A maang tikka sits right in the middle of your forehead, so it ends up being the first thing people notice. The right one can balance your features and make the whole look come together. The wrong one can make your face look wider or longer than you would like. The easiest way to choose is to start with your face shape. From teardrop polki pieces to broad matha pattis, here is a simple guide to choosing a maang tikka according to your face shape this wedding and festive season.

Maang Tikka for Your Face Shape: How to Choose the Perfect Style

The right maang tikka can balance your features and complete your festive look. Find out which designs work best for your face shape.

Face Shape

Type

Round Face

Vertical drop, teardrop polki tikka that adds length

Oval Face

Almost everything from broad crescent polki, to multi-string matha patti

Square Face

Round polki motifs, pearl-edged circles, soft floral designs

Heart-shaped Face

Pear-shaped tikka, small compact crescent

Long Face

Broad tikka, matha patti that adds width across forehead

Diamond-shaped Face

Medium-sized polki tikka

1. Round Face

If your cheeks are full and your jawline is soft, go for a tikka that adds a little length to your face. Vertical drops and teardrop polki pieces work well here because they pull the eye downward. Skip designs that are very wide or perfectly circular, since they only highlight the roundness.

2. Oval Face

This is the shape that gets to experiment the most. Almost any tikka looks good on an oval face, so you can try a broad crescent polki piece or a multi-string matha patti without worrying much. Pick whatever goes best with your outfit and jewellery.

3. Square Face

A strong jawline and defined cheekbones can take some softness on top. Round polki motifs, pearl-edged circles and floral designs work beautifully, as their curves soften the angles of the face. Sharp, geometric shapes are better avoided.

4. Heart-Shaped Face

A wider forehead that narrows down to a slim chin looks best with a tikka that adds some fullness lower down. Pear-shaped tikkas and small crescent designs are a good match. Keep the piece compact so it does not cover too much of the forehead.

5. Long Face

If your face is longer than it is wide, you need a tikka that adds width. Stay away from long vertical drops, as they stretch the face even more. Broad tikkas or matha pattis that run across the forehead make the face look more balanced.

6. Diamond-Shaped Face

Prominent cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin suit a medium-sized polki tikka that sits along the centre parting. Very wide matha pattis are best avoided, since they can make the forehead look broader than it needs to be.

Conclusion

Face shape is a good guide, but it is not a rule. Your hairstyle, the neckline of your outfit and the earrings you wear all matter too. A middle parting shows off a tikka best, while a side parting may need a smaller piece. If you are still unsure, try a few options in front of the mirror and see which one feels right.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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