Half-up half-down hairstyles are a great way to keep hair fancy without being formal. Ideal for either everyday wear or more special occasions, half updos are great for all hair types and lengths, making them a popular style choice. Here are some fresh ideas to spark your next look.
Hairstyles with some hair down are popular for a reason. Less formal than a full upstyle, they are more special than simple curls, easy to wear, incredibly flattering and feminine.
@purebeautybydanielle
This charming choice offers a relaxed, summer vibe. However, it works as a sophisticated finishing touch to a little black dress, too.
A loose lace braid can be the highlight of your hairstyle. While this option is great with all hair colors, it’s especially striking on hair enhanced with some highlights.
@bloomhairlounge
This coif is an immediate obsession! If you are not a confident braider, try twists as a beautiful alternative, which is easier to accomplish.
@luxyhair
For a style that is intricate and polished at the same time, try wrapping a flat lacy braid around your head. It’s a creative way to keep those stray strands far away from your face, plus it’s appropriate for both casual and formal occasions.
@modernsalon
Finding hairstyles with braids can be frustrating, as many just look too common. This one, however, is really fun to wear. We love how the half up braid is complemented with intricate twists and two thin braids on the sides, creating a unique and memorable style.
@lalasupdos
Curl your hair with an iron or hot rollers and then gather a few crown locks to pull back. Secure with some hair pins, and you are ready to take on the day.
@devinlbeauty
If you’ve got long hair, this silhouette really works. And those smooth curls? They’re great for bringing out the highlights in your hair. The hairstyle also makes a perfect base for a hair accessory.
@statussalonagency
From the front, this style is just your average hairdo. But from the back, there is an intricate hair detail, a braided rose, that’s hard to look away from. The contrast of hair shades is impressive!
@luxyhair
Sometimes, your best style moments happen when you look like you put in minimal effort. This cluster of laid-back, messy buns is just one great example. Style the look with some texturizing spray.
@kendy.du
If you’re looking for a fancy yet easy upgrade to your half-updo, try pulling some hair through the braids joined at the back of your head for a waterfall braid effect. Loose, bouncy curls will help to finish off the look.
@scunci_anz
If you’re in the market for prom hairstyles, then be sure to consider this style with lots of volume. Whimsical curls and a side braid tie the look with different textures and lengths together.
@elstilespb
Your hairstyle can be an amazing canvas to show off your personality. Adorned with waves and a cute flower bun, this silvery mane looks angelic.
@christinagunnell
This ‘do is an excellent way to showcase a beautiful balayage. The chunky braid beautifully blends all the hues of the blonde dye job and puts them on display. The whimsical curls with blunt ends pull the look together with a clean finish.
@rootedhairstudiolq
Loose fishtail braids make a big impact with their minimalist style. Rosegold babylights cascading from the top play up the mesmerizing effect of the hairstyle.
@nicoledrege
For long hair, a style that mixes loose strands with pinned sections can create a chic alternative to a full-on upstyle. It’s a great way to have your hair styled for a special occasion, while showcasing the length you are most probably proud of.
@rootedhairstudiolq
Craving to add texture to your straight tresses? Try to enliven your locks with a couple of fishtail braids. Plus, having your hair pulled back, as shown, acts like a headband, keeping flyaways out of your face on your busy days.
@jenniekaybeauty
Wear your hair to the side and with a bow for a trendy finish. Easy to recreate at home, the style is a simple way to change up your look, whether your hair is short or long. This variation is a great way to complement side-swept bangs, too.
@janine_ker_hair
Get creative and mix regular braids with fishtail and bubble braids for a look with intrigue and texture, in equal measure. Playing with proportions, this hairstyle is a work of art. Upgrade your locks with loose curls to enhance their enchanting allure.
@emmas_parlour
You don’t have to make jumbo fabric bows to achieve a sweet, girly style. Just use your own tresses to craft a bow. Your look goes from sweet to seriously standout in an instant.
@catherinestroh
Have a big event coming up? Opt for a half updo with luscious ringlets. The whimsical twisted bun really pops against the golden blonde tresses, while the even lighter pieces add a sheen to the strands.
@hair_by_pelerossi
With its cute ringlets and shoulder-skimming length, this coif is the perfect combo of sweet style and sophistication for a mother of the bride or a gala goer.
@duyenhuynh
Frame loose curls with even looser braids, for a tender, feminine look. Roll the ends of your braids and pin them up to create a textured flower bun. This particular style works wonderfully with straight hair, because the kink-free tresses easily achieve that beautiful drape.
@catherinestroh
If your locks are falling a little flat, add some texture with a super-chunky braid hugging your head. You may blend your hair with clip-in extensions to get the desired thickness for the style.
@dawnbradleyhair
There are infinite ways to enliven the look apart from whimsical braids. Trying out loose twists is a start, but embellishing hair with a floral hairpiece will make it a picture of romantic style.
@salonleah
On hurried mornings, it’s hard to get out the door looking flawless. But if you’re in a time crunch, just pull the top quarter of your hair back into a messy knot. The hairstyle radiates a youthful and effortless style.
@jamiedanahairstylist
Straight strands can be a pain because they easily fall out of ponytails, and for many, won’t hold a curl. So, dress up your locks with braids, a failsafe option for any hair texture. Bring two fishtails together at the back of your head and pin them down for a modern style that stays in place all day.
