Try One of These Versatile Half-Up, Half-Down Looks on Your Wedding Day

If you’ve been scouring Pinterest for the right hairstyle for your big day, you know that half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles are totally on-trend. The hairstyle idea is a great way to show off your makeup look and keep your strands out of your face without hiding the gorgeous length of your hair. 

And since there are so many options to choose from, we’ve compiled the best half-up options for complementing your wedding dress and beauty look. Have your pick from 27 stunning half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles, each of which is perfect for your big day.

Flat Twists With a Veil

Flat twists are a great way to add a romantic touch to your look, and pairing them with a veil knocks things out of the park. Best of all, twists are super easy to style, making this a go-to pick for your big day. 

Get the look: Start by dividing your hair into two sections, making sure the top half is a bit smaller than the bottom half. Clip the bottom portion out of the way, then split the top layer into two further sections. Twist both sections back until they meet behind your head, then secure their ends with one small hair elastic. Release the bottom layer of your hair, and place your veil at the center of your twists, then you’re all set to walk down the aisle.

Pearl-Embellished Twists 

Looking to add some glam to your wedding day look? You may want to give pearl-embellished flat twists a try. Super feminine with a sophisticated touch, this ‘do will give your look a little extra oomph that won’t go unnoticed. 

Get the look: Start by creating two flat twists just as we described above, but instead of using an elastic to tie them off, clip your twists at the center of your head with bobby pins before releasing the bottom layer of your hair. Slip pearl hair pins throughout your twists for the perfect finishing touch.

Half-Up Twists With Natural Curls

Want to wear your natural hair on your wedding day? This look is all about highlighting your textured strands, and once you see the end result, you’ll be totally smitten. 

Get the look: Kick things off by distributing an egg-sized amount of curl cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner With Hyaluronic Acid and Castor Oil, through your strands. Scrunch and allow your mane to air dry.

Once your hair is fully dry, divide it into two even sections and clip the bottom half out of the way. Part the top half into two sections, and set one side out of the way. Gather your strands at the start of your hairline, twist from the root to the ends, and secure with a hair tie. Repeat on the other side. Combine both twists at the center of your head and secure them with bobby pins. Let the bottom half of your hair down and fluff your natural curls.

Half-Up Twist Bun

Buns are a go-to wedding hairstyle for good reason. They’re undeniably chic and allow you to get creative with your ‘do. 

Get the look: Start by dividing your hair into two even sections, a top and bottom layer. Clip the bottom layer out of the way. Part the top layer into two more sections and clip one side out of the way. Gather your strands at the hairline, twist from the root to ends, and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat on the other side. 

Combine both twists and form a ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around its base until your bun has formed. Secure it with bobby pins. Release the bottom layer and mist with a strong-hold spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold, to keep your look in place.

Half-Up Dutch Braid

For brides that love to keep things classic in the hairstyling department, a half-up, half-down Dutch braid may be your perfect match. This popular style makes braiding your strands super easy and works to add a bit of edge to your wedding day look. 

Get the look: Weave the top section of your mane into a Dutch braid that wraps from one ear to the other. Leave the rest of your strands hanging free.

Half-Up Fishtail Braid

Can’t get enough of braided wedding hairstyles? Similar to a half-up Dutch braid, a half-up fishtail braid is seriously stunning for your big day. This style sports a gorgeously woven plait that wraps around the crown of your head, adding a whimsical and playful vibe to your look. 

Get the look: Part your hair at your ears, then use the top section to create your halo fishtail.

Waterfall Braid 

Speaking of pretty braids, it’s only right that we put the waterfall braid on your radar. This half-up wedding hairstyle creates a cascading effect that makes for a look that will have all eyes on you. Perfect for brides with long strands, this style will elevate your look with ease — which is just what you need on your big day. 

Get the look: Check out How to Create a Waterfall Braid, for a step-by-step guide.

Half-Up, Half-Down Pigtails

Half-up, half-down ponytails are an excellent choice for those who want to take their look a couple of steps further. This style doesn’t skimp on edge and adds a cool-girl aesthetic to your look, which is perfect for less traditional brides. 

