A curly half up half down hairstyle is perfect for formal events, work, or hanging out with friends. It’s a stylish blend of the relaxed ponytail look with the elegant loose hair style. It lifts the curls and classy vibes. This article will show you gorgeous half up half down hairstyles that complement your curls and suit every occasion.
#1: Textured Auburn Curls with Defined Half-Up Style
This design highlights the stunning transition from big, curly auburn hair to a sleek half-up style that really highlights the face. This look is most suited for medium to long hair that is thick and curly, as it provides a chic style while keeping the hair out of the face. What makes this style especially unique is the large contrast created (especially via use of pins) to keep the style voluminous without all of the bulk associated with highly textured hair. This particular technique also does take a fair amount of practice to get the seamless transition from loose curls to finished, polished curls. Overall, this style really works to create a polished, clean look that can be worn for both casual and formal events.
#2: Side Braid Crown with Cascading Curls
This braid contrasts with the previous crown braid because it is thinner and more delicate. This braid runs along one side and meets at the back. The curls below are varied and natural looking with some tighter spirals and mixed looser waves. It is also nice how this warm auburn-brown color looks in this light. Overall, the youthful and slightly whimsical vibe is definitely there. This could work for a bridesmaid who wants to match the bride without being matching.
#3: Casual Twist Back on Warm Brunette Waves
I love that you can literally put this together in a parking lot. The back twist is very easy, just two sections crossed and pinned, and the waves are a bit messy but that’s what makes it look effortless. The warm caramel highlights on the brown base are perfect for dimension without being high-maintenance. I can’t even count how many times I’ve done this style on myself, especially when I’m in a rush and need to make it look like I put a lot of time into it.
#4: Voluminous Half Up Ponytail on Deep Curls
The craftsmanship at the crown is lovely; it resembles a half-up ponytail more than a simple gather, so it has a more youthful, energetic vibe. The curls are tight, defined and luscious at a beautiful length. The deep mahogany brown color is rich enough to reflect some light. I’ve seen this shape height on top with a full cascade on the back and it especially looks good on longer face shapes because it adds more width at the crown. The contrast with smoothness on top and the textured fullness below is delightful.
#5: Copper Half Up Bun with Soft Curls
The small bun at the back of the crown is playful and brings back memories of the 90s half-up knot trend, though this is a softer version. The curls peeking underneath the bun are nice and casual, and the copper red color is warm and lived-in. I think this is for second or third day hair when the curls have relaxed, and there is some natural texture for the hair to grab onto. If your hair is freshly done, a texturizing spray will help keep the bun from slipping.
#6: Golden Blonde Cascading Curls with Crown Volume
This crown’s height is remarkable, and the teasing/padding done to achieve this towering height is justifiable for the formal nature of the style. The warm golden blonde shade is even throughout, and the curls are round and perfectly barrel shaped (which took a great deal of time to get). I could see that wrapping each curl took someone a long time, and so did letting the curls cool before brushing them out. This is a special occasion style, and the large amount of curls has an abundant, festive, and celebratory effect.
#7: Swept Bronde Waves with Textured Volume
This meeting point has a beautiful texture and a lovely lived-in quality. The way the folds and twirls look almost like they happened on their own rather than positioned. The bronde shade is beautiful and offers a warm neutral mix between brown and blonde. The waves are also very natural and vary quite a bit in size and direction. I think to achieve the look avoid oversmoothing the top. A little bit of grip and movement in that area prevents the whole style from looking too stiff.
#8: Vintage-Inspired Waves Swept to One Side
The style feels like Old Hollywood. The deep waves, the hair sculpted back and away from the face, and the balayage through the brown hair creates great dimension to each wave, and the curls are heavy and luxurious. This looks like a marcel iron, or an exceptionally patient hand with a standard one, to do the curls. I had a client once who brought in a picture of her grandmother from the 1940s wanting something like that for her wedding. This is very close to what we ended up with. Since it isn’t trendy, it will still look beautiful in 20 years.
