If there’s one hairstyle that never goes out of style, it’s the bob. Maybe you’ve rocked before, or maybe you’ve always wanted to rock. Well, in any case, there’s a new variation on the bob that’s everywhere now, and even many A-listers are enjoying it: the asymmetrical bob haircut. This slightly slanted bob version is flattering for a variety of reasons, and getting a bob can be a huge boon to your confidence. If you want to know more about asymmetrical bobs, check out some celebrity inspiration photos (like Zendaya’s) and keep scrolling.
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What is an asymmetric bob?
As the name suggests, an asymmetrical bob is when one side of the style is slightly longer than the other. The change in length on each side can be subtle or more dramatic depending on your preference. This style may seem new, but like many things, asymmetrical bob was very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, so what’s old is new again. As you can see below, this style is just as popular today with many stars appearing on the red carpet in this style.
To get this cut, talk to your hairdresser and tell them you want an asymmetrical bob. These will help you determine what lengths are and how subtle or severe the differences in length on each side are. Check out @sabrinastyle7’s TikTok below to see women opting for an asymmetrical bob.
@sabrinastyle7
Asymmetrical bob! sabrinahair.com #sfstylist#lastylist#transformationhaircuts#beforeandafter#asianstylist#sfhairstylist#sfhair#lahair#beforeandafterhair#ametricbob
♬ Original song – Sabrina Tsang
Advantages of asymmetric bob
1. An asymmetrical bob makes your hair look thicker.
The asymmetrical bob structure and shape makes the entire hair look fuller. Additionally, add volume and movement to your hair by adding layers and a slanted silhouette.
2. An asymmetrical bob frames your face
This cut is suitable for a variety of hair lengths, but no matter where your hair is, it will help draw attention to your beautiful facial features, such as your eyes and cheekbones. Celebrity hairstylist Gregory Patterson adds, “Uneven lengths, whether from side to side or front to back, look fresh, youthful, and easy to style.”
3. Asymmetrical bob flatters every face shape
One of the biggest benefits of an asymmetrical bob is that you can achieve it with any face shape.
For round faces: “The angular style of an uneven bob focuses on ‘slimming’ the face while contouring the cheeks,” says celebrity hairstylist Carrie Butterworth.
For square faces: The slope of an asymmetrical bob takes the focus away from your square jaw. A rounded shape will further soften your jawline.
For heart-shaped faces: The rounded silhouette of this cut helps offset a harsh, angular jawline.
For oval faces: Lengthening the hair on one side of the face creates visual width to the face and balances out the narrowness of the face.
4. Asymmetrical bob is suitable for all hair types and lengths
As mentioned above, this cut can fall just above the ears, chin, and shoulders, and even if you want a short hairstyle, you can choose an asymmetrical style. Also, this cut is suitable for all hair types and can be adjusted by your hairstylist to make your hair look its best.
5. Asymmetrical bob is low maintenance
Bobs sometimes get a bad rap for being high-maintenance, but this version is long on one side to begin with, so it stretches very well. If you are tired of the uneven shape, you can easily trim it to restore symmetry to your style. Bonus: As your hair grows, you can also play with sections of your hair to emphasize or hide the asymmetrical shape of your cut.
Celebrity Asymmetrical Bob Inspiration Photos
Noam Garay/Getty
Claire Danes has been rocking an asymmetrical bob of various lengths over the years. This mid-length style of hers frames her face beautifully.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
For those with curly or coiled hair, Taraji P. Henson’s bob is perfect. This shape goes very well with curly textures and gives mega body to your locks.
Steve Granitz/Getty
Adding a wavy texture to your bob, like Naomi Watts, will make your hair look thicker and fuller.
Steve Granitz/Getty
Another stunning curly asymmetrical bob is seen on Halle Berry. Her bob is a short, asymmetrical bob, but it does wonders to draw attention to her beautiful facial features.
Fraser Harrison/Getty
A younger generation of A-listers like Zendaya are also embracing the asymmetrical bob. Zendaya’s bob is on the subtle side of asymmetrical, but still gorgeous.
John Shearer/Getty
If you prefer a cropped, asymmetrical look, take inspiration from Gabrielle Union above. The texture of her ear-length crop tricks the eye into making the hair appear thicker, even if it’s a short hairstyle.
How to style an asymmetric bob
An asymmetrical bob can be styled in many different ways: smooth and straight, wavy, curly, and bouncy. Check out some styling techniques.
