20+ Short Forehead Hairstyles Ideas You’ll Want to Save

A short or low forehead means the space between your brows and your hairline is small, so the wrong cut can make your whole face look shorter than it is. A heavy straight fringe can close the brow area off completely, and flat hair with no shape can press down on the hairline. The right cut does the opposite. It opens up the brow, adds height or width in the right places, and pulls the eye toward your eyes and cheekbones instead of the hairline.

The trick comes down to three simple rules. First, keep the brow area open, so choose light, airy, or side swept bangs instead of a thick solid block. Second, add lift at the crown or width at the cheeks, since height on top makes the forehead look taller and soft layers at the sides balance the face. Third, keep the ends light and piecey, because soft feathered ends blend into the rest of the hair while a hard blunt edge can shorten the face. Every idea in this list follows at least one of these rules.

This guide shares 21 short forehead hairstyles, from curtain bangs and wispy fringes to textured pixies and soft bobs, and each one is picked to flatter a low forehead. Use this list like a salon menu. Save the photos you love, read what to ask your stylist for in each section, and note the trim schedule before you book. Tell your stylist that your forehead is short or low, since that one detail changes where the bangs should sit and how the layers should fall. Bring the photo to your appointment and point out the exact length and shape you want.

Curtain Bangs Style

Curtain bangs part in the middle and sweep to both sides, which draws the eye outward instead of down, so a low forehead looks more balanced right away. The soft curve around the cheekbones adds gentle movement and keeps the brow area open. Ask your stylist for long face framing pieces that start at the cheekbone, and keep the center pieces just above the brow so they open up the face instead of covering it. Blow dry with a round brush and roll the ends away from the face for that soft curtain shape. This style grows out softly, so trims every eight to ten weeks keep it neat. It suits straight to wavy hair best. Do not let the center pieces get cut too short, or they will fall into your eyes and close off the brow you are trying to open.

Wispy Bangs Look

• Ask for thin, airy bangs, not a thick solid block.
• Keep the wisps just grazing the brow line.
• Textured ends blend into longer side layers.
• A little dry shampoo adds lift at the roots.
• Works well on fine to medium hair.

Wispy bangs soften a low forehead without hiding it. The light texture lets skin show through, so the brow area still gets light and air, and the face never looks closed off. This is a low risk way to try bangs for the first time, since the wisps are thin and easy to pin back if you change your mind. Ask your stylist to point cut the ends so they stay feathery instead of forming a straight line. Style them with your fingers and a little dry shampoo at the roots for lift. If you do not like them, they grow out fast and blend into layers within a few weeks.

Side Swept Fringe

Quick Tip: Sweep the fringe from a deep side part and let it land above the cheekbone. Pin it for a day to train the sweep before you decide to keep it.

A side swept fringe breaks the straight line of a low hairline. The diagonal shape pulls the eye across the face and makes the forehead look taller, which is exactly what a short forehead needs. It works on bobs, lobs, and even long hair, so you do not have to cut your length to try it. Ask your stylist to point cut the ends so they feather softly instead of forming a hard edge. Blow dry the fringe in the direction of the sweep while it is still damp, so it falls where you want it. Avoid a blunt straight edge here, since a hard line across the brow can make the face look shorter.

Textured Pixie Cut

Before: long hair with no fringe can make a low forehead look heavy and the face look short. After: a textured pixie with piecey bangs lifts the whole face. The short sides slim the cheeks while the lively top adds height where it counts.

A textured pixie is a bold pick for a small forehead. The piecey fringe softens the hairline and draws focus to the eyes, while the short shape keeps everything light and open. Ask your stylist to keep the top long enough for the pieces to separate, and to point cut the fringe so it stays soft. Style it with a pea sized bit of wax for definition, and tousle the top upward with your fingers for extra height. This cut suits straight to slightly wavy hair and needs a trim every four to six weeks to hold its shape. Do not let the top get cut too short, or the pieces will have no room to form.

Layered Bob Cut

1. Ask for a chin length bob with light layers through the ends.
2. Add face framing pieces that start at the cheek.
3. Keep a soft side part to open the brow area.
4. Blow dry with a round brush for gentle lift.
5. Finish with a light hold spray for movement.

