| slug | title | beforetoc | guide | tactic | updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
head-body-ratio |
The head should not appear large in relation to the body |
Maintain a head-to-body ratio of 1/8 by using hairstyles and elevator shoes. |
visually |
style |
2023-09-20 |
On which picture does a person appear taller?
{% include image.html name="head-body-height" alt="A person with a smaller head relative to their stature is perceived as taller than a person with a larger head" %}
Scientists showed similar pictures to participants and found that the person on the left appears taller. In reality, their height is the same, only the size of the head differs.
When assessing height, we consider the ratio of head height — from the chin to the crown — to the entire stature.
On average, the height of an adult person is approximately 8 of their heads, while in younger age, the head is proportionally larger.[^hbr-7031047]
{% include image.html name="head-size-men" alt="Changes in head size with age in men" caption="Image. Body proportions of men at birth, 2 years old, 6, 12, 25 years old." %}
{% include image.html name="head-size-women" alt="Changes in head size with age in women" caption="Image. Body proportions of women at birth, 2 years old, 6, 12, 25 years old." %}
bodies with proportionally larger heads could be perceived as less mature and, thusly, shorter [^hbr-2018158]
Research shows that taller individuals have a smaller head-to-body ratio, while shorter individuals have a larger ratio.[^hbr-101068] For example, at a height of 170 cm, the average head size for men is 22.4 cm (1/7.6), while at 177 cm, it is 22.1 cm (1/8).
- Our goal is to create a head-to-height ratio of about 1/8 as much as possible. Don't make your head too small, as it reduces attractiveness, especially for men.[^hbr-201207001]
- Adjust your hairstyle. If you have a large head, avoid voluminous hairstyles and long beards. You may visually reduce the size of your face with bangs and a small amount of stubble, as covering facial outlines narrows its appearance.[^hbr-0030026]
- Wear shoes that increase your height. With longer legs, your head will appear smaller, and your overall height will appear taller.
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