A one-shoulder dress is a gorgeous, flattering option for any formal event or night out.
The asymmetrical design draws the eye and creates drama, making it an excellent choice when you want to make a statement.
While the dress itself provides plenty of visual interest, you’ll want to choose a hairstyle that complements the one-shoulder silhouette.
The wrong ‘do can overpower the look or create unattractive proportions.
The key is selecting a style that balances and works with the dress’s one-shoulder shape.
For instance, an off-center parted style mimics the asymmetric line of the outfit.
Or, opting to wear your hair down on the bare shoulder side creates symmetry.
updos that expose the shoulder also pair nicely.
The Twisted Low Bun
The twisted low bun is a gorgeous, versatile updo that works perfectly with a one-shoulder dress.
To get this look, part your hair deeply to one side.
Then, gather your locks into a low ponytail just above the nape of your neck.
Twist the length of the ponytail before wrapping it into a neat, low bun.
Make sure to position the bun on the opposite side of your one-shoulder dress strap.
This placement creates symmetry while also showing off the one-shoulder detail.
It also adds beautiful dimension and interest to your look.
For an elegant finish, pull out a few face-framing pieces in the front.
Smooth flyaways with hairspray or pomade for a polished look.
A few sparkling hairpins can also dress up this simple low bun.
This hairstyle is ideal for any formal occasion or event.
It looks gorgeous with an evening gown or cocktail dress.
The low positioning also shows off statement earrings perfectly.
For a daytime or beach wedding, add a flower or two to the bun to play up the romantic vibe.
No matter what the event, the twisted low bun helps draw attention to your dress’s one-shoulder detail.
The clean lines complement the asymmetrical silhouette beautifully.
Side Parted Loose Waves
For a soft, romantic look, opt for side parted loose waves.
This hairstyle exudes effortless glamour and femininity, making it perfect for formal events or weddings.
To get this look, part your hair dramatically to one side.
Make sure the part is on the same side as your dress’s single strap.
This mimics the asymmetrical line and creates continuity.
Curl your hair into loose, tousled waves using a curling iron or flat iron.
If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, simply enhance your texture with product.
Let your hair cascade down your shoulders on the bare side to showcase your dress’s one-shoulder design.
Gently pull out sections in the front to frame your face.
Add volume at the crown for height and dimension.
Finish with a light hold hairspray to smooth flyaways and lock in your look.
The key is keeping the waves relaxed and natural-looking, not too uniform or overly done.
Beachy, imperfect texture pairs beautifully with a one-shoulder silhouette.
For formal events, a dazzling hair clip or jeweled bobby pins can amp up this style.
You can also weave in a braid across the top to add interest.
Lowlights and highlights provide depth and dimension.
This hairstyle is versatile enough to dress up or down.
For black-tie affairs try bombshell volume and hold.
Or, for daytime occasions, loosen up the waves and pull some pieces back casually.
The Faux Bob
Short hair always pairs elegantly with formal styles like the one-shoulder dress.
But if you aren’t ready to chop off your locks, fake a bob!
This faux bob creates the same polished effect of a chin-length cut.
To get the look, part your hair deeply to one side, toward the dress’s strap.
Smooth both sides with a brush and anti-frizz serum.
Then, gather your hair at the nape and secure in a low ponytail or bun.
Next, fan your hair over one shoulder, on the same side as the ponytail.
Use bobby pins to discretely tuck the ends of your hair under and hold it in place.
Finish by teasing the top a bit for volume.
Add a pretty crystal hair clip or barrette for glamour.
A bold matte lip and statement earrings complement the faux bob perfectly.
This style looks amazing with a strapless one-shoulder dress.
The exposed shoulder and neckline paired with sleek fake bob offers an elegant symmetry.
For formal affairs, try a blunt cut about chin length.
For daytime, go slightly longer.
The faux bob is chic, sleek and perfect for showing off your favorite one-shoulder dress.
It keeps your look streamlined and sophisticated.
The Braided Crown
A braided crown adds regal sophistication to any one-shoulder dress.
This hairstyle involves braiding a section of hair from ear to ear across the top of your head.
Start by parting your hair down the middle.
Take a 1-2 inch section from one side, beginning at your hairline.
Braid it across your head toward the opposite side.
When you reach the other hairline, continue braiding down along the head in the reverse direction.
Make sure to braid tight and smooth for a sleek finish.
Once you reach the end, pin or tie it in place discreetly at the base of your neck.
Next, let the remaining hair flow freely down your shoulders.
Add volume and bend to the ends for a soft, romantic vibe.
For an evening affair try a fishtail or lace braid stitched with glittering strands.
For day, opt for a simple three-strand braid.
Tiny flowers or pearls woven through the braid add whimsy.
