Dress shopping is probably one of the most fun parts of deciding what to wear to a ball, but once you’ve chosen the perfect ball gown, there are still so many things to be decided. Most importantly, how should you wear your hair to match your beautiful new gown?
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ll talk you through the options to help you match your hairstyle to your ball gown, as well as give you some tips to help you keep your hair secure and you looking your best through all the dancing.
Consider the Neckline of Your Gown
No matter the occasion, the neckline of a dress is often the biggest influence on the choice of hairstyle. Harmonizing the two can tie the whole look together and help you stand out in a crowd.
Below are some common necklines for ball gowns and some hairstyle choices that are sure to match.
Strapless/Sweetheart
The strapless and sweetheart necklines leave the shoulders, collarbone, and neck exposed, making these styles the most versatile of options when it comes to hairstyling.
For a sweet, girlish look, styles such as soft curls, loose waves, and half-up styles complement the romantic shape of the neckline, softening the overall outfit and making you feel like a princess.
An elegant updo, meanwhile, draws the eye upward and creates a graceful, elongated silhouette that can be paired well with statement earrings and other details that complement the dress, as we will explore later.
Off-the-Shoulder
Off-the-shoulder gowns are designed to showcase the shoulders and create a soft, feminine outline. To complement these gentle, flowing lines, choose loose hairstyles such as waves or side-swept curls. Hairstyles that are too severe can clash with off-the-shoulder dresses and ruin the overall look.
High Necklines
High necklines naturally attract attention to the upper chest, neck, and face. Wearing your hair down can sometimes overpower the decorative details of the dress, such as lace, beadwork, or embroidery, making the outfit appear visually heavy.
A sleek bun or polished ponytail keeps the neckline fully visible and creates a clean, sophisticated silhouette. Pulling the hair away from the face also balances the additional fabric around the neckline, preventing the overall look from feeling too enclosed.
Plunging/V-Neck
A V-neck creates strong, vertical lines that naturally elongate the neck and torso. Hairstyles that continue this sense of balance, such as low buns or styles with a side part, complement the neckline without overpowering it.
Very high or bulky hairstyles can sometimes compete with the clean lines of gowns with these necklines, while softer styles maintain visual proportion. Loose curls can also soften the angular shape of the neckline, creating an elegant balance for your outfit.
What to Wear to a Ball in Your Hair
When considering how to wear your hair to a ball, it’s also useful to consider the decorative details of your gown.
Heavily decorated dresses often pair best with simple hairstyles, so as not to overpower the look of the gown. Whilst a single clasp or pin in your hair, which matches the texture of your dress, may pull the whole look together, try not to overdo it with more than one.
Adding texture to your hair can complement minimalistic satin gowns. Try a messy bun with pearl details, or glamorous curls with a touch of glitter.
Try to coordinate your hair with your jewelry, too. Statement jewelry will be served well by high updos, whereas simple necklaces pair best with soft waves.
Styling Tips to Help Your Hairstyle Last All Night
If you plan to spend all night dancing at the ball, it’s important to ensure your hairstyle will hold up throughout. For best results, test your hairstyle in advance, and put it through its paces by shaking your head and stepping out into the wind. If it stays put, you’ll know it will survive the ball.
As well as taking it for a test drive, be sure to use high-quality products with a flexible hold, and as a backup, ensure you’ve packed spare clips and hairpins in your clutch for hairstyle emergencies.
What to Wear to a Ball: Hairstyles for Every Formal Gown
Your ball outfit is so much more than your dress, and if you want to be the belle of the ball, your hairstyle is as important as anything else. Choose how to wear your hair with consideration for your gown, particularly its neckline and any decorative details and embellishments, so that the whole look is styled with harmony and interest.
