Growing out an asymmetrical bob requires patience and tolerance; even when the front section has finally surpassed the collarbone, the bulk of it still hovers at the shoulders. Now, however, the formerly bobbed can hold their mismatched heads of hair high: The grown-out look is in, be it highlights ( Rachel Bilson got foils at Andy Lecompte Salon on Monday, inches away from her part) or haircuts. Examples of the latter include Ashley Olsen and Emily Blunt, who snipped her long strands into a faux outgrown bob last Friday. Laini Reeves, her longtime stylist, reveals why Blunt's coif is a do.
Who should get this hairstyle?
Someone who wants the best of both worlds—you get the shape of a shorter cut but the longer length allows you to still wear your hair in a pony. Though there's about a two-inch difference in length between the front and the back, the asymmetry is just barely noticeable. It's very much a grown-out look. We wanted it to appear as though it'd been cut a few months ago.
How did you and Emily decide on the do?
She said she wanted to go shorter and have a more modern look, but keep it soft and effortless. I cut round, long layers to help release weight and give the hair lift; Emily has naturally curly hair, so the layers allow her wave to come through.
I also made sure not to cut her hair solid or blunt. Rather than a solid line, I broke it up and shattered it so that the style looks soft whether it's worn straight or curly. Even when I do bobs, I don't cut in a complete geometric line—I'll cut it softer so that the look is more versatile.
At the Golden Globes, Emily went wavy. Any styling tips?
It was raining the night of the Golden Globes and Emily's hair has a natural wave to it, so I needed to use styling products that would enhance her curls but control frizz. I applied the Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream and Living Proof Full Thickening Cream—since there's no silicone in them the hair doesn't get sticky and maintains some movement. After letting Emily's hair air-dry for a bit, I blew it dry and used curling irons to enhance the wave; I used two different barrel sizes to create a more natural-looking, imperfect style.
You're also responsible for Emily's hair color. How did you decide on dark brown?
She used to be a blond many years ago, but she gradually darkened her hair over years—we feel that chocolate brown suits her pale skin best.
Is it a myth that dying your hair darker can wash out your complexion?
If you have a pale complexion it can't be a warm brown; it has to be a cool brown. Chocolate brown is cool and has blue undertones in it so it really helps enhance blue eyes like Emily's. But warmer browns have red undertones which can have a weird effect on pale skin.
In general, rich, solid colors like Emily's—versus more stripy highlights—are very stylish. I think we'll be seeing a lot more chocolate browns and golden blonds in 2010.
