Choosing a one-shoulder wedding dress is a gorgeous decision.
That asymmetrical neckline is striking, modern, and incredibly elegant.
But here's the thing... your hairstyle needs to work with that bare shoulder, not against it.
You want something that shows off the dress without hiding its best features.
When it comes to hairstyles for one-shoulder dresses, the goal is balance. One shoulder creates beautiful asymmetry, so your wedding hairstyles should complement that rather than compete. From sleek updos to loose waves that cascade over your shoulders, there are so many bridal hairstyles to discover perfect hairstyles that work with your gown.
The MakeMeBridal directory connects you with talented hairstylists across the UK who understand how to create stunning hairstyles for asymmetrical necklines.
Once you've found your perfect hairstyle, check out our wedding makeup guides to complete your bridal look.
Image & Makeup credit: Anastasiia Kot
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Berkshire
MakeMeBridal's Best Hairstyles for Your One-Shoulder Wedding Dress
Sleek Side Swept Updo
A side-swept updo is a brilliant choice for a one shoulder wedding dress. All your hair gets swept to the opposite side of your bare shoulder, creating balance with that asymmetrical neckline.
Pull everything back smoothly and secure it in a low bun or chignon on one side. It shows off your face and shoulder strap without anything getting in the way. Great for brides with long hair who want everything kept in place.
Loose Waves Over the Bare Shoulder
Loose waves falling over your bare shoulder is one of the prettiest bridal hairstyles for a one shoulder dress. The movement and texture works beautifully with that asymmetrical neckline.
Let your hair fall naturally over the exposed shoulder. Keep the waves soft and touchable, not too structured. For brides who want to wear their hair down with a one-shoulder gown, this is ideal.
A light hairspray keeps everything in place without making it stiff. Frames your face, shows off your shoulders, job done.
Image & Makeup credit: Astons Makeup and Beauty
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Kent
Classic Low Bun for Elegance
A low bun at the nape of your neck shows off the entire neckline of your one-shoulder dress. Clean, timeless, and keeps your hair completely off your shoulders.
This works for pretty much any wedding style. Go sleek and polished or soft and textured, depending on your vibe. Position it centrally to balance out the asymmetry of your gown.
High Ponytail Glamour
A high bridal ponytail pulls your hair up and away from both shoulders, giving you a clean silhouette that shows off your one shoulder wedding dress. Plus it elongates your neck which is always a bonus.
Go sleek for something modern or add volume for a bit of old Hollywood glamour. Either works with an asymmetrical neckline.
Image & Makeup credit: Astons Makeup and Beauty
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Kent
Curled Ends Down Style
Keep your hair mostly straight with curled ends that add movement. The curls start about halfway down and continue to the ends, giving you bounce without going full Hollywood.
Keep everything behind your shoulders so your one-shoulder neckline stays visible. The curled ends catch the light as you move. For brides who want something between stick straight and full curls. Modern up top, glamorous at the ends.
Side Braid Behind the Ear
A small braid tucked behind the ear adds subtle detail without being too much. Create a thin braid starting at your temple and pin it securely behind your ear. The rest of your hair stays down.
The asymmetry works nicely with one-shoulder dress necklines. A hint of interest on one side while keeping the overall look simple.
Perfect for brides who want just a touch of something extra.
Image & Makeup credit: Astons Makeup and Beauty
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Kent
Textured Low Ponytail
A textured low ponytail adds interest to the classic style. The texture can come from braids, twists, or crimping through the ponytail rather than keeping it smooth.
Position it at the nape of your neck and wrap a section around the elastic to hide it. Keeps your one shoulder neckline clear while adding a bit of personality. For brides who want something different from your typical sleek ponytail.
Romantic Updo with Loose Pieces
Pull most of your hair up into an updo but leave a few pieces loose around your face. Curl them gently so they frame your face and soften the whole look. Create the updo at the back and secure with pins. The loose pieces add romance while the updo keeps your one shoulder neckline clear.
Structure with softness. Polished but not too done.
Image & Makeup credit: Barnet + Boatrace
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Dorset
Soft Waves Side Swept Style
Soft waves swept to one side mirrors the asymmetry of your one shoulder dress. Gather all your hair to the opposite side of your bare shoulder and let it fall in gentle waves.
