27 Most Charming Half Up Half Down Prom Hairstyles for 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Which type are you? You’ve got beautiful hair that you want everyone to see, but you also appreciate having it pulled back to keep it away from your face. You love the way it looks when your hair is down, but you also want to reveal your face to appear more inviting and cheerful. You think it’s adorable. So below, I’ve compiled some images of the loveliest half up half down prom hairstyles on Instagram at the moment. Enjoy the inspiration (and your prom)!

Photos

#1: Stunning Ash Blonde Boho Look

Effortless is what comes to mind with this stunning ash-blonde boho look. If you are looking for something pulled off your face while keeping it down, this is a fantastic choice. And it’s perfect for a wedding or special event. If your hair is on the finer side, I recommend clip-ins for fullness and length.

Half Up Dimensional Blonde with Effortless Twisted Hairdo
Instagram @jennymitchhair

#2: Stylish Dimensional Blonde with Effortless Twisted Hairdo

This stylish dimensional blonde with effortless twisted hairdo is stunning! With an easy twist and soft waves in the back, this half-up, the half-down look elevates prom night glam to a whole new level. Use sea salt spray for defined curls and secure with a strong-hold hairspray to achieve the look. Make sure you have enough bobby pins on hand. Using them backward always ensures extra grip when securing any updo. Try Got2B Glued water-resistant finishing hairspray. It will keep your hair in place all night.

Chic Half Ponytail for Prom
Instagram @shirlystyles

#3: Chic Half Ponytail

One of my absolute favorites for prom night is a chic half ponytail. Keep your look modern and fresh by styling sleek, straight hair with a mini side part. Pull back the mid-length sections into the small and secure updo. To keep flyaways under control, use an oil-absorbing product. Try Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo to eliminate frizz and polish your ends. Want to add extra shine? Sweeten things up with Garnier Fructis Glossy Finish Brilliantine for radiant results.

#4: Stunning Blonde Bohemian Braid

Try a blonde bohemian braid for your next special occasion. The Bohemian and ethereal style is trending this season, and I’m sure you can see why. These soft styles are romantic and enchanting and have a lived-in vibe for a messier yet polished look. With my years of experience, I suggest having thicker hair with some length to achieve this style. A dimensional color, such as blondes, brunettes, or coppers, truly helps add depth, interest, and texture to the braiding.

#5: Half-Up Twist with Braided Details

Imagine this – you’re on the hunt for stunning event updo inspirations, and this style is sure to spark some hair envy! Seek out the perfect stylist to create a few voluminous fishtail braids and soft curls. Finish with a texture spray, and your hairstyle will be the center of attention.

#6: Adorable Curled Half Up Half Down

It’s less chaotic than wearing all your hair down, as it’s primarily gathered at the back into a curled arrangement. In that sense, you can remain tidy and well-styled, but it still has a more laid-back appearance compared to an updo hairstyle. The loose strands of hair cascading down the sides help to frame your face and impart a gentle and romantic essence.

You will need longer hair for this prom half-up look – ideally around waist length to start. The curls will appear better with highlighted hair to create a 3-dimensional texture. It’s crucial to apply hair spray with firm holding power so your curls can endure longer. This style will be perfect if you prefer something romantic and youthful looking!

#7: Brunette Braided Curly Half-Up Hairstyle

A beautiful half-up braided curly hairstyle in brunette could be just what you need. This look flatters all face shapes and can be easily created with natural hair. Making this an effortless option to try at home for special events. If your hair has natural curls or if you require additional curls, begin by curling your hair first. Use a light wax or pomade to construct half up half down braids and secure them at the back for a half-up look. Finish off with hairspray for maximum hold.

#8: Stunning Hairstyles for Curly Locks

Embrace the charm of hair accessories! Add a floral detail to your beautifully styled curls to draw more attention to your hair.

Stylish Bouffant Half-Up Half Down Hairstyle with Curls for Prom Night
Instagram @dionneshairandbeauty

#9: Stylish Bouffant Half-Up Hairstyle with Curls

Achieve a half-up, stylish bouffant hairstyle with curls. Larger styles shine brighter in both hair and photos. Prom hairstyles benefit from added volume to highlight your personal flair. This look can be created using foam forms or wrapped mesh materials to add height. It also provides a base for bobby pins to secure everything in place. This will be most flattering for face shapes that could use more elevation or to balance out your profile. Complete with curls and a robust hairspray for lasting hold.