A layered bob adds width and movement where a low forehead needs it. The layers stop the hair from sitting flat against the head, and the face framing pieces pull the eye down and out toward the cheeks. Ask your stylist to keep the layers light through the ends so the bob stays soft instead of puffy. For more fringe help, read our guide to bangs matched to your face shape before your appointment. This cut flatters fine to thick hair and is easy to style daily. Avoid heavy layers at the crown, which can make the top look bulky instead of lifted.

Blunt Mini Bob

A blunt mini bob with a short fringe can work on a low forehead when the bangs sit above the brow. The short fringe line frames the eyes and gives a chic, bold feel, while the clean bob edge keeps the shape sharp. Ask your stylist to keep the fringe light rather than thick, so it never hides the brow, and keep the length above the jaw so the face does not look shorter. This style needs regular trims to keep the edge sharp, every four weeks for the blunt version and about six for the softer one. It suits straight hair best, since the clean line shows most clearly on smooth hair. Skip this cut if you want a wash and go style, since the blunt edge needs upkeep to look its best.

Middle Part Waves

Do:

• Part the hair in the center to frame both sides.
• Add loose waves for soft width at the cheeks.
• Lift the roots with a round brush while drying.
• Use a heat protectant before curling.

Don’t:

• Wear heavy straight styles that flatten the crown.
• Choose center bangs that close off the brow.
• Pull the hair too tight at the scalp.
• Pair very dark roots with light ends, which can shorten the face.

A middle part with waves is a no bangs option for a low forehead. The part draws a vertical line that makes the face look longer, and the waves at the sides add fullness at the cheeks. Ask your stylist for long layers that start at the chin so the waves have room to form. This look suits long to medium hair and takes about 20 minutes with a wand. It is good for daily wear and evenings out. Keep the crown lifted with a round brush while drying, since flat roots undo the lengthening effect of the part.

Face Framing Layers

• Styling time: 15 minutes with a blow dryer
• Maintenance: trim every 8 weeks
• Skill level: easy for beginners
• Best use: daily wear and office looks

Face framing layers start near the chin and fall softly forward. They pull the eye down and out, which helps a low forehead look more balanced, and they add movement to long hair without taking off length. Ask your stylist to keep the shortest layer at chin level or below for the most flattering effect, since layers cut too high can widen the face at the wrong place. Blow dry the front pieces forward and under with a round brush so they curve toward the face. This is one of the easiest options on the list, and it works on straight, wavy, and lightly curled hair. Avoid layers that start above the cheekbone, which can make the sides flare out instead of falling softly.

Soft Feathered Fringe

A feathered fringe uses light, tapered ends that blend into the rest of the hair. On a low forehead, this soft edge works better than a heavy straight line, because the airy texture keeps the brow area open and bright. It also grows out gracefully with very little awkward stage, so it is a kind choice if you are new to bangs. Ask your stylist to razor or point cut the ends for that feathered effect, and to keep the fringe swept to one side rather than straight across. Style it with a blow dry, pushing the fringe to one side, and use a small round brush for lift at the roots. Of all the short forehead hairstyles here, this airy fringe suits the most face shapes. Avoid thickening the fringe with too much product, which can turn the feathered pieces into a solid block.

Asymmetric Bangs Cut

• Ask for bangs that are short on one side and longer on the other.
• The diagonal line draws the eye across the face.
• Keep the longer side grazing the cheekbone.
• Style with a flat brush for a smooth finish.
• Suits straight hair best.

Asymmetric bangs add instant edge to a low forehead. The uneven line breaks the short, straight look of the hairline and creates movement, so the eye travels across the face instead of stopping at the brow. Ask your stylist to keep the longer side grazing the cheekbone and the shorter side well above the brow, so the diagonal stays clear. Style with a flat brush for a smooth finish, and blow dry the longer side forward so it holds its line. This cut feels modern and bold, and it works best on straight hair that holds a clean shape. Trim often to keep the angles sharp, since even a little growth can blur the diagonal.

