How to Know If You Have A Big Forehead (2024)

If you want to learn whether or not you have a prominent forehead, you need to understand that foreheads come in different shapes. Often, people will mistake a large forehead for one that is irregular or rectangular.

How to Tell If You Have a Big Forehead

How to Know If You Have A Big Forehead (1)

There are five typical forehead shapes.

  • Round
  • M-shaped
  • Rectangular
  • Bell-shaped
  • Triangular

For people with a round-shaped forehead, the crown of their head will look like a half-circle. This is the third most common shape among men (31%) and the second in women (28%).

M-shaped foreheads are closely associated with the widow’s peak, a triangle of hair emerging from your hairline into your forehead. The widow’s peak forms an M-shape between the hairline and the brow. It is the most common shape among men (46%) and third among women (19%).

Rectangular foreheads are self-explanatory but can appear more square if a person has a narrow face. Around 31% of men have rectangular foreheads, and 30% of women have them.

Bell-shaped is similar to a round forehead except more ovular. It is the least common in women (5%) and the second least in men (4%).

Finally, the triangular forehead involves the sides of your forehead sloping inward. Around 2% of men have triangular foreheads, and 18% of women have them.

Is Your Forehead Big?

How to Know If You Have A Big Forehead (2)

After you understand the forehead shapes, you can begin to assess your face. Find your forehead shape based on the descriptions above, so you know where to take your measurements.

It would be a mistake just to look up forehead size averages and compare yourself. Most of those averages don’t include where to take the measurements, and they also do not consider different shapes.

While you might be wider than average, it could just be because you have a rectangular shape instead of a round one. Always measure your forehead from its longest and widest sections to get the most accurate measurements.

The widest part will usually be an equal distance from your eyebrows and hairline. While you measure your forehead, why not find out your face shape? Face shape is another significant factor to determine if your forehead is larger than average.

Face Shape and Foreheads

There are seven distinct face shapes, and each of them will have a different impact on your forehead size. You can determine your face shape by measuring these:

  • forehead width
  • cheekbone width
  • jawline width
  • face length

Once you discover your face shape, you’ll be able to see if your forehead fits the mold.

For oval face shapes, they will typically have round, smaller foreheads. Round face shapes will have more prominent foreheads, which are widest right above the eyes.

For heart-shaped faces, it’s more typical to have a rectangular forehead, and for square faces, you’ll find many M-shaped foreheads. The possibilities are endless, but knowing your face shape and comparing it to others with the same shape is the best way to know if you have a big forehead.

Average Forehead Size

Average size is not the best method for determining whether or not your forehead is oversized. However, knowing the average forehead size for males and females will help you begin your determination.

Males

The average height for male foreheads was 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) with a standard deviation of 0.4 inches. The average width was 5.4 inches (13.7 cm) with a standard deviation of 0.7 inches. That means if your forehead is 2 to 2.8 inches long and 4.7 to 6.1 inches wide, you have a standard-sized forehead.

Females

The average height for female foreheads was 2.3 inches (5.8 cm) with a standard deviation of 0.3 inches. The average width was 5.1 inches (12.9 cm) with a standard deviation of 0.7 inches.

Women with a forehead height from 2 to 2.6 inches and a width of 4.4 to 5.8 inches have standard-sized foreheads.

Hairstyles That Work Well with Big Foreheads

How to Know If You Have A Big Forehead (3)

If you’ve discovered your forehead is a bit oversized after reading this, you might want to try one of these hairstyles to minimize it.

Men

Caesar Cut: The caesar cut is one of the classic men’s hairstyles for minimizing the forehead. You will cut your hair so that the bangs hang slightly over the forehead.

Buzz Cut: An alternative is to embrace your big forehead! Don’t hide it. Showcase it to the world by buzzing all your hair off.

Women

Some hairstyles can make your features pop if you’re a woman with a bigger forehead.

Bob with Full Fringe: The bob will make you an official member of the bangs gang. It will hide your forehead and better accentuate a long face shape. It will also direct people’s attention to the mouth area instead of the top of your head.

