For years, the blunt cut has been synonymous with sleek, sharp, and heavy hair. It’s the haircut that promises polish and a definitive statement. But if you have fine, flat, or thin hair, you might have steered clear, fearing that a blunt cut would leave your locks looking limp and lifeless, glued to your scalp without a hint of bounce. What if we told you that this is one of the biggest misconceptions in hairstyling?
Why a Blunt Cut Can Be a Volume Hero
It seems counterintuitive, right? How can cutting hair into a straight, heavy line create volume? The magic lies in the fundamentals. A blunt cut creates a solid, uninterrupted line at the ends of your hair. Because there are no layers to thin out the ends, this hemline has more weight and density. This concentrated weight at the bottom can actually help to push the hair away from the scalp, creating a subtle, overall lift from roots to ends.
Think of it like a full skirt. A skirt with a clean, heavy hemline flares out, creating shape. Similarly, a well-done blunt cut creates a beautiful, geometric shape that frames the face and gives the hair a substantial, full appearance. The goal is to avoid a one-dimensional, “helmet-head” look by using texture and internal cutting techniques to encourage that volume from the get-go.
The Golden Rules for a Voluminous Blunt Cut
Before we explore the specific haircuts, it’s crucial to understand the principles that make them work. Not all blunt cuts are created equal, and asking your stylist for these key elements will ensure you walk out of the salon with volume, not flatness.
1. Embrace Texturizing Techniques: This is the most important rule. The words “blunt cut” should never mean “chopped with a straight edge and nothing else.” Ask for texturizing shears, point cutting, or notching to be used on the ends and internally. This breaks up the solid line just enough to create movement and airiness, preventing the hair from falling in a solid, heavy sheet.
2. Consider the Length: Length plays a pivotal role. Hair that is too long can pull down the roots, defeating the purpose. Generally, a blunt cut that lands between the chin and the collarbone is ideal for maximizing volume. This shorter length allows the hair to naturally spring away from the head.
3. Talk About Internal Layers: You can have a blunt exterior with subtle internal layers. These are layers cut on the inside of the haircut, not visible from the outside, that remove bulk from the wrong places and add lift at the roots. It’s a stealthy way to add volume without compromising the clean outline.
4. The Power of the Curtain Bang: Incorporating face-framing layers or curtain bangs with a blunt cut is a game-changer. It automatically adds movement around the face, draws the eye upwards, and lifts the entire style.
The Volumizing Blunt Bob: A Timeless Classic
The blunt bob is the undisputed queen of this category. It’s a sharp, chic, and incredibly effective way to make fine hair look impossibly thick. The key to a voluminous bob is keeping it above the shoulders. A jaw-length or chin-length bob provides the perfect amount of leverage for the hair to kick out at the ends, creating a gorgeous, rounded silhouette.
To elevate this cut, ask your stylist for slight graduation in the back. This means the back is cut ever-so-slightly shorter, which helps the hair stack and create even more lift at the nape of the neck. Combined with heavily textured ends, this cut will swing with every move you make. Style it with a round brush while blow-drying, lifting at the roots, to maximize the voluminous effect.
The Blunt Lob (Long Bob): Volume Meets Versatility
If a standard bob feels too short, the blunt lob is your perfect compromise. Ending anywhere from just below the chin to the collarbone, this length is incredibly flattering and versatile. The lob retains the weight and shape of a blunt cut but with a softer, more relaxed feel.
For maximum volume, the collarbone-length lob is ideal. The weight of the hair is sufficient to create a clean line, but it’s not so long that it drags down the roots. The secret to a voluminous lob is in the internal texturization. By removing some weight from the mid-lengths, the stylist allows the hair to have a “bubble” effect—fuller at the bottom while still maintaining lift at the crown. This is also a fantastic cut to pair with curtain bangs for an extra dose of face-framing volume.
The Blunt Shag: The Ultimate Textured Volume
When you think of a shag, you might think of unruly, layered chaos. The blunt shag is a more refined, modern take that combines the best of both worlds. This cut maintains a strong, blunt perimeter—you can still see that solid, heavy line at the bottom—but incorporates choppy, layered texture throughout the top and crown.
This is arguably the most effective blunt cut for adding volume. The layers on top are designed specifically to lift the root area, creating incredible height and body. The blunt ends ensure the hair still looks thick and substantial. It’s a cut that looks fantastic with natural texture, whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, as the layers encourage movement and separation. If you want a low-maintenance, high-volume cut with plenty of attitude, the blunt shag is for you.
Blunt Cut with Curtain Bangs: The Instant Face-Lift
Sometimes, you don’t need to change your entire haircut to get a voluminous effect. If you have a longer blunt cut and are hesitant to go short, the simplest way to inject instant volume is with the addition of curtain bangs. These long, face-framing layers are cut to part naturally in the middle and sweep across your forehead.
Why do they add volume? They automatically create a focal point at the top of your head. The way they are cut and styled encourages a gentle lift at the crown, making your entire head of hair look fuller. They break up the solid front section of a long blunt cut, introducing movement and lightness that makes the style feel less heavy and more dynamic. It’s a minimal commitment with a maximum impact.
Styling Tips to Maximize Your Blunt Cut’s Volume
A great haircut is the foundation, but the right styling techniques can take your volume to stratospheric levels.
Root Lift is Non-Negotiable: When blow-drying, always direct the airflow at the roots, lifting them with a round brush in the opposite direction they grow. Use a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray on damp hair before you start for all-day hold.
Texture is Your Best Friend: Don’t be afraid of texturizing sprays or sea salt sprays. A light mist on the mid-lengths and ends will enhance the separation and piecey-ness of your cut, making it look even fuller. For a quick fix, gently backcomb the hair at the crown for instant height.
Play with Partings: A deep side part can instantly create more volume on one side. Alternatively, a clean center part with curtain bangs emphasizes symmetry and lift at the crown. Switch your part every few days to prevent your hair from getting trained to lie flat.
The Power of Velcro Rollers: For a truly glamorous, old-Hollywood volume, put in large Velcro rollers in your crown and around your face after blow-drying. Let your hair cool completely before taking them out for bouncy, lasting volume.
Is a Voluminous Blunt Cut Right For You?
This style is remarkably versatile. It works exceptionally well for those with fine to medium hair textures who are looking to create the illusion of density and body. If your hair is very thick and coarse, a blunt cut can still work, but your stylist will need to focus on texturizing to remove excess bulk and prevent a triangular shape.
In terms of face shape, a blunt cut can be adapted for almost everyone. For round or square faces, a longer blunt lob or a bob with curtain bangs can help elongate the face. For those with oval or heart-shaped faces, you have the freedom to experiment with shorter, more severe bobs. The most important step is to bring photos to your stylist and have a thorough consultation about your hair type, lifestyle, and volume goals.