#9: Dark Brunette Curls with Gold Chain Clips
The gold chain clips are so unique and different, and I love how they make the hairstyle more fun and interesting than a classic half up hairstyle. I also like how the clips are positioned, the symmetry definitely enhances the draped/jewelry effect across the back of the head. The curls have a wonderful bounce and I appreciate the more relaxed curl pattern, as well as the depth of color in the dark brunette which really helps to balance the overall look and keeps everything grounded. The gold accessories feel and look very warm and celebratory, and combined with the overall look I find it quite festive, I can really see it as a holiday party look, or an engagement celebration!
#10: Warm Chestnut Waves with a Wrapped Twist
What really stands out is this beautiful warm chestnut color with an auburn shift that glows beautifully when the light hits it. The half-up hairstyle shows off more of the color, and the twist at the back is nice and informal, which is awesome! And those bouncy curls? Yeah, I love those. I like how this style hovers right on the line between casual and classy. I think you can wear this almost anywhere and blend in perfectly without the risk of being under-dressed.
#11: Dramatic Volume Half Up with Dark Loose Curls
This hairstyle has a lot of volume, and a few extensions may have been added, which I don’t mind. The crown area is noticeably taller, and the curls that cascade from here are big and sweeping. This creates a near waterfall effect in the back. The dark color added some richness and helped balance all that volume. This is the style for someone who wants to walk into a room and have everyone notice the hair first. There is nothing wrong with that.
#12: Dark Curls with a Pearl Pin Accent
Details matter, and in this case, a tiny grouping of pearl pins (right where the hair is gathered) elevates this look from lovely to stunning. Without the pins, it would just be a nice half-up hairstyle with dark curls. With the pins it suggests more of a special occasion than just a casual look. The curls are nice and not overly tight, and the back is just the right amount of volume – not too much. Also, the choice to use just one small accessory instead of a full vine or several clips, really brings out the elegance of the look. It is similar to how one piece of jewelry works really well with a simple dress.
#13: Caramel Highlighted Curls with a Subtle Gather
It is easy to miss the collection of strands at the crown of the head as it is quite subtle. The remaining hair falls gorgeously in waves. The highlight placement is ideal. They are concentrated at the ends which means the curls will catch and reflect more light making the contrast even more stunning. One of the greatest compliments you can give a hairstyle is to say it looks effortless. This style is one that is so effortless you may find it difficult to see where the styling ends and where the natural movement begins.
#14: Twisted Rosette with Soft Bridal Waves
Here’s another rosette! This one feels much softer and modern. The twisted petals are more open and elongate. The downward waves are big, bouncy, and really have a lot of movement to them. The warm, medium brown color is much more approachable than harsh. I keep looking at the left side face framing pieces. The length and curls are perfectly balanced for the style. It is obviously a bridal or formal style, but it is not so serious that it becomes unapproachable.
#15: Polished Honey Blonde Waves, Simply Pinned
This style is very polished. The waves have been brushed out just enough to create wide and glamorous S-curves instead of individual curls. The gathering of the top section is so clean, it looks like a fabric fold. In a good way. The honey blonde color has a richness to it that suggests expensive in a good way. There is nothing flashy about it. I would say this leans more towards a formal occasion, where you would wear heels and something more structured. This is def not the half up you throw together in the car, and that’s fine, because when you want to look like this, this is the one.
#16: Smooth Blonde Half Up with Soft Curled Ends
The crown section of this style is extremely sleek and clean like silk and the later transitions into gentle waves. This half-up style opts for a more minimalist approach. There are no twists, braids, or any additional accessories, just a clean hold and pretty curls. I’m also quite fond of the cool toned blonde as it has a sander more natural look. The waves starting well below the hold makes the top section look more elongated and sleek. This is the style I would recommend anyone wishing for more simplicity and elegance.
#17: Pearl-Scattered Twists on Bronde Curls
The pearls scattered within the messy section add to the overall organic vibe. It looks as though the pearls have just landed there, or for some reason, they were not incorporated into a vine or a comb. The messiness of the curls adds to the volume of the bronde base and helps the white pearls stand out beautifully. There seems to be a mix of tighter and looser curls, and those imperfections are actually great. This isn’t just a thrown-up hairstyle. It looks really special and it really is something great.
