically shoulder-length, but still have that signature bluntness and uniformity. They allow for a lot of experimentation when it comes to texture and styling – feel free to add in soft layers or long bangs (these look especially great when worn in a tousled wavy style), or keep it simple and sleek.
3. French bob
If you want the comfortable length of a bob without the rigidity, consider a charming and wispy French bob. These bobs are still cut short, but feature choppy bangs and soft layers. They’re an excellent choice for those with thick and wavy hair, as they’re often styled with a bit of texture. Think Amélie and her signature haircut.
4. Bell-bottom bob
For a cute, retro-inspired look, consider a bell-bottom bob. As the name suggests, this bob style flips out at the ends to create the effect of a bell-bottom silhouette. You can play around with length, letting it fall anywhere from the chin to to the collarbone.
5. Mob bob
Also known as the mob wife bob, this glamorous cut is simply made for thick hair. Characterized by a thick swing and voluminous ends — it’s very much inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic cut in Scarface – the mob bob is undeniably chic and sassy. You can wear it straight and sleek like in the original cut, or add even more bounce with curled ends and a side part.
6. Shaggy bob
If you’ve been averse to the stiff nature of bobs, you’ll love the softer feel of a shaggy bob. This softly tousled style features strategic layering to create a bouncy, effortlessly cool feel. You can also play around with length, cutting anywhere from the chin to above the collarbone. Complete the look with wispy curtain bangs!
7. Asymmetric bob
Contrary to popular belief, a bob doesn’t always have to be one length. An asymmetric bob is a bold, contemporary choice that you can have a lot of fun with. Opt for a back-to-front graduation by having a style that starts out short in the back and gets longer towards the front, or make a more striking statement with side-to-side asymmetry.
8. C-bob
Short for collarbone bob, this mid-length style is perfect for those who want to try out the uniformity of a bob without losing too much length. A c-bob is especially beneficial for thick-haired beauties who appreciate a bit of a longer style to balance out their voluminous strands. Although it has a straight, blunt finish, a c-bob will typically have delicate layers for a touch of softness and texture.
9. Curly bob
If you’re blessed with natural curls (or you know your way around a curling iron), a bob will help you bring out your bounciest, most voluminous locks ever. A curly bob is a sweet and playful look that can create gorgeous, well-defined coils. Be sure to work with a stylist that specializes in textured hair, as they’ll be able find the right cut for your specific curl pattern and face shape.
10. Mushroom bob
Similar to the sleek version of a mob bob, a mushroom bob resembles its namesake fungus. It features full, slightly-rounded locks that curve inwards, just like a mushroom. Not to be mistaken for the awkward childhood haircut so many of us are familiar with, a mushroom bob is actually quite sophisticated with a slightly retro feel – opt for a mid-length cut that falls just below the chin so it has the right amount of volume. And if you’re getting bangs, keep them long and soft.
11. Old Hollywood bob
For a truly glamorous feel, look to the Golden Age of Hollywood for inspiration. This bob is defined by elegant waves, a dramatic side-part, and a blunt cut that sits just above the jawline. It has a voluminous feel that goes hand-in-hand with naturally thick hair.
12. Cowgirl bob
Popularized over the summer of 2024 by the likes of Megan Fox and Gigi Hadid, the cowgirl bob is another fabulous choice for lovers of breezy, effortless cuts. It’s a shaggier version of the French bob, cut around chin-length with soft, wispy layers and matching bangs. It creates that windswept, fresh-off-a-horse-ride look – hence the name.
Conclusion – The Best Bob Hairstyle Ideas For Thick Hair
Bobs and thick hair are a match made in heaven. This iconic hair style is ideal for balancing out volume, showcasing shine, and creating a well-defined silhouette. Whether you opt for a sleek classic bob, a tousled shaggy bob, or bold asymmetric bob, you’ll be able to find the dream short style for your thick hair!
