An asymmetrical hairstyle with voluminous curls swept to one side is a timeless choice that exudes elegance and modern sophistication. This look beautifully showcases healthy, lustrous hair by combining soft texture with a structured, yet natural, finish. It's a versatile style, perfect for both special events and elevating an everyday look. Achieving this artful cascade of curls requires a thoughtful approach to preparation, styling, and finishing to ensure it looks flawless and lasts throughout the day or night.
Preparing Your Hair for Styling
The foundation of any great hairstyle is well-prepared hair. For a look defined by volume and bounce, it's essential to start with a clean base that encourages lift from the roots.
- Cleansing and Conditioning: Begin by washing your hair with a volumising shampoo and conditioner. These products are formulated to be lightweight, cleansing the hair without weighing it down, which is crucial for achieving height and body. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind.
- Applying Foundation Products: While your hair is still damp, apply products that will build volume and protect against heat. A volumising mousse or foam worked through the roots and mid-lengths will provide structure and lift. Crucially, always apply a heat protectant spray from roots to ends. This creates a barrier between your hair and the heat from styling tools, preventing damage and helping to maintain hair health.
- The Blow-Dry Technique: For maximum volume, blow-dry your hair upside down, focusing the airflow on the roots. Use your fingers to lift the hair away from the scalp. When the hair is about 80% dry, flip your head back up and continue drying with a large round brush, lifting sections at the crown upwards and away from your head to create lasting volume.
Creating Soft, Voluminous Curls
The heart of this style lies in the curls themselves. The goal is to create soft, bouncy curls rather than tight ringlets. The right tool and technique are key to achieving this effect.
Choosing Your Styling Tool
The size of your curling tool will determine the size of your curls. For this look, a curling wand or tongs with a barrel size of 1.25 to 1.5 inches is ideal. This will create large, soft curls that can be brushed out into a gentle wave. Hot rollers can also be an excellent alternative for creating uniform, voluminous curls with a gentle setting process.
The Curling Process
To ensure a polished and cohesive look, follow a systematic approach to curling:
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Clipping away the parts you aren't working on will make the process cleaner and more efficient.
- Curl Away From the Face: Take a section of hair (about 1-2 inches wide) and wrap it around the curling barrel. For a modern, open look, always direct the curls away from your face on both sides.
- Hold and Release: Hold the hair around the barrel for 5-10 seconds, depending on your hair's texture and how well it holds a curl. Gently release the hair and allow the curl to cool down in your hand for a moment before letting it drop. For extra hold, you can pin the curl to your scalp while it cools completely.
- Repeat: Continue this process around your entire head, ensuring all sections are curled in a consistent direction.
Achieving the Asymmetrical Side Sweep
Once all your hair is curled and has completely cooled, it's time to create the signature asymmetrical shape. This step transforms the curls into an elegant, swept-over style.
- Create a Deep Side Parting: Using a tail comb, create a clean, deep side part. The side with more hair will form the voluminous cascade, while the other side will be slicked back neatly.
- Soften the Curls: Gently brush through the curls with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. This will break them up and transform them into soft, flowing waves. Be gentle to avoid pulling out the bounce and volume you've created.
- Arrange and Secure: Gather the hair from the smaller side of the parting. Smooth it back towards the nape of your neck, keeping it tight against your head. Secure it discreetly with bobby pins that match your hair colour. You can create a criss-cross pattern with the pins for extra security. The voluminous, curled side should then be draped over the secured section, completely hiding the pins and creating a seamless, one-sided flow of hair.
Finishing Touches for Lasting Hold and Shine
The final step is to lock your style in place and add a touch of glamour. A good finish ensures your voluminous curls will hold their shape without looking stiff or unnatural.
Mist your entire head with a flexible-hold hairspray. This will provide control and fight humidity without sacrificing movement. To add a healthy, lustrous finish, apply a small amount of shine spray or a lightweight hair serum. It's best to spray it onto your hands first and then gently smooth it over the surface of the hair to avoid concentrating too much product in one area and weighing down the curls. For an extra boost of volume that lasts, you can lightly tease the roots at the crown before arranging the final sweep.
