Blessed with thick hair? You might have fallen for the common misconception that a bob haircut could never work for you—and the truth is, they can be tricky. Unlike bobs for fine hair, the natural volume of fuller hair types can make the wrong cut look bulky, or in some cases, give you that dreaded “lampshade” effect. However, if there’s anything we’ve learned from this year’s most coveted hairstyle trends, it’s that there’s a bob haircut for everyone this summer, including thick, voluminous locks.
“If you’ve got lots of hair, you’ve probably been told to avoid bobs like the plague,” says Luke Sawyer, creative director and hairstylist at Taylor Taylor London. “But the truth is that with the right cut, a bob can be your hair’s best friend. We’re not talking about a bulky triangle situation, we’re talking sculpted, modern and flattering.”
As with any haircut, your consultation is absolutely essential when it comes to getting a bob haircut for thick hair, as are the references you bring along. Here, expert hairdressers break down the best bob haircuts that thick hair types can actually sport this summer.
The Sculpted Bob
If your hair veers on the airy, fluffy side, or you simply love a layered bob haircut, this textured yet graphic style could be perfect for you.
“This particular bob is all about leaning into your natural volume,” says Sawyer. “We use interior layering and precise, architectural shaping to give thick hair the structure it needs. Think bold lines that highlight your jawline or cheekbones but without weighing you down.”
A great example of this would be Jenna Ortega’s iconic cheek-skimming bob; super bold and often a little tousled, its shape is grounded in a strong, sculpted style.
“It’s not about flattening or thinning everything out, it’s actually about control,” he clarifies. “This cut respects your texture and gives it room to move while still holding its shape and it’s also surprisingly low-maintenance. To style this bob, start with a lightweight smoothing cream to keep things frizz-free and then diffuse to bring out your natural waves. If you’re going for a sleeker look, flat iron in small sections and add a soft bevel at the ends. I’d then suggest finishing with a dry oil mist to smooth flyaways and add a healthy subtle shine.”
The Blow-out Bob
If you were a fan of the original ’90s bob, or your social media is simply flooded with the coveted “old money” style, consider this your thick hair alternative.
“This chic, voluminous bob is all about movement and dimension,” says professional hairstylist Remi Laide. “To create this look, I begin by cutting the base of the hair to the desired length, then add some lovely layers throughout to enhance texture and shape. The hair is first blown out to smooth the strands, lift the roots, and add overall volume. For that signature blowout finish, I use a 44mm curling iron, curling sections in alternating directions to create soft, multidimensional waves. Ask your hairstylist for a ’90s layered blowout bob to achieve this full-bodied, glamorous look.”
The Short Power Bob
Arguably the most iconic bob of 2025, Leslie Bibb’s cropped blonde bob is coincidentally also perfectly suited to thicker hair types.
“This is a short blunt length look that sits on the jaw; it’s a power haircut but looks great wavy too,” says Tim Scott Wright, owner of The Hair Surgery. “If you have thick hair I would definitely think about maybe having some of the underneath taken away, not necessarily shaved unless you are feeling brave but a soft undercut would work too. An undercut supports the overall shape of the bob, especially at the neckline, by creating a clean line and allowing the hair to lay more smoothly. Removing some of the weight at the base of the hair can also help the bob maintain its shape for a longer period of time as it grows out. So, don’t freak out if your stylist suggests this to help create your dream bob.”