#18: Volume-Lifted Crown with Soft Brown Waves
The crown lift is super flattering, and the way the hair is gathered just below the lift section creates a lovely round shape from the side. The chocolate brown color is rich and even, and the romantic softness of the curls is simply divine. The softness of the curls is divine. The face-framing pieces also help conceal the pulled-back and harsh look that this style has. This beautiful style is perfect for Mother of the Brides, and for anyone wanting to look classy without a complete updo.
#19: Twisted Half Up with Dainty Floral Pins
The floral pins add a delicate touch to the look and give a subtle accent to the soft and beautiful style. The pins seem a little understated and almost disappear. The back twists are done loosely and seem to be done in an organic way. The curls are a little undone and seem to vary in definition and levels. Everything about this is soft and sweet, the brown tone is subtle and lovely. I can really see this look on a bride in a garden venue, no train dress. Someone who wanted to feel intimate and not too grand on the day.
#20: Vivid Red Curls with a Rockabilly Edge
This one is unique, and that’s great to see! The bright red top and black underneath, full bangs, a leather jacket, and half curled hair makes me think of a cool comic book character in a positive way. They know who they are, and their hair reflects that. The loose undone curls is a great way to keep the look from feeling too much like a costume. A bright red color like that requires a lot of commitment. If you want something like that, you know regular touch ups and color depositing shampoo are a must!
#21: Braided Crown and Mini Bun with Balayage Curls
More architectural interest than a simple twist is this style for the side braid feeding into a small bun. The balayage curls falling under the bun are bouncy and defined. The bun is a fantastic detail and I love that it’s not being made to be invisible. It gives a lovely diversion before the eye is allowed to travel down through the curls. The light and warm ends are beautiful and the curls at the bottom capture and reflect light beautifully, adding a lovely glow to the overall look.
#22: Ash Blonde Waves with Volume and Texture
Volume is created at the crown, and the curls beneath balance that with the same amount of volume. The cool ash blonde shade is quite elegant. The half-up twists appear effortless, but there is certainly some technique that goes into them. When I suggest to clients who are building volume at the crown that it needs to be done in layers, where you tease underneath and smooth the top layer over, I think this style is a great representation of that technique. The framing pieces soften the look and keep it from being too stiff.
#23: Dark Brunette Waves with a Crystal Clip
This style proves that ‘less is more’ is true when it comes to hair. The hair is pulled back from the crown and secured with a small crystal clip, with the rest of the hair falling in medium waves. No fancy braids or intricate designs are needed for this look to be really nice. The softness of the waves also helps the hair color look really touchable. The hair length also makes this half-up style feel balanced rather than top heavy. This is the style I recommend most for first timers with half-up styles. It looks nice, is simple, and is great even on the first attempt.
#24: Curly Textured Half Up with Dainty Flower Pins
These curls have a lot of character. They are very defined and springy while also being voluminous. The gathered section floral accents balance out all that hair nicely. I think this look really shows how hair accessories can work in completely different ways with curly versus straight hair. In this case, the floral accents blend so perfectly with the texture that they feel like part of the look instead of just an add on. The warm undertones in the medium brown hair color create a nice play of light in the curls, and the whole look is festive and fun.
#25: Soft Dark Curls with Volume at the Crown
Looking at the rich deep dark brown color and generous volume at the crown, the hair is full of richness. The loose flowing curls below give a sense of weight to the overall look. The gathering is so well hidden. You can’t see where the half-up is secured, so it looks like the hair just falls that way. It is taken from above so it nicely shows off the curl pattern and makes it look like the hair is a river of dark waves. The sparkly outfit that shows suggests this is for something festive, and the hair definitely matches that energy.
