Exactly fifteen years ago today, Justin Bieber cut his signature “hair flip,” a hairstyle that had become synonymous with his teen heartthrob image, marking a pivotal moment in his evolution from teen sensation to mature artist.
At just 16, Bieber unveiled his new layered hairstyle on then-Twitter (now X) while filming a music video with country band Rascal Flatts, sending his massive fanbase into a frenzy. Reports noted that he had been contemplating the haircut for months to achieve a more grown-up look.
His hairstylist, Vanessa Price, told People, “Cutting your hair is just part of the evolution and growing process for anyone, and I think he was just ready. We’ve been talking about it over the last six months or so — more or less; it’s definitely been in the works for a while.”
In true Bieber fashion, he turned the haircut into a charitable gesture. A lock of his hair was auctioned in 2011 for $40,668, with proceeds going to an animal rights organization supported by Ellen DeGeneres. Bieber tweeted at the time, “Yeah, so it’s true… I got a little haircut… I like it… and we are giving all the haircuts to CHARITY to auction. Details coming soon.”
The iconic bowl cut, which dominated 2009–2010, became a massive fashion trend, with countless fans emulating Bieber’s style, cementing his influence not only in music but in pop culture. Today, the haircut is remembered as a defining symbol of his early career and his journey into stardom.