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You'll have noticed by now that the flicked bob hair trend is having a moment. The popular 2000s hairstyle has been popping up everywhere, along with a plethora of Y2K fashion trends that have crept back into the mainstream. This resurgence, however, is one we're very much into – especially when it's done right.
The look, which fell off the radar for years, is making a strong comeback – and somehow, it looks better than ever with flicked bobs dishing up a covetable mix of modern nostalgia.
What is the flicked bob?
The style originally takes inspiration from the ’60s, but has been revamped with a smoothed down finish and a subtle lift at the base of your hair for a more current take. Pro hair stylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith describes it as “a bob with minimal layers – with or without a fringe – that's flipped out at the ends, either with perfect precision or a more undone texture.” Essentially, he says, “the bob is slim to the head nearer the parting and flares out with volume at the ends.”
It's heavy on nostalgia, not just from the noughties where the style saw a renewed popularity, but from the mid '60s. “With the help of style heroines like Jackie Kennedy and Mary Tyler Moore, the flip hairstyle was one that defined the '60s,” explains celebrity hairstylist Larry King. "Women would spend a significant amount of time and effort to create the perfect flip and make sure it lasted all day. Mary Tyler Moore helped define a new vision of American womanhood and appealed to an audience facing the new trials of modern-day existence – and of course, Jackie O. Her signature hairstyle – a short, bob-like cut that flipped out at the ends – was copied by millions of women. Even global superstars like Diana Ross and the Supremes sported versions of the look made popular by the First Lady,” Larry says.
Why choose the flicked bob?
The flicked bob has personality. It can look sophisticated, retro, cute or playful. “It feels young, modern and energetic,” says Larry. Meanwhile, Tom points out that we've turned a corner with the style. He notes flicked ends were previously “a pain point for a lot of people” since hair has a natural affinity for flicking at bob length. “When this happens easily, we don't want it, so people often fight against it,” he says. Now, though, “it's being embraced as a chic statement,” says Tom.
Over the past year, the flicked bob hair trend has dominated social media with celebrities, influencers and beauty enthusiasts trying it for themselves.
How to wear the flicked bob?
We've seen the style work on short earlobe-length hair and longer lobs – however, “it works brilliantly on a jaw-length bob," says Larry. All you have to do, he says, is "add a centre parting, smooth out hair with a round brush and flick the ends upwards.”
Tom points out: “if your hair length hits at your shoulders, it will remain in the desired silhouette quite well. If it’s shorter, you'll need to finish with a good amount of strong hold hairspray, both on the inner and outer curve of the ends.” As for styling, you can lean into a more modern or cutesy noughties look or go for old-school elegance with a more '60s vibe.
Sold on the look? Just wait until you see the all the chic takes on it below…
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