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Bobs—and their slightly longer sisters, lobs—are largely associated with polish. Still, there are always ways to play. An asymmetrical lob is a haircut that takes on an unexpected shape, whether through back-to-front angling or mismatched sides.
Asymmetrical lobs often have deep side parts, the better to highlight the unbalanced chop. The styling choice inspires choices that counter the cut (think understated color and gentle waves) or lean into it (grown-out roots and shaggy ends). Regardless, an uneven long bob is worthy of a second look—both from passersby and those in need of a seasonal update.
Here, 20 asymmetrical lob haircuts that prove refinement is better with an edge.
Selena Gomez
Soft, partly pinned bends make the uneven nature of Selena Gomez's lob more understated than edgy. And then her well-chosen eye makeup (a wash of pale blue shadow and extra-long lashes) creates a throwback effect.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts may be best known for her extra-long auburn waves, but the actor is, in fact, a natural blonde. This angled and asymmetrical lob offers her bright beach waves some sophisticated funk.
Zendaya
The shaggy nature of Zendaya's brunette cut creates tiers of effortless asymmetry, a finish mirrored by her choppy fringe frame.
Shay Mitchell
It's a bleached-blonde world, and we're just living in it. Shay Mitchell's brush with blonde boasts A-lined ends and layers throughout, melding in a highly stylized shag.
Priyanka Chopra
Full-bodied and glamorous, Priyanka Chopra's lob is off balance in the best way. One shoulder-skimming side and one medium-length side show off the actress's spectrum of texture and provide a unique (and effective) face frame.
Taraji P. Henson
Pin-straight and sleek, Taraji P. Henson's lob angles down at the front for a slick take on asymmetry.
Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts is a hair chameleon, and this uneven lob combines several of her preferred aesthetic elements: rooty platinum, subtle bends, and piecey ends.
Rachel McAdams
For Rachel McAdams, a difference in length provides a quiet and accessible irreverence. (The moody merlot lip helps, too.)
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan's bendy bob comes with an extra inch on the side-swept side, the chop both easy and sophisticated, all with the chic appeal of a blunt lob.
Kerry Washington
Whether due to an actual salon session or a strategic part, Kerry Washington's asymmetrical lob is glossy and romantic.
Mila Kunis
Along with mismatched lengths, Mila Kunis's wavy lob comes with ends cut at a tapered angle. Though specific, the style reads timeless for its thoughtful merge of details.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is a fan of the classic lob: parted at center and snipped to skim shoulders. A single section cut a couple inches longer than the rest makes the look all the more memorable.
Margot Robbie
A deep and dramatic side part and angled ends lend to the asymmetry of Margot Robbie's super sleek lob, a look that she turns '60s mod with lids painted white.
Rihanna
Rihanna's take on asymmetry marked an entire era of her career. Though predominantly a straight and rounded shorn style, longer sections at the front push the cut into lob territory.
Kate Mara
Chantilly blonde and burnished roots infuse Kate Mara's asymmetrical lob with a uniquely sweet warmth.
Lucy Hale
Lucy Hale has embraced abbreviated lengths for a number of years, testing a wide array of variations along the way. A singular section at front snipped slightly longer than the rest sets this style apart.
Emma Stone
Fans of the year's flippy bob would do well to look to Emma Stone's interpretation, which comes with tousled textured and imperfect ends.
Zoe Kravitz
An uneven lob, but make it 1920s. Zoe Kravitz's bleached blonde buzz and baby braids give way to puffs of curls, one side halting a couple of inches above the shoulder, the other creeping toward the collarbone.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner's bob/lob hybrid is not-a-hair-astray smooth. Its rounded razored ends frame her chin on one side and jawline on the other.
Emily Ratajkowski
EmRata's lob gets its bombshell qualities via a dramatic part and a rumpled finish.