From TikTok to Instagram trends, it’s all about the retro vibes these days. Sorry millennials—the ’90s and 2000s are included. To make sure your hair joins in on the throwback action, there’s one look that should be on your radar—the retro flip hairstyle trend. Our favorite celebs including Rihanna and Kylie Jenner have been rocking the look and doing it really well.

This hairstyle originated in the 1960s and was later popularized in the ’90s, hairstylist Cash Lawless reminds us. It’s officially back with a vengeance. The best thing about this flip hairstyle is that there are so many ways to rock it. Whether you’re throwing in some hair clips or adding bangs, there’s a twist to this look to suit you.

We caught up with Lawless, as well as hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, to get the scoop on this re-emerging style and exactly how to make it work on your own hair at home. In addition, stylist and salon owner Ursula Stephen gave us the scalp-care tips we need to ensure the health of our hair. Keep reading to find out.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Book That Haircut

Before you can nail the style, you have to have the right cut. This isn’t really a DIY situation. After all, you don’t want to get scissor-happy on your hair or extensions and end up ruining the look before you have a chance to rock it. Lawless stresses having the proper cut before attempting this style. “[This] is going to be your foundation for whether or not you pull this off well,” he says. “A one-length haircut, with significant density on the ends and with the length meeting just at the collarbone, will get you a beautiful, full, long-lasting flip that hits right at the shoulder. You can go a little longer, but I recommend you flip the hair once the length gets past the collar bone.”

Wash and Prep the Hair

Whether you’re opting to try this style on your natural hair or with hair extensions, it’s essential to care for your strands first. The last thing you want to do is damage your hair in the process. The shampoo, conditioner and leave-in products best for you depend on your hair’s needs, but both Lawless and Fitzsimons recommend starting with a heat protectant. We like Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray ($13.99 at Amazon).

Stephen emphasizes caring for your scalp while sporting on-trend styles. If you have textured hair and are opting for wigs or extensions, this is especially important. She recommends using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner line such as Dove Dermacare Scalp ($4.99 at Amazon).

Source: Instagram

Add Volume With the Right Products

Fitzsimons is no stranger to the voluminous hair flip and has even done the style on Kylie Jenner. If you’re concerned with volume while blow-drying, especially if you’re not using hair extensions, he recommends NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Blowout Jelly ($13 at Ulta) to pump up the volume in your strands and achieve non-sticky hold. For heat protection and memory (lasting, touchable hold), Lawless loves Seven Haircare Heat Defense ($19 at Amazon) to prepare your hair for the big flip.

Choose Your Hot Tools

Since you’re working with heat again, you should apply additional heat-protectant to your hair. Fitzsimons likes Tigi Copyright Custom Create Heat Protection Spray ($14 at Amazon) which conditions and softens hair. The actual hot tools you use depend mostly on what you feel comfortable with. While Lawless prefers using a curling iron for better heat control (300 degrees or less!), on the flip side, Fitzsimons prefers a flatiron with rounded plates. 

Source: Instagram

Section Hair and Start the Flip

There are so many modern twists to the flip; the possibilities are endless. If you’re like Fitzsimons and love a classic look with a touch of a ’90s feel, you can keep it parted down the middle and add some ’90s-inspired accessories. To switch it up a bit, Lawless is a fan of the trending half-up half-down style.

Once your hair is dry, cur pieces outward, rotating the flat iron or curling iron toward you. Remember to lightly comb through your hair before curling to avoid tangles throughout the process. Also, be sure to refrain from tightly clamping your hair with your tool to prevent denting the hair. You don’t want crimp lines going through the ends.

Make It Last

If hairspray makes you think of crunchy, stiff hair, we have some great news. Both hairstylists recommended some of their favorite soft hold products to help make the style last without the crunchy feel. Lawless recommends Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 ($18.50 at Ulta), which resists wind and humidity all day. Fitzsimons, on the other hand, loves Redken Fashion Work 12 Medium Hold Hairspray ($21 at Ulta), which contains vitamins A and E.

Treat Your Scalp

If you choose to achieve this style using wigs, Stephen reminds us to care for our hair underneath. You want to keep your hair and scalp moisturized at all times. If you’re concerned with product build-up between washes, she recommends using a lightweight natural oil such as jojoba. This particular oil mimics the natural oil (or sebum) that comes from our scalps. All hair types can use jojoba oil, but the amount varies based on texture and density. For example, curly to kinky hair textures will probably require more than straight or wavy hair types.

Whichever way you flip, this retro style is totally worth giving a go this season and beyond.

A
common theme I’ve noted in my work as a physical therapist is a loss of
confidence in all areas of life that usually accompanies a decline in physical
function, particularly in adults over the age of 60.

Once
it happens, it leads to a long road rebuilding this confidence and often leaves
those it happens to never getting back to the place they were before.

