10 Types of Noses to Spot in a Crowd

By: Grant Virellan  | 
. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Take a glance around any crowd and you’ll notice one thing: Noses come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. From sleek and straight to curved and prominent, the many types of noses play a big role in defining our unique facial features.

Whether shaped by genetics or refined through a surgical procedure, every nose tells its own story. Let’s sniff out the most common and iconic types of nose shapes seen around the world.

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1. Straight Nose

Also known as a Greek nose, the straight nose features a straight nasal bridge with no visible bumps or curves. Its clean, balanced look is one of the most admired and often sought after in rhinoplasty procedures (colloquially called "nose jobs").

People with a straight nasal dorsum tend to have a nose that aligns harmoniously with other facial features. In fact, a straight, bump-free nose is actually a highly desired outcome in rhinoplasty.

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2. Roman Nose

A Roman nose — or aquiline nose — has a prominent bridge that often arches outward. Variations in Roman nose shapes may also include a slightly curved nasal bridge.

This bold, historical nose style has been a mainstay since the times of Julius Caesar and is sometimes adjusted in reduction rhinoplasty to soften the angle.

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3. Nubian Nose

Common among those of African descent, the Nubian nose typically features a long, low nasal bridge and a wide base, with a tip that often droops downward or appears less defined.

Nubian nose shapes often require a nuanced approach in augmentation rhinoplasty to preserve ethnic identity while enhancing symmetry and facial harmony.

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4. Snub Nose

The snub nose is short with a slightly lifted nose tip, giving a youthful, subtle appearance. Sometimes called an upturned nose or turned-up nose, this shape may have a rounded tip or even a tiny bumpy nose.

Some individuals with a short snub nose may seek rhinoplasty to lengthen the bridge or refine the tip for a more sculpted profile.

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5. Fleshy Nose

Fleshy noses are characterized by a large volume of nose tissue, particularly at the tip. Fleshy, bulbous noses are widely reported as the most common nose shape globally; about 24 to 25 percent of people have this type.

A board-certified plastic surgeon may recommend reduction rhinoplasty or corrective rhinoplasty if the goal is to create a more balanced profile.

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6. Button Nose

The button nose is compact and small, with a distinctly round nose and rounded nasal tip. It’s one of the most requested styles in cosmetic nose surgery due to its subtle charm.

This shape may be refined through augmentation rhinoplasty or a revision rhinoplasty following previous procedures.

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7. Hawk Nose

With a sharply curved profile, the hawk nose often features a noticeable bumpy nose and a downward-sloping nose tip.

Sometimes misaligned due to genetics or injury, this nose might undergo a complex procedure such as reconstructive rhinoplasty or tertiary nose surgery to improve structure.

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8. Celestial Nose

The celestial nose — with its dainty, turned up nose and rounded tip — is often described as angelic. Common among some celebrities, this nose is a favorite in augmentation rhinoplasty for clients seeking elegance and subtlety.

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9. Crooked Nose

A crooked nose may involve a bent nasal bridge, nasal bones or an off-center nasal septum.

These misalignments often require correction through rhinoplasty surgery, particularly if associated with a deviated septum. It's also one of the primary reasons people pursue reconstructive rhinoplasty after a broken nose.

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10. Flat Nose

Common in individuals of East Asian descent, the flat nose often includes a flat nasal bridge, broad nose and sometimes a wide nose base. Synthetic nasal implants are often used in augmentation rhinoplasty or augmentation nasal surgery to enhance definition and structure.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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