The truth is that there are lots of men with large foreheads. There are three reasons for a high forehead: it is a natural high forehead, it is a genetic trait, or it is the first indication of male pattern baldness, and a lot of guys have them. Fortunately, the right hairstyle can make a difference in the appearance of the face, providing balance and proportion without the need for radical changes.
This guide will give you some of the best male hairstyles for men with big foreheads, explain how they work, and also give you some tips on what to talk to your barber about.
Why the Right Haircut Makes Such a Difference
Your forehead is about a third of your face. If it’s too big, the face will look out of balance. A forward cut, a textured top, or a softer hairline will restore that balance aesthetically. It is not a matter of covering your forehead completely; it’s about guiding the eye towards the hair, not the skin that is above your eyebrows.
When you know this, you’ll have a lot more of a chance of picking a style that really is you.
The most stylish haircuts for men with large heads.
1. The French Crop
For men with an oversized forehead, the French cut is likely the most practical of all the cuts. It helps to keep hair on the sides short and creates a textured fringe that crosses the forehead. The upper part of your forehead is covered by that front fringe, and it is a good thing; it takes care of the load and gives you a natural look.
Applicable to all types of hair, straight, thick, and wavy. The French cropped hairline is perfect for those who suffer from big foreheads and receding hairlines. Get a mid or low fade on the side for a cleaner and more modern look.
2. Caesar Cut
This is the Caesar cut, and it has been around for decades and is one of the best cuts for men with a large forehead. It has a short fringe with a horizontal cut, which hangs forward, partially covering the forehead. The overall length of the hair is relatively even, creating a tidy and planned-out look.
The major part of the Caesar is that it fits almost every face shape and also is great for guys who have thinning hair. It doesn’t require a lot of volume or density. This is a Caesar that is just textured enough with a skin fade to look fresh and modern, but not too much.
3. Side-Swept Fringe
A side-swept fringe is a fringe that sweeps to the side. The top hair is combed or swept to one side and grown up slightly to fall over the forehead at an angle. This diagonal line across the face has the natural effect of dividing the face either by width or height and giving it dimension.
It is an excellent choice for men who have thicker or wavier hair. It’s also ideal for photography and for casual and formal occasions. It can be worn loose for a casual day or with a little pomade for a more edgy look.
4. Textured Quiff
The quiff is an iconic cut that has come a long way in its development. It is currently used in its shortened and faded version with volume in the front. You tuck the hair upwards and forward at the front to give the appearance of a stronger, more prominent hairline.
The greatest advantage of the textured quiff is that it’s a quiff that is not the skin underneath it that gets noticed; it’s the quiff itself that gets noticed, which makes it a great quiff for men with large foreheads. A light matte clay or styling cream can provide you with the natural, lived-in feel, which looks easy, but does a lot of work.
5. Curtains or Middle Part
Curtain hair, or the middle part, the 90’s part, has made a huge comeback. The hair is allowed to grow to medium length and then parted, and hangs on both sides of the face down from the temples. This type of hairline frames the face and directs attention towards the sides of the head instead of the center of the forehead.
This style is perfect for men who have naturally wavy or slightly curly hair. It’s one of those cuts that will benefit from a slight wiggle in the hair, not just straight hair.
6. Buzz Cut with a Properly Defined Hairline
Many people think that a buzz cut isn’t ideal for men with a large forehead, but that’s not necessarily the case. A sharp edge at the top of the hairline results in a clean cut, making the forehead look more structured than vague and creating a boundary.
It’s all about the line-up. A straight, clear line that flows along the temples and front forms a visual frame. Gives direction to the forehead. It is more effective for men with darker hair, as the contrast between the skin and hair is more noticeable.
7. Comb Over with Low Fade
The comb over is no longer associated with its previous connotations. Today’s version is a more refined and styled version, with the hair on top being brushed to one side, and then a fade done on the sides, low to mid, or mid-low. This makes for a “sloped” silhouette that is wider at the sides and will divert attention from the forehead.
It’s ideal for men who want a more polished and mature look. A little pomade or medium hold wax is sufficient to provide structure and make sure it stays for a day. It is also great for (and even more noticeable with) glasses and is super important for this group.
8. Shag Cut
A medium-long length cut with a layered, choppy texture that provides a more natural, relaxed look to the cut. The longer the layers on the front are pushed forward, or they fall a bit loose with some hair showing, the softer the look will be, and it won’t be obvious that you are trying to soften the look of a prominent forehead.
If you’re interested in something else, then short hair may be the right choice for you. More maintenance than a crop or buzz cut, but may be a versatile cut for most situations.
Hairstyles to Avoid If You Have a Big Forehead
Not all haircuts will be appropriate for you. A few styles have a tendency to accentuate a large forehead.
Smoothing out all the hair to the back makes the whole forehead visible and gives it a larger appearance. High-volume pompadours that are pushed straight up can have a similar effect, particularly if there is no hair in front to give a sense of forward coverage. Extremely short haircuts with no fringe or edge to it can also make the forehead appear more pronounced.
These styles do not mean that these styles are forever prohibited. A good barber may be able to tweak these cuts to accommodate your individual hairline. In general, styles that draw hair away from the forehead will not be as flattering as styles that draw the hair towards the forehead.
Advice on talking to your barber
You do not have to frame the conversation over the top of your head when you are seated in the chair. Simply state what you are looking to accomplish. When you’re getting your hair cut, let your hairstylist know that you want the hairline pulled forward a bit or that you want it to have some length or texture at the front. A skilled barber would know what that means and do the cut accordingly.
Bring in a picture of a style if you have one! Visual references will eliminate a lot of back and forth, and will help your barber know exactly what you’re looking for!
Conclusion
You don’t have to have a small forehead to have a choice of hair. Learning what your specific concern is makes you make a more conscious choice of what to choose. The hairstyles in this article, ranging from the Frenchman, the “Caesar” cut, to the “curtain” and the “comb over,” all provide a means to draw attention to the hair itself, and away from the forehead.
The key is to discover a style that suits your hair type, your lifestyle, and your personal style. Then talk clearly to your barber, and let them know what they should do to cut it in a fashion that is beneficial to your face. When you find a suitable style, it’s never something you think about again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can men with big foreheads pull off a buzz cut?
Yes, but this is a big deal with the liner work. Sharp lines up the hairline, frames the forehead, and gives it a finished, tidy look. If you are going very short, make sure to discuss these things with your barber.
Q: Does a beard help balance a big forehead?
It can. Length and structure of the lower section of the face counteract a bigger forehead. A full beard or medium stubble will give more mass to the chin and jaw line, thus creating a sense of balance in the total facial appearance.
Q: What if I also have a receding hairline along with a big forehead?
Both the French crop and the Caesar cut handle were well taken care of. Not only do they add texture to the hairline, but they also add a fringe, which helps to keep the sides tight up against the head and to reduce a receding hairline and a wide forehead simultaneously.
