Kayla Young
Half up half down hairstyles strike the perfect chord between refined and relaxed, delivering versatility that can carry you from your morning coffee to a chic evening event. With the charm of an updo and the ease of letting your hair down, these styles encapsulate the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re elevating everyday curls or adding a twist to sleek strands, the half up half down approach is a masterclass in effortless styling.
Let’s explore the myriad ways you can express your style savvy and creative spirit with this endlessly adaptable look.
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Half Up Half Down Hairstyles
Here’s our curated list. Which is your favorite?
1. Tawny Topknot Elegance
This delightful half-up half-down style showcases a topknot sitting like a crown atop cascading tawny waves. The strategic placement of the knot adds volume to the crown, making it an exquisite match for round and heart-shaped faces by elongating the silhouette. The gentle, sunrise-like gradient of color introduces a soft, romantic flair suitable for both casual outings and formal events.
2. Braided Beauty with Golden Highlights
The richness of dark hair braided into a crown paired with free-flowing waves highlighted with golden strands creates a style that’s both regal and approachable. This hairstyle is especially flattering for oval and square face shapes, as the braid adds texture and the waves provide softness around the edges of the face. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or down.
3. Bold Half-Up Bun with Contrasting Tones
A half-up style that packs a punch with its bold contrast of ebony and platinum hues, all wrapped into a playful bun. The stark color difference makes this a standout choice, perfect for those who want to make a statement. The bun’s positioning works well for elongating round faces, while the dark roots can slim and contour wider face shapes.
4. Luxurious Long Braid with a Sparkly Touch
Incorporating a glamorous braided element, this hairstyle boasts a long, luxurious braid adorned with a sparkling accessory, making it a show-stopper for special occasions. The braid’s volume and length are ideal for those with diamond or pear-shaped faces, as it draws the eye vertically and balances broader jawlines with its cascading curls.
5. Silver High Bun with Textured Waves
A high bun atop a sea of textured silver waves offers an edgy twist to the classic half up half down style. The cool-toned silver is perfect for complementing fair and medium skin tones, and the volume at the top is a great way to add height to petite faces. This hairstyle is a canvas for creativity, allowing for various makeup looks to shine through.
6. Rosy Twist-Up Charm
A delightful half up half down style with rosy tones that bring out a playful yet delicate appeal. The twist-up knot adds a whimsical touch that’s perfect for softening angular features, making it a sweet choice for square or diamond-shaped faces. The gentle waves create a romantic texture, emphasizing a soft, feminine look.
7. Elegant Braided Elegance
This hairstyle features a half up half down look with a crown of intricate braids that weave into a graceful low ponytail. It’s a fairytale-esque style that suits all face shapes, especially enhancing those with heart-shaped faces by drawing attention upwards and balancing the jawline with the volume of the braid.
8. Bold Black Top Knot
A bold statement piece, this high top knot with raven black hair offers a stark contrast that accentuates the facial structure. The sleekness of the style is ideal for highlighting the cheekbones and elongating rounder face shapes, making it a modern twist on the classic half up half down look.
9. Bohemian Blonde Braid
This bohemian-inspired hairstyle showcases a loose, laid-back braid that’s effortlessly chic. The golden blonde hues provide a sun-kissed appearance, suitable for round, oval, and heart-shaped faces. The cascading curls add a touch of elegance, perfect for a relaxed yet refined aesthetic.
10. Glamorous Cinnamon Swirl
Capturing the essence of glam, this cinnamon-toned hairstyle features a voluptuous half up bun that’s both trendy and sophisticated. The darker roots transition into a rich, warm swirl of color, ideal for those with oval and heart-shaped faces. The voluminous waves add drama and are sure to turn heads.
11. Whimsical Updo with a Twist
This updo presents an enchanting twist with its playful tendrils and soft bun, creating a style that’s effortlessly elegant. The loose strands frame the face beautifully, making it versatile for most shapes, particularly flattering for round faces due to the elongating effect of the updo.
12. Sleek and Chic Blonde Bun
Here’s a sleek half up half down look, with the top section pulled into a polished bun. The contrast between the smoothness of the bun and the loose strands around the face offers a modern twist on a classic style. This hairstyle is universally flattering, suitable for various face shapes, especially oval and long, as it provides balance.
13. High Volume Glam
Embodying high volume and chic style, this hairstyle features a high bun that exudes confidence. The texture provides depth, perfect for those with finer hair looking to add an illusion of thickness. Ideal for oval and long faces, it adds volume where it’s most flattering.
