An asymmetric cut is a haircut in which the hair is cut in such a way that the hair does not have left-right symmetry and one side is cut or appears to be longer than the other.[1] It is a versatile hairstyle with many subvariations.[1][2] Usually it is a combination of two separate styles, one for each side.[1]
An extreme variation is the side shave, in which one side of the head is totally or partially shaved close.[3]
Asymmetric cuts can confer an aesthetic property known to professional hairdressers and cosmetologists as "asymmetrical balance" when they balance asymmetrical facial features.[15]: 237–238,251 [16]: 158,160 Hairdressers advise the use of an asymmetric cut for clients with asymmetrical features, such as a crooked nose, because symmetrical hairstyles draw attention to facial asymmetries.[1][15]: 245 Experts on personal appearance management in business offer the same advice.[17]: 99 The asymmetry of the hairstyle should be opposite to that of the facial feature.[18] Asymmetrical styles that show the ears can make the face look slimmer, and hence are advised for clients with round faces or wide-set eyes.[15]: 427 [16]: 156 If the client wears eyeglasses, an asymmetric cut can distract attention from them.[16]: 156 Asymmetric cuts are often more "trendy" than symmetrical hairstyles.[15]: 237
Psychology
Psychological experiments have shown that hairstyle asymmetries are helpful, although not necessary, in determining whether or not an image of a familiar face has been mirror-reversed.[19]