@jenniekaybeauty
Long hair is gorgeous, but how to keep it out of the way when you’re out and about? Why not try a partial upstyle? It’s a step up from a basic ponytail and can help keep those locks settled. Braids mixed with a loosened twist pinned across the back of the head will enhance the beauty of your lush locks.
@kellymccormickhair
Pump up the volume of your hair with a perfectly teased hairdo. Use a thin braid as a barrette holding a waterfall of chic layers to bring a unique finish to this hairstyle. Let your long locks flow instead of pinning them up.
@studioalessandranunes
So simple yet stunning, these wavy tresses could take you anywhere from a festival to a semi-formal event. This coif brings out the contrast of highlights and lowlights that’s otherwise skillfully blended.
@larrissarodrigues
Voluminous and bouncy curls ensure that this soft chocolate-and-caramel mane is ready for a night to remember. It’s unique and unexpected. Plus, pinning some of the locks up often feels more polished than free-falling curls.
@tatiana.wladi
While partial styles are perfect for everyday wear, not every variation suits formal occasions. But this version – with a spiral twist and a loose French braid across the top forming a faux hawk – can look stunning when matched with a luxe evening gown.
@abigaillrrose
Did you know hair knots can be a great styling trick? Twisting strands into knots is suitable for a wide range of lengths and hairstyles, and adding a few along your ponytail is just one fun way to use them.
@bloomhairlounge
A quick inside-out braid on the crown is a trendy and showy way to step up your usual downdo. A style like this will look awesome with a simple T-shirt and jeans.
@farahdhukai
Have a penchant for braids? This option is perfect for you. Unless you’re a total master at all weaves and plaits, the transition from a twist to a tightly woven fishtail may not be easy, but we can bet that it’ll get lots of admiring glances and likes. If you’re looking to copy this look, straighten your hair first to keep this busy ‘do polished.
@alex_haircraft
This hairstyle is reminiscent of Dolly Parton’s signature voluminous looks. If you want this statement silhouette with polished curls and volume at the crown, bring this image to your stylist.
@laurenb.artistry
If you don’t want an extremely voluminous style, do not tousle your curled locks, but leave them in spirals, flowing down your back. Balance the volume down with a teased crown. For naturally curly hair, this style can be achieved by using hairspray for hold before tying it up.
@modernsalon
Here is one of the quick hairstyles for short hair. Notice how the front is parted in the middle, with strands secured under the pony to stay in place. Curled ends add a lovely accent.
@modernsalon
Do you have pin-straight hair that’s hard to curl? You don’t have to, as there are other great ways to change up your look. Take this hairstyle, created by weaving two French braids on each side of your head and bringing them together.
@locksoftangles
If flat, super-straight hair just isn’t your thing, elevating the beauty of your coif is easy by giving your locks some root volume. For the nighttime appeal and the maximum glamorous impact, add a frosted headband.
@paceeluceiraq
Pretty half-updos are no longer created within the confines of a simple ponytail option. To add some range to your collection, try pinning back two side strands of your hair for a polished style. Take this look to the next level by adding some large ringlets into the mix.
@linseywhyte_hair
This elegant hairstyle wouldn’t feel out of place on any fancy ocean-themed event, be it a beach wedding, a yacht party, or a destination engagement. Doll up your hair with some adorable sea-inspired hair pins to feel beautiful all day long.
@modernsalon
Get creative with a gorgeous accessory that’s as long as your hair. This style is accentuated with a beaded wrapped hair scarf. Keep it in place by draping a loose, romantic French braid on top.
@lalasupdos
You don’t have to have long, flowy locks to get a pretty hairstyle for a special occasion. While short hair can be hard to style up, you can take advantage of tucked-in styles like this one – it can be achieved even on neck-length hair.
@modernsalon
Romantic and timeless, this style for long hair can truly be pulled off in any era. Perhaps that’s why it remains at the top of the list for many girls who love to sport intricate styles.
@ermiranebihu
Looking for truly unique wedding hair? If you’ve been blessed with a thick mane, add some tendrils and a side braid that wraps around the top of your head like a crown. This can, of course, also work wonderfully for prom, homecoming, or any other elegant occasion.
@husseinsafwann from @PACEELUCE
This is truly a style that will wow the crowd! It works best on medium hair. The reason being a little texture is necessary to pull off this impressive arrangement of twists, braids, and gatherings. This is a style you’ll want to test drive ahead of time.
@lalasupdos
Hairstyles don’t need to be super complicated, and if your hair is past your shoulders, this will look beautiful on you. Simply secure the upper section of your hair into a thick crown braid just above the ear line. Add in an embellishment or two as you feel inspired. Curly hair looks great with this one, too!
@ermiranebihu
Get crazy with braids, working hair into a cute, one-of-a-kind style. No one will identically replicate this look, which is all about your personal expression.
@hairandnailsinspiration
Long to medium-length hair will look lovely with this double waterfall braid. For younger wearers – or those welcoming spring – add in some flowers to cascade down the center braid. This look is versatile enough to be worn by different ages and with different hair textures.
@hairandnailsinspiration
Carefully arranged curl ribbons look lovely flowing down the back. Try something like this for your next formal event.
@hairby_tiffanytownsend
Half-up half-down hairstyles strike a perfect balance between the polish of an upstyle and the ease of a downdo. With options like braids, twists, and knots, this look is easy to customize to suit your hair type and personal style.