#26: Textured Bun Gather with Jeweled Pin on Bronde Waves
The gathered section shows just the right amount of intentionality to not feel too stiff or fussy. A small jeweled pin at the base of the gather is a nice touch and the perfect amount of shine to not steal the show. The bronde (warm brown and golden blonde mix) adds more depth to each wave, and you can see the color shift through every curl. The face framing pieces on either side are soft and loose, and the overall effect is the kind of pretty that is comfortable enough to dance the night away without a single worry.
#27: Sublime Chestnut Ribbons with Braided Crown
This style features beautiful long wavy hair and a special braided crown stylist which half up half down styles that are practical and beautiful. The chestnut shade gives depth, making this very good for those looking to add dimension to their naturally brown tones. This is best for women with medium to thick hair as it adds volum to the style at the top without adding bulk to the face. The braid may take practice as it’s not the best for someone wanting to do this look quickly. The beauty of this style for special events is spectacular! It is gentle and feminine and frames the face wonderfully.
#28: Elegant Golden Cascade Half-Up Twist
This full look features a charming mix of spiral curls. It works best on hair of medium to long length. The style showcases an ‘organised messy’ top section which best highlights the oval and heart face shape. The look features thick lush curls which introduce a playful yet classy element perfect for an event. The upkeep and maintenance of the look is moderate to easy as she will need some really firm hairspray/styling product to keep the look from falling apart. Despite the ornate beauty of the hairstyle, it is quite timeless. It is perfect for someone who desires an elegant special occasion look without too much fuss.
#29: Charming Daisy-Embellished Curly Half-Up Style
This hairstyle is fun for spring and summer with daisy accents, some of the hair is pinned half up with the rest left down in large, long, pretty curls. If you want to show off your curls but not have hair in your face, this is a great style for you. This stye works best on thicker hair because it helps with the flower accents and keeps the hair texture balanced. Just keep in mind, depending on your day, the flower accents may need to be fixed.
#30: Twisted Blonde Tendrils Half-Up Cascading Style
The beautiful half-up style incorporates twisted sections with falling curls to achieve an ethereal feel for formal hairstyles. The magnificent long curls embody a feminine touch and are especially suitable for round face shapes. This technique works best for medium to thick hair since it provides a great amount of volume and texture while still being face-framing. A great feature of this style is the added volume and the dimension that small twists of hair at the back provide. It can be a little more time-consuming for people with less hair, but this style works great on shorter hair! A good amount of medium-hold hair spray is recommended for this style to keep it workable throughout the day.
#31: Refined Copper Swirls Half-Up Hairstyle with Crystal Pin Accent
This hairstyle features warm copper highlights, with a lovely half-up twist that adds volume and style. This hairstyle is ideal for medium-thick hair. The soft pullback enhances facial features and a nice crystal pin adds a touch of elegance. The style is beautiful, but may require some extra tender loving care to keep the curls bouncy and free during humid conditions. This hairstyle is great for individuals who want a look suitable for both a business day and an evening of glamour.
#32: Enchanting Floral Braid with Natural Curls
This hairstyle aims to capture the luxurious essence of long, thick spiraled curls with soft texturing and a floral braid accent across the back. Perfect for medium-long naturally spiraled hair, the simplicity and elegance of the look, coupled with the floral accents, make it ideal for special occasions. The hairstyle expertly balances intricately detailed structure with the beautifully unrefined, raw, and natural. Of course, the spiraled curls will require some upkeep, and with the right products the definition and frizz are easily managed. The type of flowers can also dictate the charm and may be changed to reflect the occasion.
#33: Exquisite Brunette Waterfall of Curls with Beaded Accessory
This style is a half-up half-down that is great for showing off vibrant curls for any event! Rich, chocolate colored hair that has so much bounce and life lfalls down the back. The beaded hair accessory adds an extra touch and secures the style while holding the hair back to show the face for a nice look from the back. This style is good for thick hair types because they will have enough volume to keep the curls from looking flat. If you have thin hair, the accessory may be too heavy and uncomfortable.
