Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Short Bob Haircuts for Fine, Flat Hair

Q: I recently cut my hair into a pixie, and I'm having trouble deciding whether I should keep it short or let it grow into a bob.

My hair is very fine and slightly wavy. My challenge when it is long is that my hair is extremely thin, and needs a cut that adds volume. 

I also have a lot of trouble maintaining the "baby curls" near my temples, so my stylist cuts them all the way down to manage the frizz. Sometimes I straighten them to keep them tame.

Additionally, I don't know what colour would bring out my skin tone best. My hair is naturally dark brown but currently, I have it light brown with blonde highlights. I've been dyeing my hair for several years now, and my hair tends to become dry from the chemical treatment. 

Can you offer some suggestions on the best cut for my face as well as colour for my skin tone? I want a cut and colour I can stick with for a while. Thank you in advance. — Iris

A: Iris, I would grow your hair a little bit longer. You will need to start by growing out your bangs.

I would grow your hair into a short, French-textured bob. Your bangs should be a side-swept fringe that lands on your cheekbone.

The nape area should be a little softer to create a feminine look—a soft, layered blunt at the back. That's a technical hair term. Whoever is going to do it for you will understand this. 

As for your colour, you need to remove those highlights. They're sticking out and were not done with flair. 

Let's stick to one colour for about six months to a year. I like that sun-kissed brown that you have in your second photo. You suit that type of rusty brown. 

When you have a bit longer hair, then you can create more texture with highlights. But they should only be in certain areas—not in stripes coming down from the roots. They should be tucked under, like peek-a-boo highlights. It will look softer this way. You can also highlight a little bit more at the ends of your hair. 

The highlights will give you the volume you are looking for, and a lot more finesse. Your hair is going to look very pretty, feminine and chic.