Contour locks: the technique that illuminates the face and enhances each hair type

Initially, the Contour technique appeared in makeup, abusing the highlighter to accentuate the contours of the face, but today, it is also incorporated by the main hairdressers around the world.

In the highlights, the technique seeks to play a game with lights and shadows, mixing light strands with dark strands. Hairdresser João Franco defines contouring as “a technique that uses highlights and darks to create depth, illuminating strategic points of the hair around the face.”

Contour locks can be applied to different types of hair, being more suitable for medium and thick strands, and combine with different shades, and can be applied to blondes, brunettes and redheads as well. They have become a trend when it comes to coloring and conquered more and more women.

Franco states that the purpose of the technique is to smooth the contour of the face and bring lightness to the hair and it is usually done on the front of the hair. However, it is necessary to know the face, hair and profile of the woman to apply the locks in a personalized way, defining which strands should be lightened and which should be darkened.

The right contour for every face shape

Contour locks can match different women, just know the best way to apply them, valuing the characteristics and style of each one. To define the highlights of the locks, it is important to know which features should be accentuated or softened, seeking harmony and beauty. Check out, then, tips to rock this technique regardless of your face shape.

Round face

Those who have a round face usually seek to lengthen it through the cut and hair color. “For this format, I recommend light strands along the entire length and dark strands just below the ear, to thin the chin”, suggests João Franco.

Vertical light points along the hair can enhance the face and bring the desired effect.

Square face

Square faces express a strong physiognomy and a wider jaw. To balance these characteristics, it is possible to play with the locks and bring texture and depth effects to the hair.

The hairdresser says that “the ideal, for square faces, is to soften the region of the temples and jaw.”

long face

“To achieve a feeling of diminishing the face, the roots must have darker tones, which merge with the lights delicately”, says Franco.

The professional even says that hair parted in the middle is also a good choice of look for this type of face. “Along with the division of the hair, it is also possible to apply small points of light that start above the ear”, he adds.

face heart

The heart-shaped face is wider near the scalp and also on the cheeks, while the chin is thin and slightly pointed. According to the professional, for this type of face, it is customary to leave the root dark and small strands of light along the hair.

In addition, as contour locks help to harmonize the face, “in the region between the ears and jaw, for example, you should seek a darker tone to smooth out more pointed chins”, suggests the professional.

The correct use of this technique, respecting each face shape and hair type, expands, illuminates and enhances the features.

Beautiful contoured hair for you to be inspired by

If you are thinking about changing your look, contour locks can be a good option. Check out different contoured hair to get inspired and find the right highlights for you.

1. Contour locks match long hair

2. Looks great on medium length hair

3. And they bring a lot of highlight to shorter hair

4. These locks can give an incredible shine to brown hair

5. They can help you get the blonde you want

6. And they also look beautiful in more striking shades

7. They can be a more evident contour

8. Or bring more discreet lighting

9. Leave blonde locks with more personality

1. And they bring a lot of charm to dark hair

11. They can bring a lot of light to reddish hair

12. Or they can be light and discreet in these shades

13. Contour locks leave any blonde with more shine

14. Or they can create a wonderful gradient

15. The light brown is also accentuated by the highlights

16. And they bring contrast to the hair

17. Contour is the right technique to acquire a new look without drastic changes

18. But it can also be used for a great transformation

19. The locks bring lightness and movement to the hair

20. In addition to collaborating with the personality of the court

21. They look great in curly hair

22. Harmonize wavy hair

23. And enhance straight hair

24. Can give a feeling of stretching both the face and the hair itself

25. And they can also create a more laid-back look

26. The contour looks great on colored hair

27. Especially in shades of pink

28. You can opt for very dark roots and brighter ends

29. Or by lighting that starts from the top and goes to the end of the hair

30. The important thing is to find the right application for you!

The contour technique leaves the hair lighter and brighter, looking for naturalness and lightness. In addition, as you may have already noticed, it can be applied in several ways, depending on the profile and characteristics of each woman. And you, have you already decided how you are going to incorporate these locks into your look?