The Best Dutch Braid for Low Forehead Faces: Expert Tips | Volume & Balance
The Best Dutch Braid for Low Forehead Faces: Expert Tips
Finding the perfect hairstyle that complements specific facial features is an art form. For individuals with a low forehead—where the distance between the eyebrows and the hairline is shorter—the goal is often to create an illusion of length and openness. While slicked-back styles can sometimes accentuate a shorter forehead, braiding offers a versatile and textual solution to balance facial proportions. Among the various braiding techniques available, the Dutch braid stands out as a superior choice for this specific face shape.
However, not just any Dutch braid will do. The placement, tension, and volume of the braid play critical roles in altering the visual geometry of the face. A tight braid starting directly at the hairline can close off the face, whereas a strategically placed, voluminous Dutch braid can elongate the forehead and draw the eye upward. This comprehensive guide explores the nuances of the Dutch braid, offering expert tips and techniques specifically curated for those with low foreheads.
In this article, we will delve into the physics of hair volume, the importance of the "set-back" start, and the art of "pancaking" to create soft, flattering lines. Whether you are prepping for a casual day out or a formal event, mastering this specific variation of the Dutch braid will transform how you approach hairstyling.
Understanding the Geometry: Why Dutch Braids Work
To understand why the Dutch braid is the ideal candidate for low foreheads, one must first distinguish it from its counterpart, the French braid. A French braid involves crossing strands over the middle section, creating a braid that sits flat against the head and integrates smoothly into the remaining hair. While elegant, this flatness does not provide the vertical lift necessary to elongate a shorter forehead.
Conversely, the Dutch braid involves crossing strands under the middle section. This "inside-out" technique forces the braid to pop out from the scalp, creating a 3D effect that sits on top of the hair. This structural difference is the key to balancing a low forehead. The added height and texture created by the braid sitting on top of the head naturally draw the viewer's eye upward, creating a vertical line that visually lengthens the face.
Furthermore, because the Dutch braid is distinct from the scalp, it allows for greater manipulation. Stylists can pull and loosen the loops (a technique known as pancaking) without destroying the integrity of the style. This ability to expand the braid's width and height is essential for softening the harsh line where the hair meets the forehead, providing a customizable frame that flatters rather than constricts.
The "Set-Back" Technique: Positioning is Everything
The most critical mistake people with low foreheads make when braiding is starting the weave directly at the hairline. Doing so creates a hard border that immediately highlights the short distance between the brows and the hair. To counteract this, experts recommend the "Set-Back" technique.
Creating the Illusion of Height
Instead of grabbing the first section of hair right at the forehead, the braid should begin one to two inches back toward the crown. The hair at the very front (the hairline) should be gently swept back to join the braid as it progresses, rather than being the anchor point. By starting the structural part of the braid higher up on the skull, you create a focal point that is further back, which visually extends the forehead.The Teased Base
Before beginning the braid at this set-back position, a small amount of backcombing or teasing at the roots of the front section can be transformative. This subtle cushion of hair lifts the strands off the scalp slightly before they enter the braid. This "lift" prevents the hair from plastering against the forehead, which creates a shadow and shortens the face. The goal is to create a soft, airy transition from the forehead to the braid, rather than a severe, tight pull.The Art of Pancaking for Softness
"Pancaking" is a term used by professional stylists to describe the process of gently pulling on the loops of a braid to flatten and widen them. For a low forehead, pancaking is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a corrective technique. A tight, narrow Dutch braid can look severe and draw attention to the density of the hairline. A pancaked braid, however, looks softer, more romantic, and less rigid.
How to Pancake Correctly
To pancake effectively for a low forehead, focus on the sections of the braid closest to the face. Once the braid is secured with an elastic, go back to the top. Hold the center of the braid firmly with one hand and use the thumb and forefinger of the other hand to tug the outer edges of the loops. Pull outward and slightly upward.The Visual Effect
The result is a braid that looks twice as thick and sits higher off the head. This added volume acts as a crown. When the braid is wider, it disrupts the horizontal line of the low forehead. The softness of the expanded loops also contrasts with the angularity of the face, providing a harmonious balance. It transforms the hairstyle from a tight athletic look into a voluminous, face-framing style that opens up the facial features.Incorporating Face-Framing Tendrils
Perhaps the most effective trick in the book for low foreheads is the strategic use of "leave-outs" or face-framing tendrils. When all the hair is pulled back tightly into a Dutch braid, the hairline is fully exposed. By leaving specific sections of hair out of the braid, you can blur the hairline and create a new, virtual face shape.
The Wispy Layer Strategy
Before starting the braid, separate a thin section of hair along the hairline, focusing on the temples and the area just above the eyebrows. These strands should be left loose. Once the braid is complete, these tendrils can be styled with a curling wand to create soft waves. These waves break up the solid line of the forehead and add movement around the face.Curtain Bangs and Dutch Braids
If the haircut includes curtain bangs or face-framing layers, these should almost always be left out of the main Dutch braid structure. You can loosely pin them back later if desired, but incorporating them tightly into the initial weave will shorten the forehead. Allowing them to drape naturally creates a "curtain" effect that obscures the corners of the hairline, making the forehead appear taller and the overall look more effortless.Asymmetry and the Side-Swept Dutch Braid
Symmetry can sometimes be the enemy of a low forehead, as it draws a line straight down the center of the face, highlighting proportions. An asymmetrical or side-swept Dutch braid guides the eye diagonally across the face, which is a powerful visual trick for elongation.