Charming Twisted Half-Down Style with Relaxed Curls for Long, Blonde Hair
Instagram @hairby.catelynn

#10: Casual Twisted Half-Down Style with Relaxed Curls

If you are seeking a laid-back down do, try using a waver and twisting some pieces together at the crown. Secure the twist with pins and let the rest of your hair hang free. To create the relaxed curls, separate sections of your hair and curl them with a curling wand. Finish off the look with a light hairspray to keep your curls in place. For added shine and definition, use a styling cream like a mousse or a light hair wax.

Half-up Fishtail Braid with Twists for Prom
Instagram @ellenrosehair

#11: Half-up Fishtail Braid with Twists

Look fabulous at prom with this elegant half-up fishtail braid accompanied by twists. Start by styling your hair into two twisted sections at the front. Pull parts of your strands back for a refined look. Then, create a fishtail braid that crosses diagonally from one side to the other. Finish by securing with a few bobby pins and add shine with Bed Head by TIGI Shine Spray for an extra touch of glamour.

#12: Half-Up Dutch Braids with Romantic Waves

I love this half-up double dutch braids hairstyle. To style, create two french braids that start from the center of your hairline and run down to the nape of the neck. To complete this look, add romantic waves for added charm. Use a quality heat protectant spray. Use it before using curling tongs or a straightener to create Hollywood-style curls. For extra hold, use an anti-frizz hairspray. Try Macadamia Professional Weightless Moisture Dry/Style Finishing Spray. It’s sure to keep flyaways at bay throughout the night!

#13: Elegantly Secured

This secured half down, half up hairstyle was shampooed, blow-dried, styled with a large round brush, then finished with a 1 & 1/4 curling iron to complete the look. Wash and dry your hair using professional products. In this case, I used Unite product. Use a medium to large round brush to smooth your hair, apply dry shampoo teasing your crown section, and then curl it in three sections! Separate your curls with a finishing brush to soften your look!

Simplified Half-Down Overlap Hairstyle for Prom
Instagram @hairisthebride

#14: Simplified Half-Down Overlap Hairstyle

Choose this simplified half-down overlap hairstyle for your upcoming event! Half up half down hairstyles for prom offer a great choice for anyone seeking a timeless updo while keeping some hair around your face. You can still maintain a sophisticated look with this style.

#15: Chic Half Up Bohemian Braid

Bohemian half-up, half-down prom hairstyles are in vogue this season. Elevate your prom look with this boho-inspired style featuring playful braids and twists that add volume throughout your locks. Looks breathtaking with vintage and flowing formal dresses!

#16: Elegantly Braided Crown Hairstyle

An elegantly braided crown, half updo is a delightful way to enjoy both styles. If you’re seeking a bit more drama, consider clip-in hair extensions for added volume and thickness. It’s one of my go-to methods for achieving that “Pinterest-worthy” look. To keep this style intact throughout the day, opt for a strong hold Number 4 High Performance Hair Care Non Aerosol Hair Spray.

#17: Effortless Knot on Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle

Try this half-up half-down hairstyle for a romantic look at your prom. It features an effortless knot. Start with soft curls and work with an elastic band from the front to the back of your hair. Doing this after creating a midline part will give you this beautiful, elegant appearance. Use hairspray or gel to secure it in place, depending on your hair type and texture. For extra hold and shine, add a small amount of smoothing serum. Try Kérastase L’Incroyable Blowdry Miracle Serum to tame flyaways!

#18: Lovely Light Auburn Cascading Style

A textured braid is one of the leading styles that has been popular for quite a while. The key to a look like this is a fantastic curl set that will last all night long. Don’t skimp on the product, as that will assist you in creating texture when pulling apart the braid. Please do a trial with your hairstylist for any major event to ensure all your expectations are met.

Charming Half Up Crown Braid Prom
Instagram @hairbybritanyb

#19: Charming Half Up Crown Braid

This style showcases an elegant hair crown that becomes even more appealing with subtle highlights. Rich autumn hues for your prom dress would beautifully complement this hair tone.

