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Updated May 15, 2024The 30 Best Wedding Hairstyles for Strapless Dresses
From long, luxurious waves to sophisticated chignons.
Photo: Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Strapless wedding dresses are one of the most timeless and versatile styles out there, which is good news for brides searching for the perfect 'do to complete their big-day beauty look. The best hairstyles for strapless dresses will not only complement you and your bone structure but also the overall style and silhouette of your gown—and of course the vibe of your wedding. A whimsical bohemian theme may call for an effortlessly braided updo or relaxed waves, while a modern look will probably pair better with a clean bun or sleek, straight strands.
Consider whether you'll be wearing statement jewelry, such as earrings or a necklace, you want to show off too, in which case you may want to opt for an updo. And if it's warm and humid out, pulling your hair back will help keep you cool. On the other hand, long, loose waves can help fill in the space and balance out a strapless neckline. Again, it all depends on your particular dress and what makes you feel most beautiful, comfortable, and confident.
From cascading curls to chic, side-swept styles and every type of bun imaginable, here are our favorite hairstyles for strapless wedding dresses.
Straight Perfection
If you typically wear your hair down, keeping it straight and simple for your big day may be the way to go. We love how this bride's low-key locks perfectly complement her elegant and minimalist strapless wedding gown. It's simple but stunning.
A Sleek Low Bun
If your dress has a lot going on up top like this fab feathery number, you may want to opt for a pretty, pulled-back hairstyle that lets your gown and accessories take center stage. We love this sleek low bun, which also proudly displays the bride's white floral statement earrings.
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A Clean Romantic Bun
If you're looking for formal hairstyles for a strapless dress, this modern bun is as glam as it gets. We love the two wavy strands in front to frame the bride's face and the clean knotted bun in the back to add some interest. It looks especially good paired with the chic floral embroidery on her strapless gown.
Big Waves
Make major waves on your wedding day with a voluminous hairstyle as bold and beautiful as your wedding gown. These glamorous waves look best on girls with long hair, though you can always add extensions to bring the va-va voom on your big day.
Side-Swept Waves, Accessorized
To create a major wow moment and dress up your tresses, add a sparkly statement wedding hair accessory to side-swept curls. It's an easy way to elevate waves and will also ensure some hair stays out of your face so you can dance the night away unbothered.
A Sophisticated Chignon
This chic chignon is a classic hairstyle for strapless dresses. It's sophisticated and polished, yet still effortless thanks to the slightly-curled face-framing chunks. This look would work especially well on medium-length hair and is a no-brainer if you have curtain bangs.
Sleek, Pearl-Adorned Waves
When in doubt, add some pearls! For a classic bridal look that feels very fresh, try adorning romantic waves with delicate hair jewelry. These pearl gems match the beading of this bride's wedding gown beautifully.
Long, Loose Curls
There's something so dreamy and romantic about long, loose curls with a strapless wedding gown. They photograph beautifully and are an effortless style that still manages to look good even if your curls fall out a bit by the end of the night.
Half-Up Tousled Waves
Surfer girl meets bohemian princess! We love the luxe, laid-back vibes this bride is serving with her perfectly imperfect tousled waves. Pull some pieces back out of your face for a dazzling, dangly earring pop and to mix things up.
Textured Bun With A Twist
An updo doesn't have to be uptight. Keep things loose and free-flowing with a bohemian-inspired textured bun featuring loose twists on the sides. This style looks so whimsical and dreamy with a long veil.
Pin Curl Updo
Pin curls bring the heat without the actual heat. One of our favorite black hairstyles for strapless dresses, a pin curl 'do can be done on any hair length really, from short to long. If you're going for a bridal bun, we like the idea of creating a sharp side part and swooping the hair to one side for some extra volume and retro glamour.
Beehive Bun
Go big, or go home! Recreate the iconic beehive bun for your big day with this over-the-top, voluminous hairstyle for strapless dresses. This big bun is best balanced by a glamorous fit and flare mermaid gown (like the dress pictured on the bride) for all the drama—only the good kind, of course.
Natural Curls
Photo: @rebeccaschoneveld_bridal / Instragram
We're thrilled to see more and more brides, bridesmaids, and guests embracing their beautiful natural curls for weddings. Whether you have coily, kinky, or spiral curls, consider an au natural look with the help of a good stylist. You can even add a floral crown, pearl pins, or crystal accessories to complement your look.
