How To Master The Half Up Half Down Hairstyle, According To The Experts
Whether you're compiling bridal hair inspiration for your big day, or looking for an easy shortcut to effortlessly chic tresses (without having to spare a moment of much needed beauty sleep in the morning), allow us to present the ever classic half up half down hairstyle.
As the name implies, the half up half down hairstyle sits at the intersection of an up-do and free-flowing locks. Depending on the thickness of your hair, it can range from a few loose strands pinned behind the head, to intricate braided designs and full-bodied ponytails. Looking for a simple way to dress up your choppy bob? Or an elegant, timeless ensemble to sport on your wedding day? The options are truly endless, and the red carpet can concur.
We enlisted the help of celebrity hairstyling experts Patrick Wilson and Nicola Clarke to get the lowdown on how to create a sleek half up half down hairstyle (plus all the inspiration you'll ever need for a festive evening out).
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
How Do You Do A Half Up Half Down Hairstyle?
As with any sleek, glamorous up-do, you need to create a great base to ensure your stylish new 'do will last. Here, hairstylist-to-the-stars Patrick Wilson breaks down his technique for achieving a flawless half up half down look.
Start by applying ghd Body Guard Heat Protect evenly throughout dry hair to protect it from heat damage.
Straighten your hair using ghd Chronos to achieve a sleek and smooth look.
Once your hair is straightened, apply ghd Shiny Ever After Final Shine Spray to tame any flyaways and add shine.
Section off the top half of your hair from temple to temple, leaving the bottom half down. Gather the top section of hair and secure it into a half-up ponytail using a hair elastic or small hair tie. To give it that professional edge I would always recommend covering the elastic with a small section of the ponytail.
For added volume, gently tease the crown of the hair before securing it into the ponytail.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to set the style and keep flyaway in place.
Another method of mastering the style is to lean in your natural texture wholeheartedly. Curly and wavy hair types can harness the addition volume and movement that this look has to offer, while fine and straight hair types may want to onboard the help of an body-boosting spray.
How Do You Do A Half Up Half Down Hairstyle For A Wedding?
'A bridal look has to last all day and night so it has to have a lot more structure to it,' explains Nicola Clarke of John Frieda. 'I normally add a few more extensions into my clients hair for their big day to scaffold the hair in place without making it look to set. It just gives it that extra fullness and hold.'
If you're looking for half up half down bridal hair inspiration, you needn't look further than Kate Middleton's timeless styling. Sophisticated and oh-so-romantic, this simple, curled look has remained a classic wedding look over ten years on.
'To elevate the hairstyle for a bridal hairstyle, you can incorporate more elegant touches, such as adding soft, romantic waves to the bottom of your hair,' adds Wilson. 'For a more dramatic effect, you can create volume with light teasing to add height. Alternatively, for a sleek and polished look, straighten your hair and use a fine-tooth comb along with hairspray to keep everything neat and refined.'
How Would You Accessorise A Half Up Half Down Hairstyle?
There's no hairstyle more suited to a touch of festive glamour than a half up half down look. In terms of bows, Clarke swears by London's V V Rouleaux for ribbon, where she then goes on to make her own.
'A half-up, half-down hairstyle is the ideal base to elevate with a chic accessory,' says Wilson. 'A chunky headband placed just above the half-up section adds a sleek, polished finish, while a velvet hair bow at the back or side injects a playful, modern finish to the hair. I’m always looking for cool brands that have options for cool brides, Lelet NY and Epona Valley Hair have some really interesting pieces.'
Half Up Half Down Hair Inspiration
Straight Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
This simple styling proves that no half up half down hairstyle is complete without a finishing bow. So festive.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With Clip
Here, Rachel Zegler makes a convincing case for the claw clip up-do.
Wavy Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
If you're blessed with natural movement, a half up half down hairstyle is effortlessly romantic.
Curly Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
Lean into your curls; they'll give any half-up hairstyle a breezy boost of volume.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With Fringe
A half up half down hairstyle doesn't need to be entirely slicked-back, it can also feature a face-framing set of bangs.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With Volume
A little back-combing will lend your look a slightly vintage feel. Cue the beehives, says Fashion Week SS25.
Vintage Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
Cohesive pin curls and a half up half down style is the perfect recipe for a Bridgerton-esque look.
Slick Back Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
An entirely sleek take on the look will feature all the characteristics of a classic slick-back bun, but with free-flowing lower lengths.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With A Middle Parting
Experiment with your parting. A side-swept look will have an elevated and whimsicle feel, while a centre-part will always appear more modern.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With Front Pieces
Loosen some tendrils around your face for a playful, framing effect.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle For Fine Hair
If in doubt, reach for your straighteners and keep your look simple. A few strands pinned back will look chic, without removing fullness from your ends.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With Braids
On the flip-side, an architectural braided up-do is made even better by a half-down, cascading effect.
Bridal Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
Classic waves and a voluminous crown will always be a wedding go-to. Experiment with tousled texture for the ultimate cool bride look.
Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With Extensions
Don't be afraid of extensions. There's no limit to the length of an half up half down hairstyle.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
You Might Also Like
