The bob has been dominating hair trends for a while now, with offshoots like the lob and French bob also gaining traction. Even with all this talk of bobs, we didn’t see this trend coming—the asymmetrical bob. If you want to get the edgy inverted bob look, here’s everything you need to know before the chop.
Featured experts
- Kathleen Riley is a celebrity hairstylist and Nexxus ambassador
- Marie Nino is a professional colorist and stylist
What is an asymmetrical bob?
Asymmetrical bob, inverted bob, angled bob and graduated bob all live in the same family—they’re funky uneven chops. Simply put, it’s “a short hairstyle that has one side longer than the other,” says celebrity hairstylist and Nexxus ambassador Kathleen Riley. Professional colorist and hairstylist Marie Nino calls it a bold, modern cut with a sharp, uneven length.
“This style adds an edgy twist and can be tailored to complement different face shapes and hair textures, giving you a look that stands out and feels uniquely yours,” says Nino. “The asymmetry creates movement and interest, offering a fresh, personalized take on the classic bob.”
How to cut an asymmetrical bob
Now, we’re not suggesting you take shaping an asymmetrical bob into your own hands—this is definitely a look better left to the professionals. However, we think it’s good to have some expert insight on how the look happens. Approaches are likely to vary by stylist.
Riley prefers “a more subtle asymmetrical bob, but you can also make it more dramatic.” She tends to cut the back one length and one side the same length as the back. “For the other side, I over direct to the back so when it falls forward, it’s longer than the other side,” she says.
Nino begins “by creating a part and cutting the shorter side first. Hold the hair at a 45-degree angle for a more dramatic slant, tapering toward the back. On the longer side, pull the hair back slightly while cutting to maintain length and create a forward angle toward the face.” Then add layers “by lifting the hair at a 180-degree angle for texture and movement, ensuring the transition between lengths stays smooth and balanced.”
How to style an asymmetrical bob
There are many ways to style an asymmetrical bob—it all depends on what look you’re going for. Riley likes to begin by applying Nexxus Prep & Protect Heat Defense Spray ($16) for shine and heat protection and then blow dry hair. For a sleek, polished appearance, Nino recommends using a straightening iron, like the GHD Platinum+ Styler ($279), to smooth the hair. Following a good flat ironing “to show off the asymmetry,” Riley goes in with Nexxus Comb Thru Flexible Hold Hairspray ($16) to lock it all in place.
For a more tousled, voluminous look, Nino recommends adding a texturizing spray like the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($52) or IGK Beach Club Texture Spray ($34). “For wavy or curly hair, you can apply a curling cream or mousse and air-dry or diffuse for texture,” she says. Pro tip: “A side part can emphasize the asymmetry, while a center part adds modernity.”
Asymmetrical bob inspiration
