face shapes · bangs
Hairstyles for a Big Forehead: Women's andMen's Cuts
Hairstyles for a big forehead, for women and men, including which fringes work, what to do with your part, and why slicking everything back isn't off limits.
Hairover Team
The hairstyles that work best for a big forehead usually do one simple thing: they bring some hair onto the forehead, or they draw the eye somewhere else. Curtain bangs, side-swept fringes, and textured crops are the most reliable options. But a big forehead is not a flaw that needs fixing. Plenty of people wear theirs fully on show. This guide is here for anyone who would rather balance it.
What counts as a big forehead?
Stylists often divide the face into three rough sections: hairline to brow, brow to the base of the nose, and nose to chin. If the top section looks noticeably taller than the other two, you may think of your forehead as large. A wide forehead is different, and it is common in heart-shaped and square faces.
The distinction matters, since the fixes differ. Tall foreheads benefit from something that shortens them, like a fringe. Wide foreheads benefit from softness at the temples. And if your forehead has grown taller recently because your hairline has moved, the advice changes again. See our guide to haircuts for a receding hairline in that case.
Fringes for women
Curtain bangs. The best all-rounder. They cover the outer corners of the forehead while leaving a little skin in the center, so the forehead looks shorter and narrower without being hidden completely. They also grow out easily. See our curtain bangs ideas.
Side-swept fringe. Hair crosses the forehead at an angle, breaking up the height with a diagonal line. It is the lowest-commitment option, and it works on almost every hair type.
Wispy fringe. A light, see-through fringe softens the forehead without the weight of a full fringe. It suits fine hair, which can look thin under a heavy one.
Full, blunt fringe. The strongest option. It hides the forehead completely, and it can make the eyes stand out. It needs a trim every three to four weeks, and it can get oily quickly if your forehead does.
Cuts for women, beyond the fringe
Long, face-framing layers. Layers starting at the cheekbone pull attention to the middle of the face. They work even without a fringe.
Soft waves with volume at the sides. Width around the cheeks and jaw balances height at the top. Our soft waves guide explains how to get this look.
A lob with a side part. A deep side part puts more hair across the forehead. Try a layered lob if you want a shape that holds this well.
Half-up styles with loose front pieces. Pulling everything off the face exposes the forehead, but leaving two pieces out at the front balances the look.
Cuts for men
Textured crop. Short sides and a textured top pushed forward are the most direct way to shorten a tall forehead. Our textured crop guide has styling notes.
French crop. A short, blunt fringe that sits straight across the forehead. It offers more coverage and a stronger line than a regular crop. Our French crop guide goes through what to ask for.
Side part with volume. Hair swept across at an angle covers part of the forehead and adds interest. It is a good choice if you need a tidy look for work.
Medium, tousled fringe. Longer on top, worn loosely forward. It suits wavy hair, and it gives a softer feel than a crop.
What usually shows more forehead
None of these are off limits, but it helps to know what each one does:
- Slick-backs and high pompadours add height above an already tall forehead.
- Tight, high ponytails or buns pull hair away from the face with nothing to balance it.
- Flat, center-parted hair with no layers frames the forehead like a curtain opening on it.
- High, tight skin fades put more visual focus on the upper part of the head.
If you love a slicked-back look or a high bun, you do not have to give it up. Add width at the sides, soft front pieces, or stronger brows, and the proportions will feel more balanced.
Forehead height and face shape
Fringe advice should also account for the rest of your face. A fringe shortens the face, so what it does depends on your starting point:
- Oblong: a fringe is especially useful, since it reduces overall length as well.
- Round: keep the fringe light and side-swept, so it does not shorten the face too much.
- Heart: curtain bangs help because they soften a wider forehead too.
- Square: a wispy or side-swept fringe softens the strong outline.
- Diamond: a fuller fringe adds width at the forehead.
- Oval: you can try nearly any option.
Use the free face shape detector if you are not sure of your shape. It runs in the browser, and your photo stays on your device.
Check your hairline first
Before you commit to a fringe, look at how your hair grows at the front. A cowlick at the center of the hairline can push a blunt fringe into a split, and it often does better as curtain bangs. Very curly hair shrinks upward, so a curly fringe needs to be cut longer than you expect. Ask your stylist to wet your hair, let it fall, and check where it wants to go.
And try a temporary test: pin some hair across your forehead for a day, or try a clip-in fringe. It costs very little and tells you a lot.
See what a fringe does on your own photo
A fringe can look great in a photo and feel completely wrong in the mirror. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio. Compare curtain bangs with a side-swept fringe, or try a crop, before you ask anyone to pick up the scissors.
FAQ
What is the best hairstyle for a big forehead?
Curtain bangs and side-swept fringes are the most versatile choices, since they cover part of the forehead while still letting some skin show. A full fringe covers the most, but it takes more upkeep and does not suit every hair type.
Do bangs make a big forehead look smaller?
Yes. A fringe visually shortens the top third of the face because it moves the visible start of the hairline lower. Even a light, wispy fringe has some effect.
What is the best men's haircut for a big forehead?
A textured crop or a French crop with a short forward fringe is the most direct option. A side part with some volume also works. Tall, slicked-back styles show the most forehead, though plenty of people still like them.
Should you part your hair in the middle if you have a big forehead?
A center part can work well when it comes with face-framing layers or curtain bangs. A flat center part with no framing tends to emphasize the height of the forehead, so a side or off-center part is often easier.