Sleek, Shiny & Straight
Super straight hair is having a moment. If pared-back minimalism is your vibe, sleek and sophisticated locks are the way to go. It's one of the best hairstyles for strapless dresses that are simple yet striking. Style with a statement earring and natural makeup to finish the look.
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A Floral Crown Headband
One way to dress up basic waves is by adding a fun floral crown headband as the focal point. You can opt for flowers in a single color like this bride or go for a mix of florals in different sizes with a little greenery added for a wilder, whimsical look. This is also a fun choice for a tropical wedding with florals in bright, punchy colors.
Easy Half-Up Elegance
This stylish half-up hairstyle is modern and timeless all at once, with very loosely curled strands for a look that feels effortlessly elegant. It's such a simple but stunning hairstyle for strapless wedding dresses. How classically cool does it look with this bride's asymmetrical neckline gown?
A Cool Modern Updo
If you're on the hunt for cool, contemporary bridal hairstyles for strapless dresses, try this gorgeous and glossy modern updo, which doesn't have a single curl in sight. We love the bun placement high up on the back of the head so as not to compete with that stunning statement bow.
A Long, Low Pony
This luxe, low ponytail is super pretty without overpowering the bride's beautiful beaded gown. Two lightly curled strands frame her face and a strand of her own hair is wrapped around the ponytail to help hide the elastic, elevating the entire look. So chic!
Tucked Behind The Ears
Give classic long curls a cool girl makeover with a double ear tuck. It's one of the best hairstyles for strapless dresses if you want to wear your hair down but still keep it out of your face (and lips). Style with dangly statement earrings for a flawless finishing touch.
Ballerina Bun
For a dress with a back as exquisite as this bride's, opt for an understated but sleek style like a ballerina bun. It's pretty in it's own right without taking away from the true star of the evening, which is you and your gown. Plus, it's basically made for dancing and will stay put all night.
Short And Sweet
If you're on the hunt for chic short hairstyles for strapless dresses, go bold and embrace the buzz cut or super short curls and rock it with confidence, like this bride. It's such a statement-making look that feels particularly powerful paired with an intricate lace gown.
A Voluminous High Fashion Pony
The perfect hairstyles for strapless cocktail dresses do exist! This magazine-worthy 'do features voluminous swept-back strands into a loose French braid at the back of the head right into a long curly pony. It's interesting, elevated, and totally party-ready paired with a fun short frock.
A Fab Feathered Crown
We're a sucker for a good statement wedding hair accessory and if you're over the whole floral crown trend, why not try an actual bejeweled crown with all the feathers? It's a clever way to take your look from polished to party mode post-ceremony without actually changing dresses or switching up your hairstyle.
Practical Pins
Sometimes the prettiest hairstyles for strapless wedding dresses are the most practical. If you like the idea of wearing your hair down but don't want to constantly pull it out of your face, try popping some delicate crystal hair pins in to secure front pieces back and add the perfect amount of shine.
A Classic Criss Cross Chignon
Whether you're attending a preppy country club wedding or are going for a more refined regal vibe, this chic crisscross chignon is a must-try. It's simply stunning and pairs so well with pearl jewelry.
A Trendy Top Knot With Split Bangs
Chunky, face-framing tendrils take this too-cool modern top knot to the next level! Like on the bride pictured, this 'do works best with a dress that's fitted and minimalist up top yet brings the drama on the bottom. We can also see it working with a simple 1990s-inspired slip dress for brides, bridesmaids, or wedding guests.
The One-Sided Tuck
Add some polish to wedding waves simply by tucking hair behind the ear on one side. It makes the overall style feel a bit more elevated and glam, especially with a sharp middle part. We love this for a modern bride or her BFFS looking for bombshell bridesmaid hairstyles for a strapless dress.
A Couture Hair Comb
What better way to elevate a basic bun than with a bejeweled bridal hair comb? This bride wears hers wrapped around the top of her bun in the back, but we've also seen some swoon-worthy, Swarovski statement combs decorating the side of the head.
A Messy Dutch Braid Bun
Looking for the best boho-inspired hairstyles for strapless dresses? This messy braided bun is a 10/10. It features a perfectly imperfect Dutch braid on one side (not pictured) leading into a messy bun in the back.
A Bold Floral Headpiece
We're so obsessed with this bold, over-the-top floral headpiece, which perfectly matches the bride's bright bouquet. It's a fresh and fun take on the classic floral crown trend, ideal for a summer garden party or a tropical beach celebration.
