Flip Ends Are Back: The Retro Hair Trend Making a Comeback
The Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed
Just when you thought retro hairstyles had peaked, flip ends—yes, those flared-out, bouncy tips from the ‘60s and ‘90s—have spun back into the spotlight. From red carpets to TikTok tutorials, everyone’s flipping their ends in 2025. What makes this revival so exciting? It’s a blend of nostalgia, elegance, and modern ease.
Whether you’re rocking a sleek bob, long layers, or something in between, flipped ends add instant personality and movement. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to achieve.
Why Flip Ends Are Trending in 2025
While sleek and straight styles still reign, many are craving a bit more fun and dimension in their hair routines. Enter: flip ends.
Here’s why the flip is making headlines again:
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It’s low-effort but high impact
You don’t need hours of styling to get a polished finish—just the right flick at the ends changes everything. -
It flatters multiple hair lengths
Whether you have a chin-length bob or waist-length layers, flip ends work. -
It plays well with accessories
Think headbands, hair clips, and hoops—retro glam is back. -
It’s all over social media
Celebs like Sydney Sweeney, Kim Kardashian, and Dua Lipa have all embraced this vintage style with a modern twist.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Flip Ends at Home
You don’t need to hit the salon to channel your inner retro diva. Here’s how to create the flip end look yourself:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to reduce frizz—flip ends look best on sleek strands.
Pro Tip: Add a heat protectant spray to safeguard your hair from hot tools.
Step 2: Section It Off
Divide your hair into manageable sections (especially if it’s thick). This makes the flip more defined and even.
Step 3: Flip It with a Flat Iron or Round Brush
You have two styling options:
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Flat Iron Method: Clamp the flat iron near the ends of a section and gently curve it outward as you glide through. Twist your wrist slightly to flip the ends up.
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Blowout Method: Use a round brush and a blow dryer. Roll the ends outward while drying for a voluminous retro effect.
Optional: For a tighter flip, use a curling iron and rotate it outward just at the tips.
Step 4: Set the Style
Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to lock the flip in place without making your hair stiff. You can also use a shine serum for that mirror-smooth finish.
Modern Ways to Wear Flip Ends in 2025
While flip ends might scream vintage, today’s versions are all about versatility. Here are ways to wear this style now:
1. The Flipped Bob
The classic. Perfect for chin-to-shoulder length cuts, this sleek style flips out just at the ends for a clean, polished look.
2. Long Hair with Flipped Layers
Subtle layers flipped at the bottom give long hair movement without the weight. It’s sophisticated and flirty.
3. Half-Up with a Flip
Pull the top half of your hair into a high pony or barrette, leaving the bottom flipped. It’s a great way to show off both volume and shape.
4. Middle Part with Flip Ends
A sharp middle part combined with blunt, flipped ends delivers minimalist cool-girl energy.
5. Curtain Bangs + Flip
Flipped curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, especially when paired with a layered lob or shoulder-length cut.
Best Haircuts for Flip-End Styling
Flip ends thrive on the right cut. Ask your stylist for these:
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Blunt bob: Adds structure and makes the flip more defined.
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Long layers: Perfect for adding bounce and movement.
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Butterfly cut: Flips look amazing on the shorter face-framing layers.
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Modern shag: Flip just the ends for a relaxed, lived-in vibe.
Top Products to Nail the Flip-End Look
To keep your flipped ends smooth, shiny, and in place, here are must-haves:
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Heat Protectant Spray
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Try: CHI 44 Iron Guard or Tresemmé Thermal Creations
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Shields your strands from heat damage.
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Lightweight Smoothing Serum
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Try: Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum or Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
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Tames frizz and adds shine.
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Flexible Hold Hairspray
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Try: L’Oréal Elnett Satin or IGK 1-800-Hold-Me
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Keeps the flip in place without crunch.
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Round Brush (Ceramic or Boar Bristle)
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Essential for those blowout-style flips.
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Flat Iron with Rounded Edges
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Ideal for smooth flips that don’t crease the ends.
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Dos and Don’ts of Flip End Styling
DO
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Use a shine spray or serum for sleekness.
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Flip outward in uniform directions (unless going for a tousled look).
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Start with dry, detangled hair.
DON’T
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Overdo it with heavy products—they’ll weigh down the flip.
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Flip on wet hair—this increases breakage risk.
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Skip the heat protectant!
Who Can Wear Flip Ends? (Spoiler: Everyone!)
One of the reasons this trend is thriving again is that it works for nearly every hair type:
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Straight Hair: Achieves the most defined flip.
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Wavy Hair: Adds playful bounce when smoothed first.
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Curly Hair: Flip the ends with a diffuser or flat iron on stretched curls for a vintage touch.
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Thick Hair: Section well and use strong heat tools to keep the flip controlled.
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Fine Hair: Use a volumizing mousse before styling to keep the flip lifted.
The Flip End Vibe: Casual or Glam? You Decide
Another win? Flip ends are versatile. Rock them for:
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Everyday errands: Keep it simple with a subtle outward flick.
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Weddings & Events: Add hair accessories and pair with soft waves or volume at the crown.
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Work meetings: Clean middle part and sleek flip = professional but stylish.
You can even combine flip ends with other 2025 trends—like money piece highlights, butterfly layers, or oversized bows.
Final Thoughts: Flip Out and Own It
In a sea of modern cuts and minimal styling, flip ends are a breath of retro-fresh air. They’re feminine, fun, and surprisingly wearable for any hair length or type. Best of all, they only take a few minutes to style—yet they give your whole look a polished, vintage-inspired twist.
So whether you’re heading to the office or out for drinks, take a cue from the past—and flip it good.
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