High neck dresses are having a major moment right now in fashion.
You want a look that doesn’t compete with or hide the unique neckline, but rather enhances and complements it.
The key is aiming for hairstyles that are worn up and back, keeping the focus on the neckline itself.
Anything too loose or forward can detract from the dress.
Choosing a more sleek, polished updo or ponytail helps spotlight the standout neckline.
Slicked Back Bun
The slicked back bun is a chic updos option that works perfectly with a high neck dress.
Pulling the hair cleanly off the neck and face keeps all the attention on the details of the dress’s neckline.
Sleek sides and a tidy knotted bun at the nape of the neck creates a polished look.
To get this look, apply some smoothing hair gel or cream through damp hair and brush back smoothly from the hairline.
Gather hair neatly at the nape of the neck, then twist and coil into a tight bun shape.
Wrap with a hair elastic and tuck in any loose ends or flyaways with bobby pins.
Spritz with strong hold hairspray.
For extra polish, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic band to hide it.
This hairstyle has an elegant, ballerina-inspired vibe that works for both casual daytime high neck dresses as well as more formal evening looks.
It helps elongate the neck and is ideal for showcasing a dress with an interesting back detail.
Braided Crown Bun
For a hairstyle that’s dressed up enough for a fancy event, the braided crown bun is a gorgeous choice with a high neck dress.
The pretty braided detail adds just enough style without overpowering the neckline.
Having hair swept neatly up keeps the focus on the neck and shoulders.
Part damp hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids along the hairline, joining them at the back of the crown.
Collect the rest of the hair into a ponytail, then twist into a neat bun shape.
Wrap the base of the ponytail with the ends of the braids for a seamless look and pin everything in place securely.
Setting the braid and bun with a firm hold hairspray will help ensure no stray hairs around the neck to interfere with showing off your high neckline.
From lacey high neck cocktail dresses to satiny gowns, this half-updo works beautifully as a formal hairstyle match.
The braiding adds just a touch of romance without overshadowing the details of your dress.
Low Chignon Bun
The chignon is a timeless updos style that makes an elegant pairing with a high neck dress.
Worn low at the nape of the neck, this tidy twisted bun allows the standout neckline to take center stage.
Starting with smooth, straight hair makes pulling off this polished bun much easier.
Apply a light holding product like hair oil through slightly damp hair and brush back smoothly from the face.
Gather all the hair together at the nape of the neck in one hand, then begin twisting the length into a rope shape.
Coil the twisted hair into a circular bun shape and anchor with bobby pins and a hair elastic.
Mist with strong hold hairspray and add an accessory like a vintage hair comb for extra flair.
The low chignon looks gorgeous with a dress featuring a dramatic back detail or cut-out that you want to show off.
Messy Top Knot Bun
For bridesmaids wearing high neck dresses, the messy top knot bun is a pretty and versatile hairstyle choice for the big day.
More undone and soft than a prim sleek bun, this casual updo is full of effortless romance.
The loosely wrapped bun allows plenty of focus to stay on the neckline of the dress.
Creating a messy top knot starts with adding some texture.
Spritz sea salt spray through damp hair and allow to air dry naturally to enhance waves and curls.
Pull hair up gently to the crown of the head as if creating a ponytail, then wrap the ends into a loose bun shape instead of pulling all the way through the elastic.
Fan pieces out from the bun and pull out a few face framing tendrils around the hairline for a relaxed finish.
Use a soft hold hairspray to add longevity without making it stiff.
The laidback vibe of this hairstyle works perfectly for a casual boho inspired high neck dress.
Fishtail Braided Updo
One of the prettiest hairstyles to show off an ornate high neck wedding dress is an intricate fishtail braided updo.
The braided detail adds just the right amount of accent, while the gathered styling keeps the focal point on the neckline and shoulder area.
Begin by parting damp hair in sections and create two fishtail braids along the crown.
Pull the rest of the hair into a low ponytail then carefully wrap the braids around the base to hide the hair tie.
Next, twist the ponytail length and coil into a neat pinned bun shape in the back.
Set the braided bun style with a finishing hairspray for extra hold.
Tiny pearls or crystals can be woven into the braids for an exquisite, elegant touch.
From Cathedral length veil-ready wedding gowns to sequin spaghetti strap cocktail dresses, this braided updo is a stunning match.
Half Up Textured Bun
For showing off a dress with an interesting shoulder detail, like cold shoulders, lace, or off-the-shoulder straps, a half up textured bun is an ideal complementing hairstyle.
Pulling up just the crown section keeps the focal point on the neckline and bare shoulders, while leaving the rest long and loose.
This look starts by prepping hair with some salt spray and backcombing at the crown to build volume and texture.
Gather the top section and secure in a messy bun shape with a hair tie, leaving face framing pieces down.
Hide the elastic with strands wrapped loosely around the base of the bun.
Finish by misting all over with medium hold hairspray.
The contrast of the polished half updo against the natural movement of the rest of the hair makes for a super flattering balance with an off-the-shoulder look.
