Looking to refresh your bob this fall and don’t know where to start? From curtain bangs that cleverly conceal thinning at the crown, to asymmetrical layers that add dynamic movement, and flipped-out ends that amplify volume, we checked in with celebrity and professional hairstylists. They unveiled six clever tips and chic techniques to enhance your bob this autumn, making it not only more flattering but also full of lively volume.
Read on for tips, insight and suggestions from Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Lauren Udoh, professional hairstylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports, Davis Feliz, owner and creative director at Davis Feliz Salon, Rod Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles and Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago.
6 Chic Volume-Boosting Haircuts & Styles To Try This Fall
1. Add A Deep Side Part With An Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Zendaya opt for. The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky.
It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is. Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type."
The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes. "This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
2. Try Strategic Layers With Curtain Bangs
Jarman points out that layers can instantly enhance your facial features and provide volume, and adding bangs to a textured bob (as seen here on Selena Gomez), can also conceal any thinning at the crown draw more attention to your eyes. "Pair your lob with fringe to cover any wrinkles or receding hairlines and highlight those gorgeous eyes of yours," Jarman says.
She adds that "many of us have hair that gets thinner with age," so adding "texture will help give your look lift and life." After all, wispy, flirty and eyebrow-grazing bangs were all the rage earlier this year, and we don't expect to see them disappear as we inch closer to fall and winter of 2024.
3. Cut Asymmetrical Ends
A textured asymmetrical bob (or longer bob as seen here on Rose Byrne) is a "terrific choice" for anyone who is "facing thinning hair," Rivera explains, since it’s a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says.
"Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well."
4. Give A 'Bixie' A Go
If you can't decide between a bob or pixie, we have good news. You don't have to! A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) like Kristen Stewart's is very in for fall, and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Guerrero explains. There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and now is a great time to find what works for you.
"The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says. "The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference."
5. Create A Bouncy Bob With Flipped-Out Ends
A sleek bob like Lana Condor's, Rivera says, is extra eye-catching because of the way its ends are styled. "Blunt bob haircuts keep the fullness at the ends which is great for fine, thin hair," she says. When dealing with thin hair, you want to avoid hairstyles that have a lot of layers as this can make the hair collapse and appear thinner.
She adds that classic bobs like these are "also great because you can add volume by styling them appropriately." Blunt hairstyles can "make hair appear fuller," she stresses.
6. Add Shaggy Sideswept Fringe
A shaggy bob is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shaggy cut, as seen here on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair," Rivera points out. She notes that the choice to "add a bang," and especially a voluminous, side-swept fringe can "add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
For gals with longer hair, she says that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture, and adding subtle layers to soften. Will recommends adding wispy fringe to this ‘do for not only a more youthful look overall, but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown.
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the six bob and lob hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing and elegant hairstyles that accentuate facial features and provide volume that are worth considering.
To uncover the perfect hairstyle for naturally finer, thinner or flatter tresses, you should analyze your facial structure and consult with a skilled stylist. Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."
