If You Want Thicker, Fuller-Looking Hair, Try One of These Expert-Approved Bob Haircuts

Growing up, I never grew my hair longer than shoulder length. Mostly, it was because I had tangly, fine hair that made my mom’s life a living hell every morning. But even in my youth, I wanted hair that looked fuller and thicker, like all my friends’ hair, and my mom was adamant that a short haircut was the answer to creating volume. Now, in the 2020s, the bob haircut isn’t just a trick to make hair look thicker, but it’s one of the biggest haircut trends of the year.Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Hailey Bieber, and other celebs have all chopped their hair shorter this year—and one thing they all have in common? Fine hair. But not all bob haircut shapes will make your strands appear thicker. Let me explain.What is the best bob cut for fine hair?The best bob haircut for fine hair is dependent on a lot of factors, like if your hair is fine and lacking density (aka thin), if your hair is fine and curly, if it’s fine and you hate maintenance, etc. The best bet is having a long talk with your stylist. They should be able to work with your hair to choose the right type of cut for you, whether that’s a blunt chop, lots of layers, bangs, or even a lob."When cutting a bob, it’s all about the distribution of weight within the haircut," notes hairstylist Annie Croucher, founder of Annie Westworks Hair. So, when it comes to finer hair, she says, "you use the hair to its advantage to help create the appearance of thicker locks."However, there is one cut that is, ahem, a cut above the rest for fine hair, and that is the blunt bob. "A classic one-length bob is an excellent choice for fine hair," says Croucher, "as it concentrates all the weight at the bottom, creating a blunt line. This draws the eye to the ends of the hair, making it appear overall thicker."What else should we think about when styling bobs on fine hair? While the scissors are already out, why not contemplate some bangs? Yep, it can feel counterintuitive to snip away more hair, but Croucher really recommends it if you struggle with volume already at the front of your hair. "In some cases, fine hair can look sparse around the hairline,” she says. “Bouncy bangs can be a great way to add volume at the front without removing weight through layering."Bob haircuts for fine hair inspoChin-grazing bob Pascal Le Segretain//Getty ImagesWhen we ask our fave stylists what the very best bob for fine hair is, this is always their number one pick.Clavi cutJeff Kravitz//Getty ImagesWant to retain some length but still opt for a blunt cut? Try the “clavi cut,” which hits at your clavicle for a long-bob effect that still offers movement and lots of styling options.A French bob cutGilbert Flores//Getty ImagesShort and sharp, this is perfect for fine hair as the blunt ends build fullness. Pair it with bangs for extra cool points.A feathered French bob@arianagrandeAriana Grande recently said goodbye to the ponytail in favor of this adorable, flippy bob. This style can be worn a smidge longer than Ari’s, who opted for a chin-skimming length, but the texture all comes from the feathering technique on the ends.Bob with soft curtain bangs Stefania D'Alessandro//Getty ImagesCurtain bangs add soft volume around your crown, creating the illusion that there’s more hair density.A soft bob with long layersTaylor Hill//Getty ImagesGraduation creates the bounciness in this style, the major key for faking fullness on fine hair.A shaggy bobSelena Gomez / InstagramSelena's eye-skimming full-bang moment really creates volume with this style.A bell-cut bob Marc Piasecki//Getty ImagesThis bob is one length through the side and back but with gentle layering at the front. Use a wand or hot brush to create the flicked ends.A bouncy lobStephane Cardinale - Corbis//Getty ImagesA longer bob will give you length to play with to create volume (yep, it's time to dig out those hot rollers). Keeping layering and graduation to a minimum for max styling options.Baby bangs Tristan Fewings//Getty ImagesIMO, bangs are always the answer. Case in point: These micro bangs that lift the crown of the head and instantly add volume.A shaggy lobMichael Buckner//Getty ImagesHave fine curls or waves and are looking for a little bit more texture without losing weight? Try a shaggy lob, with textured bangs and a few light layers throughout.Light layersKarwai Tang//Getty ImagesForget everything you’ve been told about layers for a sec. Yes, they can take away some weight, which can make hair look thinner, but if they’re done softly to add movement, they can actually do the opposite. Remember: Always chat through ideas with your stylist, and bring lots of inspo pics. They’ll know if a few strategically placed layers can help make your hair look more tousled, or if it’d have the opposite effect.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Keeks Reid is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as an editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines, working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International, and the British Hairdressing Awards.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing skin, hair, makeup, nail, and fragrance stories.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.