#34: Cascading Curly Half-Up Braided Elegance
This style features soft curls, french braids, and finishes with a lovely half-up, half-down look that is great for medium to long hair. The braid starts at the crown which adds a classy touch, and helps keep hair out of the face. This works best for thicker hair types since there is a lot of volume to maintain the braid and curls. This hairstyle is definitely a show stopper! Although it is visually stunning and takes a lot of time to do, it is so worth it for the special occasion. This style is very different as it blends together braids and other looks so it stands out from other half-up styles that just include loose curls.
#35 Sumptuous Woven Curls Half-Up Hairstyle
This hairstyle goes to the mid back and includes large curls. It is meant for people with a lot of hair. The half up sections are twisted and woven for additional texture so that the style does not look too bulky or overwhelmed. There is a nice balance of elegance and ease with this style, making it a great option for a formal occasion. It is easy to change, but the weaving design can be beautiful and quite time consuming and challenging to do on thick and voluminous hair. A more relaxed twist will be easier to wear on a daily basis, but this look is ideal for a more special occasion.
#36: Sleek Top with Voluminous Curls Half-Up Style
For this style, hair is pulled back neatly at the top to give that polished look, then big, bouncy curls are added for nice contrast. This style best for medium to long hair types, and is good for thicker hair types too. The polished look is great for formal ocassions, but it could also mean limited movement due to wind outside. As less heat is being used and reduced styling is required, you are maintaining the health of your hair too. This look is also great for transitioning from day to night, as you will find it is very low maintenance.
#37: Luxurious Ebony Waves with Silver Floral Accent
This style incorporates long and thick curls cascading down the back with hair partially secured so the neck can be shown off, which can be very flattering. The floral silver piece is an accessory that can be used for special events when you want to stand out, but not too much. This look is ideal for ladies with thick hair because the weight of the curls means you won’t need to use a lot of styling products. The curls can be really big due to heat so this style may require extra prep. This style is ideal for women who appreciate a classic look with modern updates.
#38: Luxurious Rich Brunette Curls with Delicate Half-Up Twist
Breathtaking styles showcases rich brunette curls, a beautiful half-up twist, and half-up styles that are ideal for medium to long hair. If the natural texture of the hair is curled, it will better enhance the overall volume of the hair. A casual and formal event will require some elaboration, which curls will provide. Half-up twists frame the face (great for most face shapes) and adds balance to the overall appearance. On the positive side, styles like these keep hair out of the face and allow you to show off your curls. Unfortunately, the more curls you have, the more time and styling products (to hold curls) will be consumed during the styling process. This style is perfect for thick hair because curled hair will allow the natural volume of the hair to be distributed evenly and reduce the weight.
#39: Romantic Bohemian Half-Up Half-Down with Floral Accents
This style is great for thick curly hair because it is simple and looks lovely. The bright flowers add a beautiful touch for events, but are not too flashy. Finer hair may have more difficulties with this style as the flowers and curls need volume. To keep the curls and hair up all day, use a strong hold hairspray.
#40: Chic Chestnut Braided Curls for Versatile Styling
The rich chestnut curls and unique half-up braid offer versatility for both casual and dressy events. Their deep brown color is warm and complements all skin tones, while the thickness of the hair means loads of bouncy curls that will last all day. While this is a great option for someone wanting a style that will hold all day, that density may even mean more of a time investment in styling, as well as a greater product investment to keep the style from going wild. For those who want something that looks done without too much effort, this is a great option.
#41: Dark Curls Swept into a Rosette Bun
The rosette detail on the back of this style departs from a standard gather, and in this case, the hair has the right amount of density to create that shape without it looking thin and stretched. The full, bouncy, curled hair below also cascades beautifully and adds to the length. When clients ask me to recreate such styles for South Asian weddings, the very first thing I always say is that rosettes need to be pinned from underneath so that the catching light pins don’t show in the photos. Those little jewel accents tucked into the twist are just the right amount of detail to add some sparkle without competing for attention with the curls.
