In a sea of updos – from sleek ballet buns to Rihanna’s spiky topknot – one hairstyle made us do a double-take at the 2023 Oscars. Enter the asymmetrical bob, which Halle Berry decided to debut with aplomb on the red carpet.
This year has already seen a plethora of bobs, with everything from Hailey Bieber's undone bob to the chopped bob trending. But, as Halle just proved, we're not done just yet. Bobs can look cool with that French-Girl non-chalance and edgy layers. They can look cute with tonnes of added volume like the cub cut or bubble bob.
But in Halle's case, her asymmetrical bob, with a tumble of finger waves skimming her left cheekbone, manages to tick all boxes. It also manages to conjure up 1940s Old Hollywood waves while the length speaks to flapper girl playfulness.
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It's not the first time that Halle has experimented with a choppy bob. She chose the 2021 Oscars to tease a pixie-like micro bob, after all. But it's the latest iteration that really makes her caramel ombré ‘curl lights’ sing. And, according to top hairdressers, it's high time the asymmetrical bob had its turn in the spotlight.
"Asymmetrical bobs are making a huge comeback," proclaims Jessica Neil from KH Hair. "This all-time favourite is a great style as it can suit all different face shapes and hair textures depending on which length/style of asymmetric haircut you go for," she said.
What is an asymmetrical bob?
Describing the style in more detail, Jennifer Regan, the founder of 81 Rose Garden, said: "An asymmetrical bob is shorter in length than some other bobs and cut into an uneven shape, so one side is longer than the other. It's a classic style and puts a twist on a normal bob making it fun and expressive."
How do you style the asymmetrical bob and is it high maintenance?
There are two options for wearing this style; a jaw-length asymmetrical bob is best worn straight with a deep side parting and a sharp blunt edge line. "Tuck the shorter side behind one ear to scream sophistication," suggests Jessica. "Wearing a hair accessory on the shorter side can really make a statement, too."
A longer asymmetric bob should also be worn with a deep side parting. "It looks stunning with loose beach waves created using GHD platinum straighteners. This super on-trend look gives an effortless beach vibe yet still oozes glam," says Jessica.
“Use a dry shampoo to spray the roots to give extra lift,” she adds, recommending Sebastian Professional Drynamic+ Dry Shampoo. "Gently brush out the ends so the waves look a bit less ‘beachy’ and more ‘girls’ night out’."
On natural-textured curls, take a leaf out of hairstylist's Sara Seward's book. In a series of Stories, she revealed the Virtue Labs styling products she used to create Halle's asymmetrical bob, which included the Curl-Defining Whip and Curl-Defining Gel. A diffuser will retain the hair's curl pattern and use your hands to manipulate the shape of the strands while drying.
Kelly May at Neville Hair and Beauty even suggests taking the trend one step further by sprucing up your hair colour at the same time.
She said: "Asymmetrical short hair in itself is quite the statement hairstyle but when you pair it with a vivid hair colour, you have yourself a seriously on-trend style. Perfect for those who want to not only embrace a new shape but change up their whole look."
For best results, why not try the viral peek-a-boo hair colour trend that involves dyeing the under layer of your hair in a vivid colour for a subtle take on a bold look. Or how about the popular two-toned 'skunk' strands that frame the face better than contouring ever could?
The choice is yours, but above all work with – rather than fight against – your hair's natural texture and own it.
