If you’re looking for a style that looks amazing no matter the occasion, a half-up, half-down hairstyle may just be the move. “An effortless, half-up look is a great way to elevate an air dry or transition an easy day look into a glam night out,” says hairstylist, Aaron Grenia. When choosing between having your hair up or down, settling on somewhere in the middle is the perfect happy medium.
Not only can a half-up, half-down hairstyle solve the indecision woes, but it’s also a great option for extremely thick locks that may cause a headache when tied all the way up. And there are other benefits, too, that will appeal to all hair types.
We’ve rounded up a list of 15 half-up half-down hairstyles to inspire your next big occasion, with a few hair hacks along the way. Keep reading to see all the looks.
High Ponytail
Hairstylist, Ioana Todoran, says the half-up, half-down high ponytail is an easy one to replicate. “Section your hair with a tail comb from ear to ear, in a straight line,” Todoran says. “Apply a light-hold hair spray to smooth out all the rebel hairs. Tie the hair on top with a rubber band or bungee, to make sure there won’t be any hair breakage.
Textured Half-Bob
A textured style like this one works well on day-old hair and looks great on a lob. Simply pull the top of the hair into sections and twist before pinning back. Add a French braid to the side if you want to add even more interest.
High Ponytail and a Side Part
This simple and classic half-up style, with blown-out hair gets a boost from a bow. “I love to pair a statement piece accessory with the half-up look,” says Grenia. “Finish with IGK 1-800-Hold-Me No-Crunch Flexible Hold Hairspray for touchable hold and all-day frizz control.”
Pulled Back in a Bow
The ultimate holiday or special occasion style, this half-up look requires first pulling the hair up, securing with a bow, then using a wide-barrel curling iron to add some curls to the ends.
Classic with a Side Part
Those with straight hair can add interest by utilizing a subtle side part. For added length, take Todoran’s advice. “Add length and volume to the lower part of your hair with your favorite curly Irresistible Me hair extensions. Spray some hair gloss to finish this bouncy look.”
Styled Bun With Loose Tendrils
While it might look intensive, Grenia says replicating the look of a half-up, styled bun is somewhat simple. “Using thumbs and forefingers, pick up hair from just behind each ear in an upwards motion to part line and clip sections off to each side. If desired, pull out a few curls or face-framing pieces from around hairline and gently tease the crown area for more volume. Remove clips, pick up sections, and pull to the back of the head. Twist sections around each other once or twice, make any adjustments to volume in the crown area then secure sections using bobby pins.”
Natural Curls and Volume
The half-up style is a great one for those with natural texture. Simply pull half the hair up and back and then style. “Using fingers and any remaining product on hands, re-twist curls in any areas where they may have lost shape or frizz has developed,” says Grenia. “For added volume and height, apply IGK Beach Club Volume and Texture Spray around the front hairline and throughout the crown area.”
Classic Box Braids
Wearing your hair half-up, half-down is almost as timeless as box braids, which have been around for centuries and are now commonly worn as a protective, heat-free style. Celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway whipped these two classics together for a timeless look on Laura Harrier for the BlacKkKlansman premiere.
Wrapped High Ponytail
One of the simplest tricks to dressing up a half-up, half-down style is the classic wrapped ponytail. Once you’ve put half your hair up into a ponytail, take a piece and wrap it around the hair tie to instantly elevate your look.
Mohawk Parts
Half-up hairstyles don’t always need to come back from the sides. Pulling your hair back in a mohawk parting, generally starting around the arch of your eyebrows, is an edgy twist on this classic go-to.