14. Braided Beauty
With a cascading side braid that transitions into soft waves, this hairstyle is a bohemian dream. It’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, with the braid adding dimension and the waves softening the look for a balanced silhouette.
15. Twisted Tresses
This look combines a fishtail braid with loose waves, creating a relaxed yet refined style. The half up, half down approach is excellent for elongating round faces while providing volume on top. It’s a versatile style that works well for all occasions, from casual to formal.
16. Romantic Coquette Ribbon-Wrapped Waves
This charming coquette hairstyle enchants with its voluminous waves and delicate ribbon detail. The satin bow adds a touch of innocence and nostalgia, ideal for softening angular jawlines and enhancing oval and heart-shaped faces. The cascading curls bring movement and grace, perfect for a whimsical wedding look or a sophisticated soirée.
17. Vintage-Inspired Half-Up Bouffant
A nod to the past with a contemporary twist, this hairstyle features a half-up bouffant that’s both chic and timeless. The voluminous top adds height, complementing round and square face shapes by elongating the appearance. Soft, face-framing tendrils add romance and soften the overall look, making it versatile for a classic event or everyday glamour.
18. Sleek Side Braid with Cascading Curls
This look strikes the perfect balance between polished and playful. The side braid adds a sleek, modern edge, while the cascading curls bring a touch of bohemian charm. It’s a style that works beautifully for elongated face shapes, as the side elements add width, and for heart-shaped faces, as it draws attention to the cheekbones.
19. Twisted Crown with Elegant Waves
Exquisite and effortless, this hairstyle showcases a twisted crown that seamlessly transitions into soft, elegant waves. This versatile look complements round faces by drawing the eye upward, while the waves add texture and depth, perfect for long or thin faces. It’s an ideal choice for both formal events and casual outings.
20. Luxurious Looped Half-Updo
This hairstyle exudes sophistication with its looped half-updo and flowing locks. It’s particularly flattering for oval and square face shapes, offering balance and focusing the gaze on the eyes and cheekbones. The loops provide an interesting texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth waves, suitable for a grand event or a stylish night out.
21. High-Contrast Top Knot with Undercut
This bold hairstyle makes a statement with its high-contrast silver top knot sitting atop a neat undercut. The style is a standout choice for those looking to accentuate strong facial features, particularly on square and diamond-shaped faces. It offers a fierce yet polished look, ideal for making an impression at a trendy urban event or when you want your confidence to shine through.
22. Effortlessly Chic Messy Bun
This effortlessly chic messy bun is the epitome of relaxed glamour. Its tousled strands give a carefree vibe, making it a perfect match for oval and heart-shaped faces, as it brings attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This style is your go-to for casual brunches or when you’re aiming for that “I woke up like this” level of cool.
23. Textured Curls with a Half-Up Twist
Embrace your natural texture with this stunning style that showcases a half-up twist and voluminous curls. It’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, drawing the eye upwards while allowing the curls to frame the face beautifully. This look is both playful and elegant, making it a versatile choice for both day and night occasions.
24. Relaxed Top Knot with Wispy Details
The relaxed top knot with face-framing wisps is a youthful and fresh take on the classic updo. It’s perfect for round and heart-shaped faces, adding height and showcasing the cheekbones. The wispy details soften the look, making it a go-to for a day out with friends or a casual date.
25. Sleek Top Knot with a Bold Twist
This sleek top knot with a dramatic twist provides an edgy yet sophisticated appeal. It’s an excellent choice for those with oval and elongated face shapes, balancing the length of the face with the volume of the bun. This style is a match for evenings out, where you want a touch of drama to complement your look.
26. Side-Swept Elegance with Intricate Braiding
This hairstyle showcases a stunning side-swept look with a cascade of intricate braiding that adds a touch of romance and sophistication. The deep side part allows the hair to flow beautifully, highlighting the texture and depth of the braid. Ideal for those with an artistic flair, it’s perfect for weddings, proms, or any occasion where you want to exude a classic charm with a modern twist.
27. Boho-Chic Waterfall Braid with Curls
Embrace your inner bohemian goddess with this free-spirited waterfall braid interwoven with loose curls. The interplay of braids and curls creates a dynamic texture, perfect for adding volume and interest to finer hair. This look is ideal for outdoor events, festivals, or just a day out exploring the city with style.
28. Luxurious S-Shaped Braid with Voluminous Curls
This hairstyle is all about the opulent intertwining of a bold S-shaped braid with luxuriant curls. The seamless blending of the braid into the waves creates an appearance of endless volume, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a dramatic touch to their ensemble, be it a gala event or a fancy night out.
