Strapless dresses are a gorgeous and timeless look that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
With your shoulders and collarbone exposed, the right hairstyle is key to complementing your strapless dress and completing your whole look.
Choosing a style that shows off your elegant neckline while still looking polished and put-together can be tricky.
Your hair shouldn’t compete too much with your standout dress, but should still make a statement.
The key is finding a balance between elegantly showcasing your features while still keeping your look refined.
Styles that are too bold or messy can appear out of place or overpower your fashionable dress.
On the other hand, hair that is too demure or boring fails to elevate your glamorous outfit.
Luckily, there are many gorgeous hairstyles perfect for any strapless dress that strike the right balance.
The Classic Chignon Bun
A classic chignon is a timeless and elegant choice that works for both formal and informal events.
This sleek, smoothed-back bun brings all the attention to your bare shoulders and lovely collarbone.
At the same time, it adds a touch of sophistication and polish to offset the skin exposure of a strapless neckline.
To get this look, start by brushing your hair back smoothly and gathering it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a tight coil against your head, tucking in any loose ends.
Use bobby pins to securely fasten in place, then finish with a light holding spray.
For extra polish, wrapping a thin strand of hair around the base of the bun hides any rubber bands.
This universally flattering look is both romantic and refined.
It works with straight or curly hair, keeping your look tidy and put-together.
The chignon is appropriate for both black-tie weddings and garden cocktail parties, suiting any strapless dress style. Slicked back hair shows off dangly earrings, while a tidy bun highlights a glamorous necklace.
Beachy Waves
For a relaxed vibe, loose beachy waves are the perfect hairstyle with a strapless sundress for a daytime backyard barbecue or beach bash.
Soft cascading waves offer an effortlessly cool look that complements a casual strapless dress.
To get this flirty, undone texture, start by applying salt spray or texturizing mist throughout towel-dried hair. Allow your hair to air dry slightly before using a curling wand to add soft curls and waves, leaving ends loose rather than tightly curled.
Finger comb through hair to break up the curls and create a breezy, imperfect texture. Finish with hairspray for a naturally windswept look with flexible hold.
The key is to avoid over-styled, stiff curls,which can look mismatched with a flowy strapless dress. Instead, loose waves with an airy feel create balance.
For a beach wedding or tropical getaway, add a tropical flower behind one ear for a pretty pop of color and style. This is a versatile look that works with any length of hair.
Half-Up Style
For medium to long hair, a half-up style is effortlessly chic with a strapless dress.
Pulling back just the crown section creates a casually elegant look, keeping your neck and shoulders in focus while hair still cascades down your back.
Start by creating a PART slightly off-center and spritzing the crown area with hairspray or texturizing spray.
Brush this section straight back and gather it into a ponytail, secured an inch or two behind your crown with an elastic.
Wrap a 1-inch piece of hair around the elastic to conceal it, carefully pinning the end underneath. Lightly tease or backcomb the ponytail for added volume and texture. Finish with a light hold hairspray.
This half-up style works well with straight or wavy hair.
For formal black-tie weddings or events, sleek and smooth the lower hair into a low bun or gentle curls.
For more casual daytime affairs like bridal showers or summer barbecues, embrace loose waves or effortless braids in the lower half. The versatility of this half-updo transitions seamlessly from day to night.
Low Chignon Bun
For another elegant bun option, the low chignon creates a chic, elongated neckline to pair with your strapless dress.
By pulling hair back just below the crown, this fuller bun sits at the nape of your neck for a graceful silhouette.
Start by parting hair slightly off-center, then gather all the hair into a low ponytail just below the crown, brushing it straight back to smooth any bumps.
Next, coil the ends of the ponytail clockwise while lightly teasing for added volume. Wrap the ends under the bun and pin in place, leaving a soft, rounded shape.
Lastly, pull out a few face-framing tendrils around the temples and lightly mist with hairspray.
