Face-Framing Highlights That Complement Every Face Shape
February 17, 2022
If you’re looking to switch up your look without making a drastic change, face-framing highlights are a flattering and relatively low-maintenance way to brighten up your hair color. But just like a good haircut, the placement of your highlights should change based on the shape of your face and the features you want to emphasize.
“A skilled colorist will be able to decide on a color mapping design that will enhance not only your haircut, but your natural texture and work with your features in a bespoke and unique way,” says Tom Smith, hairstylist and color creative director international at evo hair. Below, find his tips for getting the most flattering face-framing highlights on round, square, oval and heart-shaped faces.
For Round Faces
If you have a round face, Smith recommends avoiding highlights that are placed evenly around the face. “Instead, place highlights in key areas such as either side of the parting, under the top layer near the temples, or even consider a scattered or asymmetric placement,” he says. “This will distract the eye from the outer curve of the face and stop the face [from] looking rounder.”
For Square-Shaped Faces
If you have a strong, square jawline about the same width as your forehead and cheekbones, Smith recommends asking for face-framing highlights on a side part, curving away from the face. Shorter layers can also help soften the angles of your face shape.
For Oval Faces
An oval face can suit any color placement, so Smith suggests focusing on the features you want your highlights to bring out. “Consider if you wish to highlight near your eyes to contrast your well groomed eyebrows, or perhaps more through the tips of your face-framing layers to draw attention to your lips or jawline,” he says.
For Heart-Shaped Faces
Because heart-shaped faces are broader at the forehead and narrower at the chin, you want your highlights to create balance. Smith recommends balayage highlights “that begin and get bolder under the cheekbones and around the jaw” to draw the eye to your jawline.
Photo: @tomsmithhd
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