And
it makes so much sense. A loss of physical abilities leads to difficulty
leaving home, participating in much-loved activities, and creating a dependency
on others for survival. This quickly leads to a feeling of isolation,
depression, and loneliness which further perpetuates the cycle of decline.

So,
armed with this information, how can you prevent the loss of confidence in your
future?

On
one hand, it’s not entirely possible to prevent every medical event. Even
those who make all the right lifestyle choices can still end up with a chronic
condition. 

On the other hand, however, we can all choose how we will react to and live with a chronic condition. And those who start with a good set of lifestyle habits often find they can live a fulfilled life despite their circumstances.

One
difference I’ve picked up on is adults who age well generally have a strong
sense of body awareness. They’ve cultivated the habit of tuning into their
body, can pick up on subtle signs of change, and are proactive in taking action
to prevent decline before it happens.

You
can develop this same body awareness through learning physical literacy
and a basic set of physical skills.
Let’s talk about where you should start.

What Is Physical Literacy?

Physical
literacy is the basic knowledge and understanding of what movements your body
is capable of.

Each
and every one of us has access to a given set of movements in order to
experience our world in a meaningful way. For example, the ability to get on and off the floor not
only keeps you physically strong but also gives a different perspective to view
the world.

All
human adults should also be able to hold a deep squat, stand on one leg comfortably,
and reach their arms up overhead. Without the ability to perform each of these
simple movements, we can’t experience our world to the fullest.

The
loss of these skills often begins at a younger age (in some cases even as young
as your 20s or 30s!), but the manifestation of the loss of small things doesn’t
become a big deal until we age and experience some kind of medical event. 

Seemingly
overnight, physical skills that once came naturally to us suddenly disappear,
limiting our mobility. Unfortunately, when this happens our interaction with
our environment becomes limited and by proxy, we lose a lot of mental
stimulation along with the loss of physical strength.

Do
you need to be a medical professional to have an understanding of how the human
body works?

Certainly
not. Each and every one of us should have a handle on the most basic
terminology of our physical health and how a loss of mobility can impact our
health in a variety of ways.

For
example, even a slight loss of walking speed can be a strong early predictor
for risk of dementia, functional decline, frailty, or even death.

Grip
strength is strongly correlated with a higher risk of heart conditions. Having
this knowledge gives you the ability to assess your own movement and physical
ability as vital signs.

Start Building Your Confidence Through a Strong Mind-Body Connection

So how do you start to build physical literacy and a basic set of skills?

A great starting point is to develop a strong mind-body connection.

As stated
above, a commonality of adults who age well is they’ve all taken the time to
develop body awareness.

They
catch on to changes in their physical health and have systems in place to
circumvent medical events. And even if it can’t be prevented, these individuals
also tend to recover much better than those who don’t have a good awareness of
their health.

It Begins with Developing a Sense of Mindfulness 

Ask
yourself a lot of questions about how you are feeling before you make any
changes to help you identify the areas in need of work.

Then
start to implement small changes and continue this process of self-assessment.

And
really, that is all there is to developing body awareness. Simple in theory, a
little more difficult in practice, but once you adopt this habit it will become
second nature and drastically improve how you age! Watch your confidence soar
as you refine this skill over time.

What
can you do today to become more conscious about your physical state? Can you
recognize the subtle signs of arising physical issues? What experiences can you
share about being mindful of your body? Please use the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

Have you ever taken a cue from the ostrich to bury your head in the sand? Today that’s exactly what I’m doing. No TV news, no phone news feed alerting me of the political scene that is such a quagmire, no discussion with others on the latest atrocity that has happened in the world.

Have You Reached Your Limit?

I’ve reached my limit. I feel helpless. I’m the type that likes to work toward change. If there’s an injustice, I want to help set it straight. If someone is rude, I want to hit them with all the kindness I have to help them see that rude is not the way to change the world.

I’m a writer and coach on happiness and getting the most out of every day. Today, I feel that the media and well-meaning people discussing the latest news alerts, have taken a chunk out of my outlook that’s normally rosy and positive. I’ve reached my limit. Today, I can’t take it.

Action Steps for a Head in the Sand Day

I’m setting out on working the magic that will help my mood, my gloomy outlook, and helpless feeling to lighten a bit.

My first and easiest action step is turning off all news, newsfeeds, and discussions on anything other than good stuff. There’s lots of good stuff happening every day. People are being kind, helping others, giving generously, and caring. I’m going to seek out those stories, or at least remember a few and review them in my head, instead of the other stories that have led to feeling like helpless crap today.

Banana Bread Will Help

Second strategy is, making banana bread. OK, I know banana bread is not a formula for feeling better. But what it will do is set my brain on thinking about something else. The Huffington Post backs me up with this article on “The Very Real Psychological Benefits of Cooking,” stating that cooking is a form of self-care.