This low bun is perfect for a black-tie, elegant affair and makes a striking statement with a formal strapless gown. For an outdoor summer wedding or event, embrace loose texture by leaving strands slightly undone.
The low chignon works with any hair length and adds height for petite frames. Sweeping up all your locks creates a statuesque effect paired with a bare shoulder strapless dress.
Textured Low Ponytail
For casual daytime strapless dresses, a textured low ponytail is playful and pretty.
This flirty style works well with sundresses for a light, summery look.
Teasing the crown adds root lift and volume, while waves add movement and width to prevent flat, boring hair.
To get this look, part damp hair deeply to one side after showering and apply mousse, especially at the roots. Roughly blow dry hair upside down to maximize volume.
Next, backcomb the top layers of hair near the crown to boost body before gathering everything into a low side ponytail.
Curl the ponytail with a barrel curling iron, brushing through after each curl for loose, tousled texture. Finish with medium-hold hairspray.
For an extra pop of fun, wrap a silk scarf, bright hair tie,or statement hair cliparound the base of the ponytail.
This playful pony pairs perfectly with flirty floral strapless sundresses or eyelet lace options for summer parties, engagement photo shoots, and bridal showers.
Side-Swept Hair
For short to medium length hair, opt for a dramatic side part and sweephair over to one shoulder.
This dynamic look makes the most of collarbone-grazing locks and draws attention to your elegant shoulders and neck.
Start by blow drying hair with volumizing mousse and a round brush, creating tons of lift at the roots.
Create a deep side part, about 2 inches from the arch of your eyebrow,and set it with hairspray.
Using a large barrel curling iron, curl hair in large sections away from the face, leaving the ends loose and slightly undone. Finish by sweeping everything over your favored shoulder.
This is a wonderful look for heart-shaped or oval faces, balancing out wide foreheads or angular jaws with the side-swept shape.
It adds intriguing asymmetry and allure for cocktail parties, date nights, and semi-formal occasions. Finish with a light mist of strong hold hairspray for a polished shape all night long.
Slicked-Back Low Bun
The slicked-back low bun creates a bold, dramatic effect for a formal strapless gown.
This polished style adds retro-glam vibes and pulls the focus to dazzling earrings and other statement accessories.
Start by thoroughly smoothing dry hair with a boar bristle brush to prep and remove static.
Next, evenly apply a heavy, wet-look gel or wax throughout, combing everything straight back.
Pull hair into a very low bun or knot at the nape of your neck and secure tightly with invisible bobby pins. Mist with hairspray for a head-turning sheen.
This tight, sculpted look must be precise, so it requires straight, smooth hair to look striking.
For curly or textured hair, first blow dry hair pin straight with a flat brush and heat protectant. Slick every strand neatly back to create a polished effect.
This bold style makes an unforgettable impression at black-tie galas and formal weddings.
Romantic Boho Braid
A loose, romantic braid epitomizes effortless boho style for a daytime strapless dress.
Whether it’s a garden party or summery beach wedding, this pretty plaited style is dreamy and whimsical.
Begin by spritzing waves into hair with sea salt spray.
Create a deep side part and gather hair over one shoulder. Loosely braid the length of your hair, incorporating small wispy tendrils around the neck and face for an undone look.
Pancake the braid slightly and tug gently on the edges for volume. Finish by wrapping the braid into a loose bun and securing with bobby pins in an imperfect shape.
For an extra bohemian touch, accessorize with dainty flowers or vines woven into the braid. This carefree style pairs beautifully with flowy sundresses or eyelet lace strapless options.
It’s an effortlessly chic look for any laid-back summer affair or daytime soiree.
60’s-Inspired Beehive
Channel elegant retro vibes with a voluminous beehive hairstyle, perfect for a formal strapless dress.
This glamorous throwback look adds serious height and drama, worthy of a black-tie gala or stylish wedding celebration.
Start by backcombing damp hair with a tail comb, concentrating on the crown area. Smooth over the teased section with a paddle brush, creating a rounded beehive shape.
Mist with hairspray as you go to hold the height.
