Transforming dull, lifeless hair this summer is effortless with the addition of layers, texture, and strategic styling hacks. We consulted experts to discover celebrity-favorite bob hairstyles and cuts that can infuse volume and dynamism into your locks, particularly if you have finer or thinner hair. Our discussions with hair specialists yielded six timeless recommendations that promise to add both volume and sophistication to your tresses, making them perfect for the season.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Janine Jarman, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Curl Cult, Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago and Dr. Roshan Vara, hair transplant surgeon and co-founder at The Treatment Rooms.
6 Ways To Style A Bob For Instant Volume This Summer, According To Hairstylists
1. Try A Deep Side Part
Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to shorter hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish." The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Salma Hayek's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center.
"If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests. "Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.
2. Add Center-Parted Curtain Bangs
Jarman points out that layers can instantly enhance your facial features and provide volume, and adding bangs to a textured bob or lob (as seen here on January Jones), can also conceal forehead wrinkles and 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." Abdullah notes that this is a “type of fringe cut that creates a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head.” They are often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance. The style is “easy to achieve,” she says and “looks great on many different hair types.”
“Curtain bangs make your face appear smaller and slimmer when they come down to cheek level,” says Abdullah, noting that curtain bangs make your hair appear thicker and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair. “The style works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front,” she adds.
3. Get Asymmetrical Layers
An asymmetrical lob or bob like Charlize Theron's is a "terrific choice" for mature beauties," 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. Opt For 'Bixie' Layering
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 summer, 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. Add Sideswept Bangs
Emma Stone's shoulder-length bob and side bangs pairing is elegant and timeless. "A longer bob is always very flattering," Vara says, and it is also a "great way to grow out your gray hair."
Abdullah adds that long, sideswept bangs like these "add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."
6. Get Shaggy Layers In Your Bob
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shag, as seen on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair." Like the bob, "adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
Abdullah adds that bangs like these are "often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." She notes that they also "make your hair appear thicker and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair." The style also "works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front."
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the six hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing, and elegant 'dos and cuts that accentuate facial features and boost volume that are worth considering. To uncover the perfect hairstyle, one must comprehend their facial structure and consult with a skilled stylist, she concludes.
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."
Udoh also says that when styling your tresses this summer, it's important to "avoid using too much heat-styling products" and to "try using a serum or oil before you style your hair." She also says to always "make sure to rinse your hair completely after shampooing and conditioning" and to "dry your hair with a soft towel, and avoid rubbing it too harshly."
Additional Bob Styling Tips
If you have curly or wavy hair, she also recommends "trying not to brush it when it's wet." Instead, use a wide tooth comb to detangle it gently. When you do style your hair, she notes to "use a heat protectant spray." If you're going to be outside in humid weather, "try braiding or twisting your hair up to keep it from frizzing," Udoh continues.
Udoh also swears by "using a silk or satin pillowcase to sleep on, which will help prevent your hair from becoming frizzy overnight." Her final tip is to "invest in a good quality hairbrush." A boar bristle brush is "great for helping to distribute your hair's natural oils and preventing frizz." The more you know!
