20 Turtleneck Hairstyles for Women: Flattering Looks for Sweaters

Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of hands-on experience creating wearable, flattering hair for real life. Turtleneck sweaters are cozy and chic, but they demand hairstyles that balance the high neckline and showcase your face. In this post I share 20 turtleneck-friendly hairstyles (with images) that work for short, medium, and long hair, and suit round, oval, and heart-shaped faces. Expect quick everyday options — low buns, soft waves, and sleek ponytails — plus elevated looks like textured updos and side braids for dressier occasions. I’ll also give practical styling tips: add crown volume to avoid a boxy silhouette, keep neckline hair soft with face-framing layers, and choose accessories that draw the eye upward. These looks are salon-tested and easy to recreate at home or request at your next appointment.

Textured Tousled High Bun with Curtain Bangs — Soft Messy Updo

Suitability: This textured, tousled high bun with curtain bangs works best on fine to medium hair and soft waves but can be adapted for thicker hair by working in smaller sections. Straight hair benefits from added body with loose curls. Styling technique: Start on second-day or dry hair. Apply heat protectant and a root-lifting spray, then use a 1–1.25 curling wand to create loose waves through mid-lengths and ends. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a high pony leaving face-framing pieces and bangs out, twist into a loose bun and secure with an elastic and bobby pins. Pull small sections free for softness and sweep bangs into a gentle curtain. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, tail comb, elastics, assorted bobby pins and clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing or sea-salt spray, dry shampoo, light flexible hairspray and a dab of shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: Easy–medium — achievable at home with basic practice. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo, re-loosen pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape.

Soft Textured Low Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

As a polished, textured low bun with soft face‑framing tendrils, this style suits medium-to-thick hair and shoulder-length to long lengths. Wavy and straight hair both work well; fine hair can be enhanced with volumizing products or a thin padding/clip-in for fullness. Start on towel-dried hair with a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, blow-dry with a round brush while lifting the crown. Create slight waves on mid-lengths with a 1–1.25 curling wand for hold and movement. Backcomb the crown lightly for lift, gather hair loosely at the nape and twist into a low, slightly off-center bun, securing with elastic and U-pins; pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen the crown for softness. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, 1–1.25 wand, bobby pins, elastics, teasing brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texture/salt spray, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of smoothing serum on ends. Difficulty: easy–intermediate (15–25 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-twist and pin as needed, sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap to preserve shape; regular trims keep tendrils fresh.

Textured Tousled Short Bob with Side-Swept Face-Framing Layers

This textured, tousled short bob with soft side-swept layers suits fine to medium hair and relaxed wavy textures; dense, coarse hair can also work with additional thinning and soft layering. The salon technique uses blunt baseline cutting with graduated, razor or texturizing-shear point cutting through the ends and a dry-check to create light, movable pieces around the face. Style by rough-drying with a medium-round brush or fingers to preserve movement, then defrizz with a 1 curling wand or flat iron to add subtle bends — avoid tight curls. Tools needed: professional shears and texturizing shears/razor, blow dryer, medium round brush, 1 wand or flat iron, clips and tail comb. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, sea-salt or texturizing spray for piecey finish, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of pomade or smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty level: moderate — precise layering and texturizing are best done by a stylist; daily styling is quick. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, sulfate-free shampoo, occasional deep conditioning, and dry shampoo between washes to maintain shape and texture.

Short Textured Bob with Soft Waves and Subtle Curtain Fringe

This short, textured bob with soft S-shaped waves and a subtle curtain fringe offers a modern, face-framing look. Suitable for fine to medium hair and those with natural movement, the cut creates the illusion of density at the crown; thicker hair can wear a slightly longer, layered version. Technique: start with a chin-length bob and soft internal layers; blow-dry with a round brush to lift roots, then use a 3/4–1 curling wand or a flat iron to form loose S-waves, alternating directions and leaving the ends relaxed. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, 3/4–1 wand or flat iron, sectioning clips and a wide-tooth comb or fingers to finish. Products: lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift spray on damp hair, heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray to break up waves, and a light-hold hairspray or shine serum for control. Difficulty: easy–moderate — the cut is best done in-salon; everyday styling is quick (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning for softness, and refresh second-day texture with dry shampoo or a misted scrunch.

