We’re only a week into the new year and I’ve already spotted the coolest hairstyle that’s going to be everywhere. Whether you’re rocking a short haircut (like the micro bob) or looking to elevate your typical pony, adding flipped ends will definitely transport you back into the ‘90s—and as a millennial, I’m all for it. If you’re looking for a nostalgic revamp, here’s how to achieve flipped hair in 2025.
Mark My Words: This '90s Hairstyle Is Going to Rule 2025
A blast from the past
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Published Jan 8, 2025
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Meet the Experts
- Olya Iudina is a hairstylist at IGK Soho in New York. She has 17 years of experience in the industry and worked with the team at IGK for more than 10 years. She specializes in trendy haircuts and styles, like bobs and layered looks. She also leads education programs for aspiring hairstylists.
- Bea Carmichael is a hairstylist and global educator for Aveda. She has 25 years of experience, specializing in color, cutting and styling. She has previously trained teams around the world in business and styling skills. Now, she develops live and digital courses for Aveda salons and institutes.
- Ryan Pearl is a professional hair colorist and creative director of Tangle Teezer. He has 15 years of experience in the industry, working with high-profile clients like Hailey Bieber, Georgia Fowler and Halsey. He’s also collaborated with brands such as Redken NYC and L'OréalHair.com.
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What Is Flipped Hair?
“Flipped hair is a bob haircut, but unlike the classic bob with a blunt sharp bottom line, [this one] has a softer finish where the ends flip upwards,” says Iudina. Also known as the retro flipped bob or inverted bob, the cut sits at chin- to shoulder-length. It was first introduced in the ‘60s and made famous by Jackie O. Then it had a major resurgence in the ‘90s, where supermodels like Naomi Campbell were strutting the runway with flipped ends. And like any beauty trend, it has returned (again) in a big way, showing up on all hair lengths.
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OK, Is the Hair Flip *Really* Back In Style?
Yes, yes and yes. ‘90s hair is having its moment—from ‘The Rachel,’ to ‘The Bixie’—so it’s no surprise that flipped ends have made a comeback. “It has a versatile aesthetic and can suit most hair types. Flipped hair just has an effortlessly chic vibe to it—like you’ve tried, but not too hard, kind of look—which makes it so fashionable. It’s also surprisingly easy to maintain and for hairdressers to adapt it to your hair and lifestyle,” shares Carmichael.
Celebs like Zendaya, Selena Gomez and Laura Harrier have led the resurgence in the flipped bob department, while others like Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande are playing around with flipped ends on longer lengths. As Pearl shares, “The '90s were all about bold, playful styles, and they’re definitely making a comeback. People are loving the throwback to a time when things felt carefree and fun—plus, who doesn’t love a good pop culture revival?”
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Does This Look Work on All Hair Types?
“It does work on all hair types, because once you get the basic bob shape cut, the style can be blow-dried in. So, whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly or coily, this look can be created with the right blow dry technique for your hair type,” says Carmichael. Iudina would make one exception, though, noting that those with fine or thin hair should consider a blunt and sharp style instead. “The effect of flipping edges is achieved by texturing and thinning out the bottom, which is not suitable for thin hair,” she explains.
How to Achieve the '90s Flipped Hair
Believe it or not, the trend is pretty simple and can be achieved in three ways—regardless of your skill level.
1. The Blow Dryer and Round Brush Combo
First, apply volumizing mousse on your wet hair to hold your style. According to Iudina, you’ll want to blow dry your hair into small sections using a small or medium round brush. “Focus on blow drying the ends up by placing the brush over the strands and the blow dryer underneath,” she says. Once you finish each section, apply some hairspray to set the look.
2. Flat Iron
If you prefer a flat (or curling) iron, this technique should be on your radar. According to Pearl, this technique works best for straight to wavy hair. He suggests smoothing out hair with a detangling brush (like Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Styler) before styling. Then apply heat protectant and use a flat iron to straighten each section, but curve the tool upwards to get the flipped effect on your ends. “Control the curve with your iron. The more you turn it up, while sliding through the ends, the more extreme the curve would be,” says Iudina.
3. Rollers
If you’re a beginner (like me), rollers are a great choice to get flipped ends. “If you want a softer look, use a lot of mousse and rollers. Once you take the rollers out, use a soft boar bristle brush and start brushing strands out and flipping ends up,” says Iudina. Similar to the other techniques, fix it with hairspray to hold the look in place. She adds, “Don’t be afraid to take control and sculpt the strands into a desired shape.”
4 Flipped Hair Ideas
1. Side Part Flipped Bob
A side part can easily change your flipped bob, as seen on Lori Harvey, above. Add in a tucked side behind the ears, a bit of hairspray and you have yourself a winner.
2. Flipped Ponytail
FYI: The flipped style is not only for short haircuts. I’m in love with J.Lo’s bouncy ponytail, which works for any occasion. Once you gather all your hair at the crown, divide the tail into sections to curve the ends for a voluminous finish.
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3. Layered Lob
Layers can give definition and emphasize your flipped ends times ten. Jane Fonda is a prime example of how it can turn your classic lob (aka long bob) into a red carpet-ready look. To achieve the look, Carmichael recommends applying a volumizing foam to the root area and blow drying the top sections. She also suggests placing Velcro rollers at the crown to add extra volume.
4. Half-Up Flipped Style
Here’s your sign to go all ‘90s with this half-up flipped style. Cardi B proves half-up pigtails aren’t just for kids. Along with her deep side bang, I might’ve found my next look for 2025.
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