HFA foreheads

Look at the profile images – both sides

SHAPE

The basic shapes are

  • Angled (but also a straight shape) = yellow 
  • Straight = red 
  • Curved (in or out) = blue

Parameters of measurement

  • Angle – must be straight AND ON AN ANGLE to get 1 yellow point – if the forehead goes backwards AND is curved in or out it will get one blue point 
  • Straight – must be within  zero to 11 degrees – remember to check that the head is held straight or the angle will be incorrect – one red point 
  • Curved – the curve can be inward, outwards or an S shape – one blue point

These three shapes are the basic shapes the forehead can have.

ALL FOREHEAD SHAPES ARE RATED*

*In Appearance and Circumstance some forehead shape were unrated – since applying the 3 basic shapes and using combination ratings all forehead shapes can be rated

The Brow – only some people have a brow that is rated.  The brow is rated separately to the forehead but best assessed at the same time as the forehead is being examined – from the profile photos.

Brow definition

The brow is an area above the eyes (seen on profile).  The brow is a bony ridge sometimes observable when looking at the face straight on, but always rated from both profile views.  The brow is rounded and sits above the eyes at the base of the forehead.  It will roll or bulge OUT slightly before the forehead commences.

A non rated brow area does not protrude

Tips

  • Look at the edge of the forehead on profile (both sides) 
  • Look at the overall shape from the hairline to the bridge of the nose (the point between the eyes where the nose commences) 
  • If your profile photos are crooked the image will look different on each side – take the photos again 
  • Make sure the patient is holding their head very straight and that the photo is taken at a 90 degree angle 
  • Have the person look straight ahead at the farthest wall – they must not look up or down or the angle of the forehead will change 
  • If they naturally hold their head backwards or forwards ask them to bring their chin to a central position 
  • Check to see their head is straight both up and down and from side to side. 
  • If the forehead is straight (until the natural curve of the forehead) measure the angle

Straight is 0-11 degrees and sloped is 12 degrees or more – use a protractor if necessary. Be very careful when the forehead angle is between 9 and 11 degrees - the slightest tilt of the head up and the forehead will angle higher (yellow) - the slightest tilt of the head down and the angle will be less (red) - do the analysis once choosing yellow and once choosing red to see if the overall outcome will be affected.