How To Pair Your Wedding Hairstyle With The Right Neckline
Yes, there is a right and wrong answer!
Planning your bridal look is never an easy task. Everything from the hair, the makeup and the outfit has to complement each other and work together in harmony. One such example is selecting the right bridal hairstyle hairstyle to compliment your look and bridal attire.
With so many different styles to select from, it can be overwhelming to land on the right one. As you oscillate between leaving your hair up or down, maybe the right answer lies with the neckline of your outfit.
We got hair stylist Sneha J. Jhaveri, founder of the Mumbai-based Vous Salon, who taught us how to pair different hairstyles with the right neckline. Read on…
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Bridal Hairstyles To Match With Your Blouse Necklines
Sweetheart Neckline
Celebrities like Kiara Advani and Alia Bhatt donned the sweetheart neckline at their wedding and it seems it is the current favourite. So, if you’re wondering what hairstyle to try with your own, trying romantic curls or an updo with a twist can be it!
“A sweetheart neckline is just so romantic. I often find that soft, flowing curls really complement the gentle curves of the neckline. They create this beautiful, almost ethereal look. Think loose curls, maybe swept to one side for a touch of asymmetry – it's both classic and contemporary. An elegant updo is another wonderful choice. Whether it's a chic chignon, a perfectly executed French twist, or a slightly more relaxed, textured bun, an up-do adds a touch of sophistication and really highlights the décolletage,” says Sneha.
To master any of these styles, Sneha recommends always keeping a volumising mouse handy. “For creating lasting curls and giving up-dos that extra volume, a good volumising mousse is a must-have. A medium-hold hairspray is essential for keeping everything in place without making the hair feel stiff or crunchy. For those sleek up-dos, smoothing serum can be a lifesaver for taming flyaways and adding a beautiful, healthy shine.”
Style Tip: “It's all about balancing those soft curves and open space. So, you want a hairstyle that either complements those curves, like those soft, flowing curls, or provides a beautiful contrast, like a slightly more structured up-do. The key is to avoid anything too bulky or anything that competes with the neckline.”
High Round Neckline
A high round neckline looks so graceful and adds an air of regality to an outfit. Take for instance the stunning red lehenga, with a full-sleeved blouse Aditi Rao Hydari wore for her wedding. As for the kind of hairstyles, one can try, it seems high, ballerina buns are the recommendation.
“A high round neckline is such a classic! It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn – so elegant and timeless. For this neckline, I often recommend sleek, polished styles that really showcase its beauty. A high bun, like a ballerina bun, is a personal favourite. It elongates the neck and gives such a sophisticated, almost regal feel.”
“And if you're looking for something with a touch of romance, a braided up-do, perhaps a crown braid or a woven chignon, can be absolutely stunning. The texture adds such visual interest.”
As far as the products to achieve these looks are concerned, it seems a hairspray that will hold it all together well, and for long seems the right way to go.
“For these sleek looks, a good strong-hold hairspray is essential. It keeps everything smooth and perfectly in place. A shine serum is another must-have – it adds that beautiful, healthy-looking gloss that makes all the difference. And for braided up-dos, a texturising spray can be a game-changer.” says Sneha.
Style Tip: “It's all about keeping the hair up and away from the face. Think of it this way: the neckline is the frame, and your face is the artwork. You want to showcase both! Keeping the hair up and off your shoulders really helps to balance the neckline and allows it to be the focal point.”
V-Shaped Neckline
A V-shaped neckline is another classic silhouette that you simply cannot go wrong with. It gives off a retro, or vintage vibe that suits almost everyone. Take, for instance, Katrina Kaif’s Sabyasachi wedding lehenga!
“A V-shaped neckline is so flattering and versatile! It really opens up a world of hairstyle possibilities. I find that soft, flowing curls or waves that cascade down the shoulders are just divine with this neckline. And if you want to make a statement, a low, loose chignon or a beautifully executed side braid can be absolutely breathtaking,” Sneha shares with us.
Style Tip: Sneha also recommends a hairspray and texturising spray to create hold in the styles. “For creating those gorgeous waves, a good curling iron or wand is essential. I recommend one with a larger barrel for looser waves. And a texturising spray along with a lightweight hairspray is your best friend – it adds that effortless, undone texture.”
Deep V, Plunging Neckline
A plunging neckline is such a gorgeous, glamorous and statement-making kind of neckline. And, Shibani Dandekar’s Anamika Khanna’s wedding sari is a perfect example of this. “A deep V neckline is all about drama, it's a showstopper. So, think red carpet ready! Similar to a regular V-neck, soft, cascading curls or waves are just stunning. They add a touch of romance and femininity, balancing the boldness of the neckline. A glamorous, side-swept hairstyle, perhaps with some added volume at the crown, is another fantastic option!”
