When attending a formal event, half up hairstyles are an excellent choice. Securing some hair up lets you maintain length around your face while enjoying the formality of an “updo,” thus preserving the volume and shape. If you’re thinking about a half up do, here are 20 elegant half-up hairstyle ideas to inspire you.
#1: Charming Half Updo Look
This half updo look is big, stylish hair at its best. It creates fantastic semi-formal hairstyles for the evening. What’s great about this style is that the texture may also work for half-up, half-down short hair. This tousled half up half down requires a lot of texture, so a product like What A Tease Backcomb In A Bottle would work well! If desired, combine that with a working hairspray. Medium to long hair that’s thick is perfect for this style. This look will enhance a square face.
#2: The Braided Beauty
A few braids, a touch of volume, and violá! You’ve achieved a fashionable, contemporary interpretation of a classic half up half down style. After this look is completed, apply some shine serum or spray to the ends of your hair for added luster! I adore Bumble and Bumble’s Shine Spray.
This half-updo will enhance a round face shape and half-down curly hairstyles. Thick hair with a natural wave is perfect for this style, although naturally straight to wavy hair will also work well. If you have fine hair and struggle with keeping the braids intact, spray the sections of hair with hairspray before you braid them. It will provide your hair with some texture and reduce slipperiness.
#3: Chic Braided Half Updo
Looking for a style that’s incredibly glamorous? A formal braided half updo is ideal for elegant events. It can also effortlessly enhance your daily look. These beautifully twisted half-up, half-down braids can give you the impression of having long hair. All while still achieving a sophisticated swept-back finish. I recommend using small bobby pins paired with hairspray. Try L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray for impressive hold and endurance. Achieving this look involves sectioning and a clean parting of your hair into three sections on each side. While creating the braid, keep it tight from roots to tips. This will provide maximum definition once completed.
#4: Adorable Half Up Hair Bow
It’s a hair bow featuring a lovely textured ribbon! I adore how it resembles wrapping your hair like a present! It’s distinct and elegant. You will need medium-length hair with few layers to craft the bow. Clip-in extensions can additionally assist in achieving length and volume. Starting with texture in your hair will help in forming the bow so it stays in place.
#5: Softly Gathered at the Nape
A flexible hold hairspray will assist with these half up hairstyles for long hair. It will provide you with movement while maintaining control. Try Matrix Vavoom Shape Maker Hairspray. A half-up style pinned low at the nape will complement any face shape, especially heart or square, as it will soften the cheekbones. Long hair with minimal layering works best.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for partial updo hairstyles. If one of these styles isn’t what you envision, consider exploring something unique. In any case, half up is always a reliable choice for your formal occasion.
#6: Slicked Back 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 all the difference with this hairstyle. Use Retro Hair Hairspray to achieve the desired slicked back effect. Slicked back sides may appear unflattering if you have pronounced or angular features, as it only highlights them. This style works best on medium to fine hair with medium to short layered cuts.
Curls are pinned gently, with subtle definition, giving the hair a lovely shape that still flows as if it were all down. Pinning your hair gently helps to maintain a little grip on the roots. Use Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder at your roots to help the bobby pins stay. Gently pinned hair will work with any face shape and any hair type. Since it looks so natural, it’s an effortless look to achieve.
#7: Gently Pinned Half Updo
#8 Beautifully Styled Look
Style by Thresa Venables, Makeup by Kristian Bailey, Sheer Professionals, Wooster, OH[/caption>This trendy and chic half-updo is perfect for a stylish evening out! It elevates a casual ensemble and beautifully highlights your makeup or accessories. Opt for a backcombing brush rather than a regular comb to achieve added volume. It’s more forgiving on your hair and results in a softer appearance. Consider the Spornette Little Wonder Brush! This look is particularly flattering for fine to medium hair, giving the illusion of thickness and fullness. It also works well to elongate a round face shape.
#9 Adorable and Crimped
Instagram @all.about.my.hairThis half-up look is a bit bolder since it involves crimping and braiding. For an editorial style 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.
#10: Half Updo with Braided Accent
A floral work of art, this stunning hairstyle is! You’ll feel like royalty with delicately braided strands over your elegantly twirled hair!
#11: Chic Half Ponytail with Baby Hair
When it comes to updos for black women, a chic half ponytail with baby hair is one of the most sought-after styles- and for good reason! This look provides a total Hollywood sultry glam yet is casual enough to be worn on any occasion.
#12: Elegant Braid
Hair is loosely pinned on top, with one side styled in a low, gentle braid. Adding texture to this style is essential, which will distinguish it. Before blowing dry, apply a styling mousse such as Pureology Colour Stylist Mousse Bodifier.