This style is gorgeous on its own or paired with other braided accents.
Try a fishtail braid across the top and waterfall braids framing your face.
Or, braid both sides away from your face and join them in the back.
However you style it, this regal braided crown polishes any outfit.
The mix of soft hair and structured braiding complements a one-shoulder neckline beautifully.
Low Chignon Bun
The chignon bun is a classic elegant style that pairs perfectly with formal gowns.
This polished low bun helps draw the eye to your dress’s gorgeous one-shoulder detail.
To get this look, part your hair deeply to one side and brush it back smoothly.
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and tie securely in a low ponytail.
Next, fan your hair out to create a full base and begin coiling the length up into a round bun shape.
Use bobby pins to secure in place.
Make sure the bun sits low on the back of your head, on the opposite side from your dress’s strap.
This placement creates symmetrical balance.
For added polish and sophistication, wrap a ribbon matching your dress around the base of the bun.
Or, tuck blossoms into the coil of hair.
Flat hair combs with crystals or pearls can dress this style up for formal events.
The chignon style complements the structure of the one-shoulder dress beautifully.
For an edgy contrast, try pairing a sleek chignon with a soft, draped one-shoulder gown.
Or match the sharpness of a strappy bandage dress with a strict, ballerina-style bun.
However you style it, the low chignon bun offers timeless grace and poise for your special occasion.
Half-Up Hair with Center Part
This half-up ‘do offers a relaxed yet polished option for showing off your one-shoulder dress.
It prevents your hair from competing with or concealing the unique asymmetric neckline.
Start by parting your hair down the middle.
Next, gather the top section of your hair right above your ears and secure in a ponytail, barrette or decorative clip.
Let the ends flow out naturally – piecey, undone texture provides beautiful contrast to the sleek ponytail.
For the lower half of your hair, add soft waves or curls and part slightly off center.
The combination of symmetrical upper half with asymmetric lower half complements the one-shoulder silhouette.
You can also make a small braid with the ponytail hair or spice it up with a sparklinghair cuff.
For black tie affairs, try a jewel-encrusted barrette or glittering bobby pins.
For daytime events go more minimal and natural.
This half-up style is versatile for both long and medium length hair.
It adds polish while still allowing you to show off beautiful hair color and texture.
Let your waves cascade across your bare shoulder for that effortless, romantic vibe perfect for any special occasion.
Low Side Ponytail
A low side ponytail helps draw attention to your shoulders and neckline, perfect for showing off a one-shoulder dress.
Simply sweep your hair over one shoulder and secure it in a loose, low pony below your ear.
Make sure to part your hair on the same side as your dress’s single strap for symmetry.
Pull out a few pieces in the front to softly frame your face.
Then tease the crown for volume so your ponytail lays flat and sleek.
If your hair is too short for a pony, attach a ponytail extension for length.
Wrap the base of the ponytail with a strand of hair to hide the elastic.
For polish, run a small flatiron over the ponytail to smooth any ripples or texture.
Pair this sleek ponytail with medium-sized statement earrings to really make your one-shoulder detail stand out.
For evening affairs, try wrapping the base of the ponytail with a sparkling rhinestone chain.
To dress up the look, mist the ponytail with shine spray until it glistens.
Or, pull out small sections and curl them with a curling wand for romantic texture.
Top it off with a dazzling hair clip or jeweled pins for special occasions.
For daytime, go natural and piecey.
This easy, versatile ponytail lets your glam one-shoulder dress take center stage.
Boho Braids
Want a relaxed, bohemian vibe for your one-shoulder dress?
Try free-spirited braids like fishtail plaits or cascading waterfall braids.
These styles provide texture and interest while complementing the dress’s asymmetrical line.
Part your hair dramatically to one side, toward the dress’s single strap.
Start braiding at the deeper part of your hair, crossing pieces under and over toward the other side.
For waterfall braids, incorporate more pieces as you braid toward your face.
Let the braids fall freely, framing your cheekbones.
For fishtail plaits, continue the braid all the way down one side, securing at the ends.
You can also try multiple micro braids throughout one side of your hair.
Incorporate flower crowns, headbands or hair vines for a woodsy, organic feel.
This makes a great look for outdoor or beach weddings.
Don’t worry about perfection with these styles.
Messy, casual braids pair beautifully with a ladylike one-shoulder dress.
The contrast creates a cool, trendy vibe.
Add a pop of color with bright flowers to really play up the bohemian look.
Just avoid heavy accessories that will weigh your hair down.
Low Popcorn Bun
For a fun, unique look, try this “popcorn” textured low bun.
This playful down ‘do adds interest while complementing your one-shoulder dress.
Start by parting to one side and spritzing sea salt spray or texturizing spray throughout your hair.
