The Flipped-Out Bob is Having a Moment (And I'm Here for It)

By Ali Shealy, Level 5 Stylist

Okay, so I need to talk about this haircut that's been everywhere lately, the flipped-out bob, or as we've been calling it around the salon, "the Fob." I know, I know, it sounds like something your mom wore in the early 2000s, but trust me on this one.

I've been cutting hair for about ten years now, and every few months something "new" comes back around. Usually I roll my eyes a little, but this one? This one's actually good. Like, really good.

Why I Think This Cut Works

I had a client come in last month asking for "something fun but not crazy" and we ended up doing a Fob on her. She literally texted me a selfie three days later saying she'd gotten more compliments on her hair than she had in years. That's the thing about this cut, it's playful without being over the top.

It works because it frames your face in this really flattering way, especially if you have good cheekbones (and honestly, who doesn't when their hair is doing the right thing?). Plus, it's got this bounce to it that makes even fine hair look fuller.

I've done it on everything from poker-straight hair to hair with some natural wave, and it just... works. The key is adjusting the length and the flip depending on what you're working with.

How I Actually Style This Thing

So here's the real talk about getting this look right. You can't just blow-dry it any old way and expect those ends to flip out nicely. There's a method to it.

Start with clean hair (obviously), but I've been using this Goldwell DualSenses Ultra Volume shampoo and conditioner on clients lately. It's not too heavy, which is important because you don't want your hair weighed down when you're trying to get movement in the ends.

Before you start drying, use some kind of volumizing spray. The Ultra Volume one I mentioned works well, but honestly, any good volumizing product will do the trick. Just don't use too much or you'll get that crunchy texture nobody wants.

Here's where it gets tricky: You need a round brush, medium size works best. When you're blow-drying, you're literally turning the brush outward at the ends while pulling up at the roots. It takes some practice if you're not used to it. I always tell clients to expect their first few attempts to look a little wonky.

If you have a flat iron, you can cheat a little. Once your hair is dry, just flip those ends out with a quick twist of the iron. Don't make it too perfect though, the best Fobs look a little effortless.

To make it last, I usually finish with a light hairspray or dry shampoo. Actually, dry shampoo is great because it adds texture and keeps the volume going.

Who Should Try This?

I'm not going to lie and say this works on everyone because that would be ridiculous. But it does work on more people than you'd think.

If you have straight to slightly wavy hair, you're golden. If your hair is on the finer side, this cut can actually make it look thicker because of all the movement and volume.

Face shape wise, I've had great results with oval faces (because what doesn't work on oval faces, right?), square faces because it softens the jawline, and heart-shaped faces because it adds width at the bottom.

Curly hair can be trickier. I've done it, but we usually have to go a bit longer and work with the natural texture instead of fighting it.

The Reality Check

Look, this isn't a wash-and-go haircut. If you're someone who just wants to towel dry and leave the house, this probably isn't for you. You'll need about 10-15 minutes in the morning to style it properly.

Also, it grows out pretty quickly. You'll probably want to come in for trims every 6-8 weeks to keep it looking fresh.

But if you're ready for something different and you don't mind spending a few extra minutes on your hair in the morning, I think you might really love this cut.

My Honest Opinion

I've been doing a lot of these lately, and I have to say, they're fun to cut and even more fun to see people wear. There's something about the way it moves when you walk that just feels confident and playful at the same time.

One of my clients told me she feels like she's "strutting instead of walking" since she got her Fob, and honestly, that's exactly the vibe we're going for.

If you're thinking about it, come in and let's talk about what would work for your hair and your lifestyle. I can usually tell pretty quickly if it's going to be a good fit, and if not, we can figure out something else that gives you that same fun, bouncy feeling.

Want to try it? Just give us a call at Hyde Vista and we can set up a consultation. I promise I won't talk you into anything that won't work for you, that's not good for either of us.

But seriously, if you've been thinking about switching things up, this might be the perfect time to try something a little different.