12 Trendy Half-Up Hairstyles to Try

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are great year round, but they’re ideal when it comes to warm weather—getting your hair out of your face while still showing off your length is the best of both worlds. Even better? Whether you’re working with short hair, or something in between, there are so many different ways to sport this kind of style. Below, we’re sharing 12 cute half-up hairstyles to try.

1. Half-Up Party Pony 

The hairstyle you likely sported as a child (along with colorful hair accessories) has made a comeback. The party pony is a hairstyle that's easy to create and provides major volume as the ponytail is placed high up at your crown. Plus, it can be worn with straight, wavy, or curly strands. If you want to add extra volume, spray a bit of the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo at your roots to absorb excess oil that can weigh your hair down. 

2. Half-Up Twists With Waves

If you love voluminous waves, give this style a go. All you’ll need to do is twist the front two sections of your hair and secure them with a clip or elastic at the back of your head. This romantic, boho style is gorgeous with almost no effort needed. Plus, you can tweak the style a bit and swap twists for braids.

3. Half-Up, Half-Down Waterfall Braid

The perfect braided look for special occasions or whenever you feel like adding some extra glam to your style, the waterfall braid looks incredibly intricate without being too difficult to achieve.

4. Half-Up Messy Bun

On days when you’re pressed for time, a simple and fast style is a must. A half-up messy bun is the perfect go-to because it’s quick and gives the appearance of an elevated lived-in style. 

5. Sleek Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail 

If you’re looking for a polished style that you can create with minimal effort or skill, a sleek half-up ponytail is perfect.  All you need is a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, and a brush to get the look. Simply part your hair to create two sections, apply a dime-sized amount of gel to the top section, brush toward the top of your head, and secure with a hair elastic.

6. Half-Up Double Dutch Braid

While it can be a struggle to put a stylish spin on greasy hair, the Dutch braid is a great style for camouflaging any signs that your hair is in need of a refresh. This popular weaving technique isn't too tough to master and it will make your hair look cute regardless of its state. 

7. Half-Up, Half-Down French Braid

The half-up, half-down French braid elevates a regular French braid a bit by providing versatility in terms of what you can do with your lengths. You make it fast and casual by sporting your natural texture, or dress it up a bit with sleek strands or curls.

8. Half-Up, Half-Down Space Buns

What’s more fun and playful than space buns? Not only are they easy to create, but they’re a perfect go-to hairstyle for warm weather as you can get most of your hair off of your face. 

9. Half-Up Top Knot 

A half-up top knot is the perfect post-vaccine travel hairstyle that can easily be elevated by incorporating some waves into your lengths or even by trading in a traditional top knot for a braided version.

10. Half-Up Cornrows 

Cornrows are a classic style that provide tons of styling options. When created in a half-up, half-down style, you can bring attention to your face while also getting fun and creative with your lengths. It’s also versatile because the lengths of your hair can be braided or left loose. This is not a quick, easy style, so for the best results, you might want to go to a professional.

11. Half-Up Bantu Knots 

If you’re looking to sport your natural hair or even a protective style while also hopping on the half-up, half-down bandwagon, try out the half-up Bantu knot style. Not only is it eye-catching, but when you take out the knots, you’ll be left with gorgeous heatless curls. 

12. Half-Up Jumbo Braids

Jumbo braids are gorgeous, bold braids that can be worn in a half-up style for any season. Get the look by parting your hair straight across the middle of your head and tying the bottom section down to keep your hair out of the way. With the top section, you have options! From a simple ponytail to a braided bun, there’s room to experiment.

Photo Credit: Jade Kelly, IG/@jade_cgm