A Guide to the Greek Nose: What It Is, Appearance, & More

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Plus, find out if Greek noses are considered attractive

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Last Updated: January 11, 2026 References

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What is a Greek nose?

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Female vs. Male Greek Nose

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Is it attractive?

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Greek vs. Roman Nose

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What determines nose shape?

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Getting a Greek Nose

A Greek nose has a very straight bridge without any bumps, along with a small, well-defined tip. You might already know that it’s one of the most sought-after types of noses, but how much do you really know about the Greek nose? We’re here to break it down for you, so keep reading for the ultimate guide to the Greek nose, including what it is, how it differs from a Roman nose, and whether it’s considered attractive, plus how to get a Greek nose, with advice from board-certified plastic surgeon Usha Rajagopal, MD, and makeup artist Ashleigh Grounds. We’ll also address whether it differs in men and women and what causes nose shapes.

What is the Greek nose shape?

The Greek nose is known for having an extremely straight nasal bridge without any bumps or humps. It also typically has narrow nostrils and a smaller, refined tip that sometimes has a slightly upturned angle. It’s depicted in ancient Greek art and sculpture, and is associated with beauty, harmony, and balance.

Section 1 of 6:

What is a Greek nose?

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The nasal bridge is remarkably straight, without any bumps or dorsal humps; it runs in a smooth line from the forehead to the tip of the nose. The Greek nose appears very proportionate, with a narrow to medium overall width. The nostrils tend to be small, with a straight or slightly upturned nose tip.^{[1]
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Meet the wikiHow Experts

Usha Rajagopal, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience as the medical director of the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center.

Ashleigh Grounds is a makeup artist based in Austin, Texas, with over 11 years of cosmetology experience.

Section 2 of 6:

How does the Greek nose differ between men and women?

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Female Greek noses tend to be less prominent, with a more upturned tip. The male Greek nose is usually somewhat stronger and straighter, with a more neutral-angled tip. The female variation may look more refined and slightly softer overall. This occurs because men often have larger noses than women, along with wider, broader nasal bases that project further from the face.^{[2]
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- According to Dr. Rajagopal, gender directly affects nose size and shape.^{[3]
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  Usha Rajagopal, MD
  Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
  Expert Interview}
- Male celebrities with Greek noses: Christian Bale, Hrithik Roshan
- Female celebrities with Greek noses: Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston

Section 3 of 6:

Is a Greek nose considered attractive?

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Like its portrayal in classical art, the Greek nose is linked to symmetry and balance due to its straight profile. It successfully blends into the other facial features to provide overall harmony and is seen as a symbol of beauty and refinement. In fact, many people consider rhinoplasty to achieve this straight bridge and defined tip.
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The Greek nose traditionally symbolizes beauty and harmony. It was once celebrated as the apex of beauty standards through the art and sculpture of ancient Greece. The Greek nose was associated with aesthetic perfection, which was reflected in depictions of Greek gods and heroes, including Apollo, Aphrodite, and Heracles.^{[4]
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Research source} Other famous artworks featuring a Greek nose include:
- Venus de Milo (c. 130-100 BCE)
- David by Michelangelo (1501-1504)

Section 4 of 6:

Differences Between a Greek and Roman Nose

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The Roman nose has a more prominent bridge, often with a bump. It gives a bolder look to the face that has less symmetry and balance than the Greek nose. The Roman nose features a more angular curve or hook and has a slightly downturned tip.^{[5]
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- Including the Roman nose, here are the basic types of noses:
  - Roman/aquiline nose: Has a prominent, curved bridge with a slight hump.
  - Nubian nose: Is narrow at the top and wider at the tip, with wide nostrils.
  - Button/snub nose: Is short with a rounded, upturned tip.
  - Flat nose: Has a low, less-defined bridge, a broader base, and wider nostrils.
  - Bulbous/fleshy nose: Has a full, rounded tip with wider nostrils.

Section 5 of 6:

What determines nose shape?

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Nose shape is primarily determined by genetics. Genes that include DCHS2, GLI3, PAX1, and RUNX2 control the development of bone and cartilage. These factors affect nose shape regarding bridge width, nostril size, and tip projection. In addition to genetics, evolutionary climate adaptation can also affect nose shapes, with narrower noses more common in cold climates and wider noses in warmer ones.^{[6]
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- How rare is a Greek nose? Greek noses are relatively rare, and present in only about 3% of the population.^{[7]
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- Greek nose types are associated with people of Caucasian or European descent, along with some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern populations, especially Persian. There are no hard and fast rules, though, about nose shapes and ethnicity.
- Dr. Rajagopal states that generally, southern European noses are “a little straighter,” but “can have a little bump or a hump.”^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Usha Rajagopal, MD
  Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
  Expert Interview}

Section 6 of 6:

Ways to Get a Greek Nose

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Rhinoplasty can straighten the bridge and refine the tip of the nose. It’s possible to undergo cosmetic surgery to slim the nose, alter how far it projects or extends from the face, adjust the fullness of the tip, or correct asymmetry. Rhinoplasty can cost anywhere from $5,000 - $15,000 on average. Recovery involves short-term swelling of the nose and black-and-blue eyelids for approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery, or longer.^{[9]
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- Risks include bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and possible scarring. Make sure you understand all the possible risks or side effects when considering rhinoplasty to achieve a Greek nose.^{[10]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
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- If you wish to pursue cosmetic surgery, focus on realistic goals like harmony over perfection, while understanding the limitations of rhinoplasty.
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Filler is another common method used to change the nose shape. Nose filler is a temporary, non-surgical option. Filler adds volume to smooth humps or bumps and lifts the tip, which helps the nose appear straighter, more defined, and more proportionate.^{[11]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Non-surgical rhinoplasty is an office procedure that lasts for about a year, notes Dr. Rajagopal.^{[12]
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  Expert Source
  
  Usha Rajagopal, MD
  Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
  Expert Interview}
- Dr. Rajagopal refers to nose filler as “liquid rhinoplasty,” which can improve the profile. “If someone has a bump that they want reduced,” they can be treated in 10 minutes.^{[13]
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  Expert Source
  
  Usha Rajagopal, MD
  Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
  Expert Interview}
- The most common risks of filler include swelling, bruising, redness, infection, and asymmetry.^{[14]
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Contouring temporarily slims the nose without cosmetic procedures. It involves using makeup to sculpt the nose’s appearance by applying darker shades to areas you want to appear smaller, like the sides of the bridge, under the tip, or on the nostrils. Apply lighter shades to highlight areas like the center of the bridge, the tip, and the cupid's bow, which can create the illusion of a straighter, narrower, or more lifted nose.^{[15]
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- Grounds suggests starting where the eyebrows begin and, using a contour brush, working “straight down on the side of the nose bridge all the way to the outside of the nostrils.” Then, finish by rounding off “the tip, blending that through,” and applying “a lighter color right on the center with a little bit on the tip of the nose.”^{[16]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ashleigh Grounds
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview}
- Blending is an important part of contouring to avoid any harsh lines.
- It’s important to remember that a straight nose isn’t necessarily more attractive, and that how beautiful a nose looks is totally subjective.