Side Swept Bangs: If you’re afraid of having bangs swooping down the middle of your face, then try a side sweep. You’ll still cover up most of your forehead but in a less obvious way.

Beard Styles That Work Well with Big Foreheads

Getting the right hairstyle and beard can be tricky when you have a big forehead. You want to make it appear smaller, but don’t worry; there are multiple ways to create the perfect illusion and diminish or cover this large facial feature.

Unfortunately, many guys struggle with widow’s peak or receding hairlines that enlarge the area, which won’t make things easier.

How to Counterbalance a Big Forehead with Beard

How to Know If You Have A Big Forehead (4)

People with large foreheads usually have a heart face shape. That translates into smaller cheekbones and jawline, a very uncommon feature for men.

For this face shape, you will need a beard that creates a balance in the lower part of the face. Accentuating the chin and jawline is one of your goals because, this way, you will build some squareness.

Styles like Garibaldi, Verdi, or Hollywoodian beards are perfect for you. Therefore, you’ll need to maintain the beard quite short, especially in the sideburns area.

Another great option to make your forehead look smaller is to combine one of these beards with a hairstyle that covers the forehead with asymmetric bangs.

If you already have some length around the chin, you can keep the sideburns a little longer. Don’t overpower the chin with a Van Dyke or a goatee because it will only exaggerate the chin and highlight the bigger forehead.

How to Know If You Have A Big Forehead (2024)

FAQs

How to Know If You Have A Big Forehead? ›

Try this: Place four fingers horizontally against your forehead. If the forehead takes up more space than the four fingers, then it may be broad to the point where it doesn't match with your other features. Not many people are aware that plastic surgery can reduce a large forehead for both men and women.

What is considered a big forehead? ›

The average male forehead size is around 2.8 inches, give or take a quarter-inch or two. If yours is bigger than this measurement, you have a bigger-than-average forehead.

Is 3 fingers a big forehead? ›

If you can fit all of your fingers on the same hand on your forehead except your thumb, congratulations! You have a four-head! (See what I did there?) If you can fit any more than four fingers on your forehead, you have a larger-than-average forehead.

What is a normal forehead size? ›

In men, the average height of the forehead was 61.4 ± 9.7 mm, the average width of the forehead and supraorbital region was 137.1 ± 18 mm and 133.9 ± 15.9 mm, respectively.

Are large foreheads attractive? ›

A large forehead is considered a sign of intelligence and beauty in some cultures but downright unsightly in others. Even though ideas of aesthetics may vary from country to country, one thing is sure: fashion police abound in every era. Take, for instance, the women in the Renaissance.

Is 5 fingers a big forehead? ›

Is 5 Fingers A Big Forehead? Generally, the ideal forehead size is around 4 fingers wide. If you find that your forehead measures 5 fingers across, it could suggest a slightly receding hairline. Keep in mind that various factors contribute to overall facial harmony, and individual preferences may vary.

What does 4 finger forehead mean? ›

Try this: Place four fingers horizontally against your forehead. If the forehead takes up more space than the four fingers, then it may be broad to the point where it doesn't match with your other features. Not many people are aware that plastic surgery can reduce a large forehead for both men and women.

What is a 5 finger forehead? ›

Five finger forehead (or “fivehead”) is a term used to describe a forehead that is the span of five fingers or more. While some people embrace this feature, others are embarrassed by it because they don't like the appearance of a large forehead.

How to make forehead smaller? ›

Want To Make Your Forehead Look Smaller? Try These Beauty Hacks
  1. How To Make Your Forehead Smaller.
  2. Go Easy On Foundation.
  3. Keep The Brow Game Strong.
  4. In Contour We Trust.
  5. Chiselled Cheeks With Blush.
  6. Use A Highlighter.
  7. Make Your Eyes Pop.
  8. Choose Bright Lipsticks.
Mar 27, 2022

What does 3 fingers in front of face mean? ›

Protesters have since added symbolism to the gesture, stating that the three fingers stand for the French Revolutionary ideal of liberty, equality, fraternity.

