Classic Half-Up Hairstyles for Every Hair Length

The half-up half-down hairstyle is a consistent look we've seen throughout the decades. From the 1960s voluminous look to the Y2K-version with flipped-out ends, it's evident that the style isn't going anywhere anytime soon — and for good reason.

It's a timeless look due to its ability to give you the best of both worlds — hair out of your face while still showing off the rest of your length. It's also super versatile as it works for everything from down-to-there long hair to bob haircuts. Moral of the story? You can't go wrong with a half-up half-down hairstyle. To prove it to you, we gathered 20 looks to pull inspiration from.

Flipped Ends

Y2K hairstyles are making a big comeback in 2022, so it's no surprise that flipped out ends have become a major thing again. A half-up half-down style goes perfectly with this nostalgic hair trend.

Zig-Zag Braid

Instead of slicking your hair up into a traditional half-up half-down look, take a page from Yara Shahidi's book and create a zig-zag braid down the center. It instantly makes the hairstyle more fun.

High Half-Up Half-Down Pony

The half-up ponytail is the hairstyle of the moment, seen on everyone from Zendaya to Rihanna to Bella Hadid. To get a look similar to Zendaya, after blow-drying, add in soft waves using a curling iron like Drybar's The Wrap Party Curling & Styling Wand ($165; nordstrom.com) and then separate your hair into two sections — a smaller one that will be pulled into a pony and a thicker section that will be left down. Secure the top section at the crown of your head and wrap a tiny piece of hair around the base to hide your hair band.

Casual Half-Up Half-Down

Sleek and straight but voluminous all at the same time. To get the height at the crown of your head like Emilia Clarke, gently tease the back section of your hair, before pinning it back. A product like OUAI Finishing Crème ($24; nordstrom.com) applied conservatively on the front section of hair will keep everything in place and prevent fly-aways.

Fishtail Braids

Pairing your half-up half-down hairstyle with fishtail braids all around is always a good idea. Just look at Laura Harrier as an example.

Knotted Half-Up Half-Down

Sections of the Duchess of Cambridge's smooth and shiny hair were twisted and pinned back in a knot, keeping her hair out of the way of her fascinator. To get a similar look, add in a dollop of Oribe Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Crème ($68; bergdorfgoodman.com) to damp hair to for a thickening effect that also boosts shine and makes your hair feel soft to the touch.

Bob Half-Up Half-Down

The half-up pony can work for bob and lob-length hair, too. Case in point: The bouncy look that celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin created for Bella Hadid.

Double Space Buns

Adding two space buns to your half-up half-down hairstyle makes it fun and playful. It also works for any hair length. Take out some face-framing pieces to tie the whole look together.

Faux Locs

Place your protective hairstyle in a half-up half-down hairstyle for a look that never disappoints.

Voluminous Half-Up Half-Down

For a similar look to Julianne Hough, you'll want to add in texture and volume to damp hair while blow-drying using a product like Cuvée Beauty Volumizing Mist ($35; cuveebeauty.com). Create a center part in the front section of your hair and pin the strands back into place. Before securing the pins, push up on the hair on the back of the head to create a lifted effect. Once you have a little volume, you can go ahead and secure your bobby pins.

Bubble Pigtails

Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan proves that pigtails can feel elevated and chic. The trick is to pair them with a half-up half-down hairstyle and straight hair. We also love her technique for creating the pigtails, which is similar to the bubble ponytail trend.

'60s Glam

Ursula Stephen is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with A-listers like Rihanna and Zendaya. We love her look for Jodie Turner-Smith, which is a voluminous '60s-inspired half-up half-down look.

Slicked Back

The Mara sisters always have impeccable hair. This ponytail courtesy of Rooney Mara is technically half-up, since the pony is only pulled halfway through and the lengths of her hair rest on the nape of her neck.

Loose Top Knot

The half-knot is a celebrity favorite, instantly making any outfit look a little bit edgier. Kate Mara is a proud adopter, pulling her face-framing honey-highlighted brunette strands into a messy coiled bun fastened at the crown of her head and leaving the rest of her hair down with a subtle bend.

Slicked Top Knot

Another variation of a top knot to try is this slicked up version. It's a little bit edgier and requires more styling to get that sleek look, but the results are worth it.

Face-Framing

Let face-framing strands or longer bangs fall by your face while pinning back the longer lengths just like eternal hair crush Blake Lively.

Box Braids

Whether she's rocking a pixie cut, going au natural, or wearing a protective style, Gabrielle Union is always serving inspiring hair looks. The next time you get box braids, put it in a half-up half-down hairstyle with a deep side part for a look that's as stunning as Union's.

Braided Half-Up Half-Down

Instead of placing your braid on the side of your head, get like Isla Fisher and place the plait on the top of your head, right next to your side part. It's a half-up half-down style for those who prefer their hair mostly out.

Tousled Half-Up Half-Down

Sometimes messier is better. Jenna Dewan-Tatum's tousled half-up hairstyle consists of various strands pinned back into a romantic knot. Texture is key here, so be sure to use texturizing sprays and seperate ringlets after working them in with a curling iron.

Hollywood Waves

For a full glam hairstyle, try recreating Hollywood waves and pulling the hair up in a half-up half-down style. It's elegant and beautiful.

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