Flicked-out flippy ends - aka ‘the hair flip’ - is a look we've been seeing more and more of over the past year. As with most trends, celebrity circles have largely been responsible for its popularity, with stars showcasing the style at various high-profile events, from Gigi Hadid at Paris Fashion Week to Gemma Arterton at the recent red-carpet premiere of The Critic. Everyone from Kendall Jenner to Cate Blanchett, Florence Pugh and Hailee Steinfeld has stepped out with the style.
“Flippy ends have had a real resurgence,” confirms one of London’s leading hairstylists, Larry King. He feels that, after being out of the limelight for a while, the style feels fresh and fun again. We may have initially dabbled with the hairdo in the '90s and early '00s, however, “it takes inspiration from the Sixties,” King explains. Think The Queen’s Gambit - “but with a more modern, smoothed-down finish and just a little lift at the crown.”
King says that the hair flip is perfect for anyone in the bob and middy-length camp and that, mercifully, the style is more low-maintenance than it looks. “It works well with anything jaw- to shoulder-length and doesn’t take on the huge commitment of a different cut; it's just a simple styling trick that can change things up to look really new.”
What Is the Look and Why It Works
To achieve the silhouette, the ends are flipped in various directions, lending a retro yet current vibe. The style is also versatile, working with bobs, high ponies, and red-carpet updos, and it adapts to many hair types. Justine Marjan, a celebrity hairstylist, describes the look as “a reiteration of the ’90s version of a ’60s-era hairstyle,” which helps explain its timeless appeal.
The trend is easy to pull off and can be tailored to your hair type. It’s famous for feeling cute and sexy at the same time, and it remains surprisingly simple to maintain. Celebrities like Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Laura Harrier have led the resurgence, with others like Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande experimenting with flipped ends on longer lengths.
How to Achieve the Flipped Ends: Step-by-Step
- The Blow Dryer and Round Brush Method - Apply a volumizing mousse on wet hair to hold the style. Blow-dry in small sections using a round brush, focusing on lifting the ends upwards. Then set with a light hairspray.
- The Flat Iron Method - For straight to wavy hair, smooth with a detangling brush, apply heat protectant, then straighten each section while curving the iron upwards to flip the ends. Control the curve to determine how dramatic the flip is.
- The Rollers Method - Beginners can use rollers with plenty of mousse for a softer flip. After removing rollers, brush with a soft boar bristle brush and flip the ends up, finishing with hairspray to hold.
- Finishing Tips - For a polished, softer finish, avoid trying to flip the entire section at once and work section by section. Tame flyaways with a smoothing product when needed.
For those seeking inspiration, Florence Pugh’s Toronto International Film Festival look demonstrated a flipped-in variation, where the ends turned inward for a more refined effect. The look can be adapted to many lengths-from short bobs to longer ponies-making it a go-to option for a quick, modern update.
Practical Variations and How to Style Them
- Side Part Flipped Bob - A side part can change the dynamics of a flipped bob, especially when paired with tucked strands behind the ears.
- Flipped Ponytail - The flipped ends can be worn in a ponytail at the crown, with the tail sections curved for volume.
- Layered Lob - Layers emphasize the flipped ends, and volumizing foam at the roots with crown Velcro rollers adds lift for a red-carpet-ready appearance.
- Half-Up Flipped Style - A nod to ’90s fashion, half-up pigtails retain playfulness while keeping hair secure for longer events.
This trend works across various hair types and lengths, from short micro bobs to shoulder-length cuts. The key is to build volume at the roots and then sculpt the ends to flip upward or inward as desired. As a result, the flip can range from subtle to dramatic, depending on your preference and styling technique.
Ultimately, flipped ends offer a timeless yet current aesthetic. Whether you choose a bold outward flip or a softer inward turn, this hairstyle pairs well with modern fashion while nodding to retro silhouettes. A well-executed flip can feel both casual and glam, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