How can I reduce my hairline? ›

Hairline lowering or hairline advancement as it is also known is an effective procedure that offers subtle and natural-looking results. An incision is made right along the front of the hairline, then the hairline is brought forward, and the excess forehead skin is removed, with the incisions then sutured closed.

Why does my forehead look bigger on camera? ›

Anything close to the camera will look huge. In real life, their heads are pretty much the same size. Being closer to the camera makes you bigger, amplifying your presence in the photo. On the other hand, slouching against the back of your chair is unfavorably distorting.

What causes a big forehead? ›

They can be hormonal disorders, genetic or inherited syndromes, or others. A common cause of frontal bossing is acromegaly, which is a hormonal disorder caused when the pituitary gland releases too much growth hormone. This excess leads to the bones of the face, skull, jaw, hands, and feet being enlarged.

Can your forehead get smaller? ›

Forehead reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can help to reduce the height of your forehead. Larger foreheads may be due to genetics, hair loss, or other cosmetic procedures. This surgical option — also known as hairline lowering surgery — can help balance the proportions of your face.

Are big foreheads genetic? ›

The condition seems to be hereditary, and transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.

Is forehead size related to IQ? ›

Science says larger brains are correlated with higher intelligence, but size alone isn't the cause. It's common to hear people say that the size of your brain has nothing to do with your level of intelligence.

How big is the smallest forehead? ›

According to Guinness World Records, Jyoti Kishanji Amge, an Indian actress, holds the record for the world's shortest woman and smallest forehead. Jyoti Amge was born on 16 December 1993 in India and turned 28 years old in 2022. The actress measured 62.8 cm (24.7 in) in 2011 in Nagpur, India.

Is my hairline receding or do I just have a big forehead? ›

A mature hairline typically moves back evenly and is only about an inch above the top crease in the forehead. If the entire hairline recedes further back on the scalp, with a more defined hairline, like a M-shape or a widow's peak, those are signs of a receding hairline.

What does 2 fingers in front of face mean? ›

Peace, or friend – used around the world by peace and counter-culture groups; popularized in the American peace movement of the 1960s.

Why do rappers hold up 4 fingers? ›

Known as the "silent signal," the trend saw users tucking in their thumbs into their palms, holding four fingers up faced forward, and then closing them into a fist. This is meant to signal that someone is in danger, according to Distractify.

Why do guys hold up 4 fingers? ›

4 fingers have been used to signal domestic violence.

This is used as a sign to show that they are in a dangerous or unsafe situation and need help getting out. In fact, this hand signal was used to save a 16-year-old from a kidnapping in Kentucky in 2021.

What does a small forehead mean? ›

If you have a Narrow Forehead, your personality traits reveal that you enjoy your own company the most. You have a unique and rare personality. You listen to your heart more than your head. You will follow your emotions rather than think through things. You seldom let negativity touch you.

What does it mean to knuckle your forehead? ›

During the age of sail, ships' officers were always worried about mutiny and it therefore became custom that whenever an officer approached, the rating would prove that he was not armed. This was done by knuckling the forehead and later evolved into the modern Navy salute with the hand at 45 degrees, palm facing in.

Do bangs make your forehead look smaller? ›

If you have a large forehead and want a hairstyle that minimizes its appearance, bangs are your best friend. Whether they're straight across, choppy, piecey, curly, or swoop to the side, bangs will take the focus off your forehead with style.

What does 🤟 mean? ›

The emoji 🤟, also known as the “I Love You Gesture” or “ILY” emoji, is a hand symbol that is used to express love and affection. The gesture is made by extending the thumb, index finger, and little finger while keeping the middle and ring fingers curled inward.

Why do girls hold up 3 fingers? ›

Girl Scout sign: Girl Scouts make the Girl Scout sign—raising three fingers of the right hand with the thumb holding down the pinky—when they say the Girl Scout Promise. The three fingers represent the three parts of the Promise.