Textured Low Messy Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Layers

This soft, textured low messy bun suits medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long cuts; fine hair can achieve the same look with a light texturizing product or clip-in pieces for extra body. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, then blow-dry using a round brush to lift the crown. Create loose waves with a 1 curling iron or wand to build movement, then mist with salt or texturizing spray for grip. Lightly backcomb the crown for volume, gather hair into a low, relaxed bun at the nape and secure with a small elastic and strategically placed bobby pins, leaving a few face-framing pieces out. Finish by loosening sections with your fingers for an undone effect and lock with a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron/wand, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root spray, texturizing/salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–moderate (15–30 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-curl stray pieces as needed, avoid heavy oils at roots, and trim layers every 8–12 weeks to preserve shape.

Textured Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs

This relaxed, textured messy bun with face‑framing curtain bangs suits fine to medium hair best and can be adapted for thicker or lightly wavy hair. Start on second‑day hair for natural grip — fine hair benefits from a volumizing mousse at the roots, while thicker or coarse hair needs smoothing serum before styling. Create loose waves in the front with a 1 curling wand to encourage soft curtain pieces. Apply a salt or texturizing spray through mid‑lengths and ends, then gather hair loosely at the crown and secure with an elastic, twisting into a loose bun and anchoring with bobby pins. Pull out a few tendrils and gently tug at the bun for shape and volume. Tools: blow dryer, 1 curling wand, paddle brush or comb, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/salt spray, light‑hold hairspray, optional volumizing mousse or smoothing serum. Difficulty: easy–medium (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple; refresh with dry shampoo and rework pieces with texturizer; trim curtain bangs every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape.

Textured Low Chignon with Side-Swept Fringe — Soft Blonde Updo

This elegant textured low chignon with a side-swept fringe suits fine to medium hair best and can be adapted for thicker textures by removing bulk or using more pins. Start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse and blow-dry using a round brush to smooth the fringe and build volume at the crown. Create a deep side part, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather hair at the nape, twisting or looping sections into a loose chignon and securing with long bobby pins and a small elastic. Pull a few face-framing pieces and loosen the top for softness. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, 1

Textured Messy Low Bun with Face‑Framing Layers

This relaxed, textured low bun suits medium to thick hair and wavy to loosely curly textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added texturizing products and light backcombing. Start on damp hair with a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse through roots and mid-lengths. Rough-dry with a diffuser or nozzle for natural movement, then create soft volume at the crown by gently backcombing and lightly twisting sections into a low, loose bun at the nape. Leave a few face‑framing pieces and pull small pieces from the bun to break up the shape for an undone finish. Tools: blow dryer (diffuser/nozzle), round brush or wide-tooth comb, tail comb for sectioning, elastic, bobby pins, and curling iron (optional for refining pieces). Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for taming flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires control of tension and pinning. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, re-pin loose pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve shape, and trim layers every 8–12 weeks to maintain face‑framing movement.

Textured Voluminous High Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This elegant, textured high bun suits straight to wavy hair and works especially well on medium to thick densities; fine hair can achieve the same look with light teasing, a small donut or clip‑in extension for added volume. Start on towel‑dried hair with a heat protectant, apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a salt or texturizing spray through the lengths. Blow‑dry with a round brush lifting at the crown, then backcomb the crown lightly for lift. Gather hair into a high pony, twist loosely and pin sections into a soft, slightly messy bun, leaving a few face‑framing strands. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, teasing/combo tail comb, hair elastic, bobby pins (different lengths), sectioning clips and optional hair donut. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, light‑to‑medium hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — about 20–30 minutes in salon conditions. Maintenance: refresh roots with dry shampoo, re‑pin any loosened sections, touch up tendrils with a small curling iron, sleep on a silk pillowcase or rewrap loosely to preserve shape.

