Aquiline Nose: What It Looks Like & What It Symbolizes

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Board-certified otolaryngologist Monica Kieu, DO, FACS explains the aquiline nose

Co-authored by Monica Kieu, DO, FACS and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: January 12, 2026 Fact Checked

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• What's an aquiline nose?
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• Historical & Cultural Significance
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• Is it attractive?
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• Celebrity Examples
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• Reshaping Options
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• Flattering Your Nose
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• FAQs

|Show more |Show less

An aquiline nose is a strong, distinct nose that’s commonly associated with power and strength. It’s known for its prominent bridge and slightly downward-curving tip, and it’s a source of pride for many who have it. We asked to board-certified otolaryngologist Monica Kieu, DO, FACS to help us explore what the aquiline nose looks like, its cultural and historical significance, and ways to flatter it with hair and makeup so you’re always proud of your nose!

Aquiline Nose: Overview

Board-certified otolaryngologist Monica Kieu, DO, FACS says that an aquiline nose has a strong, prominent bridge and a tip that is neutral or slightly downturned, similar to an eagle’s beak. This creates a strong profile that is often associated with strength, wisdom, courage, attractiveness, and nobility.

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Section 1 of 7:

What is an aquiline nose?

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1. 
   An aquiline nose has a prominent bridge and a slightly downturned tip. Dr. Kieu says, “An aquiline nose is a specific type of nose shape, and is often referred to as a ‘Roman nose.’ The name is derived from the Latin word ‘aquilinus,’ meaning eagle-like, as this nose shape is characterized by a prominent dorsal hump that can resemble a bird or eagle’s beak.”

   • Dr. Kieu says that the key characteristics of an aquiline nose include a “strong side profile with a prominent nasal bridge, with a convexity or hump, projected nasal bones and cartilage, and a nasal tip that is neutral or slightly downturned.” She adds that the nose often appears straight and narrow when viewed from the front, and it “may turn down even further” when the person is speaking or smiling.
   • An aquiline nose is often called a Roman nose, as historical leaders like Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, and others depicted in Roman statues, had it. This has famously associated the aquiline nose with traits like strength, nobility, and wisdom.
   • The aquiline nose is traditionally held in high regard due to the past prominence of Eurocentric beauty standards, which perceived it as superior to other nose shapes from around the world.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Monica Kieu, DO, FACS is a board-certified otolaryngologist who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. She was recently named one of LA’s Top Docs by Los Angeles Magazine.
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Section 2 of 7:

Historical & Cultural Significance of the Aquiline Nose

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   Aquiline noses were historically a sign of leadership, courage, and nobility. In Ancient Rome, the aquiline nose was associated with qualities like leadership, strength, and intelligence. Its curved look associated them with eagles in Native American cultures, which symbolized courage. In European cultures, it has been associated with nobility, pure lineage, beauty, and distinct personality.

   • The strong bridge creates a commanding look from the front and side, symbolizing strength and power.
   • Wise Roman leaders like Emperor Augustus also had aquiline noses, symbolizing their nobility.
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   Aquiline noses have also been wrongly associated with racial superiority. During the post-Enlightenment period of the 19th century and beyond, aquiline noses were characterized as a symbol of nobility and beauty over other noses, like the Nubian nose. For example, in Aphra Behn’s novel Oroonoko, a noble African prince is depicted with Eurocentric features, like an aquiline nose, thin lips, and straight hair.

   • Dr. Kieu notes, “Although the aquiline nose is interchangeable with a Roman nose, it is not tied to any specific ethnicity.” She adds that “it can be seen across all races and ethnic backgrounds.”
   • This set him apart from other Africans while simultaneously minimizing their natural features in favor of Eurocentric ones, associating aquiline noses with racial superiority in the process.
   • Although the aquiline nose has been perceived as superior due to Eurocentric beauty standards, this doesn’t make it any better than other types of noses, as all noses are equally unique in their beauty.
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Section 3 of 7:

Is the aquiline nose attractive?

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   Yes, the aquiline nose is considered attractive by many different people. Everyone has different ideas of attraction, but the aquiline nose has been beloved by many cultures due to its strong, distinct appearance. Its prominence helps harmonize and balance out the face, contributing to facial symmetry and attractiveness.

