When the chin takes flight

If the mirror doesn’t reflect the desired appearance, the reason may be subtle yet significant. Facial harmony isn’t determined solely by the nose, eyes, or mouth—one often-overlooked feature plays a key role: the chin. The lower half of the face comes in many shapes—round, prominent, protruding, or, notably, receding. A chin is considered receding when it is both underdeveloped and set back from the ideal vertical line running from the forehead’s most prominent point down to the chin. This can create the impression of undefined contours, a more pronounced nose, and a protruding mouth. The underlying cause is usually genetic, either due to a slightly recessed lower jaw or an overbite. However, a receding chin can also result from ageing, as gradual bone and tissue loss alters facial structure over time.

Take a fresh look at your chin

If Lady Gaga, probably the most famous wearer of a receding chin, is not enough of a reference for you to be at peace with your natural contours, here are a few simple steps to conceal a receding chin. The easiest way to visually emphasize the chin area is to use the all-round weapon of every beauty expert: contouring. All you need to do is apply a little highlighter to the center of the chin and use a powder that is one or two shades darker than your own skin tone for the area below the chin. The rest of the face is made up with the usual foundation. This technique gives the chin depth and definition. If you don’t like wearing make-up, you can use the opposite tactic: Distraction instead of emphasis. Although a haircut is a more permanent change, it can be quite flattering and won’t disappear when you wash your face in the evening or shower. A bob hairstyle that ends about 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters below the chin is best. This creates a flattering shadow under the chin line and makes the neck appear longer and slimmer. An asymmetrical fringe also draws attention away from the chin.

Sustainable change is possible

However, a receding chin not only has cosmetic effects, but can also have health consequences if it is too pronounced. If the lower jaw is too small and has not grown forward enough, the tongue, which is naturally connected to the lower jaw, is too far back. If you sleep on your back, it can block the airways and cause breathing interruptions, known as sleep apnoea. If this is the case, medical intervention can help. If you do not suffer from the shape of your chin but would still like to make a change, you can resort to hyaluronic acid injections. Just as the new hairstyle grows out again, the body’s own substance is also broken down naturally after a certain time – so there are no limits to your willingness to experiment. And that’s a good thing, because in the end only one thing matters: that you are in harmony with yourself and the lower half of your face.