#42: Crown Braid with Highlighted Spirals
That braid in the back shaped like a crown is doing some serious work (both literally and visually). It holds the top section up while the spiral curls underneath get to be free and floaty. The blonde highlights woven through the darker base make every individual curl stand out, and the highlights also give dimension to the base color. This is a style that calls for some color dimension. If your hair is one color, the braid and curls can all blend together and you lose that layered effect. The curls are more natural looking and a bit more irregular. It looks like they were done with a curling wand instead of a clamp iron.
#43: Soft Twisted Gather on Chocolate Waves
You’d probably guess that this took five minutes. In reality, this probably took closer to twenty minutes, and that’s the point. It has clearly been styled, and then un-done again to give a more casual vibe to the style. I like the shorter pieces that have been left out to frame the face, and I think their waves match well. They seem to be curled a bit differently, and using a different technique than the rest. I think this would be great for someone who wants a style that is put together, but not one that screams they spent a lot of time on it.
#44: Twisted Half Up with Bronde Barrel Curls
I love the color! It’s a stunning bronde and the different sections create a multidimensional effect. The half-up style shows off the color, instead of hiding it all behind the shoulders. The back twisted sections are tight enough to hold it without compressing the volume at the crown, which is the most common mistake with this style. The more you pull the less volume you get on top, and these curls are so buoyant. They seem to have been created with a big barrel iron, probably 1.5 in, which is exactly what I would use for this length of hair.
#45: Glossy Jet Black Spirals, Pinned and Flowing
In addition to styling hair, nothing would do the look justice like the color and shine of this hair. The curls reflect light, creating their own shadows and highlights. Other accessories are simply not needed. The gathering at the top is very subtle and almost hidden by all the curls. It emphasizes a more soft, luxurious feel instead of a structured look. I’m guessing there’s some shine spray, or at least a nice serum, that’s been applied before the curls. It captures the light so well, and all the photography of this hair is simply stunning.
#46: Natural Curls Gathered in a Copper Half Up
I get this particular style makes me want to shake people and say, look at what your natural hair can do! This style has naturally curly hair and you can tell the curls are not wand or iron curls and are beautiful! The half up style is taken Gathering loosely at the crown and no effort was made to smooth or flatten. What happens here is that the curls above the gathering point and below it look like one continuous flow. The copper highlights against the dark base also enhance the visibility of the curl pattern. If this is your natural texture and you’ve been battling it, please stop!
#47: Warm Blonde Twists on Medium Length Curls
I love the warm strawberry blonde color, and think the softer wave pattern helps keep it from looking too dressy. There is good detail in the description of the video. This is the version you would do on a Saturday afternoon when you want to feel a little more put together than a ponytail, but aren’t going somewhere that requires a plan. The twist at the center back is nice and small, and the curls below are still long enough to move and bounce without looking stubby. I really like that this works on medium length hair, especially as so many half-up styles seem to work best with waist-length hair.
#48: Brunette Ringlets with a Twisted Crown Detail
I keep coming back to this one because of its charm. The twisted piece of the crown is soft, and the ringlets under it have that casual curl, that’s a sign of not stressing over every. Single. One. The middle brown shade is warm, and not too much, so it just works. I think the versatility to cover such a nice range for a single style is great. I can see this being suitable for a young girl going to a school dance, and I can see this being suitable for a woman in her thirties going to a friend’s wedding.
#49: Bridal Waves with a Pearl Vine Headpiece
This looks super bridal – and that is meant as a compliment! The headpiece with the pearl vines dipping down the back is the real showstopper. The hair has been done in such a way that it is meant to support the headpiece. The hair waves are meant to be soft and romantic, not tight and spirally. The combination of dark brunette and white pearls is super classic. If this is what you’re thinking for your wedding, I suggest doing a trial with your headpiece as it may be heavier than you expect!
#50: Highlighted Curls with a Low Twisted Pullback
I love where the twist sits on this style! It’s lower than most half-up styles, sitting right at the ear level. This helps keep the proportions casual rather than prom-y. The blonde highlights really pop against the darker base and add so much more depth to the curls. I also love the little spiral on the left side that really comes from wrapping it around your finger when it’s warm. The whole look is super effortless!
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.