If you’re on the hunt for turtleneck hairstyles to elevate your look this season, this post is for you!
While I’m not a fan of cold weather, I’m a sucker for pumpkin spice drinks and desserts, I love painting my nails dark colors, and cozying up in jeans, turtleneck sweaters, and tall boots is my jam. My hair also tends to cooperate with me a bit more once the humidity dissipates, allowing me to experiment with hairstyles I tend to avoid during the sweltering summer months. So, fall and winter aren’t ALL that bad in my books.
Here are my favorite turtleneck hairstyles for every hair length to help you look and feel your best during sweater season!
8 Best Turtleneck Hairstyles to Try This Season
Middle Part
Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, parting it in the middle and draping it over each shoulder is a classic fall look that has the added benefit of drawing attention to a high-necked sweater or dress. This hairstyle works with and without bangs, and adding a pair of glasses (if you have them) adds more of a fall-like feel IMO.
Slicked Back
If you’re looking for turtleneck hairstyles for short hair that sits at the top of your turtleneck, a slicked back ‘do is perfect. This look is also a great option if you’re sporting second (or third) day hair as it hides your roots, which helps camouflage oil and grease. You can simply slick your hair back with spray gel and/or hairspray, or gather it into a chic ponytail or bun depending on the length of your locks. Just remember that a slicked-back look can and will make any facial imperfections like puffy eyes or blemishes more noticeable.
Low Ponytail
If you have fine, limp hair, spray a little dry shampoo to the roots to add a bit of volume and pull it back into a low ponytail. This helps add a little volume and style while also keeping your hair out of your face. You can brush it straight back or add a part for a little more structure.
Off-Center Part
Turtleneck sweaters tend to draw attention to the face, which may not be your goal if your features are asymmetrical. A great way to get around this is to part your hair slightly off-center or to the side. This helps balance your features instead of drawing attention to problem areas.
All to One Side
This is another one of my favorite turtleneck hairstyles for gals with asymmetrical faces as it sort of straightens things out. You can leave your hair loose and simply pull it over one shoulder, or you can add a loose side braid or fishtail braid for a little extra style.
Half Up, Half Down
Can’t decide whether to wear your hair up or down? Why not opt for something in-between? We’ve include half up, half down looks for all hair lengths in the turtleneck hairstyles tutorials below, including a half-up top knot and my current favorite: double half buns.
Messy Bun
Speaking of buns, a messy bun is perfect for every season, and it’s one of my favorite turtleneck hairstyles because it’s easy yet stylish. Messy bun hairstyles are great for second and third day hair, and while they tend to create a more casual look, you can dress them up with the right accessories and clothes!
Tucked In
If you have long hair, one of the easiest turtleneck hairstyles to try is to simply tuck your hair into your sweater. This is such a classic fall look, and a simple way to style your locks when you’re running late.
33 Step-by-Step Turtleneck Hairstyles for All Hair Lengths
While it’s great to list the best turtleneck hairstyles to try, I’m more of a visual person, and hair tutorials bring me so much joy. Whether you have short, medium length, or long hair, there are lots of beautiful ways you can style your locks during sweater season. I wanted to share tutorials with each hair length in mind to inspire you to find creative ways to keep your hair out of your face in the most stylish way possible. Add some accessories in the way of barrettes, scrunchies, drop earrings, and long necklaces to carry these looks from morning to night!
7 Turtleneck Hairstyles for Short Hair
Easy Short Hair Updo | Camila Coelho
If you have shoulder length hair, this low pony is a great hairstyle to try. She uses the Nexxus Volumizing Foam to add texture, and the side twists are the perfect ponytail upgrade. If your hair isn’t long enough to pull off a proper ponytail, you can opt to just use the side twists, and keep your hair straight or add waves with a curling wand for a little extra oomf.
4 Half Up, Half Down Hairstyles for Short Hair | Annies Forget Me Knots
If your hair barely grazes your shoulders, these half up, half down hairstyles are just what you need. I particularly love the last one, which is a half up top knot with face-framing layers, and I love how she incorporates bow scrunchies into her looks. These make the perfect turtleneck hairstyles for short-haired gals, and work with straight and wavy hair to boot!
Huge Messy Bun with Super Short Fine Hair | Kate’s Ordinary Life
Who says you need long, thick hair to pull off the perfect messy bun?! This tutorial will teach you how to get a full-looking messy bun without hair extensions or fake hair attachments. All you need to pull this look off are hair elastics and bobby pins, although I love how she adds fancy barrettes at the back. Oh! And you will definitely need dry shampoo to add texture and volume. She uses Batiste, which you can find in most drugstores or order on Amazon.
How to Slick Back Your Hair | Katrin Berndt
As mentioned earlier, slicked back hair is a great option if you have short hair and need turtleneck hairstyles to elevate your look for fall and winter. Whether you have a pixie cut, bob, or lob, this tutorial will teach you how to get beautiful volume while still creating a slicked back look that stays in place without looking wet and sticky. She swears by Schwarzkopf OSIS Dust It for both volume and to keep your hair in place.
16 Turtleneck Hairstyles for Medium Hair
6 Cute Hairstyle Ideas for Medium Hair | Katherine Rose
I really wanted to include a double top knot tutorial in this collection of turtleneck hairstyles for medium length hair, and while doing a search on YouTube, I found this collection of SIX hairstyles and knew I had to share it. All of these styles are perfect for cooler weather, and she includes looks with different hair parts, options for straight and curly hair, etc. You’ll definitely want to bookmark this one!
9 Easy Hairstyles for Medium Hair | Tricia Lake
If you’re looking for turtleneck hairstyles for hair that sits below your shoulders, this is another great compilation. From a half up bun, to curled braids, to a JLo inspired half up look, these hairstyles are easy and versatile and work perfectly on second day hair. You’ll definitely need dry shampoo, and a curling wand or flat iron if you want to create waves.
Easy Messy Bun | The Small Things Blog
I have shared this hair tutorial so many times, and couldn’t resist sharing it again. While a messy bun sounds so simple, many women (myself included) struggle to pull it off. This tutorial will teach you how to perfect this look in mere minutes, and I think we can all agree this is a timeless style you can rock throughout every season!
10 Turtleneck Hairstyles for Long Hair
3 Easy Fall Hairstyles | Alex Gaboury
These turtleneck hairstyles for long hair are the perfect way to add a little style to your look when you’re short on time. These hairstyles look difficult, but I promise you they aren’t. I particularly love the French twist style – it’s so simple and elegant, and the perfect look for fall!
5 Easy Hairstyles Every Girl Should Know | MissAlex
This is another great collection of hairstyles for long-haired gals. She starts with a soft, wavy look with her hair pulled to one side, which is one of my favorite turtleneck hairstyles. She then shares other hacks and styles, like a half up bun, double top knots, a classic pony, and a messy bun. I love how these styles look with wavy hair, but they look equally beautiful with straight hair.
2-Minute Rope Braid Hairstyle | The Freckled Fox
If you’re looking for a side-swept look for fall, but prefer something a little more structured to keep your hair out of your face and to prevent flyaways, this hairstyle is for you. It’s super easy to do, and you can make it looser if you prefer something a little more casual. It’s another one of my favorite turtleneck hairstyles for long hair!
Sleek Low Ponytail | Claire Ashley
The last style I’m sharing is a sleek low ponytail with a middle part. It’s not a difficult or unique hairstyle, but her tips for getting that perfectly slicked back look are so helpful (hint: she uses a toothbrush and L’Oreal Lock It Hair Gel).
I hope you like this collection of turtleneck hairstyles. They are the perfect way to add a little style to your look during sweater weather!
