Sounds appealing, right? Hair contouring can do wonders for your face, and not to mention, add an extra layer of depth to your hair color. Keep scrolling to learn more about this highlighting technique and learn what placement is best for your face shape.
Hair Contouring 101: All About The Trending Color Technique
From learning what hair contouring is to how it’s done to what color placement suits you best, we’ve got you covered when it comes to learning all about the technique.
What is Hair Contouring?
Hair contouring is a color technique that adds lightens and darkens specific strands throughout your hair, specifically around your face, to add dimension and alter your face shape. Just like a make-up contour can make areas of your face appear bigger or smaller, a hair contour is meant to draw attention to certain areas of your hair, take the focus off other areas, and make your face shape appear different. This technique can also be used to enhance your natural skin tone.
How is Hair Contouring Done?
Hair contouring mixes free-hand application (similar to the balayage technique) with a thought-out placement of lighter and darker hues to accentuate and flatter your face. The placement of color is different for everyone, you’re sure to get a look that’s suited for you. Placement is determined by your face shape and the specific look you’re going for. However, it’s important to know that darker colors will shorten the face and make it appear more narrow, while lighter shades will elongate the face.
How to Care for Hair Contour
Our favorite part about hair contouring? It’s low maintenance! Finally, a hair color technique that requires minimal upkeep–perfect for those who don’t want to deal with the maintenance of a regular set of highlights or overall hair color. However, your hair still is dyed, so it’s best to use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair to ensure your hair contouring stays vibrant and fresh for as long as possible. We love Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner because it helps your color stay vibrant for up to 40 washes. If your hair is in need of extra moisture and shine, use Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose 2-Minute Magic Masque. We love how this hair mask instantly shows results.
Hair Contouring Placement by Face Shape
Not sure what placement is best for you? Find out where lighter and darker shades should fall around your face and throughout your hair.
Round and Square Faces
When hair contouring a round or square face, you’ll most likely want to elongate your face shape. To do this, your colorist will apply a lighter shade at the top of your head and the ends. Darker shades would be most flattering when woven into the sides, adding depth to your look.
Heart Face
To contour heart faces, you’ll want to take attention away from the forehead and make your jawline appear wider. To do this, your colorist will use a darker shade at the top of your head and lighten strands throughout the mid-shaft and ends. Diamond Face To contour a diamond face shape, a darker shade will be used at the root and underneath section of your hair. This will help create a shadow, balancing out the shape. Lighter pieces at the front of the head will help face your face and create an elongated appearance. Whether your goal is to change the appearance of your face shape or just want a new look, hair contouring is low maintenance and can have a big impact on your overall look.