Get the look: Start by dividing your hair into two even sections, a top and bottom layer. With your top layer, create two ponytails — or any type of braid you prefer.

Box Braids With a Bun

Who says you can’t rock box braids on your wedding day? Box braids are effortlessly stylish, and adding a half-up pretzel bun into the mix is all the more trendy. Plus, it’s a great option for brides who can’t resist a protective style.

Get the look: Starting with your hair already in box braids, part them into two even sections. Gather the top section and create a ponytail. Twist the length of the ponytail until you reach the ends and wrap the length around its base to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins and let the rest of your braids hang free.

Half-Up Sleek Pony With Clips

If you’re looking to flaunt a trendy ‘do, a sleek ponytail is the way to go. It’s classic, stylish, and super flattering — basically everything you could dream of for a wedding day look. 

Get the look: Working with the top layer of your hair, brush your hair toward the top of your head to form a ponytail. Once secured, place two sparkly bobby pins in the shape of an ‘X’ on one side of your head for the perfect amount of glitz!

Stacked Ponytails 

You can never go wrong with a half-up double ponytail look. Not only is it super easy, but it’s also incredibly flattering.

Get the look: First, separate your strands into two layers. Clip the bottom layer out of the way. Then, split the top half into two sections, another top and bottom layer. Gather the top layer into a ponytail and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat with the bottom layer. 

Once complete, wrap a ribbon around each ponytail and create a bow. Release the bottom half and comb through your strands. Mist a bit of hairspray to keep your look in place.

Half-Up Ponytail With Piecey Strands

Add a romantic vibe to your hair by leaving down some piecey strands. This tiny detail works to frame your face for an unforgettable look. 

Get the look: Set the stage by parting your hair into two equal sections, so that you have a top and a bottom layer. Pull the top section into a ponytail but leave a few small strands loose around your hairline for a chic, no-fuss style.

Half-Up, Half-Down High Ponytail

Your wedding day is all about going the extra mile in the beauty department, and a half-up high ponytail could be the perfect way to do just that. Versatile and chic, this style looks fantastic with medium and long hair. Best of all, you can create this look in little to no time. 

Get the look: Divide your strands into two even sections and clip the bottom half out of the way. Gather your hair at the top of your head and secure it with a hair elastic to form a ponytail. Separate a thick strand from the length of your ponytail and wrap it around its base for chic detailing that will hide your hair tie. Secure the ends with a bobby pin, let your bottom layer down, and you’re ready to roll. 

Swooped Bangs With a Half-Up Pony

Ponytails will never go out of style and side-swept bangs are the cherry on top to any ponytail hairstyle. 

Get the look: Start by dividing your hair into two sections, making sure that the top half is a bit larger than the bottom. Next, part and brush your hair, including your bangs, to the side for a swooped shape. Gather the top layer of hair and form a ponytail, then secure with a hair tie.

Half-Up Double Ponytail

A double ponytail wedding hairstyle will take you outside the box, if that’s your thing. This style features two ponytails for double the fun. An excellent option for those who love minimal styling, this hairstyle can be pulled together in just a few minutes. 

Get the look: For a slick look, start by applying a bit of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Invisi Gel, to your roots and brush your hair back. Then part your hair down the middle, creating two large sections. Finally, create half-up ponytails on each side to complete your look.

Half-Up With Roses

There’s something about a hairstyle with fresh flowers that just feels right for a bride-to-obe. 

Get the look: For your debut down the aisle, be sure to place small roses throughout your strands for the perfect floral touch.

Bow With a Bun

When thinking of hairstyles that will allow you to dance the night away without having to undergo touch-ups continually, half-up buns instantly come to mind. 

Get the look: Gather half of your hair into a bun, secure with a hair tie and embellish it with a bow. 

Sleek Half-Up Top Knot

Looking for a minimalist style with a polished finish? The perfect mix of glamour and trendiness, the half-up sleek top knot fits the bill. 

