Few haircuts are brought up as often as the bob in beauty circles. And while it’s nothing new – the style dates back generations, having shape-shifted from a symbol of rebellion to a marker of modernity – hairstylists are constantly reimagining the popular short cut.
In the past few months we’ve spotted the Nordic bob – characterised by blunt ends and an androgynous feel – and the butterfly bob, with its swishy layers for a winged, face-framing effect. This fashion week, however, a different version is dominating the pavements outside the shows: the “flicked” bob.
What is a flicked bob?
Also known as the “kicked” bob or the “turned out” bob, this hairstyle is defined by ends that flick upwards – and stay there. Often, trending short styles prioritise movement through invisible layers and texture, but there’s something more solid and structured about the flicked bob’s shape, lending it a cute and nostalgic quality.
At New York Fashion Week, actor Yesly Dimate was among those stepping out with a shoulder-skimming flicked bob, while in London, singer-songwriter Cat Burns punctuated her turned-up style with Bantu knots. Digital creator Steph Hui followed suit with a pinned-back bob that kicked up playfully at the ends, and in Milan, Linda Schulz’s platinum blonde take caught the breeze just in time for the cameras.
Frankie Pullen, hairstylist at Larry King Marylebone, is seeing the style more and more in the salon. “The flicked bob is such a great, polished autumn and winter haircut,” she tells . “We’ve seen clients wanting to move away from softer, shaggier summer styles, and now, they’re after a more polished finish ahead of the colder season.”
How do you ask a hairstylist for a flicked bob?
The flicked bob is simply a classic bob with two defining characteristics: it’s cut to one length, and has a blunt finish. It’s worth bringing a few reference images to your appointment to show your hairstylist exactly the kind of shape and finish you’re after. For those averse to losing too much length, your best bet is to ask for a long bob, or lob, that skims the shoulders.
How do you style a flicked bob at home?
That depends on your hair type. But first: prep. “It’s super important to prime the hair with a heat protectant,” says Pullen, as kicking up the ends of your bob requires hot tools. In salon, she opts for the Larry King Volumizing Hair Mist, which both protects strands and lends the overall style some support and structure.
“If your hair is curly, or wavy, I’d recommend using a straightener to achieve that nice bevelled edge to your bob,” says Pullen. So why not a hot brush? “If you use one of these, it could appear curled on the ends,” she says. A straightener, on the other hand, means more control. Try the new ghd Sculpt Interactive Hair Straightener. “If your hair is straighter, though, a hot brush is better at bending those ends out,” adds Pullen.
Lastly, Pullen drives home the importance of brushing the hair through thoroughly afterwards and polishing your roots with a dab of smoothing cream. Her go-to is the Larry King Flyaway Kit.
GHD Sculpt Interactive Hair Straightener
Larry King Hair Care Volumizing Hair Mist
- Why it’s -approved: Of the three Ghd hot brushes, the Rise is the one to choose if volume is the priority. “It’s perfect for a polished blow-dry finish,” says Cusick. “It’s the one I recommend to clients who want that really effortless, everyday voluminous finish at home without any of the faff.” Its slim round barrel and short nylon bristles can get close to the scalp to lift the roots, while wrapping the lengths around the barrel creates bends, flicks and loose curls. Particularly good on bobs and fine hair that tends to fall flat shortly after styling.
- Use on: Dry hair
- Best for hair types: Fine, flat, short and mid-length hair
The best flicked bob haircuts from Fashion Week