29. Softly Braided Crown with Luscious Waves
A beautifully braided crown paired with soft, luscious waves presents an air of royalty and grace. This look balances the structured braid with the natural flow of waves, suitable for any face shape and especially stunning on those with longer locks. It’s the perfect hairdo for formal gatherings or simply when you’re in the mood to feel like a queen for the day.
30. Chocolate Swirl Braid for a Rich Aesthetic
The chocolate swirl braid showcases rich tones and a velvety texture that’s simply delectable. This hairstyle plays with the richness of color and the smoothness of the braid, creating a look that’s as delicious as it is stylish. It’s particularly flattering for warmer skin tones and is sure to be a hit at any sophisticated soirée.
31. Enchanted Floral Half-Updo with Cascading Curls
This magical half-updo is a fairytale come to life, with delicate blooms nestled in soft, spiraling curls. It’s a hairstyle that whispers romance and enchantment, ideal for the bride who dreams of a whimsical wedding or anyone who wants to carry the essence of springtime wherever they go.
32. Sleek and Chic Fishtail Braid
This sleek fishtail braid is the epitome of polished perfection. With its smooth start and intricately woven strands, it’s a testament to the timeless beauty of braiding art. This style is for the meticulous, the ones who appreciate precision and classic elegance in their everyday look.
33. Vintage Glamour with a Modern Twist
Channel the allure of old Hollywood with this side-swept hairstyle adorned with a simple yet chic hair bow. The luscious waves complement the bold red lip, creating a look that’s both timeless and contemporary. This style is for the bold and the beautiful, who carry a piece of the past into the fashion of today.
34. Natural Curls Updo with a Touch of Elegance
This updo celebrates natural curls, pinned up to create a look that’s effortlessly elegant. It’s for the minimalist who finds beauty in simplicity, perfect for a day at the office or a night out. The style speaks of confidence and grace without trying too hard.
35. Side Braid Bliss with a Hint of Boho
This look intertwines a relaxed side braid with a cascade of waves, giving off a laid-back yet put-together vibe. It’s the go-to hairstyle for the free-spirited yet sophisticated, ideal for a brunch with friends or a casual date. The subtle braid adds just enough interest to keep it charmingly chic.
36. Edgy Top Knot with a Twist of Silver
This top knot is anything but basic, with streaks of silver giving it an edgy vibe. It’s a bold statement for those who dare to stand out, pairing perfectly with minimalist accessories for a look that’s both tough and chic.
37. Elegant Soft Waves with a Romantic Half-Up Twist
Graceful waves flow down from a beautifully twisted half-up style, creating a look that’s as romantic as it is elegant. This hairstyle is perfect for garden parties or sunny days out, where every turn of the head reveals a little more enchantment.
38. The Golden Hour Top Knot
Bathed in the warm glow of golden hour, this top knot is casually sophisticated. It’s a symbol of modern beauty that embraces imperfection, perfect for those spontaneous outings where looking effortlessly stylish is key.
39. Crowned in Curls and Regal Charm
Soft curls frame the face, leading up to a delicate tiara that transforms the wearer into royalty. This hairstyle is perfect for those special occasions where you want to feel like a queen from a modern-day fairytale.
40. Classic French Braid with a Silken Flow
This French braid merges classic technique with flowing silken strands for a timeless look that’s both functional and beautiful. Ideal for a day at the office or an evening out, this style balances professionalism with a touch of glamour.
41. The Sculpted Braid Tower
Here’s a sculptural masterpiece, a towering braid that marries intricate weaving with a sense of grandeur. It’s a statement piece that speaks volumes of the wearer’s boldness and sense of style, perfect for turning heads at any event.
42. Cascading Golden Tresses in a Swirl of Elegance
Like a stream of molten gold, these curls are artfully pinned back in a mesmerizing swirl that’s both free-spirited and refined. This hairstyle captures the essence of elegance with a playful twist, ideal for evening galas or fancy brunches.
43. Chic Half-Up Style with an Effortless Edge
This look strikes a beautiful balance between carefree and put-together, with loosely pulled back sections that give way to a cascade of natural waves. It’s a versatile style that suits a coffee date or an impromptu photo shoot in the city.
44. The Half-Up Haven of Waves and Twists
In this hairstyle, waves of chocolate and honey blend together, pinned into a stunning half-up that’s nothing short of breathtaking. It’s the perfect look for someone who commands the room with a whisper rather than a shout.
