The 'Karen' Haircut Gets a Chic Revival: Why Molly-Mae, Billie Fairs, and Frankie Bridge Are Making It This Autumn's Hottest Trend

Table of Contents

• Molly-Mae as a Trendsetter
• The Flicked Bob Hairstyle
• Three Hair Mistakes to Avoid
• Maintaining the Flicked Bob
• How to Achieve the Look

It's guaranteed that if she makes a change, countless Molly-Mae Hague lookalikes will follow suit.

So when the former Love Island star opted for a shorter, flicked bob, she effortlessly transformed the hairstyle into the must-have look for autumn.

Molly-Mae Hague is credited with making the flicked bob the hairstyle of the autumn seasonCredit: Splash Frankie Bridge has also been seen sporting the adorable ‘do – with flicked endsCredit: Instagram Billie Faiers looks incredibly chic with her ‘satin bob’Credit: Instagram Gigi Hadid is another celebrity who has embraced the stylish cut in recent monthsCredit: Instagram/dimitrishair

In doing so, she has reclaimed a style that was once associated with the 'Karen' stereotype.

While the bob itself isn't groundbreaking, it's the "flicked" way she styles the ends that makes it a trendsetter.

“I’ve been wearing it flicked out so it kind of bends out,” Molly shared with her sister Zoe in a video on her social media.

“And that gives me a more 'cool girl' vibe.

“When I flick it under, I feel a bit too old-fashioned.”

Molly-Mae first showcased her new hairstyle during the L’Oréal Paris Le Défilé show in September, after her longtime stylist Jack Luckhurst encouraged her to embrace a bold look.

At that time, he referred to it as a “satin bob,” explaining to Cosmopolitan : “We cut this bob because we wanted to create a wow factor and also wanted a change in day-to-day styling.

“This style is easy for Molly to manage at home while also providing a fresh image for both of us when creating new looks.”

According to hair expert Hester Wernert-Rijn, the key to this cut lies in its “precision.”

“The cut requires a perfect balance of structure and softness,” Hester, Global Creative Advocate at Authentic Beauty Concept & Founder and Fresha Ambassador, elaborated.

“The ends are flicked, but the movement should be fluid, not stiff.

“It’s a revival of a 90s blowout, refined with today’s subtle texture and shine.

“Think of it as modern volume that still has a sense of breathability.”

However, Hester cautioned that it’s ONLY a “super cool haircut” if you “have the time to maintain it,”

“The flick's success relies on the styling: the right round brush, a blow-dryer, and perhaps a smoothing serum to define those polished edges,” she added.

“When executed well, it’s iconic; when rushed, it loses its impact.