Contour highlights: the technique that brightens the face and enhances each type of hair

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

In the strands, the technique seeks to make a game with lights and shadows, mixing light strands with dark strands. Hair stylist João Franco defines contour as a technique that uses light and dark to create depth, illuminating strategic points of hair around the face.

Contour strands can be applied to different types of hair, being more indicated in medium and thick hair, 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 more and more women.


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

The right contour for every face shape

Contour strands can match different women, just know the best way to apply them, valuing the characteristics and style of each. To define the light points of the strands, it is important to know which features should be accentuated or softened, seeking harmony and beauty. Then check out tips for rocking this technique regardless of your face shape.

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Round face

Who has a round face usually seeks to lengthen it through the cut and the color of the hair. "For this shape, I indicate light streaks the entire length and darkened streaks just below the ear to tune the chin," suggests Joao Franco.

Vertical points of light 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 strands 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 diminishing sensation of the face, the roots must have darker tones, which fuse with the lights delicately," indicates Franco.

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

Heart face

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 usually left the dark root and small strands of light along the hair.

Also, as contour strands help to harmonize the face, "in the region between the ears and the jaw, for example, you should look darker to soften sharp jaws," suggests the professional.

Correct use of this technique, respecting each face shape and hair type, broadens, brightens and enhances the features.

Beautiful contoured hair to inspire you

If you are thinking of changing your look, contour strands may be a good option. Check out different contoured hairs to get inspired and find the right strands for you.

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1. Contour strands match long hair

2. Look beautiful on medium length hair

3. And bring a lot of emphasis to shorter hair

4. These strands can make the brown strands look amazing

5. Can help you get the blonde you want

6. And also look beautiful in more striking shades

7. They may be a more obvious contour.

8. Or bring more discreet lighting

9. Leaves the blonde hair with more personality

1. And bring a lot of charm to dark hair

11. Can brighten reddish hair

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

13. Contour highlights make any blonde brighter

14. Or they can create a wonderful gradient

15. Light brown is also accented by streaks

16. And they bring contrast to the hair

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

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

19. Curls bring lightness and movement to hair

20. In addition to contributing to the personality of the cut

21They look beautiful in very curly hair

22. Harmonize wavy hair

23. And highlight straight hair

24. May give a feeling of stretching both face and hair

25. And can also create a more stripped-down look

26. Contour looks great on colored hair

27. Especially in shades of pink

28. You can choose very dark roots and brighter tips

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

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

The contour technique makes the hair lighter and brighter, seeking naturalness and lightness. Also, as you may have realized, it can be applied in many ways, depending on the profile and characteristics of each woman. Have you decided how to incorporate these strands into your look?

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