Having a widows peak hairline can make choosing a flattering haircut more challenging. A widows peak is when the hairline dips down in a V-shape near the center of the forehead. This distinct hairline can make some styles look awkward or unbalanced. However, there are plenty of great options that work well for widows peaks. The key is choosing cuts and styles that complement your natural hairline rather than fight against it.
What is a widows peak?
A widows peak hairline is when the hairline in the center of the forehead forms a dramatic V-shape rather than being straight across. This V-shaped dip gives the appearance of a pointed peak of hair in the middle of the forehead, hence the name “widows peak.” Widows peak hairlines are entirely natural and simply represent a variation in hairline shape.
Widows peaks are caused by genetics and hormone levels that affect hair follicle distribution. They tend to be most noticeable in men due to their naturally receding hairlines, but some women have them as well. The term “widows peak” likely originated from a mistaken belief that men whose wives died prematurely developed these sharp hairlines due to prolonged grief.
Widows peaks can range from barely noticeable to very dramatic. In some cases, they may recede or thin out over time and become less pronounced with age. There is no way to permanently change the shape of your natural hairline, but certain haircuts and styling tricks can help minimize the appearance of a widows peak.
Should you try to hide or downplay a widows peak?
Some people mistakenly think a widows peak is unattractive or a flaw to be concealed. But a widows peak is a normal variation just like a cowlick or differently shaped hairline. There is absolutely no need to feel self-conscious about having one!
Rather than trying to hide a widows peak, the better approach is to choose hairstyles that work with your natural hairline. The right cuts and styling techniques can help you accentuate your best features and draw attention away from any problem areas.
Best haircuts for widows peaks
Here are some of the most flattering haircuts for men and women with widows peaks:
Short styles
Going short is one of the easiest ways to minimize the appearance of a prominent widows peak. Shorter cuts reduce the contrast between the peak and sides of the hairline. Buzz cuts, fades, crew cuts, and textured cropped styles work well.
Longer layers
Long layered hairstyles can soften the look of a widows peak, especially when the layers start above the peak to help blend the hairline. Shoulder length or longer straight cuts with face-framing layers are a great option.
Side parts
A deep side part directed away from your widows peak shifts focus to the other side of your hairline. Sweeping bangs to one side also helps camouflage a pronounced peak.
Middle parts
A center part can actually be quite flattering with a widows peak if you have the forehead length to pull it off. Letting your hair fall naturally helps showcase your natural hairline.
Fringe/bangs
Full, blunt fringe or bangs cut above the brows offer one of the most effective ways to minimize a prominent widows peak. Choppy bangs or sideswept fringe are both great choices.
Spikes and faux hawks
Spiked styles, faux hawks, and short pompadours utilize the natural shape of a widows peak for a bold, fashion-forward look. Use matte styling products to create definition and hold.
Volume and height
Hairstyles that create extra volume at the crown help downplay a dramatic widows peak by making it look smaller in comparison to the rest of your hair. Backcombing, teasing, and volumizing products can help achieve this look.
Styling tips
In addition to choosing a flattering cut, styling your hair the right way makes a big difference in working with a widows peak. Here are some useful strategies:
- Add volume at the crown to minimize the look of your hairline.
- Use your fingers to lightly backcomb short styles for texture.
- Direct part and bangs/fringe away from the center peak.
- Keep longer hair tucked behind ears to showcase your face rather than hairline.
- Use matte styling products to avoid looking greasy or flat up top.
- Blow dry while brushing the hair forward and upward for lift.
Best face shapes for widows peaks
Widows peaks pair best with certain face shapes that help balance out a pointed hairline. The most ideal face shape matches include:
Oval faces
An oval face nicely complements a widows peak. The rounded hairline of an oval face contrasts well with the dip in the center of a widows peak. Short to medium styles typically look great.
Heart shaped faces
The wide cheekbones and delicate chin of a heart face shape help counteract a pronounced widows peak. Side-swept bangs or fringe are especially flattering.
Diamond shaped faces
A diamond face shape has prominent cheekbones that draw attention down and away from the hairline. This helps balance out the effect of a prominent widows peak. Layered styles that are longer in the front and short in the back work well.
Hairstyles to avoid
Certain hairstyles are not recommended if you want to minimize the look of a widows peak. Styles to be cautious of include:
- Tight pulled back styles like slick ponys or buns
- Middle parts without bangs/fringe
- Very short buzz cuts
- Flat, unlayered long styles with no volume up top
- Severe slicked looks that expose the hairline
The most unflattering styles draw attention straight to the peaked hairline or create too much contrast between the peak and sides.
Haircut inspiration for widows peaks
Need some visual inspiration on styles that look amazing with a widows peak? Here are great celebrity examples of stylish cuts and dos:
| Celebrity | Haircut Style |
|---|---|
| Jude Law | Short messy crop with volume |
| Josh Duhamel | Caesar cut with a side part |
| Elijah Wood | Choppy mini-mohawk |
| Gerard Butler | Very short buzz cut |
| Leonardo Dicaprio | Textured side-swept fringe |
| Christina Aguilera | Long blonde layers with bangs |
| Lauren Conrad | Shoulder-length shag with sideswept fringe |
| Vanessa Hudgens | Long middle-parted waves |
Conclusion
Having a widows peak hairline doesn’t mean you have to be limited on stylish haircut options. By selecting cuts with lengths, parts, layers, and volume that complement a prominent peak, you can find a look that minimizes the appearance for a flawless finish. Work what you’ve got and let your natural hairline inspire, rather than hinder, your hairstyle choices.