Choppy Bob Style

Quick Tip: Ask for choppy layers cut with a razor for the most texture. Scrunch in a little sea salt spray while the hair is damp to bring the pieces to life.

A choppy bob brings playful texture that distracts from a low forehead in the best way. The uneven ends keep the eye moving and add volume where it counts, while the light bangs keep the brow open. Ask your stylist for choppy layers cut with a razor or point cutting, so the ends stay light and piecey instead of blunt. This style is wash and go friendly, and it suits fine to medium hair and looks great with a little natural wave. Scrunch a little sea salt spray through damp hair and let it air dry for the easiest finish. Avoid heavy creams here, which weigh the choppy pieces down and hide the texture.

Long Shag Layers

Before: flat, one length hair can press down on a low forehead and make the face look short. After: a long shag with curtain fringe adds volume at the crown and softness around the face. The layers create lift and movement everywhere.

The shag is a fun pick for a small forehead because it never sits flat. The curtain fringe opens the brow area while the shaggy layers add height on top, so the face looks longer and more balanced. Ask your stylist for layers that start near the crown and a curtain fringe that parts in the middle. Scrunch with mousse for texture, and let the waves fall naturally instead of brushing them smooth. It suits wavy and curly hair best and grows out with ease. Avoid a heavy straight fringe with this cut, since it would fight the airy shag shape.

Tapered Pixie Fringe

1. Ask for short tapered sides and back.
2. Keep the top longer with a soft fringe.
3. Sweep the fringe forward and slightly to the side.
4. Use a small amount of pomade for piecey texture.
5. Trim every five weeks to keep the shape.

A tapered pixie with a longer fringe balances a low forehead beautifully. The short sides keep the head neat while the longer top draws the eye upward, which makes the forehead look taller. Ask your stylist to taper the sides close but not shaved to the skin, so the contrast stays soft. Sweep the fringe forward and slightly to one side, and use a small amount of pomade for piecey texture. This cut feels fresh and modern, suits straight to wavy hair, and takes only minutes to style each morning with a little product. Trim every five weeks to keep the shape, since the tapered sides grow out fast.

Curled Side Part

A curled side part gives a low forehead lovely asymmetry and volume. The deep part lifts the roots and the curls frame the cheeks, so the eye moves across the face instead of resting on the hairline. Ask your stylist for a deep side part and long layers that let the curls fall softly. Use a medium curling iron and wrap sections away from the face, then brush through gently for soft waves instead of tight ringlets. Pair it with ideas from our fringe ideas for heart shaped faces if you want more fringe inspiration. This look suits medium to thick hair and is lovely for parties. Avoid curling the front pieces too tight, since tight curls can close off the brow area.

Short Stacked Bob

Do:

• Ask for stacked layers at the back for lift.
• Keep soft bangs that sit above the brow.
• Blow dry the crown with a round brush.
• Use a volumizing mousse at the roots.

Don’t:

• Wear flat, heavy bangs that cover the brow.
• Choose very long front pieces that drag the face down.
• Over straighten the crown flat.
• Skip trims, since the shape fades fast.

A short stacked bob lifts the back and opens the front, which helps a low forehead a lot. The graduated layers add height at the crown, and soft bangs keep the brow area light. Ask your stylist for stacked layers at the back that are subtle rather than steep, so the shape looks modern instead of dated. Blow dry the crown upward with a round brush and add a little volumizing mousse at the roots for lift. This cut suits fine to medium hair and needs a trim every six weeks to hold its shape. Avoid skipping trims, since the stacked shape fades fast once it grows out.

Tousled Fringe Lob

• Styling time: 20 minutes with a texturizing spray
• Maintenance: trim every 10 weeks
• Skill level: easy, wash and go
• Best use: casual days and vacations

A tousled fringe lob is the relaxed answer for a low forehead. The long bob length keeps things modern while the piecey fringe softens the hairline, and the tousled texture stops the hair from sitting flat. Ask your stylist for a lob that hits between the chin and the collarbone, with a light fringe that blends into the waves. A little sea salt spray and a scrunch is all it needs, so this is a true wash and go style. This look suits wavy hair best and grows out softly between salon visits. Avoid brushing it smooth after it dries, since that removes the tousled texture that makes this cut work.