Allow your locks to air dry to enhance the beachy, piecey texture.
Next, sweep all your hair over one shoulder, toward the dress’s single strap.
Smooth the top with serum then gather hair into a low side ponytail.
Tease the ponytail base to add volume and wrap an elastic around tight.
Now fan the hair out to make a wide bun shape and secure with pins.
Gently pull out pieces of the bun to create dents and crevices, like the popcorn treat!
Finish with strong hold hairspray.
Pair this textured low bun with whimsical jewelry like flower stud earrings or beaded bracelets.
For evening affairs, try adding glittery pins or clips to dress it up.
Let the rest of your look remain minimal and sleek to allow this unique bun to stand out.
The casual popcorn texture provides bold contrast to a formal one-shoulder dress.
Side-Swept Curls
Big, soft curls swept dramatically to one side complement a one-shoulder silhouette gorgeously.
This style makes your dress the star while still allowing you to show off luscious locks.
Part your hair deeply to one side, exposing your neck on the same side as your dress’s strap.
Set your hair in voluminous curls or waves using a curling iron.
Make sure to curl away from your face to achieve swept-over impact.
Gently brush through the curls to break them up and create soft, touchable texture.
Use your fingers to fluff and arrange the curls so they cascade over one shoulder.
Mist with hairspray for light hold and breathe life into the curls with shine spray.
For added elegance, weave small braids throughout or across the top of your hair.
When styling your one-shoulder dress look, opt for minimal accessories, makeup and nails to let the curls take center stage.
Statement earrings will accent the exposed neckline gorgeously.
These lush side-swept curls beautifully accentuate your collarbone, shoulders and decolletage for a stunning formal style.
Textured Low Knot
The textured low knot or bun is an easy updo that complements a one-shoulder dress wonderfully.
It adds polish while allowing hair texture and color to peek through.
Start with dry hair and add sea salt spray for sexy, piecey texture.
Back comb at the crown for volume and height.
Gather your locks to one side in your hand and twist into a loose knot or bun shape.
Secure in the back with bobby pins close to the nape of your neck.
Gently pull out pieces to create an imperfect, undone finish.
Lightly mist with hairspray to tame flyaways and add hold.
Make sure to place the knot on the opposite side of your dress strap.
This asymmetric balance allows both details to shine.
For evening affairs, try adding a sparkling brooch or jeweled pin into the knot.
For daytime occasions, keep it relaxed and natural looking.
This effortlessly cool low knot adds depth and interest to your one-shoulder dress.
Let the messy texture play against the smooth lines of your outfit.
Double Dutch Braided Pigtails
Pigtails might seem too playful for formal occasions, but double Dutch braided pigtails offer a chic twist.
This style adds edgy contrast to a one-shoulder dress for a trendy statement.
Create a deep side part toward the dress’s single strap and mist hair with sea salt spray.
Take a section from the front top of your head and Dutch braid back diagonally.
Repeat on the other side, intersecting the two braids slightly at the back to form pigtails.
For second-day hair, unravel the braids into waves for messy texture.
Or, keep braids sleek by coating with gel or serum.
Add interest by incorporating different size ribbons or strands of leather into the braids.
Tiny crystal hairpins will dress up this style for evening.
Pair with edgy makeup, like a dark smoky eye and deep matte lip.
Stacked bracelets and rings add cool-girl edge.
Strappy heels also complement the punk vibe perfectly.
While undoubtedly playful, double Dutch braided pigtails create an edgy contrast to feminine one-shoulder gowns.
This fusion makes for an unforgettable modern style.
Side-Swept Bouffant with Low Bun
This side-swept bouffant with low bun combines vintage sophistication with modern edge.
It’s a stunning choice for making your one-shoulder dress the star of any occasion.
Start by parting your hair dramatically to one side, sweeping it over your shoulder.
Give the top third of your hair lots of volume, teasing the crown for a bouffant effect.
Next, gather the rest of your hair into a sleek, tight low bun at your nape, below the volume.
Make sure the bun sits on the opposite side of your dress’s strap.
Lay a silk scarf, hair vine or slim headband across the top of the bouffant to accentuate the sculpted shape.
Mist lightly with hairspray to finish.
For evening elegance, weave pearls or small jewels into your hair above the ear.
Pair with winged liner, bold lashes and a matte red pout.
Long evening gloves, a sparkling clutch and stiletto heels complement this retro yet modern style beautifully.
The gorgeous one-shoulder dress commands attention all on its own.
But the right hairstyle can elevate your look even further for any special occasion.
Just have fun playing up the asymmetric lines with volume, texture and strategic placement.
With the perfect ‘do, your one-shoulder dress will ensure all eyes are on you!