Get the look: To bring it to life, part your mane at your ears to create a top and bottom section. Smooth the top section into a sleek top knot — making sure there are no lumps or bumps in sight. Let the bottom half of your mane hang free. Easy, right?

Half-Up Ballerina Bun

This clean-cut style flaunts a classic vibe that will complement your wedding dress perfectly. 

Get the look: Part your hair from ear to ear, then twist the top section into a flawless ballerina bun. Leave the rest of your strands hanging down. 

Half-Up, Half-Down Braided Bun

A half-up, half-down braided bun style combines sass and edge for a look that you can’t help but swoon over. 

Get the look: Part your hair into two even sections, a top and bottom layer, and clip the bottom section out of the way. Apply a small amount of gel to your top half and brush your hair toward the center of your head. Secure your strands in a ponytail using a hair elastic. 

Separate a thick strand of hair from the length of your ponytail and clip it off to the side. Roll the remaining length of the ponytail around its base to form your bun. Using the thick strand, create a three-strand braid, and secure it with a hair tie. Wrap the braid around your bun and hold it in place with a bobby pin and let the bottom half fall naturally. 

Half-Down Curly Messy Bun

Another bun style worth a try on your wedding day? The half-up, half-down curly messy bun. This look works wonders to highlight your texture and serves up a carefree style that’s perfectly boho-chic. 

Get the look: Simply part your curly hair from ear to ear and twist the top section of hair into a messy bun, leaving a few curls hanging free at the front. 

Half-Up and Pinned Back 

Love a slicked-back look? Why not keep things simple and pretty with a pinned-back do? This style meets the standard for a glamorous look, and you don’t have to spend tons of time to style it. 

Get the look: Simply part your hair in two sections, making sure that the top section is significantly smaller than the bottom. Clip the bottom section out of the way. Pick up the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel and apply a dime-sized amount to your roots. Brush your strands toward the back of your head and secure it with a few bobby pins, then release your bottom half of hair.

Pinned Back With Curls 

Let’s stick with simple styles for a moment. If you want a half-up, half-down wedding day hairstyle that you can create in a matter of minutes, pinned-back hair with curls will do just that. This style works well for all lengths and is the true epitome of minimal styling. 

Get the look: Apply an egg-sized amount of curl cream to your strands, scrunch, and let your hair air dry. Once your hair is dry, add a bit of gel to the roots and brush the top layer of your hair toward the back of your head and secure with bobby pins. Fluff your strands that are still hanging down and mist some hairspray over your entire style to lock it in place.

Pinned Back With a Middle Part

Love a sleek middle part? Try one out for your bridal hair look. Plus, it comes in handy to keep your strands out of your face. 

Get the look: Part your hair into two even sections, forming a top and bottom layer. Create a middle part on the top half, add a touch of hair gel to each side, and smooth your hair back. Secure the top layer on each side with bobby pins behind your ears.

Half-Up Bouffant

Bouffants naturally come to mind for swanky occasions and your wedding day certainly qualifies. 

Get the look: Create a horizontal part at the center of your head, making sure the bottom is larger than the top section. Clip the bottom half out of the way. Tease the top portion, smooth your strands back, and secure with bobby pins.

Half-Up Half-Down Beehive

Thinking of a retro theme for your big day? If that’s the case, we have the perfect retro hairstyle in mind: A half-up beehive. The beehive adds some serious volume so you can take your wedding look to new heights — literally.

Get the look: Start by parting your hair at the top of your head and clipping the bottom portion of hair out of the way. Using a comb, tease the top section of hair and pull it back, securing it with bobby pins. 

Side Pin Curls 

If you’re on the hunt for a pinned-up, textured look, side pin curls could be your wedding day hairstyle match. 

Get the look: After separating your hair into two sections, take the top half and bring it toward one side of your head. Then, secure it with a hair accessory like a sparkly hair pin or floral clip. 

Next: Embrace the Middle Part Trend with These 8 Hairstyles

Photo Credit: Hair at Ease Beauty, @hairatrasebeauty