When a client comes in and asks for her hair to be “half out of the way but still the main event,” I can’t think of a better way to describe it. Sure, there are other ways to describe this look, but what other style gives you such perfect balance of structure and airiness? When you picture the half up half down with curls, the best example of structure without sacrificing the volume and drama of the curls comes to mind. I’ve done so many variations, and it really hits differently based on so many factors like curl pattern and density, the twist or pin placement, and even the kind of day someone is having. The determination of those factors is what makes this style so unique.
One of my favorite things about this curly style is that even with the same overall structure, it always feels different. The half-up curls will fall based on their own rule and having the half-up will add a little frame to the style. When describing what they want, I’ve heard brides say “undone but intentional” which I think fits so well with this style. Another example I like is the loose half-up twist that changed so much by the end of the reception because her curls had relaxed and spread, and she loved it even more than how we started. The best part is there is so much movement in this style, and that is not a flaw, it is the whole point. Enjoy some of my favorite examples!
#1: A Warm Auburn Twist That Lets the Curls Do the Talking
The color catches my eye first. That deep auburn with toasted bits at the ends is gorgeous. It adds depth to the color and shifts beautifully as she moves. The twist at the top is also doing a lot as it all keeps it all off her face and highlights her cheekbones, and with the length and thickness of that hair, she needed something to rein it in, otherwise, it would be a wall of curls. The twist adds structure without losing any of the volume. It is one of those styles that looks gorgeous in every angle, which is not that easy to achieve with that amount of hair.
#2 A Twisted Knot That Gives Fine Curls Some Real Presence
I would definitely pick this one for clients with gorgeous natural curl patterns who want some height added to the crown. The twisted knot at the very top gives the illusion that the hair underneath is thicker and more purposeful. The curls really move with the hair, and the warmer and cooler tones mixed together are so pretty when the curls are loose. If you are in a humid climate, though, you might want to check the knot partway through the night since curly hair can get really wild with the weather.
#3 Pretty Defined Curls with a Little Sparkle at the Side
I really enjoy that this look isn’t too overdone. These curls are really nice and fall at a perfect length past the shoulders. The look is very lifelike and the sparkly pin at the side really elevates the look from a great hair day to a she thought about this moment. I wish more people would take inspo from this style. If your hair is naturally curly and has a good density then a look like this will be really easy to achieve and great to hold throughout the day as long as you use a good curl defining cream to keep the frizz from settling in by the afternoon.
#4 A Ribbon Twist That Plays Up All That Volume
I like hairdos that embrace the amount of hair a person has rather than trying to tame it, and that’s what this style does. The twisted ribbon detail is just enough hair to give the whole look some structure and everything else is just free and big and gorgeous. The way the twist draws the eye up is especially nice if you think your curls tend to overwhelm your face because it can feel like it disappears. With this style, an anti-humidity spray will be your best friend since the twist has to stay clean to keep the whole look balanced.
#5 Tiered Braiding That Works Beautifully With Thick Curls
I know this one takes longer than most styles, but the end result is worth the time. The detail in the braid is done in sections which creates a beautiful layered effect that is quite unusual for half ups, in addition to the extra body the curls provide. I would do this style for someone who wants to feel extra special, like wedding guests or anniversary dinners. The layered braids do give the extra dimension and also look polished enough that you don’t have to keep messing with it. Just make sure you have time to do it.
#6 A Braided Crown That Feels Effortlessly Bohemian
There is an entire vibe being created here! The way the braids wrap around the crown is stunning, as are the dark curls cascading underneath. It has an earthy, romantic quality without being too saccharine. I have done variations of this for outdoor weddings and music festivals, and it transforms so differently each time depending on the outfit and the way the hair is worn (loose, tight, braids, curls, etc). It is adaptable for different hair densities and braids provide structure, so even if your curls are on the looser and thinner side, you still get that full, textured look. It does take a few pins to keep the braids neat and tight, as well as some patience, but the end result is oh so worth it!
#7 Soft Luxurious Waves with an Understated Twist
I’m not sure how much I would call this a curl, more of a wave and I guess that is what makes it feel different from the others. There is a softness to it all, the twist is more delicate and almost hidden, and the waves almost look buttery to the point where you want to touch them. I think it is one of those styles where it looks like you didn’t try that hard which of course means you actually put in quite a bit of effort. For hair this thick and wavy, I’d use a texturizer with some grip and a good moisture resistant hairspray to finish because those waves will start to drop without some support and the twist will loosen once the hair around it starts to relax.