The Diagonal Parting
Instead of parting the hair down the center, try a deep side part. Start the Dutch braid on the side with more hair, sweeping it across the top of the head or down one shoulder. This diagonal movement creates a longer line of sight than a vertical center part. It disrupts the boxy appearance that a low forehead can sometimes present.The Crown Lift
When executing a side Dutch braid, pay extra attention to the hair at the crown (the top back part of the head). As you weave the hair from the opposite side into the braid, ensure there is slack. Tight tension here will flatten the head shape. Loose tension with a bit of volume spray will maintain a rounded, elevated profile, which effectively counterbalances the shorter facial features in the front.Essential Products for Structure and Hold
Achieving the perfect Dutch braid for a low forehead requires more than just manual dexterity; it requires the right canvas. Freshly washed, slippery hair is difficult to braid loosely without it falling apart. To achieve the volume and lift necessary for this face shape, texture is mandatory.
Texturizing Spray and Dry Shampoo
Before beginning, prep the hair with a high-quality dry texturizing spray or a volumizing dry shampoo. These products add "grit" to the hair strands. This grit allows the braid to hold its shape when you pancake it. Without this friction, the loops will slide back into a tight formation or slip out entirely. Spray specifically at the roots near the forehead to encourage that crucial lift.Volumizing Powder
For those with particularly fine or flat hair, volumizing powder (often silica-based) is a game-changer. Tap a small amount onto the section of hair where the braid will begin (remember: the set-back position). Massage it in to create an instant cushion of volume. This ensures that the base of the braid stands tall throughout the day, maintaining the elongating silhouette.Step-by-Step: The "Halo-Effect" Dutch Braid
This specific variation combines all the expert tips mentioned above into one cohesive style ideal for low foreheads.
- Prep: Apply texturizing spray to dry hair. Section off face-framing tendrils at the temples and hairline.
- Section: Create a triangular section of hair starting about 1.5 inches back from the hairline. Do not start at the very edge.
- Tease: Lightly backcomb the hair behind the section to create a cushion.
- Begin Weaving: Divide the section into three strands. Cross the right strand under the middle, then the left strand under the new middle.
- Add Hair: As you continue, add hair from the sides. When adding hair from the front (hairline side), ensure you are not pulling tight. Leave a little slack to keep the hair airy.
- Direct Backwards: Braid towards the crown rather than down the side of the face initially. This pulls the volume up.
- Secure: Tie off with a clear elastic.
- Pancake: Aggressively but gently pull the loops apart, focusing on the top section to create height.
- Style Wisps: Curl the face-framing tendrils away from the face to open up the features.
Expert Tips for Longevity and Style
- Sleep Protection: To preserve the volume for a second day, sleep on a silk pillowcase. Friction from cotton can cause frizz that ruins the clean lines of the braid.
- Highlight Placement: If you color your hair, ask your stylist for "money piece" highlights or lighter tones around the face. Lighter colors reflect light and can make the forehead area appear more open and less dense than dark, solid colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will a Dutch braid make my forehead look even smaller?
Not if done correctly. A tight Dutch braid started right at the hairline can make the forehead look smaller. However, a loose, pancaked Dutch braid started further back on the head adds vertical volume, which elongates the face and balances a low forehead.2. Can I do this style on short hair?
Yes, absolutely. Double Dutch braids (pigtails) are excellent for shorter hair. The key remains the same: keep the braids loose and voluminous rather than tight to the scalp to ensure the face looks open.3. Does pancaking the braid damage the hair?
When done gently, pancaking causes no damage. It is simply repositioning the hair within the weave. However, avoid ripping or tearing at the strands. If the braid is too tight to pancake, unbraid it slightly and start over with less tension.4. What if I have a low forehead and a round face?
The Dutch braid is actually perfect for this combination. The height created by the braid elongates the roundness, and the face-framing tendrils cut the width of the face, creating a more oval appearance.5. How do I stop the braid from slipping if I start it further back?
This is where product is essential. Using a texturizing spray or mousse gives the hair enough grip to hold the start point without slipping forward. Additionally, using a small bobby pin to anchor the very first cross of the braid can provide invisible security.6. Is it better to braid wet or dry hair for this style?
For the purpose of adding volume to a low forehead, dry hair is significantly better. Wet hair is heavier and tends to lie flat against the skull as it dries, losing the volume you are trying to create. Always braid on dry, textured hair for the best results.Conclusion
Having a low forehead does not exclude anyone from enjoying trendy, intricate braided hairstyles. In fact, when executed with the right techniques, a Dutch braid can be one of the most flattering styles for this face shape. By shifting the starting point back, mastering the art of pancaking, and incorporating soft face-framing layers, you can create a look that is both stylish and structurally balancing.
Remember, hairstyling is about optical illusions and balance. The Dutch braid offers the perfect 3D structure to add height and softness where it is needed most. Experiment with these expert tips, play with the tension, and find the variation that makes you feel most confident. With a little practice and the right products, the Dutch braid will become a staple in your beauty repertoire.
