The Best Goth Hair for Angular Faces: Expert Tips | Dark & Defined
The Best Goth Hair for Angular Faces: Expert Tips
The intersection of alternative fashion and facial geometry is where true style magic happens. While the goth aesthetic is often associated with stark contrasts and bold silhouettes, adapting these styles to specific face shapes requires a nuanced approach. For individuals with angular faces—specifically square, rectangular, and diamond shapes—the goal is often to find a balance between the sharp, edgy nature of the goth subculture and the need to soften or strategically accentuate strong bone structures.
Finding the best goth hair for angular faces is not just about dyeing your hair pitch black; it is about understanding the physics of hair movement, the impact of texture, and the visual trickery of layering. Whether you identify with the romantic Victorian goth, the gritty 80s trad goth, or the sleek modern corporate goth, there is a cut that will harmonize with your jawline and cheekbones.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the geometry of hair styling, specific cuts that flatter angular features, and expert tips on maintaining the health and vibrancy of dark, alternative hair. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to walk into any professional salon and request a style that is both authentically you and technically perfect for your face shape.
Understanding Angular Face Shapes and Hair Geometry
Before diving into specific hairstyles, it is crucial to understand what defines an "angular" face and how hair interacts with these features. Generally, angular faces are characterized by sharp lines rather than soft curves. The most common angular shapes include:
The Square Face
This shape features a strong, broad jawline that is roughly the same width as the forehead. The chin is usually less pointed and more flat or squared off. The goal with this face shape is often to soften the corners of the jaw and add height to the crown to elongate the overall silhouette.The Rectangular (Oblong) Face
Similar to the square face in terms of jawline and forehead width, the rectangular face is longer than it is wide. The styling challenge here is to add width or volume to the sides (around the ears and cheekbones) while avoiding excessive volume at the crown, which can make the face appear even longer.The Diamond Face
This is a highly angular shape characterized by high, dramatic cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin. Diamond faces are versatile but can look severe if the hair is pulled back too tightly. The objective is usually to balance the narrow forehead and chin while highlighting those enviable cheekbones.The Geometry of Goth Hair
The goth aesthetic inherently plays with geometry. From the sharp angles of a deathhawk to the blunt lines of a micro-fringe, goth hair is often architectural. However, when placing architectural hair on an architectural face, one must be careful. Too many hard lines can result in a severe look (which, to be fair, might be the goal for some). However, for a more harmonious aesthetic, the general rule of thumb is to use hair texture to offset facial structure. Soft waves, wispy layers, and curtain bangs break up the hard lines of the face, creating a visually pleasing contrast.The Romantic Goth: Long Layers and Soft Waves
One of the most universally flattering styles for angular faces within the goth subculture is the Romantic Goth look. Drawing inspiration from Victorian mourning attire and vampire literature, this style relies heavily on length and texture.
Why It Works for Angular Faces
Long hair acts as a curtain that can disguise the width of a square jaw. When you incorporate soft, cascading waves, you introduce curves that the face naturally lacks. This creates a softening effect that is incredibly flattering.The Cut: Face-Framing Layers
Ask a stylist for long layers that begin around the chin or cheekbone area. For a square face, layers starting below the chin help to draw the eye downward, elongating the face. For a diamond face, shorter layers around the cheekbones can accentuate width where it is needed.Styling the Romantic Look
To achieve this look, texture is key. Avoid pin-straight ironing, as vertical straight lines can emphasize the boxiness of a square face. Instead, use a large-barrel curling wand to create loose waves. Finish with a shine spray to give the hair that healthy, supernatural luster often associated with the high-goth aesthetic.The Modern Shag and Wolf Cut
The resurgence of the shag and its modern cousin, the wolf cut, has been a blessing for the alternative hair community. These cuts are inherently choppy, textured, and rebellious—perfect for a grunge or street-goth vibe.
Softening the Edges
The wolf cut is arguably the best goth hair for angular faces because of its heavy layering. The short layers on top provide volume (great for square faces needing elongation), while the wispy, thinned-out ends around the neck and shoulders soften the jawline.Customizing the Fringe
A wolf cut almost always features bangs. For angular faces, avoid thick, blunt bangs cut straight across. Instead, opt for:- Curtain Bangs: These part in the middle and sweep to the sides, covering the sharp corners of a square forehead and drawing attention to the eyes.
- Bottleneck Bangs: A variation of curtain bangs that are shorter in the middle and get longer towards the cheekbones, mimicking the shape of a bottle neck. This is excellent for diamond faces.
Texture and Product
This style relies on "messy" volume. Salt sprays and texturizing powders are essential tools. The goal is to look undone and effortless, which contrasts beautifully with the sharp, defined lines of an angular jaw.The Trad Goth: Teased Volume and Deathhawks
For those who lean towards the 80s Trad Goth aesthetic (think Siouxsie Sioux or The Cure), big hair is the standard. Surprisingly, this gravity-defying style can be incredibly flattering for angular faces.
Verticality and Balance
If you have a square face, adding height at the crown is the number one way to balance your features. The Trad Goth "birds nest" or teased style creates a vertical line that offsets the horizontal width of the jaw.The Deathhawk Variation
A deathhawk (shaved sides with a teased strip in the middle) is a bold choice. For angular faces, the concern is often that shaving the sides exposes the harsh angles of the jaw and cheekbones. To make this work:- Leave Sideburns: Don't shave all the way to the skin around the ears. Leave wispy sideburns or "payot" style strands that hang in front of the ears. This breaks up the expanse of the cheek and jaw.
- Width Control: Ensure the hawk itself isn't too narrow. A wider mohawk section can help balance a wider jaw.