Part deeply to one side and sweep everything across. Ideal for brides who want romance without committing to a full updo.
High Bun Sophistication
A high bun at the crown of your head creates height and drama. The vertical lift balances the horizontal asymmetry of your one shoulder dress. Go sleek and smooth or textured and soft depending on your style. Either way, it shows off your entire neckline.
Image & Makeup credit: Barnet + Boatrace
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Dorset
Sleek and Straight Sophistication
Sleek straight hair worn down is perfect for minimalist one shoulder wedding dresses. Smooth, glossy, and unfussy. It doesnt compete with your gown - it lets the dress do the talking.
Use a smoothing serum and flat iron to get that polished finish. Keep everything behind your shoulders so your neckline stays visible.Part in the centre or to the side, whatever suits your face shape. Tuck it behind your ears or let it fall forward depending on how much of that bare shoulder you want to show off.
Flowing Waves with Hair Back
Keep the front section of your hair pinned back while letting the rest flow freely in waves. Shows off your face and one shoulder neckline without losing that romantic, hair down look.
Use small pins or an accessory to secure the front behind your ears or at the crown. Waves at the back add movement, structure at the front keeps it polished.
For brides who want their hair down but need it off their face!
Image & Makeup credit: Barnet + Boatrace
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Dorset
Braided Crown for Boho Brides
A braided crown wraps around your head like a halo and gives you that romantic bohemian feel. It keeps hair away from your neckline while adding texture and interest without overwhelming your one shoulder dress.
Weave the braid around your head, starting at one side and wrapping to the other. Leave the rest down in waves or gather it into a low bun. Add small flowers for extra romance.
Works particularly well for outdoor or summer weddings where you want something natural and effortless.
Side Swept Curls Over Shoulder
Sweep all your curls to the side with your shoulder strap, leaving your bare shoulder completely exposed. The asymmetry mirrors your one-shoulder dress perfectly.
Keep the curls voluminous and defined, cascading over your covered shoulder in layers. It adds weight where there's already coverage while keeping the other side clean.
Glamorous and intentional. Use hairspray to keep everything in position throughout the day.
Image & Makeup credit: Bride by Becky
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Middlesex
Chignon Perfection
A chignon sits at the nape of your neck and shows off the entire neckline of your one shoulder wedding dress. Classic, polished, and it never dates.
Twist or roll your hair into a knot at the base of your neck. Go sleek for something modern or keep it textured for a softer look. Either way, it creates a clean silhouette that lets your dress be the focus.
Great for those super formal weddings and black tie dos!
Braided Bun Combination
Braids wrapped around each other to form a bun at the nape of your neck. The braid texture adds dimension while the bun shape keeps everything secured.
Create one or more braids and wrap them together, pinning securely. Leave a few wispy pieces loose for softness. Shows off your one shoulder neckline beautifully.
Image & Makeup credit: Bride by Becky
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Middlesex
One Shoulder Dress with a Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
Half up half down gives you the best of both worlds. The top section stays secured while the rest flows freely. Structure and softness in one.
Pull back the top and secure it at the crown, then let the rest cascade down. Add curls, waves, or keep it straight - whatever suits your vibe. It keeps hair out of your face while still showing off your length.
Works with pretty much every one shoulder dress style.
Sleek Side Part Down
A deep side part with sleek hair worn down mirrors the asymmetry of your one shoulder dress. Keep it smooth and shiny, falling straight behind your shoulders.
The deep part adds interest without needing elaborate styling. Tuck behind the ears or let it fall naturally depending on how much neckline you want to show.
Simple, modern, and perfect for minimalist brides.
Image & Makeup credit: Chloe Dixon
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from London
Voluminous Curls Behind Your Shoulders
Big bouncy curls swept behind your shoulders is pure glamour. The volume balances out a one shoulder dress while keeping your neckline clear.
Create curls throughout and position them behind your shoulders rather than letting them fall forward. They catch the light and add movement as you walk down the aisle.
