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 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 truth to it, but it's not as simple as "long hair equals looking thinner." What really matters is creating the right balance and vertical 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.

Hair Length Traps to Avoid

Simply growing your hair as long as possible can backfire if you don't watch out for a few details:

• The Mid-Chest Trap: Extremely long hair can make you look shorter and wider. The most flattering "slimming" length typically sits right around the collarbone or just below the chest, which elongates the neck without shortening your torso.

• The Shoulder Flip: Hair that lands directly on the shoulders tends to flick outward, adding unwanted horizontal width right next to your neck and jawline.

Hairstyle that makes an overweight woman appear slimmer

Strategic Styling

How you style your hair matters just as much as the length itself:

• Parting and Bangs: A sharp center part or a deep side part creates strong diagonal and vertical lines across the face, instantly breaking up facial roundness. Avoid flat, slicked-back styles or heavy, straight-across bangs, which cut the face in half and emphasize width.

• Crown Volume: Aim to create subtle height at the crown while keeping the sides close to your face to elongate your features.

• Texture: If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, growing it long without proper shaping can cause an pyramid effect. Volume at the jawline creates width, whereas long, soft waves that start below the chin help draw the eye downward.

Layers

Layers are your best friend in maintaining lightness and shape. Opt for face-framing layers that start below the chin. Never right at the cheekbones or jawline, because this highlights the widest points of the face. Well-placed layers create movement while keeping that essential vertical line intact.

I strongly recommend consulting with a professional stylist who can assess your specific facial structure, hair texture, and overall silhouette. A skilled stylist will customize these vertical lines to complement your body frame, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

How to match your hairstyle and body type

The round face and suitable hairstyles

What is a slimming haircut?