How to Cover Your Forehead Without Bangs

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 References

If you’re struggling with an unfortunate breakout or are simply hoping to try out a new look, you may want some options to cover your forehead without having to commit to bangs. Thankfully, you’re not alone and lots of people have been experimenting with alternative ways to cover up! Take some time to experiment with different looks to see which ones you like best and can add to your fashion arsenal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing Accessories

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Cover your forehead with a stylish hat that complements your outfit.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} There are tons of different styles of hats to choose from, so chances are you can find at least one that goes with your aesthetic. They’re a great way to hide your forehead while also adding a nice element to your ensemble. Consider some of these hat-wearing options:^{[2]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.}
- Stay warm in cooler weather with a colorful beanie.
- Pull on a sunhat or Panama hat to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Keep things casual with a traditional baseball cap.
- Create a classy look with a cloche or a beret.
2
Wear a head scarf to completely cover your forehead. Easily cover your forehead with a scarf by draping it over your head so it covers your hair, then tie it into a knot or bow at the nape of your neck. Pull the front of the scarf as far down on your forehead as you like.^{[3]
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- These accessories are super versatile and can be added to almost any outfit. Experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures, and have fun with these stylish scarves!
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3
Put your hair up and cover your forehead with a wide fabric headband. You can create this look with a low ponytail, high ponytail, or even a fun top knot. Put your hair back however you prefer, and then carefully position a headband over your hairline. Pull it down about 1 to 2 inches (25 to 51 mm) past your hairline to cover your forehead.^{[4]
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- You can also create this look with a soft, lightweight scarf. Simply fold the scarf over lengthwise several times so that it’s about 4 to 5 inches (100 to 130 mm) wide, and then tie it into place over your hairline.
4
Use a wig to create a lower hairline and cover your forehead. A wig or a toupee can be a great addition if you’re suffering from hair loss, thinning hair, or if you just want to lower your hairline. Plus, it can allow you to try out a different hairstyle or color than what you might normally wear.^{[5]
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- To make sure your hairpiece looks as natural as possible, consider going to a wig store to have your head measured and try on different options.
5
Add an oversized pair of glasses or sunglasses to obscure your forehead. Large, round glasses or cat-eye glasses tend to rise over your eyebrows and can cover the bottom part of your forehead. Also, big glasses tend to extend down lower, too, which can distract attention away from your forehead.^{[6]
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- Even if you don’t need prescription lenses, you can still wear eyeglasses. Just get frames that have clear lenses.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Your Hairstyle

1
Use a deep side part to let your locks sweep across your face. Flip or brush your hair back and part your hair in line with the highest point of one of your eyebrows. Let your hair fall forward across your face rather than pushing it back or behind your ear.^{[7]
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Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.}
- Creating a different part than what you normally wear also adds volume to your hair, which can help draw attention away from your forehead.^{[8]
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- Try out a side part on both sides of your head to see which side you like better.
- Use a comb if you prefer a straight part, or just use your fingers for a more casual look.
2
Create faux bangs by pulling the ends of a high ponytail forward on your head. Put your hair up in a high ponytail, and then pull some of the hair from the ponytail forward so that the ends come out over your forehead. Pin the “bangs” down with bobby pins and then twist the rest of your ponytail into a bun.^{[9]
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- You can also straighten or curl your bangs to make them look more natural or to get them to go in the right direction.
- Your hair has to be long enough to go up in a high bun or ponytail for this look to work.
- If you have curly hair, you can make fake bangs using the front section of your hair and cover your forehead.
3
Add volume to your hair so it surrounds and covers more of your face. If you can master a full-bodied and voluminous style, it can make your forehead appear smaller. Try blowdrying your hair forward toward your face or using a mousse to give your hair extra lift. You could also use dry shampoo to add extra texture, especially around your roots.^{[10]
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- The bigger your hair, the smaller your forehead will appear.
- If you’re wearing your hair back, put it up as high as possible so you can have more volume in front of your ponytail or bun. ^{[11]
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4
Draw less attention to your forehead by wearing your hair down. While there are a few things you can do to cover your forehead while wearing your hair up, your best bet is to keep it down around your face. Pulling it back can make your forehead look larger than it really is.^{[12]
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- It can be a challenge to cover your forehead or make it less noticeable if you don’t have bangs, but keep trying out different styles and methods until you find something that works for you.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Makeup

1
Lower your hairline with a hair powder that matches your hair color. Put some of this powder onto a small makeup brush and gently apply it along your hairline. Use it to fill in areas that are more sparse to make your hairline look more symmetrical and full.^{[13]
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- This works best when your hair is pulled back, but you can also do it when your hair is down.
- Avoid going too low on your forehead, otherwise, your hairline will look unnatural and people might be able to tell what you did.^{[14]
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  Christin Birckhead
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} This works best to add about ¹⁄₄ inch (6.4 mm) at the most.
2
Create a higher eyebrow arch to shorten your forehead. Take an eyebrow pencil or powder and create an outline around your eyebrow that makes the arch go up a little higher than it naturally does. Fill in your outline so that your brows look as natural as possible.^{[15]
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- Be careful to not create an outline that’s way off from what your normal arch does. That can look unnatural and draw the wrong kind of attention.
Tip: Use a brow gel to push your brow hairs upward once you’ve filled them in. This helps make your eyebrows more voluminous.^{[16]
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3
Contour your forehead to make it appear smaller. Use a shade of foundation or bronzer that’s a few shades darker than your natural skin tone.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Apply the product around your hairline and along the top of your forehead, being careful to not get it into your hair.^{[18]
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- Remember to blend your makeup so it looks as natural as possible. Use a blender brush or even your fingers. Make sure there isn’t a noticeable line between the top and middle of your forehead.^{[19]
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  Expert Source
  
  Christin Birckhead
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
4
Draw attention away from your forehead by making the rest of your face pop. This won’t actually cover your forehead, but it can make you feel like it’s less likely people will notice it. Focus on making your eyes look larger with eyeliner and mascara and add a bright color to your lips.^{[20]
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- To make your eyes look even larger and more distinctive, consider getting fake eyelashes.

Expert Q&A

Question

What makeup can I use to make my forehead look smaller?

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Christin Birckhead is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Conceptual Beauty, a beauty service based in Washington, DC specializing in wedding services such as engagements and bridal parties along with fashion shows and executive headshots. She has over 20 years of makeup and beauty consulting experience. She is also the lead makeup artist for Ascender Communications and freelances with the local NBC news team in the DC metro area. Her clients include Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Cartwright, Armin Van Buuren, Hugh Jackman, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, Benjamin T. Jealous, Colin Powell, Wanda Durant, and Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Christin Birckhead

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

You can contour around your forehead with some cool undertones around your hairline. Avoid bringing it down too far though, or else it will look unnatural.
Question

Should I get bangs to cover my forehead?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

If you don't want a new haircut, you can experiment with a beanie, pulling your hair towards the front to create that kind of 70 swoop thing.