Widow’s peaks have a reputation of being quite difficult when it comes to cutting and styling client’s hair. If a client with a widow’s peak walked into your salon, would you know how to adapt your cutting process? We went to the experts to find out everything there is to know, and how you can make your client's hair work for their widow’s peak hairline.
As this hairline is very unique, those who do have a widow’s peak can sometimes feel very insecure. But it’s a feature that should be embraced! Kourtney Kardashian is one of many celebrities that has a widow’s peak hairline, and those glossy brunette locks have always looked on point (excuse the pun). Plus, it adds a heart shape to the face. But what is a widow’s peak, technically?
To start, clients can have a widow’s peak which is a V shaped hairline, “characterised by a prominent, downward-pointing triangular area of hair that dips in the middle, resembling the peak”, explains Charles Rose, Crate, Cheshire. There is also the reverse widow’s peak which is also known as an M-shaped hairline, and is “the opposite of a traditional widow’s peak. Instead of a V-shaped point in the centre of the forehead, it features a downward pointing M or W shape in the hairline,” adds Charles. And as it commonly appears in families, it is said to be a genetic trait that gets passed down.
Interestingly, Charlie Illi, Brooks & Brooks, tells us one theory on the origin of the name Widow’s Peak: “The name ‘widow’s peak comes from the 18th century, where traditionally, women would wear a black triangle hat or hood after losing their husbands.”
But, how do these hairlines affect the technique of cutting and styling? “I have often found that the roots at this type of hairline, grow upwards compared to the more common hairline that grows down,” says Charlie. "So, this impacts the way I cut the hair that shapes around the face. If a client with a widow’s peak wants a fringe, the client would have to be prepared to blow-dry the fringe every day in order for it not to jump up – which in hindsight, is not ideal for everyone.”
Which is why, a thorough consultation is essential. “When cutting a client’s hair with a widow’s peak, you must use the consultation time to really understand what the client wants,” Charles advises. For cutting, Charles adds: “Take your sectioning slightly different around the front of the head to ensure you aren’t taking more hair away from the widow’s peak.”
Meanwhile, Charlie advises a long curtain fringe is the ideal solution for clients who wish to hide their hairline. “It hides the sharp edges and still has enough weight to avoid any awkward jumps,” says Charlie. “The same goes for the reverse widow’s peak – as long as enough hair is added to the curtain fringe, it will be heavy enough to sit perfectly.”
Similarly, Ria Kulik, The HairBank, Urmston, says it’s about softening the hairline with a change of parting. “It may take a few styles before you find the one that flatters your client’s style and suits their widow’s peak. It’s a unique feature and every client’s hair will be different so there’s not a one style fits all.”
Whether your client wants to show or hide their widow’s peak, this unique hairline doesn’t stop you from reaching their ultimate hair goals. Take Kourtney Kardashian for example – hair always on peak!
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