Styling for Structure
Achieving this look requires heavy-duty hairspray and backcombing. However, to keep it modern and less "costume," stylists recommend mixing the backcombing with crimped textures or using a root-lifting powder for sustainable volume that doesn't damage the hair as severely as daily teasing.The Goth Bob: Sharp Lines vs. Textured Ends
Short hair on angular faces is often considered risky, but a well-executed bob can be powerful. The classic "Goth Bob" is usually sharp, black, and blunt. However, for angular faces, slight modifications are necessary.
The A-Line Bob
An A-line bob (shorter in the back, longer in the front) is fantastic for square faces. The longer pieces in the front should hit below the jawline. This draws the eye down and creates a slimming effect on the face. The angle of the cut mimics the jawline but sits lower, creating a shadow effect that disguises the sharpness.The French Bob with a Twist
A French bob typically hits right at the lip or jaw, which can be dangerous for square faces. To adapt this, ask for a "shaggy bob" or a "textured bob." By shattering the blunt line at the bottom with point-cutting techniques, the hair becomes softer.Asymmetry is Your Friend
Asymmetrical bobs, where one side is significantly longer than the other, are excellent for breaking up the symmetry of a square or rectangular face. The eye is drawn to the diagonal line of the hair cut rather than the horizontal line of the jaw.Bangs and Fringe: The Make or Break Detail
In the world of goth hair, bangs are almost a staple. From Bettie Page micro-bangs to V-shaped vampire bangs, the fringe defines the look. For angular faces, the choice of fringe is critical.
The V-Shaped Bang (Vampire Bangs)
This is a quintessential goth look. For angular faces, a soft V-shape can actually be very flattering. The point of the V in the center of the forehead breaks up the horizontal line of a square hairline. However, ensure the sides of the bangs blend into longer face-framing layers rather than stopping abruptly.Avoid the Blunt Horizontal Cut
A heavy, straight-across bang cuts the face in half and emphasizes the squareness of the jaw. If you love the look of a full bang, ask your stylist to texturize the ends so they look slightly piecey, or curve the edges down so they blend into the temples (creating a crescent shape).Wispy and Piecey
Wispy bangs that allow the forehead to peek through are excellent for rectangular faces. They reduce the visual length of the face without creating a heavy, boxy lid on top of the head.Color Placement and Contouring
While black is the standard, modern goth incorporates deep plums, forest greens, midnight blues, and stark whites. Color placement can be used to contour an angular face.
The Money Piece
Lightening the strands immediately surrounding the face (the "money piece") can soften features. In a goth context, this doesn't have to be blonde. A silver or platinum money piece against black hair creates a stark contrast that draws attention to the eyes and away from the jaw width.Dip Dyes and Color Melts
For diamond faces, adding a pop of color at the chin level or ends of the hair can add visual width where the face is narrowest. A black-to-blood-red ombré is a classic choice that adds weight to the bottom of the style, balancing a pointed chin.Expert Tips for Maintenance and Styling
Maintaining the best goth hair for angular faces requires more than just a good cut; it requires dedication to hair health.
1. Combatting Flatness
Angular faces often need volume to balance strong features. Dark dye can sometimes make hair look flatter because it absorbs light. Use volumizing shampoos and root lift sprays to keep the hair from plastering against the skull, which highlights harsh angles.2. Shine is Essential
Dark hair shows damage easily. Split ends look white against black hair. Regular trims are non-negotiable. Use hair oils and gloss treatments to maintain that glass-like, healthy goth shine.3. The Pillowcase Factor
Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and cause friction, leading to frizz. Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase. This preserves your style overnight and keeps the cuticle smooth, which is essential for sharp, geometric cuts.4. Heat Protection
Since many of these styles require heat styling (straightening for bobs, curling for romantic waves), a high-quality heat protectant is mandatory. Look for thermal sprays that also offer UV protection to prevent your dark color from fading in the sun.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I pull off a buzz cut with a square face? A: Absolutely. A buzz cut on a square face is a very bold, high-fashion statement. It exposes the bone structure entirely. To make it more "goth" and less military, consider bleaching it platinum, dyeing it a vivid color, or shaving designs (hair tattoos) into the sides.
Q: Does black hair make angular faces look harsher? A: Solid black hair creates a high contrast against most skin tones, which can indeed highlight sharp features. If you feel it looks too severe, try a "soft black" (a very dark brown) or a cool-toned black rather than a blue-black. Adding subtle highlights or texture also breaks up the severity.
Q: How do I style a micro-fringe with a rectangular face? A: Micro-bangs can elongate a face, which is risky for rectangular shapes. To make it work, ensure you have plenty of volume on the sides of your head (width) to counterbalance the length. Pair micro-bangs with a shag cut rather than long, straight hair.
Q: What is the best low-maintenance goth cut for angular faces? A: The long, layered shag is the winner. It grows out beautifully, requires minimal styling (air-drying often enhances the texture), and the layers naturally soften angular features without constant effort.
Q: Can older women with angular faces wear goth hair? A: Style has no age limit. As we age, faces tend to lose volume, making angular features more prominent. Softer goth styles, like the romantic layered cut or a textured bob in a deep burgundy or charcoal grey, are incredibly sophisticated and flattering.
Conclusion
Finding the best goth hair for angular faces is a journey of balancing personal expression with aesthetic harmony. Whether you choose to soften your features with romantic waves and curtain bangs or accentuate your bone structure with a sharp, architectural bob, the key lies in confidence and execution.
Angular faces provide a stunning canvas for the drama and intensity of goth hairstyles. By understanding how layers, length, and fringe interact with your jawline and cheekbones, you can curate a look that is both edgy and deeply flattering. Remember, the "rules" of face shapes are merely guidelines—true goth style is about breaking boundaries. Consult with a professional stylist who understands alternative hair, bring your reference photos, and embrace the dark, defined beauty of your unique structure.
