When you have a formal event, half up hairstyles make for an excellent choice. Securing a portion of your hair allows you to maintain some length framing your face while enjoying the elegance of an “updo,” thus preserving the body and form. If you are thinking about a half up do, here are 20 elegant half-up hairstyle ideas to spark your creativity.
#1: Sleek Backed Sides
The hair is pinned neatly on the sides while still maintaining volume in the back and on top. A firm-hold hairspray will make a significant difference with this hairstyle. Use Retro Hair Hairspray to achieve the slicked-back effect. Slicked back sides may appear unflattering if you possess strong or pronounced features, as it tends to highlight them. This style works best on medium to fine hair with medium to short layered strands.
#2: Sophisticated Half Pony with Soft Baby Hairs
When it comes to updos for black women, a sophisticated half pony with soft baby hairs is one of the most favored styles- and for good reason! This look embodies total Hollywood sultry glam yet remains casual enough to be worn on any occasion.
#3: Elegantly Gorgeous
This hairstyle is effortless yet radiantly classic and beautiful. Soft waves highlight your stunning features! Be sure to spray your hair with a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Kevin Murphy makes a fantastic one called Damage Manager. It has a delightful scent and is incredibly light so it won’t feel sticky! This appearance is exceedingly adaptable, and any length or hair texture will shine!
#4: Beautiful Double Braided Style
Two braids meet to form this stunning double braided half up half down creation! Smoothing serum is a great option to add to a sleek style like this both before you dry as well as after! I love Super Skinny Serum by Paul Mitchell. This polished half up half down is perfect if you have long hair that’s medium to thick in texture. This style will enhance an oval or heart-shaped face.
#5: Half Up Braid in Platinum Blonde
This beautiful half up platinum blonde braid is ideal for any seasonal event or daily look! It complements evening dresses, beach outings, or your Monday morning video call perfectly.
#6: Fishtail Braid Tutorial
If you’re preparing for a wedding, this hairstyle is a delightful option! It’s not often I get a request for a fishtail braid. I would describe this bride as adventurous and someone who appreciates style. If your dress features a very simple silhouette, it will enhance the focus on her beautiful hair.
This style demands a considerable amount of hair! Braiding uses up much of the hair, so consider using hair extensions if you need more volume. To achieve super sleek sides and add length and fullness to the braid, I created two sections and combined them in the center.
#7: Adorable Half Up Hair Bow
It’s a charming hair bow with a textured ribbon! I adore that it makes your hair look like it’s wrapped up like a gift! It’s distinctive and lovely. You will need medium-length hair with minimal layers to create the bow. Clip-in extensions can also help to add length and fullness. Starting with texture in your hair will assist in forming the bow so it won’t slide.
#8: Chic Braid
Hair is pinned loosely on top, with one side styled into a low, soft braid. Giving this hairstyle texture is crucial, which will make it unique. Before you blow dry, apply a styling mousse such as Pureology Colour Stylist Mousse Bodifier.
This chic braid will flatter any face shape. It’s soft enough to be complimentary on anyone, but if you prefer it to be even softer, leave some hair out around your face. This will work best on medium-thickness hair, ideally reaching at least to the collarbones.
#9: Half Braided Elegance
The top and sides of the hair are intricately braided down the back, stopping before the nape to create a chic half-up look. Keep the braid looking sleek and shiny, as well as the curls, with shine serum. I love the Loreal Professionnel Ultime Reflexium Shine Perfecting Serum. Since the top is all back, this style will look lovely with a little volume on top for round and oval face shapes. It will also work best on long hair with minimal layering.
#10: Effortlessly Chic Blonde Half Updo
A tousled half updo is frequently requested by brides organizing a bohemian wedding. One of the best methods for styling your hair in gently defined sections is by lightly using a working hairspray. This will assist in forming the peaks and valleys of this effortless look. To finish your half-up half-down hairstyle, softly drape your strands along the sides of your hair and secure them with pins.
#11: Side Twist Hairstyle
One side is twisted across the back of the head, while the opposite is left down. To enhance the volume and visual appeal of the side-swept section, spray Redken Wax Blast 10 on the finished curls. A side-swept style like this will flatter any face shape except round. This is a fabulous style for medium to short hair with layering.
#12: Adorable and Textured
This half-up look is a bit bolder since it involves crimping and braiding. For an editorial look like this, you will need a stronghold of hairspray to keep your hair in place all night. Try El Net Hairspray by L’Oreal. This is a great option for you if you have long hair that’s medium to thick. A heart-shaped face is ideal for this style.
#13: Half-Up Wrapped Style
Hair is wrapped around itself, creating an elegant look, pinned at the back crown area. To maintain smooth curls, apply pomade to each section before pinning. I recommend Schwarzkopf Got2b Defiant Shine Pomade. This hairstyle is particularly flattering on round or oval face shapes. It may appear too severe for square or long faces. Medium to thick hair with layers will also complement this style beautifully.
#14: Side Braids
Both sides feature braids starting from the part down to the ears, with the remainder of the hair pinned half up. When creating braids, controlling fly-aways and frizz is crucial. Spray Shatter Separate & Hold Spray into your hair prior to braiding for added control. Side braids will look most flattering on round, oval, or heart-shaped faces. It’s best to steer clear of this hairstyle if you have bangs or short layers.