Voluminous Half Updo
A voluminous half-updo gives you height and drama at the crown while the rest flows freely. Tease the top section generously before smoothing the top layer and securing it back.
The volume adds old Hollywood glamour while the flowing bottom shows off your length. Add curls through the loose section for extra impact.
Works brilliantly with formal one shoulder wedding dresses.
Image & Makeup credit: Jewell Hair & Makeup
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Buckinghamshire
Twisted Low Bun Texture
A twisted low bun adds dimension to the classic bun. Twist sections of hair before securing them into a bun at the nape of your neck. Each twist catches the light differently, giving you texture without being fussy.
Works particularly well with textured or beaded one-shoulder wedding dresses. Position it centrally to balance out that asymmetrical neckline. Something a bit special without going overboard.
Image & Makeup credit: Leanna Codd
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from West Sussex
Sleek Ponytail Side Placement
A sleek ponytail positioned to one side mirrors the asymmetry of your one shoulder dress. Place it opposite your bare shoulder for balance.
Smooth your hair back tightly and secure the ponytail at ear level or slightly lower. Wrap a section around the elastic to hide it. Clean lines, modern feel.
Cascading Curls Over One Shoulder
Sweep all your curls over your covered shoulder, leaving the bare shoulder completely exposed. It creates balance by adding volume where theres already coverage while keeping the other side clean.
Part to one side and let the curls cascade down in layers. Keep them defined and bouncy for maximum drama.
Glamorous, romantic, and perfect for formal or evening weddings with a one-shoulder dress.
Low Knot Elegance
A low knot at the nape of your neck is understated and effortless. Twist your hair into a simple knot and secure with pins. Keep it slightly loose rather than pulling too tight.
Shows off your one-shoulder neckline while feeling relaxed and easy. Works for casual celebrations and formal dos alike.
Simple but never boring.
Image & Makeup credit: Love Her Hair and Makeup
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Hampshire
Braided Side Style
A braid that starts at one side and drapes over the opposite shoulder adds texture while keeping your neckline visible. Start at the temple and continue across and down, letting it fall over your covered shoulder.
Go tight and structured or loose and romantic depending on your vibe. Pull out a few pieces around your face to soften things up.
Image & Makeup credit: Makeup by Juancy
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from London
Messy Bun Chic
A messy bun looks undone and relaxed while still being polished enough for a wedding. Create it at the nape of your neck or slightly higher, leaving a few pieces loose around your face. The messiness should look intentional, not sloppy.
Shows off your entire neckline and feels comfortable all day. Works particularly well for beach or outdoor weddings with a one shoulder dress.
Image & Makeup credit: Makeup by Olivia
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Berkshire
Elegant Updo with Side Detail
An updo with added detail on one side mirrors the asymmetry of your one shoulder dress. The detail can be twists, braids, or pinned curls - whatever suits your style.
Create the base updo at the back of your head, then add your chosen detail on one side. Clean at the back, interesting at the side.
Feels special without being overdone.
Image & Makeup credit: Maria McNally Hair Studio
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Bedfordshire
Loose Low Ponytail Romance
A loose low ponytail sits at the nape of your neck but with texture and softness rather than that slicked back look. Leave it slightly loose and add curls or waves through the ponytail for extra movement.
Pull out a few pieces around your face to soften things up. Shows off your neckline while keeping it relaxed.
Great for brides who want something between wearing it down and a full updo and works beautifully with one shoulder wedding dresses.
Sleek Bun with Centre Part
A centre part with a sleek bun creates symmetry that balances your asymmetrical neckline. Part directly down the middle and pull everything back into a smooth, glossy bun. No flyaways.
Position the bun at the nape of your neck or slightly higher. The centre part shows off your face while the bun keeps everything clean and simple.
Image & Makeup credit: Makeup by Quelle Bester
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from London
Finding the Right Hairstyle for Your One-Shoulder Dress
The best bridal hairstyles for one shoulder dresses are all about balance. That asymmetrical neckline is gorgeous on its own, so your hair should complement it rather than compete.
Whether youre after a sleek updo, romantic waves, or something with braids, the hairstylists in our directory know exactly how to work with asymmetrical necklines. Book a trial to test out your favourites before the big day.
