Kaleena is a freelance writer specializing in haircare and skincare. Born and raised in California, she enjoys the outdoors, sunshine and consequently, owning too many sunglasses. You can view her online writing portfolio and follow her traveling adventures on the blog.
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Olga is a professional wedding hairstylist based in the UK. She specializes in modern, effortless, relaxed looks, which emphasize her client’s best features. Olga's hairstyles have been featured in print magazines such as Salonfocus and Weddings & Honeymoons. The stylist is sharing her knowledge and love for hair by training and mentoring other hairdressers.
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Do you keep wondering: hair up or hair down? Well, we want to help you with this age-old question by suggesting the best hairstyles for each neckline type you probably already have in your closet. Whether it’s a classic round neckline top or a halter dress, you need to know which hairdo works best with each of them. Look at these eight necklines and some ideal hairstyles that pair perfectly.
Whether you need to wear an elegant gown or a simple summer dress, dressing your hair accordingly will help you achieve a beautiful, well-rounded look. Here are the main rules on how to achieve the best match along with the head-turn-worthy examples.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
V-neck dresses can look both professional and party-ready, so we recommend a hairstyle that helps you communicate the suitable vibe. If you part your hair to the side, a side-swept look could be just what you need to add a feminine touch to a V-neck outfit. Using curls and braids, create an eye-catching look like this one.
A half up half down look with your tresses pulled back and flowing is the ideal hairstyle for V-neck dresses. For a more festive occasion, an elegant knotted updo with long face-framing layers will look great and stay put all night.
@hair_vera
A turtleneck dress and a sophisticated knotted chignon make a perfect combination. Spice it up with pins, jewels, or, as in this case, slinky metal chains.
@i_pasechnik
Let go of the myth that an updo is the best hairstyle for dresses with high necklines. Timeless vintage hairstyles like Hollywood waves always look chic and complement a variety of necklines. Try this if you have medium-length or long hair and want to keep it down.
@tatiana.wladi
Whether you have a geometric neckline on your dress or something tender and lacy like this one, keep your hair up and out of the way. Try a slightly disheveled braided updo to complement your outfit.
@bighairedhannah
Halter neck tops and dresses are very flattering on women with long necks. Hairstyles for long hair to match the dress can vary, as long as they don’t cover up the halter detail! Hair accessories will help you bedazzle everyone with your hairdo!
@reneemarieacademy
Round necklines are the simplest and most common you will find. They suit all women and make room for details in the rest of the dress, as opposed to bringing attention to the neckline itself. Perfect for a New Year’s Eve or a festive party, the tousled updo pinned off to one side brings a bit of intrigue to the balanced round necklines most commonly found in dresses.
@lucienmoor
The boat neck dress, or the bateau neckline, lowers a bit at the neck and rises towards the shoulders. If you want to emphasize this dress detail, put hair up. Otherwise, keep the hairstyle loose for an overall romantic feel.
@anyaganea
With a casual long sleeve dress, think of a mid or high ponytail with messy bangs and waves like this one. This hairstyle does make room for bold makeup and earrings and shows off the details of a high neckline. Rock the same confidence as Kim Kardashian, known to sport high necklines with a sleek ponytail.
@alanamevissen
PA turtleneck neckline looks modest, and a great move will be to contrast this feel with a showy hairstyle. Bold hair and a simple outfit is a match made in heaven.
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
Sweetheart necklines are simple and feminine and work with a variety of hairstyles. However, they are most commonly chosen for prom or wedding dresses, which makes it the perfect occasion for a special hairstyle. The failproof recipe of a princess in an elegant dress with a sweetheart neckline? Long soft curls, cascading over the shoulders.
@lilithmoonlife
A boat neck dress is great for widening the shoulders and deserves a hairstyle that shows it off. Play up your best side by adding a double braid into a classy ponytail. Introducing some face-framing pieces and voluminous curls into the look with many details pulls it all together.