#15 Chic Half-up Half-Down Style
This hairstyle features a bohemian vibe. The delicate textured waves paired with the twisted half-up braid are ideal for those seeking a fresh alternative to regular waves. The greatest advantage of this hairstyle is its adaptability; it can be styled for the contemporary boho bride or for a lively music festival.
#16: Delicately Pinned Half Updo
Curls are pinned delicately, with little definition, giving the hair a nice shape that still flows as if it were all down. Pinning your hair gently helps to have a little grip on the roots. Use Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder at your roots to help the bobby pins stay. Delicately pinned hair will work with any face shape and any hair type. Since it is so natural looking, it’s an easy look to achieve.
#17: Bouffant Style
The hair is styled with backcombing and pinned to create volume and a beautiful full shape on top. Backcombing can easily lose its hold without the right products. Before you begin backcombing, apply What A Tease Backcomb In A Bottle to ensure longevity. A bouffant suits most face shapes with the exception of long ones. It is most effective on medium to fine hair with medium to long layers.
#18: Superbly Stylish Editorial
This trendy and edgy look is a playful half-updo perfect for an evening out on the town! It will enhance a casual outfit and showcase your stunning makeup or accessories. Use a backcombing brush instead of a comb to achieve some serious volume. It’s gentler on your hair and will create a softer appearance. Try the Spornette Little Wonder Brush! This style works well if you have fine to medium hair that you want to make look thicker and fuller. This hairstyle will elongate a round face shape.
#19: Charming Half Updo with Side-Swept Bangs
Ideal for gatherings and occasions that showcase your natural allure. The bangs frame the face beautifully, drawing attention to your features.
#20: Braided Half-Up Style
Looking for a style that radiates glamour? A formal braided half-up style is ideal for special events. It can also elevate your daily look. These beautifully twisted half-up, half-down braids give you the sensation of long hair, while maintaining a chic swept-back appearance. I recommend using small bob pins alongside hairspray. Opt for L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray for excellent hold and durability. Achieving this look requires sectioning and parting your hair into three sections on each side. While braiding, keep it snug from roots to tips for maximum definition in the final result.
#21: The Twisted Tresses
A few twists, a little volume, and voilà! You’ve got a chic, contemporary interpretation of a classic half up half down hairstyle. After achieving this look, apply some shine serum or spray to the tips of your hair for that added luster! I adore Bumble and Bumble’s Shine Spray.
This half-updo will enhance a round face shape and half-down wavy hairstyles. Thick hair with a natural wave is perfect for this look, although naturally straight to wavy hair will also work well. If you have finer hair and are struggling to keep the braids intact, mist the sections of hair with hairspray before you begin braiding. It will provide your hair some texture and reduce slipperiness.
#22: Stunning Half Updo with Curls and Pearls
Elevate your appearance for any event with a stunning half updo featuring curls and pearls. A half up style helps keep your hair back and away from your face while preserving its length. Incorporating hair extensions into these looks aids in achieving volume and fullness if you’re comfortable with the additional weight in your hair. To complete this hairstyle, consider adding decorative pins or pearls to enhance its allure.
#23: Chic Half Updo
This half updo is bold and elegant hair at its best. It makes for stunning semi-formal hairstyles for the evening. What’s wonderful about this look is that the texture may also suit half-up, half-down shorter hair. This relaxed half up half down style requires a lot of texture, so a product like What A Tease Backcomb In A Bottle would be perfect! If needed, pair that with a strong hairspray. Medium to long hair that’s voluminous is best for this appearance. This style will flatter a square face.
#24: Stylish Half Braided Updo
Incorporating a braid into your half ponytail adds a modern twist that enhances your style! If you have a square face shape, this hairstyle is an ideal match. Suitable for fine to medium hair of any length, this look is incredibly adaptable.
#25: Elegant Braided Half Updo
#26: Flowing Curls
Curls are gracefully pinned to one side, creating a stunning cascading appearance. Shine spray will ensure your curls remain sleek and polished. I recommend using TIGI Bed Head Headrush Shine Adrenaline. Flowing curls are particularly flattering on oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. It’s best to steer clear of this style if you have a round face, as it tends to add width. This hairstyle is also ideal for medium to thick hair with plenty of layering.
#27: Half Updo with Low Back Styling
A flexible hold hairspray will assist in achieving these half-up hairstyles for long hair. It will provide movement while maintaining control. Try Matrix Vavoom Shape Maker Hairspray. A half-up style secured low in the back complements any face shape, particularly heart or square, as it gently softens the cheekbones. Long hair with minimal layering will yield the best results.
As you can see, there are numerous possibilities for partial updo hairstyles. If any of these styles don’t resonate with your vision, consider experimenting with something unique. Regardless, half-up remains a reliable choice for your formal occasion.
#28: Accent Braid with Half Up Style
This hairstyle is a floral wonder! With loosely braided and sculpted sections cascading over your twirled locks, you’ll feel like a graceful princess in no time!
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