Deep Side Sweep

A deep side sweep starts from a part near the temple and flows across the brow. This long diagonal line makes a low forehead look taller right away. It frames one eye, which adds a touch of charm. The style works on every hair length, from pixies to long layers, so it is one of the most flexible ideas on this list.

To style it, part damp hair deep on one side and blow dry the sweep across the forehead. Use a flat brush for a smooth finish, and keep the sweep light so the brow still shows through. Tuck the shorter side behind the ear to show off an earring. Trim the sweep every six weeks so it never covers the eyes. Ask your stylist to point cut the ends of the sweep so they feather softly instead of forming a heavy edge.

Rounded Bob Shape

• Ask for a curved, rounded silhouette with soft ends.
• Keep the length between the chin and the jaw.
• Add a light fringe or side sweep on top.
• Blow dry under with a large round brush.
• Suits fine to medium hair textures.

A rounded bob wraps the face in a soft curve that flatters a low forehead. The shape adds fullness at the sides and keeps the look gentle, while a light fringe on top opens the brow area. Ask your stylist for layers that curve under at the chin and a large round brush finish, since a small brush can turn the ends into tight curls instead of a smooth curve. This classic cut suits most ages and needs a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the curve. Avoid layers that start too high, which can make the sides flare out instead of curving under.

Voluminous Crown Layers

Quick Tip: Backcomb the crown lightly and set it with a flexible hold spray. Flip your head upside down while blow drying for extra lift at the roots.

Voluminous crown layers lift the top of the head, which makes a low forehead look taller. The height draws the eye up and balances the face, and a soft side fringe finishes the look without closing off the brow. Ask your stylist for short layers through the crown only, not all over, so the shape stays controlled instead of puffy. Blow dry the roots upward with a round brush, and flip your head upside down while drying for extra lift. This style suits medium to thick hair and is lovely for special events and photos. Avoid heavy spray, which drops the volume you just built, and skip this cut if you want a wash and go style, since the lift needs a little effort each morning.

Swooping Long Bangs

Before: bangs cut too short can sit awkwardly on a low forehead and draw eyes to the hairline. After: long bangs that swoop across the brow create a smooth, flattering arc. The length softens the hairline and blends into the sides.

Swooping long bangs are forgiving and easy to grow out. They suit almost every face shape and hair texture, which makes them a safe first bang to try. Ask your stylist to cut the bangs long enough to reach the cheekbone when swept to the side, and to point cut the ends so the arc stays soft. Style them with a round brush, sweeping from one side to the other, and let them blend into the side layers. Trim every six to eight weeks to keep the arc clean. Avoid cutting them short at the first trim, since the length is what makes the swoop work.

Sleek Straight Fringe

1. Ask for a straight fringe cut just above the brows.
2. Keep the fringe light, not too thick or heavy.
3. Straighten with a flat iron for a smooth finish.
4. Use a tiny drop of serum to tame flyaways.
5. Trim every three to four weeks to hold the line.

A sleek straight fringe can suit a low forehead when it sits just above the brows. The key is keeping it light and airy, not thick, since a heavy fringe would hide the brow and shorten the face. Ask your stylist to cut the fringe a little longer than you think at first, since you can always take more off, and to thin it slightly so light passes through. Straighten with a flat iron for a smooth finish and use a tiny drop of serum to tame flyaways. This polished look suits straight hair best and pairs well with long, smooth lengths. Trim every three to four weeks to hold the line, since even a little growth changes the shape.

These 21 ideas prove that a low forehead is easy to flatter with the right cut. From wispy bangs and curtain fringes to textured pixies and soft bobs, there is a style here for every hair type and routine. The best short forehead hairstyles simply shift focus to your eyes, add height or width where it counts, and keep the brow area open and bright.

Save this post to your Pinterest board so your favorite looks are easy to find later. Then pick the one that matches your hair type and lifestyle, show the photo to your stylist, and tell them your forehead is short or low so they cut the bangs to the right length. A small change at the hairline can make a big difference in how you feel, so book that salon visit and try something new this week.