Stylish Half Updo for Long Tresses
Instagram @kmd.hairdesign

#20: Stylish Half Updo for Long Tresses

Opt for hair that is twisted from both sides and secured in the center. This technique was repeated until a half-up ponytail was achieved. The remaining hair is gently curled for added texture.

#21: Beachy Waves and Half-Up Braids

Go for a half-up braided style with beachy waves. Start with curling all of your hair with a wand curling iron. Spray with O&M Original Queenie Firm Hold Hair Spray for hold with flexibility. Braid the front on each side of the head and oil the back. Hair weaves the top hair through and is secure with bobby pins in a crisscross pattern. To fluff out hair, pull lightly in areas that need fullness. Finish off with more hairspray.

Sleek and Polished Half Updo Half Down for Straight Hair
Instagram @tee.hairstylist

#22: Sleek and Polished Half Updo for Straight Hair

Choose a sleek, polished half updo for straight hairstyles. Half updos for prom suit all face shapes. You can experiment with where your hair needs height or width and adjust it to enhance your features. Create an adorable wrap at the back using elastic to form a ponytail. Then cover the elastic with hair and secure it with a bobby pin or hairpin.

Elegant Blonde Half-Up Hairstyle with Soft Waves for Prom Night
Instagram @styledby_sc

#23: Elegant Blonde Half-Up Hairstyle with Soft Waves

This stunning blonde half-up hairstyle with soft waves will make you stand out as the star of the evening. To achieve this look, begin by sectioning off the top part of your hair and securing it back. Use a curling iron to create lively curls in the lower layers. This will result in a chic, romantic appearance. Finish with a spritz of hairspray for added hold and luster that will keep your hair perfect throughout the night!

Adorable Braided Half Up Half Down Style
Instagram @kimstokesmua

#24: Adorable Braided Half Up Half Down Style

Embrace a stylish and relaxed boho feel with a beautiful braid. If you’re not keen on leaving your hair down all day, consider a stunning long ponytail perfect for prom. A head-turner as you enter the room!

#25: Chic French Twist with Curly Tips

This stunning chic french twist with curly tips is an excellent way to enhance any prom appearance. Start by curling your locks with a one-inch iron. Then create the French Twist by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck and securing it using bobby pins. Make sure to spritz mid-lengths and ends with hairspray for extra grip. Try Schwarzkopf’s OSIS+ Session Extreme Hold Hairspray for maximum hold. Finish up with another light misting of hairspray. Do this before adding some bejeweled clips or decorative combs to give this updo a touch of sparkle!

#26: Mid-Length Waves with Two-Strand Braids

Explore a two-strand braided style perfect for wavy mid-length hair. This straightforward braiding technique involves separating the hair into two sections. Begin by rotating and twisting each section away from the other. This will form ropes, which you can then twist together to create a two-strand braid. Conclude with curls and a wax spray to enhance waves and ensure hold.

#27: Elegant Half Up with Braided Headband

I created a twisted braid for this half-up half-down hairstyle with the assistance of NBR Hand Tied Extensions. I adore a princess’ hair, and the most beautiful aspect of it is that her hair was able to achieve this without her extensions being noticeable. It’s adaptable and looks stunning on Bohemian dresses and chiffon gowns.

#28: Enchanting Rooted Curls

This half-up, half-do prom hair is one of my favorites, as it creates both height and length! It’s enchanting and dramatic at the same time. If you want to feel like a stunning princess for your prom, remember that this style will last all night! If you are going for this look, shoulder-length or long hair will do.

Chic Messy Blonde Half Up Bun for Prom
Instagram @reece.birkdale

#29: Chic Messy Blonde Half Up Bun

Try a half-up, half-down look with minimal accessories (unless you feel like adding more!) that is suitable for both long and short hair. What makes this style unique is the volume created by the curls. To achieve this look for prom night, wash your hair a day prior, apply some dry shampoo to eliminate oil or shine, and give it some texture to enhance your curls. If your hair is long or tends to resist curls, utilize White Sands Liquid Texture and dry it beforehand to ensure it holds the style longer. Finish with White Sands Infinity Hairspray for a strong hold without the look of sticky hairspray.