#8 Golden Highlighted Curls with Effortless Bounce
The golden highlights woven through an auburn base offer great dimension in the color combination. Each curl catching the light and offering richness gives an illusion of an expensive style even with simple styling. There is so much natural volume so the half up pull looks complete. The color will need upkeep to remain as vivid as it is, this curl type design needs moisture to keep the bounciness and avoid weighing to down. When it all works in unison the hair will get attention in the room.
#9 Twisted Pieces with Copper Pin Details
What I appreciate, in addition to the copper pins being functional, is that they add to the design of the style. Their position in the sectioned twists makes them look intentional and a bit more artsy, plus the longer curls give a great warm metallic glow. The twists help to evenly distribute the volume and keep it all balanced without pulling anything too tight. I’d recommend keeping extra pins in your bag for touch ups since the twists of curly hair do tend to shift throughout the day. You’ll want to be able to do quick resets instead of redoing the whole style.
#10 Auburn Curls Finished with a Velvet Bow
A bow on adults can be styled in various ways, but here it works due to the proportions, and the velvet gives it some weight and intentionality. It doesn’t come across as costume-y, it reads as someone who really knows what they’re doing. The curls underneath are stunning, that warm auburn color with real texture and movement, and the half-up section is simple enough that the bow becomes the focal point without competing with everything else. I think the trick is either toning the bow to something in the outfit or using a color that is close enough to the hair so it blends in. If you go for a contrast, keep it small.
#11 Cinnamon Toned Curls Clasped at the Crown
Let’s take a look at the top half. It has a clasp clasp-in, a nice long cascade haircut that touches the back and frames the face. This hairstyle is practical because with hair this long and voluminous, it won’t be in your eyes and stuck on your lipgloss every five minutes. For naturally curly hair like this, a light product is best as it will help the curls hold their spring so it won’t weigh them down and make the curls crunchy. I like that this style looks easy. It doesn’t look like it took an hour, even though those tight curls make it look like they were really well done.
#12 Braided Top with a Classic Clip and Lots of Texture
A neat braid and some good clipping up top give off the appearance of everything being perfectly in place, yet it still has a wonderful flow. The relaxed and soft curls that lie beneath the clip as well as the braid themselves are stunning and defined. I adore this look because it is appropriate to be dressy enough for a dinner, yet still can be worn during the day, which is what I want most out of a half-up hairstyle. The only thing that needs to be managed is frizz, and a little bit of edge control on the part works wonders.
#13 Ginger Curls Woven Into a Textured Half-Up Look
The color is vibrant and beautiful; real ginger with all of the curl texture reflecting light at different angles. The woven twists in the half-up section add detail and aren’t too fussy. They give the style an artisan quality as if someone hand-crafted it instead of just pulling it back. The curls frame the face beautifully, and there’s enough weight to keep everything where it should be. If your hair is this curly and this thick, regular deep conditioning will be the deciding factor for how this looks on a day-to-day basis. Hydrated curls versus dry curls are two completely different looks.
#14 Caramel Swirled Curls Pinned with Hidden Detail
I love this style! At first, it looks like the hair is intricately curled and positioned perfectly. However, it is pinned back at the top with many hidden supports! The highlights and curls swirl exceptionally well and half up styles always help the highlights pop! And this style is totally comfortable! Lots of people underestimate the comfort of these hairstyles, and it is really nice not to have all that hair down. With this look, you can take some hair down while still having the impressive look. The warm highlights will need to be refreshed every few weeks to stay as bright as shown, and color like that is definitely worth it!
#15 A Simple Elegant Twist for Rich, Earthy Curls
I really love the feeling of this style. The big healthy curls are great, and the twist is nice too! I really like the earthy, rich color. It looks like someone with nice hair just wanted this style out of their face. It’s not super complicated and that’s the point. It’s a great effortless style and I don’t say that very often for a style. It just needs a light curl definier so the curls don’t get stiff. Overall, it is a very versatile style that really suits everybody!
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.