Why Top Hair Stylists Are Crowning The ‘Flip Bob’ Summer’s Most Wearable Hair Trend

THE RUNDOWN

The flip bob has been spotted on celebrities from Margot Robbie, Ariana Grande and Nara Smith to Emilia Clarke and Hailey Bieber.
Featuring flicked out ends, the flip bob serves as a sleek summer style that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Mastering the flip bob comes down to your haircut and styling steps, according to Aussie hair experts Jaye Edwards and Mary Alamine.

Somewhere in the fictional suburb of Wisteria Lane, Bree Van de Kamp and her circa-2004 flip bob are feeling extremely vindicated. The perfectly coiffed, flicked-out flip bob hairstyle trend once synonymous with her, Jackie Kennedy and Mary Tyler Moore is back with a vengeance, and it’s very well-suited to an Aussie summer.

The evidence? Margot Robbie, Ariana Grande and Nara Smith have all recently stepped out sporting variations of the ‘flip bob’, a short, sculpted style characterised by its outwardly flipped ends. Coincidence? Perhaps. But we’re beginning to suspect that some of Hollywood’s chicest women are all on the same page for good reason, and it’s a hypothetical hair-centric group chat we really wish we could be a part of.

Robbie was seen sporting a sleek, chic flip bob at the Chanel’s Cruise 26/27 Replica Show in Sydney, whilst Grande sent the Internet into a frenzy when she traded her longer, lighter style for a glossy brunette flippy chop. Hailey Bieber and Emilia Clarke have also adapted the style for their slightly longer bobs, so no, you don’t have to completely commit to a chin-grazing cut to get in on this one. Though frankly, Robbie’s look itself is a pretty convincing case to go all the way, as is Jodie Turner-Smith’s above-the-chin chop.

And then of course, there’s Nara Smith, who has cemented an immaculate retro bob as one of her beauty signatures and clearly wants to welcome more members into club ‘flip bob’. She was quick to celebrate Grande’s take on the style, with an enthusiastic “Bob!!!” written in the comments of her Instagram reveal.

So why is everyone suddenly flipping out over the flip bob again? And more importantly, how do we recreate it without looking like we’re auditioning for a Desperate Housewives reboot? There are a few tricks to keeping the style classic but not costume-y, and we sought the advice of Australia’s leading hair experts to uncover them…

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What Is The Flip Bob And Why Is It Everywhere?

Why is the flip bob everywhere again? Because it hits on everything we want from a hairstyle right now. “It has this beautiful balance of elegance, femininity and playfulness,” says Mary Alamine, Founder of Royals Hair. “What makes it so appealing is that it’s really a combination of the haircut and the styling. A well executed bob creates the foundation, but it’s that outward flick that gives the hairstyle its personality. It’s amazing how something as simple as changing the direction of the ends can completely transform a classic haircut.”

It’s a departure from the more lived-in styles we’ve seen as of late too. “I think we’re seeing a shift towards hair that feels more considered and styled,” confirms Jaye Edwards, O&M COR.creator. “The flip bob has a beautiful shape but is also playful, with a nostalgic quality. It’s about finding that balance between effortless and elevated, where the hair looks beautiful and considered but still feels modern and wearable.”

Alamine agrees: “We’re seeing more sleek silhouettes, beautiful shine and intentional styling. There’s also a greater focus on hair health and luxury. Clients want their hair to look healthy, expensive and beautifully maintained. Polished hair has a certain confidence about it, and that’s something people are really embracing.”

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What Makes The Flip Bob Feel Fresh In 2026?

These styles are an homage to flip bobs of the past, yes, but they come with a 2026 twist. “The traditional flip bob was quite structured and uniform, whereas today’s interpretation is about taking that classic silhouette and making it more individual, with natural movement and texture,” says Edwards. “The beauty of the flip is that it can be adapted to suit different styles, from Nara Smith’s more glamorous, polished finish to Margot Robbie’s relaxed interpretation. It’s really about how much volume and definition you want.”

“For me, the key to keeping it contemporary is not over-styling it,” says Alamine. “You want the hair to have movement rather than looking stiff or overly sculpted. Keeping the roots relatively natural, the mid-lengths smooth and the flick subtle creates a much more sophisticated finish. It’s about taking inspiration from the past without recreating it exactly.”

What Should You Ask Your Hairdresser For?

“I’d recommend asking for a strong, blunt baseline with minimal layering, depending on your hair texture and density,” Alamine advises. “The ideal length is generally somewhere between the jawline and collarbone, but it really comes down to personal preference and face shape. What’s important is maintaining enough weight through the ends to create that beautiful, defined flick. If the hair is too heavily layered or texturised, you can lose that clean, polished shape. A little internal layering can help remove excess bulk and encourage movement, particularly on thicker hair, but I would avoid over-layering. I’d always suggest taking reference images to your hairdresser so they can tailor the shape to your individual hair type.”

If you’re concerned your ends aren’t quite up to flip bob standard (because they look more ‘frayed’ than ‘fresh’), a trim is definitely the move. “I’d always recommend addressing the condition of the hair first,” says Edwards. “Even a small trim can make a huge difference to how the ends sit and hold their shape.”

Still on the fence? Consider the literal cool factor—the style is particularly perfect for a scorching Aussie summer. “The flip bob is a beautiful summer hairstyle, particularly when it’s cut above the shoulders. It’s fresh, lightweight and keeps the hair away from the neck,” says Alamine.

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How Do You Style A Flip Bob At Home?

“The secret is all in the preparation and technique,” says Alamine. “You need a really smooth foundation before creating the flick. I’d start with a lightweight heat protectant and a volumising mousse if the hair needs extra body. Using a medium-sized round brush and hairdryer with a nozzle, work through the hair in sections, smoothing from the roots through to the mid-lengths. As you reach the ends, rotate the brush outwards to create that beautiful upward movement. You can also use a straightener, which is probably the easiest option for recreating the look at home. Glide the straightener smoothly through the hair and gently rotate your wrist outwards as you reach the last few centimetres. My biggest tip is to let the ends cool in that position before brushing them out. This helps set the shape and gives the style more longevity. Finish with a lightweight shine serum and flexible-hold hairspray. You want movement and shine without making the hair feel stiff.”

And remember, even though ‘done’ is the goal, you don’t want to go too far. “The biggest mistake is creating too much of a flick,” Edwards warns. “Over-curling the ends can make the style look dated, when all you really need is a soft outward bend. Using too much product can also weigh the hair down.”

Alamine agrees: “People tend to rotate their straightener or round brush too much, which creates a curl rather than that beautiful, subtle outward bend. Another common mistake is not smoothing the hair properly before styling the ends. If the mid-lengths are frizzy or uneven, you won’t achieve that polished finish. Using too much product is another mistake. Heavy oils and styling creams can weigh down the ends and cause the flick to collapse. My advice is to work in smaller, controlled sections, focus on smoothing the hair first and create the flick only through the last few centimetres. Less is definitely more with this hairstyle.”