What does 3 middle fingers up mean? ›

The Three Finger Salute is used by District 12 residents when they have to say thanks or just to show that the person is loved and respected by them.

How can I make my forehead smaller without surgery? ›

Layered hairstyles with a lot of volume and waves, however, tend to create a slight widening look and balance out your features by making your forehead look smaller. So blow dry your hair, curl it or use some of that product; the more the volume of your hair, the smaller your forehead will appear.

How painful is forehead reduction? ›

Is forehead reduction surgery painful? In most cases, there is very little to no pain with forehead reduction surgery. Most patients will report mild soreness the first evening after surgery, but it is very rare for patients to have any significant pain. Patients are provided pain medication to take as needed.

Can I get a forehead reduction at 13? ›

The ideal candidate for a forehead reduction is someone with a high forehead, thinning hair, or an asymmetrical hairline. It can also be beneficial for those who have deep wrinkles and furrows on their forehead. The procedure is typically done on individuals between the ages of 18 and 65.

Do we look better in the mirror or real life? ›

This is because the reflection you see every day in the mirror is the one you perceive to be original and hence a better-looking version of yourself. So, when you look at a photo of yourself, your face seems to be the wrong way as it is reversed than how you are used to seeing it.

Is a selfie how others see you? ›

One major factor is that photos generally show us the reverse of what we see in the mirror. When you take a photo of yourself using some (but not all) apps or the front-facing camera on an iPhone, the resulting image captures your face as others see it. The same is true for non-phone cameras.

Does your phone make your forehead look bigger? ›

The lens on phone cameras is too short for facial photography. Taking face photos with short lens cameras and up close results in the whole face, nose, and eyes appearing wider and face and nose longer than in real life. This facial widening distortion also causes the ears to disappear on the photographs.

Which face shape is best for female? ›

Square and oblong face shapes are often considered quite beautiful and popular because they have a wide jawline which makes the distance between the eyes quite wide. This makes the eye quite prominent and also emphasizes the smile of the person.

What face type do I have? ›

Face Shape Method #1: Length, Width, and Jaw

Observe your jawline. If it seems gently curved or on the rounder side, you likely have an oval or round face shape. If it's sharp and angular or pointy, you likely belong to the square face shape, rectangle face shape, or heart face shape family.

How do I know my face shape? ›

How to Determine Your Face Shape
  1. Forehead: Pull the tape measure from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the peak of the opposite arch. ...
  2. Round: Cheekbones and face length have a similar measurement. ...
  3. Square: All measurements are fairly similar. ...
  4. Oblong: Face length is largest. ...
  5. Diamond:Face length is largest.
Mar 29, 2015

Are big forehead rare? ›

of a broad forehead is due to developmental anomalies. This means that the bones in the skull have not developed correctly. This is a rare condition, and it is usually diagnosed at birth. Also due to aging, our skin starts to loosen and sag.

Is it natural to have a big forehead? ›

Foreheads are one of the most prominent facial features, with big foreheads generally seen more often on males than females. A high forehead tends to happen when the hairline recedes as a man or woman experiences balding or thinning hair, although some people are born with naturally high foreheads.

Can I grow hair on my forehead? ›

Is It Possible To Grow Hair On The Forehead? While it is not possible to grow hair on the entire forehead, you may be able to grow hair back on a receding hairline. Dealing with the situation promptly may help reduce the risk of baldness.

Does forehead size change with age? ›

Dozens of changes take place as the years add up, some of them obvious and familiar: Foreheads expand as hairlines retreat. Ears often get a bit longer because the cartilage in them grows. Tips of noses may droop because connective tissue supporting nasal cartilage weakens.

What affects forehead size? ›

Genetics, hairline, brow appearance, and personal grooming habits will all contribute to the forehead shape and size. Between genders, men typically have more sloping/angled foreheads with a prominent brow ridge.

