Long Hair to Look Skinnier

Q: I'm trying to lose weight and have already lost a few pounds, which is encouraging. Someone told me that I should grow my hair long because long hair makes you look skinnier. Is this true? Can a long hairstyle actually make someone look thinner? I'm still carrying some extra weight and have a somewhat round face.

A: First off, congratulations on your weight loss journey! Those first few pounds are something to be proud of, and it's wonderful that you're feeling encouraged by your progress.

The advice you received about hair length and appearing slimmer does have some truth to it, but it's not quite as simple as "long hair equals looking thinner." What really matters is creating the right balance and proportions for your unique features.

For someone with a rounder face, the key is creating a vertical line that draws the eye up and down rather than side to side. This vertical emphasis can indeed make your face appear slimmer. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you need extremely long hair to achieve this effect.

The ideal approach combines strategic length with thoughtful styling. You'll want to consider adding some volume at the crown of your head while keeping the sides closer to your face. This creates that desirable vertical line that can visually elongate your features. The length that falls below your face can further enhance this slimming effect, but only if styled appropriately.

Hairstyle that makes an overweight woman appear slimmer

Hair texture plays a crucial role here too. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, simply growing it longer without proper styling might actually work against you. Curly hair that expands outward can create width rather than length, potentially making your face appear fuller rather than slimmer.

Many women I've worked with make the mistake of thinking that longer is always better when trying to appear slimmer. However, hair that's too long for your frame can actually overwhelm your features and throw off your proportions. Even straight hair can look unflattering if it's grown past a length that complements your height and build.

Layers can be your best friend in this situation. Well-placed layers can create movement and dimension while maintaining that crucial vertical line. Face-framing layers that start below your chin can be particularly flattering, as they draw attention away from the fullest part of your face.

I strongly recommend consulting with a hair salon that can assess your specific facial structure, hair texture, and overall proportions. They can create a personalized look that will complement your features while helping you achieve that slimmer appearance you're looking for. A skilled stylist will consider not just your face shape but your entire silhouette, lifestyle, and your personal preferences to recommend a style that works holistically for you.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

How to match your hairstyle and body type

The round face and suitable hairstyles

What is a slimming haircut?