Beauty is subjective and everyone is born with unique features that make them beautiful. Today’s society is hell-bent on getting rid of toxic and unattainable beauty standards. Still, many are wondering, “How big is the average forehead?”.
Average forehead sizes are different for men and women. For men, a forehead that is 2.4 inches/6 cm in height and 5.5 inches/14 cm in width is considered average. For women, the average forehead is 2.3 inches/5.8 cm in height and 5.1 inches/13 cm in width.
Of course, there are more numbers to keep in mind like the minimum and maximum forehead measurements. This will let you know where you stand in the spectrum and when you should consider your forehead size big or small.
Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about forehead sizes including methods on how you can measure yours. Then, we’ll talk about forehead sizes in relation to the face and typical forehead shapes.
Forehead Sizes: Why Does it Matter?
It might not seem like a big deal for some but one’s forehead size can significantly affect how people see themselves. A forehead size that’s too small, big, narrow, or wide can be a source of insecurity, especially if someone ends up with a forehead size that’s not what they would prefer for themself.
Your forehead size can also significantly affect how the rest of your facial features go and look together.
Understanding your forehead size can help you understand what you can do to improve your facial features and overall appearance.
Of course, you are not required to change anything about you physically. But for anyone who would want to improve in how they see and feel themselves, your forehead might be a good way to start.
Does Forehead Size Affect Appearance?
The size of your forehead can have a direct effect on your overall appearance.
A larger forehead can make your face look longer and elongated. A smaller forehead can make your overall facial appearance shorter and even rounder.
The size of your forehead can also affect the symmetry, balance, and proportions of your other facial features. A forehead size that’s just right (or looks like it) can give you a more harmonious and symmetrical look.
How Big is the Average Forehead?
One’s forehead size helps create balance and proportion for the rest of their facial features. This is probably the main reason why many are concerned about the sizes of their foreheads.
So let’s get the million-dollar question out of the way, “What is the average forehead size?”.
It’s important to note that the average forehead size varies between men and women. But don’t worry, we’ll discuss both just below:
Average forehead size in males
Measurement | Minimum(inches) | Minimum(cm) | Maximum(inches) | Maximum(cm) | Average(inches) | Average(cm) |
Height | 2 | 5 | 2.8 | 7 | 2.4 | 6 |
Width | 4.7 | 12 | 6 | 15 | 5.5 | 14 |
Average forehead size in females
Measurement | Minimum(inches) | Minimum(cm) | Maximum(inches) | Maximum(cm) | Average(inches) | Average(cm) |
Height | 2 | 5 | 2.6 | 6.5 | 2.3 | 5.8 |
Width | 4.4 | 11.2 | 5.8 | 14.7 | 5.1 | 13 |
Based on the tables above, the average forehead size of men is 2.4 inches/6 cm in height and 5.5 inches/14 cm in width. For women, it’s a little different with 2.3 inches/5.8 cm in height and 5.1 inches/13 cm in width.
What is Considered a Big Forehead?
A forehead is considered big and large if it exceeds the maximum measurements stated above in the table.
For men, the maximum forehead height is 2.8 inches/7 cm with a width of 6 inches/15 cm. For women, it’s 2.6 inches/6.5 cm in height and 5.8 inches/14.7 cm in width.
Measuring Forehead Sizes: How to Tell If You Have a Big Forehead
If you’re looking in the mirror and are wondering how big exactly your forehead is, there are two easy ways to do this:
Measure with a ruler or a measuring tape
The first method is practical, precise, and a no-brainer. If you have a ruler or measuring tape, then this is the way to go.
Place your ruler or measuring tape right at the level of your eyebrow up to your hairline. Measure your forehead’s width as well. Record the results and go back to our table above to determine where in the range you are.
Measure by finger lengths
If you don’t have a ruler or measuring tape at hand, measuring with your fingers should do it as well. This method is quick and convenient.
Horizontally place your fingers along your forehead. Though finger widths would vary from one person to another, about four fingers on your forehead would indicate a normal and average forehead size.
With this method, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not entirely precise due to varying finger sizes, though some would say the results are highly accurate.
If you want precise measurements, it would still be best to use a ruler or measuring tape.
Forehead Sizes and Face Shapes
The overall shape of your face can directly affect how big or small your forehead may look. Here are some of the more common face shapes:
Square shape face
Square-shaped faces have sharp and angular jawlines with broad foreheads.
Heart shape face
Heart-shaped faces feature a wider forehead with pointed chins. Cheeks and jawlines are narrower than the forehead.
Round shape face
Round faces have fairly equal width and length measurements. They enjoy soft curves and rounded cheeks.
Oval shape face
An oval-shaped face has wider cheekbones with a narrower chin and forehead.
Triangle shape face
A triangular-shaped face has a wider and broad forehead with narrower chins and jawlines.
Diamond face
Diamond faces have wider cheeks with a narrower forehead and chin, resulting in an angular look.
Forehead Forms, Shapes, and Sizes
Your face shape isn’t the only thing you should be looking at. Foreheads also come in varying shapes that result in different and unique sizes:
Round forehead
Your hairline forms a circle on your forehead.
M-shaped forehead
M-shaped foreheads have a triangle shape that forms at your hairline where the edges go up in an angle and the center of the hairline forms a triangular point. This forms an “M” shape at your hairline.
Bell-shaped forehead
A bell-shaped forehead means you have a more oval-shaped hairline, rather than a straightforward round shape.
Rectangle-shaped forehead
Rectangle-shaped foreheads are common in people with narrow faces. The forehead appears more square.
How to Fix a Big Forehead
Unfortunately, your forehead size is natural and you can’t “change” it as you want to.
There are, however, treatments and procedures a few have sought out. And if you’re serious about making your rather big forehead smaller permanently, you have the option of either a forehead reduction surgery or a hair transplant. You can read about procedures in our previous article here.
One can also use the power of makeup to create an illusion of a smaller forehead.
Play with contouring and highlighting techniques to give your forehead a more chiseled structure. Lights and shadows can drastically change the size of not only your forehead but the rest of your face.
Your eyebrows’ height, arch, shape, and thickness can also change how your forehead is perceived.
Additionally, play with some blush and dramatic eye and lip makeup looks to draw attention to them instead of to your forehead.
Hairstyles for Big Foreheads: For Men
Hairstyles and haircuts can also change how small or big your forehead appears. Here are the top hairstyles for men with a large forehead:
Caesar cut
The Caesar haircut is a classic hairstyle for men and will help minimize the size of a larger forehead. This features short, horizontal bangs that cover the top part of a big male forehead.
Crew cut
The Crew cut is another classic hairstyle. It adds volume to the top of your head, bringing eyes and attention to the top instead of on your forehead.
Hairstyles for Big Foreheads: For Women
For women having issues with the larger size of their foreheads, try out any of these hairstyles:
Bangs
Full bangs, side-swept bangs, or curtain bangs all work to cover a large part of the forehead, concealing what you would prefer to stay hidden. It’s also a great way for dealing with when your forehead slope inwards.
Layered cut
Layered haircuts and hairstyles will give what was once flat hair much-needed volume. This helps the female forehead appear smaller.
Conclusion
Everyone is born with their own unique facial features. In an era where people are more and more open about beauty standards and living up to them, many are wondering what the average size of foreheads is.
The average forehead size is different for men and women. The average size of men’s foreheads is 2.4 inches/6 cm in height and 5.5 inches/14 cm in width. For women, 2.3 inches/5.8 cm in height and 5.1 inches/13 cm in width is considered average.
And that has been our detailed answer to the query, “How big is the average forehead?”. You can reach out to us below for more of your questions!