Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
As a creative person, musician and actress at heart, Stacey Bradshaw has experimented a lot with her hairstyles just out of curiosity: blunt and side swept bangs, layered haircut, long bob, highlights, dark toning etc. “Life is too long to be afraid of changes. Monotony is dull” is her motto. She is a freelance writer, keen reader, and just a curious person, who loves exploring new useful information on nutrition and beauty tips for keeping hair healthy and pretty.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Olga is a professional wedding hairstylist based in the UK. She specializes in modern, effortless, relaxed looks, which emphasize her client’s best features. Olga's hairstyles have been featured in print magazines such as Salonfocus and Weddings & Honeymoons. The stylist is sharing her knowledge and love for hair by training and mentoring other hairdressers.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
@catherinestroh
You don’t have to make jumbo fabric bows to achieve a sweet girly style. Just use a hair bow for a hairstyle that’s just as cute, but 100 times more impressive.
Half up dos are a great way to keep hair fancy without being formal. Ideal for either everyday wear or more special occasions, half up half down hairstyles are great for all hair types and length, always making them a popular style choice. Check out the ideas in pictures below to get inspired.
@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 half up half down hairstyle. While this option is great with all hair colors, it’s especially striking on hair enhanced with some highlights.
@bloomhairlounge
This half up half down style 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, girly 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
This silhouette is perfect for those with long locks, not to mention that smooth curls can bring out the natural 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 half up half down style. 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 mix between a half up style and a messy bun 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 half up braid tie together the look with different textures and lengths.
@elstilespb
Half up half down hairstyles can be an amazing canvas to show off your personality. Adorned with waves and cute half bun, his silvery mane looks angelic.
@christinagunnell
Just when you thought balayage couldn’t get any prettier, this half up hair proves it can. The chunky braid beautifully blends all the hues of the blonde dye job and puts them on display. Whimsical curls and 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 updo play up the mesmerizing effect of the hairstyle.
@nicoledrege
For long hair, half-up hairstyles are a chic alternative to full-on updos. 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 half-up hairdo 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. You may style it to the side to complement side-swept bangs too.
@janine_ker_hair
Get creative with your half updos. Mix regular braids with fishtails and bubbles 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 a hair bow for a hairstyle that’s just as cute, but 100 times more impressive.
@catherinestroh
Have a big event coming up? Opt for luscious ringlets and a partial updo. 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 half up half down hairstyle is the perfect combo of sweet style and sophistication for a mother of the bride or gala goer.
@duyenhuynh
Frame loose curls with even looser braids, for a perfect 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 half up braid. You may blend your hair with clip-in extensions to get the desired thickness for the style.
@dawnbradleyhair
If you sport your hair half up half down, 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 updo? 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 half updo. 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 into an updo.
@studioalessandranunes
So simple yet stunning, these wavy tresses could take you anywhere from a festival to a semi formal event. The half updo 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, half up half down hairstyles can often be more polished than free-falling curls.
@tatiana.wladi
As great as the half updo is for everyday wear, it’s not always the most appropriate for formal events. But, as a mix of a spiral twist and a French braid along the top, this one could look smashing when paired with a luxe evening gown.
@abigaillrrose
Did you know hair knots can be a good idea? In fact, twisting strands into knots is suitable for a wide range of lengths and hairstyles, and getting some on your half up ponytail is just one example.
@bloomhairlounge
A quick inside-out braid on the crown is a trendy and showy way to step up your half ponytail or a half top knot. 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 the twist to the 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 gives some Dolly Parton vibes. If you want this statement silhouette with polished curls and volume in the crown area, 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 teased crown. If you are blessed with naturally curly hair, simply add some hairspray and tie your hair half up half down.
@modernsalon
Here is one of the quick hairstyles for short hair. Notice how the front is parted in the middle, with stands secured under a half pony to stay in place. Curled ends add a lovely accent.
@modernsalon
Do you have a 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 half up 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 half up ponytail. To add some range to your collection, try pinning back two side strands of your hair for an option that is equally polished. Take this look to the next level by adding some large ringlets into the mix.
@linseywhyte_hair
Gather your locks into a half up half down hairstyle when transforming your normally straight hair for a special occasion. 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 updo, you can take advantage of half up half down styles like this one – it can be achieved even on neck-length hair.
@modernsalon
Romantic and timeless, this style for long hair is one of a few half updos that can truly be pulled off in any era. Perhaps that’s why it remains on 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 half up half down hair style that will wow the crowd. It works best on medium hair. 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 along the back of your head, 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 – as well as lots of braids.
@hairandnailsinspiration
Long to medium length hair will look lovely with this double water fall 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 in a half updo hairstyle. Try something like this for your next formal event.
@hairby_tiffanytownsend
Half updos are the best of both worlds – feminine updos and lively playful downdos. Braids, twists, knots, headbands and their variations work amazing in half up half down styles. Do not miss a chance to save the idea you loved and dress your gorgeous locks in a new way!
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
Half up half down is one of the most popular hairstyles for a reason. Less formal than a full updo, it’s more special than simple curls. Half up styles are easy to wear and are incredibly flattering and feminine.”