20 Bob Hairstyles That Add Volume to Flat Hair

1. The Classic Layered Bob

The classic layered bob is the undisputed champion for adding volume. By introducing layers throughout the hair, you remove weight, allowing the strands to lift naturally. This creates movement and texture, preventing the hair from falling flat against the scalp. It’s a versatile foundation that works for straight, wavy, and curly hair types.

2. The Inverted Bob (A-Line Bob)

Characterized by its shorter back and longer front, the inverted bob is a masterclass in geometric volume. This cut naturally draws the eye upward, creating a built-in lift at the crown. The angled lines add a dynamic, modern edge while the stacked back provides incredible body and shape from every angle.

3. The Textured Shaggy Bob (The “Shob”)

When a bob and a shag have a love child, you get the “shob.” This style is all about choppy, piece-y layers, curtain bangs, and a rock-and-roll attitude. The heavy texturizing creates endless grip for styling products and gives fine hair a much-needed rebellious, voluminous spirit.

4. The Blunt Bob with Wispy Ends

A solid, heavy blunt bob can sometimes weigh hair down. The solution? Ask your stylist for a blunt cut with slightly wispy or feathered ends. This maintains the clean, sharp line while softening the perimeter just enough to allow for bounce and prevent the dreaded “bell” shape.

5. The Choppy Pixie Bob

For those who dare to go shorter, the choppy pixie bob is a volume powerhouse. This cut sits between a pixie and a bob, featuring uneven, textured layers throughout. The shortness at the back and sides forces the hair on top to stand up and out, creating maximum height and a playful, edgy vibe.

6. The Voluminous Curly Bob

For those with natural curls, a well-shaped bob can be transformative. The key is a shape that supports the curl pattern, often shorter in the back and longer in the front, to allow curls to spring up without being pulled down by length. This creates a beautiful, rounded silhouette full of body.

7. The Asymmetrical Bob

An asymmetrical bob, with one side significantly longer than the other, is a dramatic way to create visual volume. The imbalance is striking and automatically adds a sense of fullness and architectural interest. It’s a bold, fashion-forward choice that screams confidence.

8. The Bob with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are more than just a fringe; they’re a volume-boosting tool. By framing the face and drawing attention to the cheekbones, they create a focal point that adds depth and dimension to the entire style. Paired with a bob, they soften the look and add body around the face.

9. The Stacked Bob

The stacked bob takes the inverted concept and turns up the volume—literally. This cut features heavily graduated layers stacked on top of each other at the back of the head. This technique builds a solid foundation of lift that lasts all day, making it perfect for fine hair that needs structural support.

10. The Wavy Bob with Textured Layers

Embrace your natural wave or use a curling iron to create loose, beachy waves. When combined with a layered bob, the waves create natural separation and body. Use a sea salt spray to enhance the texture and grip, giving you that effortless, voluminous “just from the beach” look.

11. The Micro Bob

The micro bob, which hits well above the chin, is a statement cut that naturally stands away from the head due to its shortness. It can’t help but be voluminous. This daring style is perfect for showcasing facial features and adding a modern, chic edge to your look.

12. The Bob with Feathered Layers

A throwback to the 70s with a modern twist, feathered layers are back. This technique involves cutting soft, feather-like layers that frame the face and add lightness throughout the style. It’s a romantic and airy way to build volume without a lot of harsh lines.

13. The Undercut Bob

For the ultimate in volume and edginess, consider an undercut bob. By shaving or closely cutting the hair underneath the top layer, you remove a significant amount of weight. This allows the top layer to sit on a “shelf” of air, creating unbelievable lift and a surprising, dramatic reveal.

14. The Blowout Bob

This isn’t just a cut; it’s a styling technique. The blowout bob focuses on a smooth, bouncy, and voluminous finish achieved with a round brush and blow dryer. The cut itself is usually a classic or layered bob that serves as the perfect canvas for this glamorous, high-volume style.

15. The Bob with Face-Framing Layers

Sometimes, you don’t need layers all over. Strategic face-framing layers can be enough to lift the entire style. These layers, which start around the chin, draw light and attention to your face, creating the illusion of depth and volume where it matters most.

16. The Tousled Bob with a Deep Side Part

A simple change in your part can work wonders. A deep side part instantly adds volume to the side with more hair, creating an asymmetrical lift. Combine this with a tousled, textured finish, and you have a recipe for effortless, sexy volume.

17. The Long Bob (The “Lob”)

The long bob, or “lob,” is perfect if you’re not ready for a short cut. The length, typically grazing the collarbone, still allows for ponytails while the blunted or lightly layered ends create a feeling of fullness and weight that shorter bobs offer.

18. The Bob with Crown-Focused Layers

If your primary concern is a flat crown, this is your solution. This cut involves adding layers and texture specifically around the top of the head. This technique gives stylists the ability to build volume exactly where you need it most, ensuring your hair has lift from root to tip.

19. The Modern Mullet Bob

The modern mullet bob—short in the front and long in the back—is a rebellious take on volume. The shorter front encourages height and texture, while the longer back has weight that can be layered for movement. It’s an unconventional but highly effective way to add body and attitude.

20. The Bixie (Bob-Pixie Hybrid)

The bixie is the perfect blend of a bob’s shape and a pixie’s texture. It’s slightly longer than a traditional pixie but shorter than a standard bob, resulting in a cut that’s inherently voluminous and easy to style. It’s a low-maintenance, high-impact option for volume seekers.

Styling Tips to Maximize Your Bob’s Volume

Getting the right cut is half the battle. The other half is styling. Here are some pro tips to ensure your voluminous bob looks its best every day.

Root Lift is Key: When blow-drying, always direct the airflow at the roots, lifting them with a round brush. Flip your head upside down while drying for an instant volume boost.

Embrace Texturizing Sprays: These are your new best friend. A light spritz on damp or dry hair at the roots and mid-lengths adds grit and hold, preventing your style from falling flat.

Volumizing Products: Start with a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray on towel-dried hair. These products provide a foundation of hold and body that lasts.

Change Your Part: As mentioned earlier, a simple switch from a center to a side part can resurrect flat hair in seconds. It trains your hair to sit differently, creating immediate lift.