This article was co-authored by Courtney Foster. Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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When people first look at you, you probably want them to see the facial features that you have the most confidence in. If you have a big forehead and wish to hide it, there are many ways that you can bring the focus to other areas. Try out different hairstyles, makeup techniques, and accessories to cover it up and help limit your feelings of insecurity.
Things You Should Know
- Hide your forehead with flattering haircuts and styles. Curtain bangs, straight bangs, and side bangs can be a huge help.
- Blend bronzer into your hairline that's a little darker than the rest of your face. This creative contouring can make your forehead appear smaller.
- Or, flex your personal style while you cover up your forehead. Wearing a cute hat or statement jewelry can distract from your forehead.
Steps
Hair
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1Get bangs.[1] The best way to hide your forehead is by going to a salon and getting bangs. A straight across bang that gets gradually longer on the sides is the most versatile and fitting for larger foreheads. However, this style doesn't flatter all face shapes, including those that are wide or feature a prominent nose. There are many different types of bangs to choose from. Flip through a magazine and pick a favorite type to ask your stylist for, and be sure to go with one that best fits your face shape.
- Opt for curtain bangs or textured side bangs if your face is round.[2]
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2Go for a low, loose up-do. If you want to wear your hair up, part your hair down the middle and put it in a loose bun. Pull a couple of pieces out of the top front and curl them with a curling iron on low heat to create a nice face-framing effect.[3]Advertisement
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3Create volume with layers. A big forehead often means a seemingly longer face. While flat, straight hair will make your face look even longer, hairstyles with a lot of wave and volume bring balance to your head shape by having a subtle widening effect.[6]
- Also create volume by using volumizing hair products, curling your hair, or blowing it dry with a hair dryer and a round brush.
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4Rock an edgy bob. Get an asymmetrical bob with a dramatic side part. The side part breaks up your forehead and draws attention to your eyes while the longer front section makes your neckline a focal point.[7]
Makeup
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1Contour to create an optical illusion. Use a bronzer along your hairline that’s a shade darker than your foundation to create the impression of a smaller forehead. Don’t forget to blend the bronzer into your foundation well with a makeup blending sponge or brush to make sure that it looks natural.[8]
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2Add drama to your eyes. Use bold eyeshadows and eyeliners to accentuate your eyes and make them the focal point. Eye makeup can also influence others’ perception of your face shape.[9]
- For a dramatic nighttime look, go for a smoky eye look by applying a gray, navy, eggplant, or brown eyeshadow on your top eyelid, working up from the lashline to the crease. Sweep a deeper shade of the same hue into the crease, using a fluffy brush and soft window-wiper motions. Highlight your browbone with a neutral eyeshadow 1-2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Then, finish with your favorite dark eyeliner and mascara.[10]
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3Balance with blush. Select a bright colored peachy or rosy toned blush and apply it to your cheekbones with a blush brush. Try also applying blush upwards toward the temple to seemingly lift your face and reduce the size of your forehead.[11]
Accessories
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1
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2Sculpt your brows to look full and shapely. A well-groomed brow is one of the best accessories you can have for almost any look. Use an eyebrow pencil, powder, or pomade to sculpt full, flattering brows. Remember to use short strokes with your pencil or brush to mimic brow hairs, and concentrate the majority of your product toward the outer edges of your brows.
- Use a clear brow gel to help hold your brows in place and keep them looking great all day long.
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3Wear a bold necklace or funky earrings. Get a statement piece of jewelry to help take your forehead out of the spotlight. Complete your outfit with a chunky necklace or a pair of sparkly chandelier earrings that others will admire.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I make my forehead look smaller with contouring?
Christin BirckheadChristin 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.
Makeup Artist
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QuestionMy crush likes me back, and he said he would only date me if my forehead wasn't as big, how do I make it smaller?
Community AnswerYou cannot actually make your forehead smaller, and if a boy says this to you, you should find a different crush. If he doesn't like you for you, he's not worth it. -
QuestionWhat if I'm in high school and get teased everyday about my head, yet when I consult any adult, no one takes it into consideration?
KeamogetsweCommunity AnswerTry not showing interest in what they saying. If they approach you try saying "What's your point guys" they'll will feel more disorganized. If you feel you are getting bullied, go to your principal or teacher. In most places they are obligated to deal with bullying.
References
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
- ↑ https://beautyeditor.ca/2014/05/22/best-bangs-for-round-face
- ↑ https://girlterest.com/best-hairstyles-for-big-foreheads/8/
- ↑ https://makeupandbeauty.com/minimize-large-forehead/
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-make-your-forehead-look-smaller/
- ↑ https://girlterest.com/best-hairstyles-for-big-foreheads/
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-make-your-forehead-look-smaller/
- ↑ http://www.stylishwalks.com/make-forehead-look-smaller-makeup/
- ↑ http://www.instyle.com/beauty/5-steps-perfect-smoky-eye#3289738
- ↑ http://www.stylishwalks.com/make-forehead-look-smaller-makeup/
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
- ↑ https://makeupandbeauty.com/minimize-large-forehead/
About This Article
If you want to hide a big forehead, consider getting bangs that could help cover it. Try getting layers too, since adding volume to your hair could help bring balance to your head shape. When you want to wear your hair up, remember to keep your look low and loose, since pulling back your hair too tightly won't be very flattering. In addition to styling your hair correctly, consider using contouring as a way to make your forehead seem smaller. To properly contour your forehead, use a bronzer that's a shade darker than your foundation and apply it along your hairline. For a more dramatic look, also apply a bold eyeshadow or eyeliner, so your eyes become the focal point of your face. For more advice from our Beauty co-author, like how to use accessories to hide a big forehead, keep reading!