@missysueblog
Keep the hairstyle playful and relaxed to contrast the somewhat formal look of a turtleneck. Turtleneck dresses make a statement when you keep the hair classic, either up or down – your choice. Any relaxed hairstyle is going to play down the outfit.
@hair_vera
A lot of vintage dresses you may find, like the rockabilly phase, sport halter necklines. Because of its 60s vibe, things like center parts and hairpins complement that overall look effortlessly. That’s why pairing it with an elegant vintage updo pulls the look together no matter what.
@beautiful_expectation
A halter neckline looks great with short hair to collarbone-length hair. If you have long hair, you may opt for a crown braid hairstyle to keep the hair away from your neckline.
@reneemarieacademy
Off-the-shoulder dresses with a straight-across neckline look best when you keep the locks flowing. Side-swept hair is very eye-catching and pairs beautifully with lace off-the-shoulder dresses, too, especially asymmetrical ones.
@hairby_chrissy
One-sided hairstyles benefit from rounded necklines because they do not distract from the asymmetry of such ‘dos. This accent braid is ringed for a bohemian touch that we love.
@styledbynadia
Round necklines are simple and sweet. A variety of hairstyles can work here depending on the dress, but letting your hair down to flow around the neckline is a perfect way to spice things up. A beachy texture and full wispy bangs are easy to achieve with just a touch of the right product.
@lucianarose
If you wear a sleek and sexy off-the-shoulder gown, try a bushy ponytail or a soft up-do. And if you wear a strapless dress to create a romantic look, play it up with two braids running down either side. This hairstyle is all about carefree summer vibes. The feminine look of the dress pairs well with the bohemian feel of messy braids.
@kirstyannehair
Try not to cover delicate spaghetti straps. Instead, style a half-bun or a playful braid to pull your hair away from your face, and let the hair fall down your back. If you decide to put it up because you want to go for a bohemian vibe, a loose bun pulls it together.
@kirstyannehair
Need a relaxed yet put-together ‘do for your V-neck top? Elongate the total look by adding height to your hairstyle with a fun and stylish half up half down bun. If you prefer an updo, you may go for anything between a low chignon or a top-knot bun, depending on whether you want to dress up or dress down the entire look.
@prephair
There is something so utterly feminine about a high ponytail and exposed shoulders. Wispy pieces and wavy hairstyles add intrigue to the sweetheart neckline. Pair it with bold earrings and a bandana to add color and a touch of fun.
@emmachenartistry
Updos and bob haircuts work great to keep a sweetheart neckline dress elegant and show off the décolletage. Style your spunky textured bob with a deep side part for the win. The juxtaposition of sweet and edgy is to-die-for.
@headstudio
Boat neck dresses and tops are elegant in nature. Royal ladies often wear them, which is why pairing the bateau neckline with a sleek updo never fails. Add a floral accent if you lack length for a voluminous bun or just because you love flowers in your hair. If you have shoulder-length hair, a simple voluminous curl is perfect because it leads the eyes straight to all the beautiful details about your neckline.
@zehnmakeup
Hope you have enjoyed our recommendations from the tried-and-true neckline and hairstyle matches and will style an epic look that shows off the neckline instead of hiding it. Want more hairstyle inspiration for your next party outfit? Connect with The Right Hairstyles on Facebook and Instagram for hairstyling tips and tricks plus tons of new hair ideas and inspiration.
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If you are on the fence about what hairstyle to choose to complement your outfit, here’s what can help you. The rule of thumb is to pair statement necklines (e.g. boat neck, or halter neck) with hair up, or at least a half up half down hairstyle. Pulling your hair up will show off the dress and look elegant and special. However, open shoulders featuring spaghetti straps or bandeau necklines naturally ask for loose hair. Soft curls or waves will give you some framing and cover your shoulders. Saying that, the best choice is a hairstyle that suits your features and makes you feel good.”