Despite the undeniable beauty of diversity, humans have been obsessed with the “ideal” look throughout history.

From the ancient Greeks to contemporary pop culture, physical appearance has played a significant role in defining beauty standards.

One of the most coveted facial features is the nose. Throughout the ages, people have searched for the ideal nose shape – one that perfectly balances their other features and fits their personality.

Today, we will take a look at the different nose shapes and the factors that make up the ideal nose.

The Different Nose Shapes

The human nose is as unique as a fingerprint, as it comes in various shapes and sizes. However, there are some common nose shapes that people often think of in regards to nasal aesthetics. These are:.

Straight nose
Celestial nose
Roman nose
Aquiline nose
Straight with a bump
Curved nose

Each of these nose shapes has its beauty, although people more often than not wish to alter the aesthetics of their nose to fit some set aesthetic guidelines to attain the sought-after perfect nose.

The Factors That Make Up The Ideal Nose

The perfect nose varies depending on the beauty ideal of the culture or society to which you belong. For example, the “ideal” nose in America might be different from the ideal nose in France, Japan, or even Nigeria.

However, some facial proportions define the ideal nose, regardless of cultural boundaries.

Height

The height of the nose determines its prominence on the face. The ideal nose height should be proportional to other facial features. When viewed from the side, the nose should extend from below the eyebrows to above the lips.

From the front, the nose should be neither too wide nor too slim.

Width

The width of the nose also needs to complement other facial features. From the front, the ideal nose should not be too wide, as too much width can affect the balance of the face.

Additionally, the ideal nose should have a “columella” that is not too wide. The columella is the skin between the nostrils below the nose tip. If it’s excessively wide or flat, it can create a disproportion with the rest of the nose and face.

Tip

The ideal nose tip should also be proportional to the rest of the face. It should neither be too pointy nor too flat.

Ideally, women’s noses should have a slight upward tilt of around 106 degrees, while men’s noses have less of an upward tilt at around 90-95 degrees.

Nostrils

The ideal nostrils should not be too wide or too narrow. They should have a shape and size that fits the rest of the nose and face. From the front, the ideal nostrils should be oval and not round or flared.

From the side, the ideal nostril should not have an upward tilt and should have a slight curve to the outer edges.

Profile

The ideal nose profile is a straight line extending from the base of the nose to the forehead.

Depending on the individual, some slight deviations may be acceptable, such as a slight bump near the bridge of the nose. However, excessive deviations on the nose profile such as hooks, dips, crookedness or curvature can shift the balance of the face negatively.

Conclusion

The ideal nose is subjective and varies depending on the person and cultural beauty standards.

Despite the obsession with a “perfect” appearance, it’s necessary to accept and appreciate individual differences and the unique nature of each face. However, a balanced nose proportioned with your other facial features enhances your natural aesthetics.