A widow's peak is a very distinctive hairline formation which has been accompanied with superstition since at least the 1800s, according to etymologists. A woman with a widow's peak has a v-shaped point at her hairline which descends into the forehead. The same feature on men is known as a widower's peak. It's pretty easy to tell if you have a widow's peak: step in front of the mirror and pull your hair away from your forehead. If you have a “V” of hair on your forehead, you've got a widow's peak.

There are several explanations for the origins of the term “widow's peak,” which emerged around the 1830s. Some people believe that the term reflects a superstition that women with this physical feature would outlive their husbands; this superstition may be linked to the fact that as people age, their hairlines often recede, making widows' peaks more prominent and creating the hint of a widow's peak in women who do not actually have this feature. Therefore, women who outlive their husbands might appear to have been marked with a widow's peak.

Another explanation for the origin of the phrase suggests that it may be related to the mourning caps worn as early as the 1500s. A mourning cap or Mary Stuart Cap is a cap which features a very distinctive triangular fold of cloth in the middle of the forehead, creating a sort of artificial widow's peak. People who believe this explanation for the origins of the phrase suggest that people linked the physical feature with future headgear.

Despite the superstition, a widow's or widower's peak is no prediction of longevity of husbands and wives. It is simply a dominant genetic trait which can be seen in people of all ages and backgrounds all around the world. In fact, some people find the widow's peak aesthetically pleasing, and they may choose to style their hair in a way which emphasizes this genetic feature.

If you happen to have a widow's peak and you don't know what kind of hairstyles would look best with it, don't despair. To de-emphasize a widow's peak, you should part your hair on the side, avoiding straight cut or center parted hair. You can also help reduce the appearance of a widow's peak by choosing layered styles which will bring your hair forward across the forehead, framing your face; spiky bangs, for example, are often perfect for this. Strategic highlights can also be good.

You can also go in the other direction and highlight this feature with evenly cut, shoulder length hair and no part. Consulting a stylist is a good idea, as you can get advice which is specific to your face shape.