35 Wedding Hairstyles to Pair With Open-Back Dresses

Let your backless dress shine.

Bride with open-back wedding dress and updo hairstyle

Photo: Clare Sloan

Updated Mar 13, 2024

One of the most important parts of curating an outfit—whether you're a bride, guest or bridesmaid—is choosing the perfect hairstyle to go with your dress. Hairstyles for open-back dresses are extra important, because you likely will want to choose a hairstyle that lets you show off the open back of your dress. Whether you opt for a sleek updo or loose undone tresses, we've scoured the internet for 35 of the best hairstyles to pair with backless dresses. Save this page to show your hairdresser at your trial run and try a few that stand out to you so you can pick your favorite. We may be biased, but they're all winning styles.

Half-Up Waves

A half-up style is perfect for sweeping your hair out of your face, but still letting your long tresses shine. Soft, undone waves make this style the perfect effortless, yet chic hairstyle.

Textured Low Bun

Sweep your hair into a messy low bun for an elegant hairstyle that pairs particularly well with an open-back dress. Whether you're the bride or a guest, this style is perfect for any occasion.

Glam Curls

A deep, plunging backless dress is a match made in heaven with this voluminous curled hairstyle. You know what Dolly Parton says, the bigger the hair, the closer to God!

Pretty Ponytail

You can't go wrong with a chic textured ponytail. This trendy style ensures your open-back dress is on full display.Plus, it's the perfect hairstyle to pair with a bold statement earring.

Textured Tresses

Nothing says "special occasion" like an intricate, textured updo. This style is perfect for showing off a sexy open back dress. Add in a sparkly hair clip for an extra touch of glamor.

Regal Updo

Channel Old Hollywood glamour in this regal updo hairstyle that pairs perfectly with an open-back dress. Just add a sparkly tiara or headband to make the look feel extra special for your big day.

Braided Half Up

This isn't your average half-up style. Get that ethereal, romantic bridal look with this stunning half-up braided hairstyle. Soft, face-framing strands keep the look feeling sweet and laid back.

Bombshell Curls

Big, bouncy curls are a timeless, youthful hairstyle for any occasion. Pair your bombshell curls with a sexy backless dress for a knockout look. Whether you're a wedding guest or the bride, this style is sure to turn heads.

Face-Framing Curls

Frame your gorgeous face with soft curls pulled from a textured half-up half-down style. Your hairdresser can add extra volume at the crown with texture spray and a teasing brush — the more volume the better!

Twisted Pony

This sleek, low pony is given a stylish update with a twist detail secured around the elastic. It's the perfect cool girl hairstyle and it leaves your back exposed just enough to show off your sultry backless dress.

Sleek Chignon

If your vibe leans more classic, this chic chignon is calling your name. You can never go wrong with a timeless chignon bun. Contrast this formal hairstyle with a slinky backless dress for the perfect effortlessly chic look.

Effortless Ponytail

A messy, effortless ponytail is a stylish choice for a hairstyle. If you're the bride, pair this easy style with a dramatic veil for a bridal style that looks straight off of the runway.

Elegant Updo

You can never go wrong with a romantic updo for a special occasion. This versatile hairstyle works for both brides and wedding guests alike, and even bridesmaids. The flattering, face-framing strands make this a universally flattering hairstyle.

Short Strands

Short haired girls, this one's for you. If your hair falls to your shoulders, keep your strands down and flowing for the big day. A simple wave adds just enough texture, plus your short length keeps your exposed back on full display.

Pearlcore

The pearlcore trend isn't going anywhere, so why not incorporate it into your hairstyle? Tiny pearls are dotted all over the hair using eyelash glue for a style that's elegant and dramatic. Keeping the front pieces slicked down ensures this style has maximum impact. Be sure to pair this hairstyle with your favorite pearl jewelry.

Clipped Back

Give your short strands an update with an embellished hair clip. It's the perfect easy style that sweeps your hair out of your face.