   • Dr. Kieu agrees, saying that “many people find that an aquiline nose conveys strength, character, and elegance.”
   • Again, it’s important to remember that attractiveness is different for everyone, so what one person finds ugly, another will love.

Section 4 of 7:

Celebrities with Aquiline Noses

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1. Plenty of celebrities have aquiline noses, from Meryl Streep to Hailey Bieber. The aquiline nose is common in many different cultures, and by extension, many celebrities have one. From Hailey Bieber and Meryl Streep to Erin O’Connor and Adrian Brody, these celebrities tend to freely and proudly showcase their aquiline noses:

   • Benedict Cumberbatch
   • Gisele Bündchen
   • Lady Gaga
   • Julia Garner
   • Barbara Streisand
   • Sandra Escacena
   • Ruth Negga
   • Camille Cottin
   • Amy Winehouse
   • Mona Tougaard
   • Cheryl Tweedy
   • Rossy De Palma
   • Myriem Boukadida
   • Sofia Coppola
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Section 5 of 7:

Procedures That Reshape the Aquiline Nose

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   Rhinoplasty and dermal fillers are popular options for changing aquiline noses. “An aquiline nose is not considered a flaw or deformity,” says Dr. Kieu, “it is a normal anatomic variance.” That said, some people may prefer a different profile for themselves. Rhinoplasty involves shaving down your nose to change the overall shape and profile, while fillers are non-surgical injectables that add volume to strategic areas for a more balanced look. The procedure you choose depends on how you want your nose to look and whether you prefer surgery or not:

   • Reduction rhinoplasty: This procedure removes bone and cartilage to smooth the bridge and is used to reduce the dorsal hump for a smoother side profile.
   • Nasal tip refinement surgery: This surgical procedure reshapes and sharpens the tip of the nose.
   • Dermal fillers: This non-surgical procedure uses gel-like substances that are injected into the skin to add volume and reshape the nose.

Section 6 of 7:

Flattering Your Aquiline Nose with Makeup & Hair

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   Highlight your aquiline nose strategically to flatter it. Highlighting your aquiline nose shows that you’re proud of your nose and don’t want to minimize it. Makeup artist Nini Efia Yang says that contour makes your nose smaller, while highlight can bring it forward visually. So, highlight your aquiline nose to celebrate it!

   • To highlight your aquiline nose, apply contour to the front-sides of your nose, starting from your eyebrows and working down to the tip. Then, apply highlighter to the tip and above the dorsal hump (the bump in the bridge that gives you your distinct, aquiline look), but not on it.
   • Try not to heavily shade the tip of your nose, unless you want it to be more prominent than it already is.
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   Choose a haircut that flatters your aquiline nose. Pick a haircut that balances your facial features and lets your nose shine without drawing too much attention. If you’re looking for something that softens the appearance of your face, go with side-swept bangs or a pixie cut. If you’re looking for something to balance out your facial features and proportions, opt for curls or a voluminous style that has a lot of hair on top.
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Section 7 of 7:

Frequently Asked Questions

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   Are the aquiline nose and Roman nose the same thing? Roman and aquiline noses are typically categorized as the same, but some differences separate them, like the stronger hook on the Aquiline nose. Depending on who you ask, you may get a different answer on whether or not they are the same, but the general consensus is that they are, just with minor differences.
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   Are aquiline noses genetic? Yes, aquiline noses are genetic, like other bodily features. You inherit your nose type from your parents, who inherit their nose types from their parents, and so on. This means that your aquiline nose has likely been in your family for generations. It can also be a result of different nose combinations throughout your bloodline.
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   Why is it called an aquiline nose? The word “aquiline” originates from the Latin word “aquilinus,” which means “eagle-like.” This refers to the curved rip of the aquiline nose, which resembles the curved beak of an eagle.
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   How can I celebrate my aquiline nose? Express your love and pride for your nose. Whether it be in a journal, your Notes app, or to your friend group, expressing how much you love your nose is a great way to celebrate it and remind yourself that it’s attractive and something to be proud of, especially if people have tried to downplay it in the past.

   • It doesn’t have to be over the top, either; a simple “I am so thankful for my nose” will do just fine, even if it’s just to yourself.
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