Ariana Grande’s ponytail is no more. Erm, “on hiatus.” As of last week, the Petal singer and Focker-in-Law actress has a flipped bob thanks to celebrity hairstylist, and her frequent collaborator, Brandon Pietsch. Henceforth she is Bobiana.
And we, like 4 million plus Instagram users, are obsessed.
So obsessed, in fact, that we reached out to Pietsch, who is also a L’Oreal Professionnel Global Creative Contributor, for his insights on the flipped bob’s popularity and how he suggests cutting and styling it. Read on for our conversation.
The Tease: The flipped bob has been having a major moment, as showcased with Ariana Grande’s latest ‘bobiana’ transformation that you were a part of. There’s a renewed interest in shorter, more polished styles. What do you think is driving the resurgence of this look, and what makes it feel particularly relevant right now?
Brandon Pietsch: People are ready for a change, and a bob is the most dramatic one you can make without going full pixie. After years of undone, lived-in hair, I think people want hair that looks finished again.
What elements of the cut and color make a flipped bob especially impactful? Are there certain details that elevate the look and make it feel fresh?
Pietsch: The shape does most of the work. A soft blunt perimeter with internal layering keeps it from looking heavy or boxy, because a sharp blunt line plus a stiff flip is what could read costumey. For color, shine and dimension matter more than anything. I recommend using L’Oreal professional Dia Light for optimal shine. When the hair is glossy and healthy, the line looks sharper and more expensive. It works on a client who wants a fresh start and has a little fullness at the ends to play with.
Achieving that perfect outward bend can require some finesse. What are tips to making the flip feel modern rather than overly retro?
Pietsch: Keep the flip soft and only at the ends. I prep using L’Oreal professional Flex PLI after blowdrying, then I use a 1 3/4″ curling iron and flip upward, then don’t overdo it. Finish with a tiny bit of hairspray for some hold.
For clients bringing celebrity-inspired flipped bobs into the salon as inspiration, what should stylists consider when adapting the look to different face shapes, hair textures, and densities?
Pietsch: Start with a real consultation and a photo, and be honest about what’s realistic. Face shape affects where the length lands and how much face framing you add. Fine hair can handle a blunter line, while thicker hair needs internal weight removed so it doesn’t puff out. With curlier textures, cut with shrinkage in mind and think through how the client will style it at home.
If you recreate Ari’s flipped bob for your next client, we need to know about it. Tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok.
