The Best of Both

A half-updo style is a stunning complement to a strapless dress, especially if you have long hair, because it allows you to keep the femininity of flowing hair plus keep it off your face. This hairstyle allows you to show-off your special occasion makeup and any jewelry you wear on your neck or ears. Start with soft-wavy hair and use jeweled clips or barrettes to loosely pin-back the hair around your face for an alluring look. This is a stunning style if you have ombre-highlighted hair that is darker at the top and lighter on the ends because it profiles the drama of the hair-coloring technique.

Go Big

Big-voluminous curls are especially lovely when you wear a strapless dress because bombshell waves are perfectly profiled by a dress that leaves shoulders bare. The hairstyle can either amp up the look of a simple dress or balance out a bold-statement dress. Consider this look if you are blessed with naturally curly hair. Take your curls as big as they can go and add a hair accessory to make it well-suited for a special occasion. Add a retro-classic feel to your strapless gown with vintage waves that are set deep and pulled over to one side. Vintage waves are one of the most glamorous formal hair styles you can create with hair that's at least collar-bone length. This is a better style for straight to wavy textures which can be easily manipulated with hot-rollers.

Sweep It Up

A soft updo is perfect for strapless gowns and works on both short and long hair. The sweet, slightly unkempt style of a soft updo is a lovely contrast to the straight line of the top of a strapless dress. Try a messy chignon -- a loose ponytail that is folded, twisted and bobby-pinned in several places to create a disheveled swirl -- if you have hair long enough for a ponytail. Be sure to let tendrils loosely fall around your face. If your hair is shoulder length or shorter, accomplish a similar look with a loose french-twist. You can pin the twist in the back or slightly to the side, just be sure to leave bangs softly curled around your face or swept back and high above your forehead. This look should be touchable, not neat and tight. If you don't have bangs, pull out a few strands to frame your face.

Head Straight for Style

Complement a modern-style strapless dress with a super-straight and chic hairstyle. This look adds edge to an outfit and a little bit of length to hair. This is an especially striking hairdo if you have fringe bangs. Use a flat iron to get your hair as straight as possible. This special occasion look is best a day or two after a fresh haircut. It will amplify any angles or layers your hairstylist gave you. Use a shine serum to emphasize the sleek-style of this hairdo.