Create a side part over the beehive and brush the length of your hair into a low, loose bun at the nape of your neck. Set with strong-hold hairspray.
Finish this 60’s style by pulling out a few playful tendrils of hair around your temples and cheeks. This iconic sky-high beehive requires teasing and backcombing for proper height.
For extra longevity, secure the base with a hair rat and tons of hairspray. Dazzling chandelier earrings perfectly accent this gorgeous, head-turning hairstyle.
Elegant Faux Bob
Faux bobs are chic and sophisticated for medium to long hair.
This mock shorter style shows off your neckline beautifully and brings all the focus to your stunning bare shoulders.
It’s ideal for formal weddings and events when you want a polished yet eye-catching look.
Start by parting hair deeply to one side and gathering it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Gently backcomb the ponytail for volume, then twist and coil it into a bun shape.
Flat-wrap your hair over and around the bun, tucking in ends and pinning underneath to hide the base. Set it with hairspray for hold.
To perfect the bob illusion, leave out a few precisely placed one-inch pieces of hair around the hairline. Curl them with a skinny barrel ironfor bounce.
This faux style works with pin straight hair or light curls and waves. It’s versatile enough for many occasions but makes a particularly striking statement with an elegant strapless evening gown.
Twisted Low Chignon
For a modern, unexpected twist on the classic chignon, try this edgy knotted low bun.
Twisting and interlacing multiple buns creates bold texture and intrigue at the nape of your neck.
Start by parting hair off-center and spritzing roots lightly with texturizing spray.
Create a low ponytail and separate it into two equal sections.
Twist them tightly in opposite directions, then coil into separate buns side-by-side. Interlock the buns together in a knot shape, crisscrossing and tucking ends under to secure.
Finish by pulling out a few face-framing pieces around your temples and lightly curl them with a curling wand. Mist everything with medium hold hairspray to keep the intricate shape intact.
This intricate low bun adds modern edge to a traditional chignon and pairs strikingly with a strapless cocktail dress.
Loose Fishtail Braid
For a romantic, tousled look, the fishtail braid is a gorgeous option for medium to long hair. Instead of intricate tight plaits, this style features a loose, imperfect braid that softly accents your bare shoulders.
Start by spritzing hair lightly with sea salt spray for texture and volume.
Create a deep side part and gather hair over one shoulder. Begin a loose fishtail braid, incorporating thick pieces rather than thin, tight strands. Gently pancake and tug the braid to create gaps and dimension as you go.
Finish by securing just the ends with a clear elastic, leaving the rest of the braid intact.
Gently pull pieces out along the braid and lightly mist with hairspray for a soft, touchable hold.
The imperfect finish exudes effortless romance and boho glamour, perfect for garden parties, beach weddings, or summer soirées.
Flirty Finger Waves
For short hair, sculpt gorgeous finger waves to complement your strapless style.
This chic, retro-inspired style brings vintage allure to your formal occasion look. Defined waves add shape and intrigue without overpowering your dress.
Start by using a medium barrel curling iron to set deep, U-shaped pin curls throughout clean, dryhair. Make sure the curls curve back towards your crown to create the right shape.
Let the curls fully cool and set before gently unwinding them into sculpted waves. Use a tailcomb to perfect the shape of each wave, smoothing flyaways with pomade.
Finish this short style with plenty of firm-hold hairspray to lock in the sculpted shape. A dash of serum adds shine and flexibility.
Finger waves add playful yet refined allure to your strapless dress’s simple elegance. They’re perfect for black-tie weddings, formal occasions, or anytime you want to channel Great Gatsby vibes.
Finding the perfect hairstyle to complement your strapless dress requires balancing elegance with intrigue.
You want polished, sophisticated hair that showcases your beautiful shoulders and collarbone without competing too much with your gown.
The key is keeping your look soft and refined, rather than overly bold or messy.
With so many beautiful styles to consider, you’re sure to find your perfect match and complete your show-stopping look.
