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October 11, 2024
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Hair Contouring: Why It’s the Highlight of the Season

When we hear the word “contouring,” we usually think about facial contouring, the art of applying makeup so we can create false bone structure. For reasons obviously self explained, this phenomenon has become extremely popular with pretty much everyone. Why not make ourselves look more beautiful, when all it takes is a few swipes of extra makeup? But now, as the new season starts, so do new trends. Facial contouring has evolved into something that goes way beyond just applying makeup. Hair contouring is the biggest new thing, for the right reasons. Celebrities and models everywhere are using this new technique to perfect their (already perfect) image.

So what actually is hair contouring? Well, for a brief description, it’s the use of highlights and lowlights in your hair to artistically create a more defined face. “By using light and dark tones to create shadow and depth on the face, as well as applying color in specific areas of the hair, you can completely alter either an entire face shape or specific areas,” says Mark Trinder, hair stylist and expert. This technique is such a great and fun way to really brighten up your face and sculpt it to your own perfection. While it’s best to leave the contouring itself to the professionals (don’t try this at home), here are some great tips and advice to getting you looking your best in time for fall!

Figure Out Your Shape

You should definitely know what shape your face is before you go into the salon, just so you can know what to ask for and understand the process a little bit more. Here is a breakdown of different face shapes and how to tell which one you are.

You have a round face if…

The width and length of your face is the same. Round faces usually have a strong bone structure, so light tones are applied around the hairline, while darker tones are applied beneath the ears and lower ends of the hair. This brightens up your face while also giving it more of a pointed shape.

You have a square face if…

The length, width and jawline are all the same. Square faces will have wider facial features, so different layers of lighter and darker tones are applied to the corners of the face and around the jawline or temples, which will soften lines and add more depth.

You have an oblong-shape face if…

The length of your face is more than 1½ times longer than wide, with a bigger forehead, cheekbones and jawline. Deep tones are applied to the root by the part and highlights are threaded from above the ears to the end of the hair, making a more slimming effect for the face.

You have a heart-shape face if…

You have a wide forehead and a narrower, pointed chin. To create a more oval shape, highlights are put in around the jawline or ears to soften the lower half of the face.

Seeing a Colorist, and Keeping It Natural

To keep it all looking subtle, the colors shouldn’t exceed two shades above or below your natural hair color, and tones should always complement your skin. The different color shades and tones chosen are usually applied by free hand for a more subtle look, or highlighted separately for a more defined look. This combo allows the colorist to tailor the application to you. Unlike facial contouring, this technique is very low maintenance, and will look very natural.

For the best results, work with your colorist by giving your input but keeping an open mind. It’s important to remember to trust the professionals—their goal is the same as yours: to make you look beautiful!

By Sari Friedbauer

 

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