The Best Hairstyles to Hide a Big Forehead

Hair styles with bangs.

The only way to hide a large forehead is to choose a style with bangs, unless you're willing to wear a handkerchief wrapped around your head into the office or out to dinner. The good news is that bangs can be quite versatile depending on your hair type and vibe you want to exude. Just remember, in whatever look you choose, be careful not to style it with volume right above the forehead, it will make your forehead look longer.

The Bob

For this style the hair is cut at around chin length and bangs are thick, blunt and worn straight down. The length of the bangs change the look: They can be very short and look retro or grown to eyebrow length. This style exudes professionalism, polish and at times severity. Celebrities who have had this look are Katie Holmes and Anna Wintour.

Long and Straight

When hair is worn in this fashion, the eye is drawn down its length, and away from the forehead. Bangs are generally also cut long and blunt, and are usually thin and wispy. Think of Tyra Banks, or Anne Hathaway in the "Devil Wears Prada."

Thick and Wavy

Zoey Deschanel is an example of someone who embodies this look for women who have a lot of volume. The length of the hair is curly or wavy and the bangs are worn long, almost to the eyelashes and then slightly curled under.

Soft, Side-swept Bangs

Straight or wavy bangs are blow-dried to lay diagonally across the forehead in this romantic style. This look tricks the eye in the same way a wrap dress can make you look thinner---the eye is distracted with the diagonal cut. The rest of the hair keeps the same, slightly undone, windswept look. Celebrities with this style are Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Richie.

Short and Edgy

Hair is usually cut asymmetrical with one side longer than the other, or the front longer than the back. Bangs are often swept across, but have been razer-cut or otherwise styled in a piecey fashion. This style is more commonly seen on musical artists such as Rihanna.

Slip-behind Bangs

Usually associated with teenagers or college students, people with this look grow their bangs out and then either sweep them across and tuck them behind one ear, or separate them in the middle and tuck each side behind an ear. Ashley Simpson is a good example of someone with this easy-going, no-fuss style.

References

• Ladies' Home Journal: Should you get bangs?