This hairstyle also works beautifully with high neck dresses featuring cross-back or cut-out back details.
Low Twisted Updo
The low twisted updo lets you show off the neckline and back details of your high neck dress beautifully.
By keeping hair swept cleanly up and off the shoulders, the focus stays on the cut and silhouette of your dress.
The asymmetry of the twisted styling adds modern edge.
Part damp hair off center and create a deep side part.
Brush the sections smooth, then twist the larger side into a rope and coil up at the nape of the neck, pinning in place.
Leave the smaller side down long and loose.
Mist hair with medium hold spray to control flyaways.
This look can be worn sleek and polished for formal occasions or with strands pulled out for added messiness in casual settings.
It’s an easy way to keep hair from competing with any special elements like beading, lattice cut-outs, or crisscross strap details on your high neck dress.
French Twist Updo
The French twist is a sophisticated updos option that pairs elegantly with high neck dress styles.
The gathered twist showcases pretty necklines beautifully by keeping the hair neatly swept up.
This look can be worn both sleek and smooth as well as loose and tousled.
Start by brushing damp hair back away from the face and nape of the neck.
Pull all of the hair together at the back and begin twisting into a coil shape, pushing inwards to create volume.
Anchor the twisted coil in place with bobby pins and set with a medium hold hairspray.
For a messier twist, leave out select face framing pieces around the hairline.
You can also create the twist looser and in a more relaxed shape rather than sleek and flat.
The French twist works equally well for casual daytime high neck sundresses as it does formal gowns.
Loose Fishtail Braid
When you want to show off an interesting high neck dress detail in both the front and back, a loose fishtail braid is the perfect hairstyle match.
The over the shoulder braid keeps the neckline and decolletage area open in front, while also keeping the back styling minimal.
Use a smoothing cream or oil on damp hair and brush back to prep.
Create a relaxed fishtail braid at the nape of the neck, leaving it loose and lightly pinned instead of pulling it tight and sleek.
Gently tug on the edges of the braid to create width and bend the shape.
Finish by misting with flexible hold hairspray.
Leaving face framing strands down softens the look even mor
This loose braid works wonderfully with high neck dresses featuring unique crossover style necklines or low draped backs you want to show off.
Side Swept Low Bun
Drawing the eye to one side with a dramatically side swept low bun allows you to highlight an asymmetrical or one-shoulder detail on your high neck dress.
Keeping hair neatly pulled back also puts the focus on a statement neckline unencumbered.
Create a deep side part on damp hair and brush one side back behind the ear, leaving the other side down long.
Pull the swept back section into a low bun at the nape of the neck.
For polished perfection, mist hair with shine spray and tame edges with gel.
For a softer look, leave strands loosely framing the face and nape.
This side swept styling pairs perfectly with one-shoulder or single strap high neck dresses you want to show off.
It’s also a great option for creating visual balance with dresses featuring an asymmetrical hemline or design details.
Low Ponytail
A sleek low ponytail provides an unfussy option for keeping hair back to highlight a high neck dress.
Pulled neatly back, a low pony allows statement necklines or intricate back details to shine.
Go for glossy and smooth or undone and textured.
Brush damp hair back and gather into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, securing with an elastic that matches your hair color.
For polished perfection, wrap a thin strand of hair around the hair tie to conceal it.
If your dress leans casual, embrace flyaways and texture by spritzing hair with sea salt spray before styling.
Let the ponytail relax at the base instead of pulling it taut.
Pair this effortless low pony with intricate lace, choker collars, or crossover style high necklines both day and night.
Half Up Open Braid
When your high neck dress design has interesting details both in the front and back, a half up open braid is an ideal hairstyle match.
This combination keeps the neckline open while also allowing you to show off a low cut back or crisscross strap design.
Part damp hair off center and create an inverted french braid along the part line, stopping halfway down.
Leave the rest of the hair long and loose.
Gently pull at the edges of the braid to create width and bend the shape slightly.
Finish with a flexible hold hairspray for softness and touchable texture.
The contrast of the structured braid against the easy loose waves complements high neck dresses so beautifully.
This hairstyle also works with higher cowl necklines or mock necks with keyholes.
Textured Low Bun
Relaxed and romantic, a textured low bun gets hair out of the way without being too severe with an intricate or embellished high neck dress.
Pretty side swept bangs or curly tendrils further soften this low key look.
Prep hair by misting salt spray or dry shampoo through to create grit and texture.
Pull hair together at the back of the head in a loose ponytail, then simply tuck the ends under to form an unstructured bun shape.
Allow flyaways and strands to fall around the neck and face, securing in place with bobby pins.
Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to maintain the natural texture.
Pair this effortless low bun with both casual everyday as well as dressy high neck styles.
With high neck dresses dominating seasonal runway trends and retailers alike, knowing how to style your hair to complement this figure flattering silhouette is key.
Aim for updos and off-the-shoulder styling to allow the neckline and back details of the dress to shine.
Just keep hair swept back cleanly from the neck and shoulders.
With the right complementing hairstyle, your high neck dress takes center stage.