Textured Voluminous Updo with Soft Curtain Bangs

This elegant, slightly undone updo suits medium to long hair and works well on medium–thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same lift with light teasing or clip-in pieces. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a heat-protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry using a round brush to create lift at the crown, then form loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron for texture. Section the top, backcomb the crown lightly for height, then gather hair into a low-to-mid loose bun or twisted chignon, securing with bobby pins and a few small elastics. Leave face-framing curtain bangs or tendrils and soften with fingers. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, curling iron, sectioning clips, and bobby pins. Products: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and small shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — 20–35 minutes depending on hair length. Maintenance: refresh volume with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, retouch loose pieces with the curling iron, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape between wearings.

Textured Low Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Bangs

This relaxed, textured low bun with soft face‑framing bangs suits straight to wavy hair and medium to thick densities; fine hair will benefit from texturizing products or lightweight padding and curly hair can be smoothed slightly or worn with natural texture for a more bohemian finish. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray at the roots, then blow‑dry with a round brush to lift the crown. Create loose waves with a 1″ curling iron or flat iron through mid‑lengths for added movement. Lightly back‑comb the crown for volume, gather hair low at the nape and twist into a messy bun, securing with pins and a small elastic—leave a few face‑framing pieces out and loosen for softness. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron/flat iron, teasing comb, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizer or texturizing spray, dry shampoo for grip, light‑hold hairspray, optional shine serum. Difficulty: easy–medium; 15–25 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin loose sections, touch up waves as needed, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks to keep shape.

Tousled Short Wavy Bob with Soft Curtain Fringe

This tousled short wavy bob with a soft curtain fringe suits fine to medium hair best and can be adapted for thicker textures with strategic thinning. In the salon the cut is created as a jaw-to-nape bob with subtle internal layers and point-cut ends to encourage movement without bulk. Styling technique: start on towel-dried hair with a light volumizing mousse at the roots, blow-dry using a 1–1.5 round brush to lift the crown, then create loose S-waves with a 1 curling wand (alternate directions and leave ends out for a modern finish). Rough-dry or diffuse for natural curl patterns. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root booster, salt or texture spray, light pomade for piecey ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — achievable at home after a professional cut. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape, use a weekly deep conditioner for shine, refresh texture with water + salt spray or dry shampoo between washes, and avoid high heat to preserve wave integrity.

Textured Chin-Length Shag Bob with Soft Curtain Fringe

This effortless textured chin-length shag bob with a soft curtain fringe suits fine to medium hair and works well on naturally straight or gently wavy textures. The cut relies on short, face-framing layers and feathered ends to create volume and movement without bulk. Styling technique: towel-dry hair, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuser while lifting at the roots for body, then use a 1–1.25” curling wand or flat iron to add loose bends through the mid-lengths and ends for that undone texture. Finish by scrunching in a sea-salt or texturizing spray and define pieces with a small amount of smoothing serum on the ends. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25” curling wand or flat iron, texturizing scissors for touch-ups. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light hairspray, optional smoothing serum. Difficulty level: easy–medium — quick to style once the cut is in place. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to retain shape and fringe length, use dry shampoo between washes to preserve texture, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down the layers.

Textured Crown Braids with Soft Face‑Framing Bangs

Works best on medium-to-thick straight to wavy hair; fine hair can be prepped with texture spray or light clip-in pieces for fullness, and curly hair can be loosely smoothed or styled as-is for a more bohemian finish. Start on towel‑dried hair with a light mousse and salt spray, rough-dry while lifting at the roots for grip. Section hair and create two Dutch or French braids from the hairline toward the crown, or loosely braid each side and pin them across the top to form a crown. Gather remaining hair into a low, messy bun and secure with a small elastic and bobby pins. Pull out soft face‑framing bangs and a few tendrils; optionally soften ends with a 1

Textured Layered Chin-Length Bob with Side-Swept Curtain Bangs

This soft, textured chin-length bob with side-swept curtain bangs suits fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair best — it adds body without heavy weight. Thick hair can wear the cut if the stylist thins and layers to remove bulk; very curly hair will need smoothing for the same look. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with a medium round brush to lift the root and turn the ends under slightly. Use a 1 curling iron or flat iron to create loose bends and to shape the curtain fringe, alternating direction for a lived-in feel. Tools: blow dryer, medium round brush, 1 iron, clips and a wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse, light texturizing/seasalt spray, smoothing serum for ends and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — basic blow-dry and iron skills. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks to preserve the shape and bangs, use a weekly deep-condition, and refresh style with dry shampoo and texturizer between washes.