As is the case with hairstyles that involve beautiful curls and volume, Sneha shares that using two main products can do the trick. “Volumising mousse and root lifter are your secret weapons for creating that all-important lift at the crown. They add that extra oomph that makes the hair look so luxurious. And a flexible-hold hairspray is perfect for maintaining the style without making it look too 'done' or stiff.”
Style Tip: “It's generally best to avoid styles that are too structured or too voluminous, as they can sometimes compete with the dress and create a look that feels a bit unbalanced.”
Square Neckline
A square neckline is an out-of-the-box style that is definitely for those who want to be brave or bold with their bridal attire. For this Sneha emphasises the importance of keeping your hairstyle sleek in some way or the other.
“A square neckline is so chic and modern! It has such clean lines and a structured feel. When I think of hairstyles that work beautifully with this neckline, I picture styles that either echo those clean lines or offer a soft, romantic contrast. A chic, low bun, perhaps a sleek chignon, or a classic French twist is a personal favourite.”
Style Tip: To keep things in order and maintain the shine-filled and sleek look, a smoothing serum is the way to go. “A smoothing serum is key for achieving a polished and refined look with these styles. It tames any flyaways and adds a beautiful, healthy shine,” shares Sneha.
Boat Neckline
Boat necklines are similar to high round necklines, in the sense that they both exude an old-world kind of charm. They also signal old-money glamour.
“Oh, a boat neckline is just so timeless and elegant! When I think of hairstyles that complement this neckline, I immediately picture sophisticated updos. An elegant updo, such as a high bun, perhaps a perfectly sculpted ballerina bun, or a flawlessly executed French twist, is absolutely perfect. It really showcases the neckline beautifully.”
And since up-dos are the perfect choice for this sort of neckline, we hear that a strong-hold hairspray is the way to go!
“A strong-hold hairspray is essential for keeping up-dos perfectly in place all day or night. And a shine serum adds that extra touch of sophistication and makes the hair look its absolute best.”
Style Tip: “With a boat neckline, the golden rule is to keep the hair up and away from the face. This really allows the neckline to shine and become the focal point of the look,” shares Sneha.
Deep-U Neckline
Something that is rarely seen nowadays, the deep-U neckline is a forgotten gem. If you have strong shoulders, it can really accentuate your neck and shoulder area.
“A deep-U neckline is so glamorous and flattering! It's a wonderful choice for showing off a bit of décolletage. Similar to the V-neck, flowing curls or waves can look great with this neckline. It can add a touch of romance and movement. A soft braid or twist, or a low, loose up-do also works really well, offering a sense of elegance and sophistication to the look.”
Style Tip: As far as the perfect products to master these hairstyles goes, you must turn to a texturising spray here. “A curling iron or wand and texturising spray are your go-to tools for creating those beautiful waves and curls. And use a flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything looking natural and effortless.”
Bandhgala Neckline
A bandhgala can offer you a no-fuss, yet polished look. And it seems hairstyles that mirror the elegance of the bandhgala are preferred here. “A bandhgala neckline is so regal and traditional! When I think of hairstyles that complement this neckline, I envision neat, structured styles. A sleek bun, perhaps a perfectly smooth chignon, or a classic French twist is ideal – it's so polished and sophisticated.”
Sneha also advises using products such as a strong-hold hairspray and shine serum to secure the clean styles that go along with this neckline.
Style Tip: “The most important thing is to keep the hair neat and tidy to complement the structured and often ornate nature of the bandhgala neckline.”
Strapless Neckline
A strapless neckline is modern and elegant. There is so much that can be done with this kind of neckline. According to Sneha, if you’ve chosen this style then you can experiment a lot with. “A strapless neckline is so versatile and fun! It really offers a blank canvas for hairstyles. You can wear your hair down in soft curls or waves, creating a romantic and flowing look that's just beautiful. Or you can opt for a glamorous up-do for a more formal and sophisticated feel. A side-swept hairstyle, perhaps with some added curls and volume, is also a gorgeous choice.”
Depending on the hairstyle you choose, anything from curling irons, texturising spray, volumising mousse, or hairspray can be useful.
Style Tip: “It’s all about creating a harmonious and beautiful balance. You want the hairstyle to enhance the dress, not compete with it,” shares Sneha.