Tousled Ponytail

This tousled, textured pony is equal parts undone and chic. It's perfect for a dreamy beach or garden wedding.

Sleek & Smooth

If you love rocking the "clean girl aesthetic" in your daily life, this slicked back bun is the perfect special occasion style for you. If your dress features a dramatic back detail, like this oversized bow, a slicked back bun is the perfect style to let your dress take center stage.

Pearl Adorned

File this under "dream hairstyles." We can't get enough of this gorgeous curled hairstyle adorned with a few tiny pearls. Like this bride, opt for this style for an elegant seaside wedding for all of the coastal grandmother vibes.

Va-Va Volume

It doesn't get better than this ultra voluminous ponytail. For even more added volume and length, try adding extensions. This style pairs especially well with a backless halter style dress, like this one from Rebdolls.

Tied With a Bow

Bows have been everywhere in 2024 fashion, and weddings are no exception. This darling bow adorned updo is perfect for the girly brides out there. You could also get the same look with a bow adorned veil like this one from KYHA Studio.

Subtle Waves

These subtle waves add just enough texture to this bride's sleek bob and middle part. We love the simplicity of this hairstyle paired with a sweeping cathedral veil. Pair this cutting edge hairstyle with a modern, trend-forward dress.

Elevated Ponytail

Dress up your ponytail with the addition of floral pearl-adorned bobby pins and some statement earrings. Heavy face framing pieces and hair wrapped around the elastic make this style appear effortless.

Natural Curls

Let your natural curls run wild for a special occasion. We're loving this bride's voluminous, defined curls paired with her backless wedding dress. If you always wear your natural curls in your day to day life, embracing them for your wedding hairstyle will help you to feel like you on your big day.

Bridal Bow

Your hair bow days from when you were a kid are making a major comeback in the fashion world. This pearl-adorned bow is the perfect finishing touch on this simple backless gown. Paired with soft waves, this hairstyle is a romantic choice for a bridal look.

Pixie Cut

A pixie cut pairs perfectly with an open-back dress because it leaves your back on full display. Keep your natural texture and pair this hairstyle with a sparkly earring for an extra pop.

Classic Updo

This classic updo never goes out of style. This hairstyle goes best with traditional, simple dresses. Pair it with hair accessories that match your dress to inject it with a personal touch.

Boho Waves

Boho brides, this one's for you! This wavy, voluminous ponytail is what Pinterest dreams are made of. It's the perfect complement to a breezy, ethereal dress. Think lace, crochet or fringe details.

Edgy Bridal Hairstyle

These soft waves are given some edge with the addition of bobby pins and a slicked back side. This hairstyle pairs well with a more edgy dress style. Depending on your style, you could opt for embellished bobby pins to add some more drama.

Twisted Top Knot

Sweep all of your hair into an elegant twisted updo that's perfect for traditionalist brides. Pair it with a classic style, like a satin sheath dress, for a sophisticated look.

Braids for Days

This Rapunzel-esque braid is a work of art! Tiny pearl embellishments add texture and style to this intricate braid. This hairstyle is perfect for ethereal brides having outdoorsy weddings—think garden, vineyard or mountain venues.

Curly Updo

Pull your natural curls into a glam updo complete with a sparkly hair piece. This bride's gorgeous, defined curls add texture and volume to her artful updo. Brides who want to channel their inner princess for a day, this elegant style is perfect for you.

Laid Back Locks

Shiny, smooth curls make for a universally flattering hairstyle. This one sweeps part of the hair to the back for the perfect half-up half-down style.

Glam Headband

Headbands, the beloved preppy style staple, are given a glam upgrade in metallic wire options like this one. Paired with a simple ponytail, this look is both understated and tasteful. Don't forget to add your favorite matching metallic earrings.

Structured Updo

Curls and twists create the illusion of lush layers in this beautiful updo. Face framing strands and curls add movement, while the updo holds everything in place for all-night comfort.