The perfect hair flip is an art form. It’s not a single maneuver, but a series of choices that make the difference between a forced, tense-lipped flip and one that looks and feels totally effortless.   

Let’s be clear: there is no single “right” way to flip your hair. There are, however, tools and tips you may want in your toolkit.

That’s why we’ve called in the big guns to create the official K18 guide to maximum bounce, shine, and drama for your hair flip—photographer and director Sarah Silver: the hair-flip expert behind K18 shoots.

step 1: pick your flip

Before you move a single strand, ask yourself one important question: what vibe am I going for?  Do I want to make people laugh? Am I opting in for drama or trying to keep it more low-key? 

Based on this, you can pick your flip:

the top flip (aka “the troll doll”)

You probably already know this classic. Flip your hair over so your head is upside down, and then flip it back up towards the sky.

• Named for the exact second your hair points straight up, resembling a troll doll.

• Best used sparingly. Powerful but admittedly goofy in a freeze-frame.

the side flip 

Look down diagonally, then swing hair across the face, then back again.

• “The light hits it better than the top flip,” says Silver.

the door stop

The perfect pair with the side flip, place your hand behind your head to prevent hair from flying backward behind your shoulders.

side-to-side swing

Exactly how it sounds! A big horizontal movement from keeping your hair moving as one. 

• Ideal for showing shine and movement.

the windshield wipers

Move your body side to side. Stop moving your body. Let your hair keep going. You can lean forward on a desk if you have short hair to give yourself more room for the hair to move.

• “It’s not a big motion! It’s bouncy and swinging on its own but then, I'm stopping my body and letting my hair continue the movement,” says Silver. 

step 2: choose your level

You can flip your hair with or without help, so decide if you are:

• Going solo

• Using tools (e.g. trampoline, blow dryer)

• Getting help from another person

• Or all of the above
  
  

There’s no wrong answer—only different levels of commitment and personal preference.

going solo

Remember that all hair flips can be done with just your body. Silver’s ultimate hack? “Tramping.” All it takes is a gentle bend of the knee to simulate the effects of a trampoline and give your hair effortless bounce. 

“You aren't shifting from foot to foot. Like you're doing a little hop because the hop will give you the down movement instead of the up movement with the hair,” says Silver. You can fake a trampoline anywhere. A bed, a couch, even your cold hard linoleum floors. 

Here’s how to tramp:

• Stay planted (don’t jump)

• Add a gentle bend of the knee

• Let your body move just enough to create hair movement

• Let the hair keep going after your body stops moving
  
  

level up with tools

These are totally optional, but fun if you want to pretend to be a photographer. 

• Fans: Controlled wind = instant movement

• Hair dryers: Especially helpful for shorter hair

• Trampolines: The holy grail for bounce, if you happen to have access

• Another person: They can hold your hair out and let it go as you capture the movement

Silver’s top hair flip tips

• Relax your face and keep your eyes open—you’re having fun!

• Let your body move gently, allow your neck and head to follow

• Make a little noise if it helps you loosen up (seriously)

However, there aren’t enough tools and hair hacks that can help you if your face or neck aren’t relaxed. Your hair flip might be perfect, but you'll want to think about what your face is doing. “You don't want to hold all the tension in your jaw, your neck, and your mouth,” says Silver. “It looks grimace-y. It's not the face you want in a photo. Relax!”

when to stop

Although she recommends getting several takes until you are happy with your hair flip—there is a tipping point where it becomes too much. Touching and flipping your hair repeatedly can cause it to get:

• Overworked

• Over-winded

• “Gummed up” (a very real stylist term)
  
  

If your hair stops flying nicely, texture starts to look dull or frizzy, or curls lose structure, you’ve gone too far. At this point, you have two options:

• A light brush-through (works best on straight hair)

• Or… call it. Fewer takes = better texture