People in my household LOVE banana bread so making this is an act of doing something for someone else. There’s no better way to get your mind off of how you feel than thinking and doing something for someone else. I actually have a list of things to do when I get in a funk. Do you?

Here are some examples: Finding recipes then cooking good healthy food, riding my bike, sitting on my beautiful deck, reading a good book. Sometimes I watch YouTube videos on funny things animals do. Since I’m an animal lover, that’s a good one! What would you add to this list for yourself?

Use Pen and Paper

Then, I think I’ll write a little about what I’m grateful for. Now this could take a while. When I think or write about this, I experience a shift right in my brain. I start to go down a different neuron path.

Did you know that writing something down with pen and paper can increase neural activity in certain parts of the brain, just like meditation? Barbara Bash wrote an article that talks about how writing can bring you into the present where we can experience joy.

Writing about how my heart is grateful is a neuron path that lifts my heart and shifts how I see everything in my world. Top of the list is my husband. He’s kind and funny, talented and loving. I’ve been married twice before. It took me this long to find real love and settle into this relationship I only dreamed about having.

The road to get here has been full of pain and struggle. I’m here though, and just reminding myself of him at the top of the list, has already brought my heart up a notch. Is there someone in your life that is like this for you?

It could be a grandchild, a neighbor, or a friend. If not, continue to nurture and value the relationships you have. Maybe finding more friends could be your priority as this year plays out. The top of your grateful list can be your pet or your comfy home. Whatever it is, remind yourself of it.

Take a Nap

One last thing I’ll do this afternoon, is take a nap. I need to calm down inside. The frustration that comes from present world situations has me worked up. When laying down in my comfy spot with my cat curled up beside me, I’ve found that reviewing something that I’m happy about is a good way to calm my internal thoughts.

Twenty-minute naps can be very good for you! To calm myself down for a nap, I can walk through my tiny condo on the sea, in my mind… room by room. I take note of the wall color, the furnishings, the artwork. I can picture this so clearly, it’s as if I’ve taken a flight there and stepped into the condo.

This settles my mind and helps me calm for a nap. Have you ever tried imagining a place so clearly that you feel you are there? My husband and I are planning a trip out of the country. We have watched so many travel videos to this spot, I’m convinced I will feel right at home when we finally get to go.

Sometimes, I walk through the shops and streets of the major town we will visit. I’ve not been there yet, but my mind can focus on what I believe it will be like, and my emotions jump to a better place. These content thoughts help me start to get sleepy!

Today, the Sand Is OK

This is my “head in the sand” strategy for today. Tomorrow, I may feel ready to face the news again, we’ll see. Oh, and by the way, ostriches do not stick their heads in the sand. This is a common metaphor for someone avoiding their problems. Just for today, that’s what I’m doing.

What will you do today if you are in media overload? What action steps would lighten the day? Can you tune out the TV or stop searching your phone for news? Please share your strategies!

I’m personally not financially ready to commit to botox. I already get my hair highlighted, and that’s already an expensive beauty habit, so I’ve been on the hunt for Botox alternatives that won’t break the bank—no matter how off the wall they sound. My roommate recently told me that her coworker had been wearing wrinkle patches to soften fine lines at home since she wasn’t on Zoom calls and no one was seeing her face anyway. Naturally, I was intrigued by her injection-free “hack,” which prompted me to look for some of my own. After some research, I found these best-selling wrinkle patches called Frownies on Amazon, and I had to try them out for myself.

Her coworker’s mentality certainly makes sense—If you aren’t on constant Zoom calls all day (or can take calls in camera-off mode), you might as well take advantage of WFH life while you still can and wear wrinkle patches all day long. I mean, it might be a little harder to pull off in your office—unless you work at a place like STYLECASTER, of course. We’d understand. I promise.

The Frownies wrinkle patches go over the horizontal lines on your forehead, which I have been rocking since I was a teenager, and your smile lines around your mouth—hence the name, Frownies. These patches have more than 13,400 reviews and an impressive 3.9-star rating. The patches are made with vegetable-based adhesive, which you wet before applying them to keep them in place.

Some reviewers recommend that you can put a retinol or a serum you use at night underneath the product, so the patches promote better absorption of the serum and boost their anti-aging effects. The brand recommends wearing Frownies three hours a day, multiple times a week to get the best results. In fact, some reviewers even go to bed in their patches—talk about beauty sleep.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of Frownies.

Anti-Wrinkle Patches

You get a total of 144 patches in this set and can customize them to fit your face.

Buy: Frownies Forehead & Between Eyes Patches $20

While the patches require continuous use to work their magic, It seems like they’re training my muscles to not move or make exaggerated expressions while I’m going about my day. For example, I notice that I furrow my brow when I’m working and I can’t even feel it. Sure, it might be partially placebo the effect, but hey, it’s worth trying.