Big Forehead? Hairstyles & Makeup Tricks To Visually Shrink It
Ever felt self-conscious about your forehead, wishing it could magically appear smaller? The truth is, with the right hairstyles and makeup tricks, you absolutely can!
The world of beauty often focuses on symmetry and proportion, and sometimes, a prominent forehead can feel like an obstacle to achieving that "ideal" look. But don't despair. The key lies in understanding how to work with your features, not against them. By employing strategic techniques, you can draw attention away from the forehead and create a more balanced appearance. We're not talking about drastic measures, but rather smart, subtle adjustments that make a world of difference.
Let's delve into the world of hairstyles first. The right haircut can be your best friend when it comes to framing your face and minimizing the visual impact of a larger forehead. Bangs, in particular, are a game-changer. Consider blunt bangs, reaching or covering the eyebrows, swooped to one side, or even choppy styles. These all work wonders in concealing the forehead and drawing the eye downwards. The versatility of bangs means you can experiment and find the perfect fit for your face shape and personal style.
However, before we jump into specific haircut recommendations, let's address the elephant in the room (or rather, on the forehead): understanding different forehead shapes. Foreheads aren't one-size-fits-all. They come in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics. Recognizing your forehead shape is crucial in choosing the most flattering hairstyles. Is it high, wide, round, or perhaps a combination? Once you know the shape, you can tailor your hairstyle accordingly.
For men, the average forehead height is around 2.4 inches (6.1 cm), with a deviation of about 0.4 inches. The average width is roughly 5.4 inches (13.7 cm), with a deviation of 0.7 inches. These figures offer a general guideline, but individual variations are perfectly normal.
Parting your hair strategically is another powerful tool in your arsenal. A well-placed part can visually break up the expanse of the forehead, making it appear less prominent. Experiment with different partings off-center, side-swept, or even a deep side part to see what best complements your face shape.
Now, let's explore some specific hairstyle options that are particularly well-suited for those with larger foreheads. Remember, the goal is to create the illusion of balance and to draw attention to your other beautiful features. Many of the listed hairstyles focus on adding volume or texture around the face to help balance the forehead.
| Haircut | Description | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Bangs | Blunt, side-swept, or choppy bangs. | Directly conceals the forehead and creates a softer, more balanced look. |
| Layers | Face-framing layers. | Adds movement and dimension around the face, breaking up the visual expanse of the forehead. |
| Pixie Cut with Bangs | A short, textured pixie cut with bangs. | The bangs provide coverage, while the texture adds interest and prevents the style from looking flat. |
| Long Shag with Wispy Bangs | A layered, textured shag with wispy, feathery bangs. | The wispy bangs soften the forehead, and the layers add movement and volume. |
| Side-Swept Styles | Styles with hair swept dramatically to one side. | Creates asymmetry and draws attention away from the center of the forehead. |
| Asymmetrical Bob | A bob cut with one side longer than the other. | The asymmetry adds visual interest and can help to balance facial features. |
| Curly Hairstyles (with volume) | Enhance the curl pattern with products and techniques that provide lift at the roots. | Adds volume and texture to the top of the head, which can help to balance the forehead. |
| Mullet | Modern naturally curly or permed mullets that can work well for larger foreheads, providing the necessary coverage without sacrificing style. | The coverage can help conceal the forehead, and the modern twist makes it stylish. |
| Bowl Cut | Also known as the mushroom cut, the bowl haircut is trimmed uniform and blunt all around the head. Pair the mushroom hairstyle with an undercut or taper fade for a fresh look. | The coverage can help conceal the forehead. |
| Updos with Bangs or Face-Framing Pieces | A casual updo, secured with a claw clip, is the perfect hairstyle for work, errands, or a coffee date with friends, with bangs or loose pieces to soften the look | The bangs or face-framing pieces provide coverage and soften the overall look. |
Beyond hairstyles, makeup can also be a powerful ally. Contouring is a technique that can be used to visually reshape the face, including the forehead. By applying a darker shade of contouring powder or cream along the hairline, you can create the illusion of a smaller forehead. Blending is crucial to ensure a seamless, natural look. Highlighting, on the other hand, should be used sparingly on the forehead; focus instead on highlighting the cheekbones and other features to draw attention away.
The world is full of beauty inspriation. One such inspiration is Tyra Banks, supermodel, actress, and television personality, Banks openly discussed her experiences with having a prominent forehead. This level of candor and the use of the term "fivehead" (a humorous reference to a forehead that appears to take up five fingers of space) resonates with many women who have similar experiences. This level of visibility from major celebrities, further validates the importance of the issue.
The best approach is to try and understand that you are not alone, and many women have the same issues and the solutions are often simple. If social media memes aren't helping, by ridiculing women with larger foreheads, or accusing them of storing memories, it is important to not believe them and try to find helpful resources and communities that are dedicated to help the issue.
For those with curly hair, enhancing your natural curl pattern can be a great way to add volume and create a more balanced look. Using a curl-enhancing mousse while your hair is still damp will help define your curls and prevent them from losing their shape throughout the day. This added volume can help to offset the appearance of a larger forehead.
Remember that every face is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to experiment, find what you like, and embrace your individuality. Don't be afraid to consult with a hairstylist who can offer personalized recommendations based on your face shape, hair type, and style preferences. A professional can also advise on the best techniques for using makeup to create your desired look.