This elegant braid will complement any face shape. It’s soft enough to be flattering on anyone, but if you prefer it to be even softer, leave some strands out around your face. This will work best on medium-thickness hair, ideally reaching at least to the collarbones.
#13: Half Up Braid in Platinum Blonde
This elegant half up braid in platinum blonde is ideal for seasonal events or everyday use! It complements evening wear, a beach getaway, or your Monday morning Zoom call.
#14: Half Updo Elegance
Hair is elegantly wrapped across itself, back and forth, pinned in the back crown area of the hair. To help keep your curls smooth, use pomade in each section before you pin it. I like Schwarzkopf Got2b Defiant Shine Pomade . This hairstyle will complement round or oval faces beautifully. It may appear too harsh for square or long face shapes. Medium to thick hair with layers will also be ideal for this look.
#15: Elegant Braided Half Updo
#16: Side Braids
Both sides are intricately braided from the part down to the ears, with the remaining hair pinned half up. When braiding, it’s essential to manage fly-aways and frizz. Spray Shatter Separate & Hold Spray into your locks before you braid to enhance control. Side braids will appear most flattering on round, oval, or heart-shaped faces. It’s best to avoid this hairstyle if you have bangs or short layers.
#17: Flowing Curls
Curls are elegantly pinned to the side in a manner that creates a flowing effect. Shine spray will keep your curls looking vibrant. I recommend TIGI Bed Head Headrush Shine Adrenaline. Flowing curls will enhance appearances on oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. Avoid this style if you have a round face, as it tends to add width to the sides. This style will also be ideal if you have medium to thick hair with plenty of layering.
#18: Beautiful Half Up Style with Curls and Pearls
Elevate your appearance for any event with a beautiful half up hairstyle featuring curls and pearls. A half updo keeps your hair styled away from your face while preserving length. Incorporating hair extensions into these looks can help achieve volume and fullness if you’re comfortable with the additional weight. To complete this style, consider adding decorative pins or pearls for an enhanced touch.
#19: Elegant Half-Braided Style
A braid is a fantastic way to enhance your ordinary half ponytail into something chic and fashionable! If you have a square face shape, this design will flatter you. Fine to medium hair of any length can achieve this style! It’s incredibly adaptable.
#20: Fishtail Braid Tutorial
If you’re planning a wedding look, this hairstyle is a delightful option! It’s not often I receive a request for a fishtail braid. I would characterize this bride as adventurous and a lover of style. If your gown features a minimalist design, it will enhance the emphasis on her hair even more.
This look demands a substantial amount of hair! Braiding consumes a lot of hair, so think about incorporating hair extensions for added fullness. To achieve a sleek appearance on the sides and enhance the braid’s length and volume, I had to create two sections and merge them at the center.
#21: Elegantly Gorgeous
This hairstyle is effortlessly chic and stunning. Soft waves enhance your beautiful features! Be sure to apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Kevin Murphy makes an excellent one called Damage Manager. It has a lovely scent and is incredibly lightweight so it won’t become sticky! This look is highly versatile, and works well with any length or texture of hair!
#22: Braid It Midway
The top and sides of the hair are braided down the back, stopping just before the nape to create a half-up look. Keep the braid looking sleek and shiny, along with the curls, using shine serum. I love the Loreal Professionnel Ultime Reflexium Shine Perfecting Serum. Since the top is all back, this style will look good with a bit of volume on top for round and oval face shapes. It will also work best on long hair with minimal to no layering.
#23 Effortless Half-up Half-Down
This hairstyle draws inspiration from bohemian aesthetics. The gentle textured waves paired with the twisted half-up braid are ideal for those looking for an alternative to simple waves. What makes this look truly appealing is its adaptability, making it suitable for both the contemporary boho bride and music festival-goers.
#24: Effortlessly Chic Blonde Half Updo
A relaxed half updo is one of the most popular hairstyles I receive from brides planning a bohemian wedding. One of the best ways to style your hair in gently formed sections is by lightly applying a workable hairspray. This will help to achieve the peaks and valleys of this carefree look. To finish your half-up half-down style, drape your hair pieces softly along the sides and pin them.
#25: Beautiful Half Updo Featuring Side-Swept Bangs
Perfect for gatherings and occasions that enhance your natural allure. The bangs frame the face, adding to its delightful charm.
#26: Bouffant Hairstyle
Hair is voluminously backcombed and pinned for a beautiful, full shape on top. Backcombing can fall out easily without the right products. Before you backcomb, use What A Tease Backcomb In A Bottle to ensure your backcomb remains intact. A bouffant is charming on most face shapes except for long ones. It will work best on medium to fine hair with medium to long layers.
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