What syndrome has a big forehead? ›

Frontal bossing is an unusually prominent forehead. It is sometimes associated with a heavier than normal brow ridge. Frontal bossing is the descriptive term for a prominent forehead. Sometimes the brow (just above the eyes) is also heavier than normal as seen in acromegaly.

When were big foreheads considered beautiful? ›

very high hairlines and big foreheads were thought very attractive – and people would pluck their hairline to make it higher. In 16th century England, the ideal beauty was the Queen, and she shaved her hairline to create a big forehead.

What is the phobia of big foreheads? ›

Random fact: there's a phobia of foreheads called toxiphobia & it got us talking; what's your phobia?

Is it unattractive to have a big forehead? ›

No. A large forehead is a sign of intelligence. Studies consistently show that both men and women are attracted to intelligent partners. Someone may not care if you have a large forehead or a small one, but they will appreciate the extra smarts that come with having a large forehead.

What is a fivehead? ›

Five finger forehead (or “fivehead”) is a term used to describe a forehead that is the span of five fingers or more. While some people embrace this feature, others are embarrassed by it because they don't like the appearance of a large forehead.

What is the average height of a woman's forehead? ›

(2017), the average height of a male's forehead measures 2.8 inches (7.1 cm), whereas the average height of a female's forehead is 2.4 inches (6 cm)..

How many fingers can you fit on your forehead? ›

We call this the four finger rule. The measure of four fingers in length from hairline to eyebrows is the perfect size for a fringe. If you can fit four of your fingers in this gap you basically have the perfect sized forehead for some fringe action.

How can I make my forehead smaller? ›

Want To Make Your Forehead Look Smaller? Try These Beauty Hacks
  1. How To Make Your Forehead Smaller.
  2. Go Easy On Foundation.
  3. Keep The Brow Game Strong.
  4. In Contour We Trust.
  5. Chiselled Cheeks With Blush.
  6. Use A Highlighter.
  7. Make Your Eyes Pop.
  8. Choose Bright Lipsticks.
Mar 27, 2022

What causes a large forehead? ›

Frontal bossing is seen only in a few rare syndromes, including acromegaly, a long-term (chronic) disorder caused by too much growth hormone, which leads to enlargement of the bones of the face, jaw, hands, feet, and skull.

How to style hair with big forehead? ›

Shorter haircuts are typically very flattering on wider foreheads. "If you think your head looks long, then you need to create width in your hair." By keeping the hair cropped up above the shoulders, your cut can actually create the illusion of a shorter forehead.

How do you deal with a big forehead? ›

There are a variety of ways to make a large forehead appear smaller, including cosmetic procedures such as eyebrow lifts, forehead reduction surgeries, or hair follicle transplants - which may all improve the hairline.

What is the rarest hairline? ›

Widow's peak

This distinctive hairline may be inherited. It may also be the result of several rare genetic disorders, such as frontonasal dysplasia. Widow's peaks may become more prominent or less prominent with age.

Will I go bald if my dad is? ›

One popular myth is that hair loss in men is passed down from the mother's side of the family while hair loss in women is passed down from the father's side; however, the truth is that the genes for hair loss and hair loss itself are actually passed down from both sides of the family.

How does a normal hairline look like? ›

What Does a Normal Hairline Look Like? There isn't one type of hairline that can be considered “normal.” A hairline, the area where the hair grows out of the head, can look very different from person to person. Some hairlines may be low or high, others have a widow's peak or a cowlick, but all hairlines are normal.

How can I make my forehead smaller naturally? ›

So, if you want to make your forehead look smaller, follow these easy tips.
  1. Opt for bangs: ...
  2. Highlighting your hair: ...
  3. Use darker foundation: ...
  4. Highlighting the face: ...
  5. Eye makeup: ...
  6. Opt for the right eyebrow shape: ...
  7. Wear a bindi: ...
  8. Bronzer:
Oct 5, 2017

How to measure forehead size? ›

Run your measuring tape across your forehead from hairline to hairline. Make sure the measuring tape is placed at the widest point (or, halfway between your eyebrows and hairline). Write down your number.

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