Textured Messy Bun with Curtain Face‑Framing Bangs

This relaxed, textured messy bun with curtain face‑framing bangs suits medium to long lengths and works well on straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair. Fine hair benefits from a volumizing base while thicker hair will enjoy the lived‑in texture this style shows best. Technique: start with towel‑dried hair, apply a root‑lifting mousse and distribute a salt or texturizing spray through mid‑lengths. Blow‑dry using a round brush to smooth the curtain bangs and create volume at the crown; backcomb lightly at the crown if more height is desired. Gather hair into a low or mid bun, twist loosely and secure with hair elastics and bobby pins, then pull small face‑framing pieces free for softness. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, bobby pins, small elastic, and a 1

Textured Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Wisps

This relaxed, textured high bun with soft face‑framing wisps suits medium to long hair and works best on fine to medium textures — wavy or straight hair will hold the undone shape easily. Thick hair can wear this look with extra pins or by removing bulk with layering. Start on towel‑dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a sea‑salt or texturizing spray through the lengths. Rough‑dry with your fingers or a diffuser to build natural movement, then lightly tease the crown for lift. Gather hair into a loose high pony, twist and coil it into a messy bun, securing with a stretchy band and scattered bobby pins; pull small face‑framing sections free and soften with a 1

Soft Tousled Updo with Wispy Curtain Bangs

This soft, tousled updo with wispy curtain bangs suits straight to wavy hair and medium to thick densities best; fine hair can achieve the look with strategic texturizing and light padding. Start on second‑day hair or apply a dry shampoo for grip. Section the crown, lightly backcomb to create lift, then gather hair into a low, loose knot—secure with pins and leave a few face‑framing tendrils. Use a 1

Tousled Red Updo with Face‑Framing Bangs

This relaxed, tousled updo with soft face‑framing bangs suits medium to thick hair and works well on natural waves or straight hair that holds texture. For fine hair, use light extensions or a volumizing base to achieve lift at the crown. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow‑dry with a round brush or diffuser to build body. Use a 1 curling iron to add loose bends, focus on the mid‑lengths and ends, and roughen with a texturizing spray. Backcomb lightly at the crown, gather hair loosely into a high, messy bun or twisted knot, and secure with pins leaving wisps and bangs out for softness. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, teasing brush, bobby pins and elastic. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea‑salt or texture spray, flexible hold hairspray, and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — needs basic teasing and pinning skills. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer between washes, retouch bangs with a small flat iron, sleep on silk to reduce frizz, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks. For red hair, use color‑protecting shampoo and UV protection.

Textured Messy Low Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs

This relaxed, textured low bun with soft face‑framing curtain bangs suits medium to thick hair and straight-to-wavy textures best; fine hair can still wear it with added root lift or a small volumizing clip, while very curly hair works if smoothed or left deliberately tousled. Start on second‑day hair or spray dry shampoo at the roots for grip. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, pull hair back loosely into a low bun and secure with an elastic and bobby pins, leaving two soft curtain pieces at the front. Use a 1–1.25 curling iron to bend the face‑frame pieces and loosen with fingers for a lived‑in finish. Tools: tail comb, teasing brush, curling iron, elastics, bobby pins. Products: dry shampoo or texturizing powder, salt spray or texture spray, light-hold hairspray, heat protectant and a tiny smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–intermediate (10–20 minutes). Maintenance: refresh lift with dry shampoo, re‑pin as needed, trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize frizz and preserve shape.

Thanks for exploring these 20 turtleneck hairstyles with me. As a stylist, my top advice is to think about proportion: soften the high collar with face-framing layers or lift at the crown, and avoid hair that sits flat against the back of the neck. For care and hold, use a lightweight heat protectant before styling, a texturizing spray for grip on fine hair, and a flexible-hold hairspray for movement without stiffness. If you wear knits frequently, keep a travel-size brush and a few bobby pins in your bag for quick touch-ups. For longer-lasting shape, book a consultation so we can tailor cuts, layers, and color to your natural texture. Want help recreating a specific look from the gallery? Bring a photo to your appointment — I’ll customize it to your face shape and daily routine. — Lena, Senior Stylist