Which type are you? You’ve got fantastic hair that you want everyone to see, but you also enjoy pulling it back to keep it out of your face. You appreciate how it looks when your hair is down, but you want to open up your face to appear more approachable and fun-loving. You find it adorable. So below, I’ve gathered some images of the loveliest half up half down prom hairstyles on Instagram at the moment. Enjoy the inspiration (and your prom)!
Elegant Half-Up Twist with Braided Accents
Imagine this – you’ve been searching for the ideal event hairstyle, and this look will undoubtedly make heads turn! Find the perfect stylist to create some lush fishtail braids and soft curls. Top it off with a texture spray, and your hairdo is bound to be a showstopper.
Soft Twisted Half-Down Look with Relaxed Curls
If you are seeking a casually styled down do, try using a waver and twisting some sections together at the crown. Secure the twist with pins and let the remainder of your hair hang freely. To achieve the relaxed curls, divide your hair into sections and curl them with a curling wand. Complete the look with a light hairspray to maintain your curls in place. For extra shine and definition, use a styling cream such as mousse or a light hair wax.
Stunning Styles for Curly Hair
Embrace the elegance of hair accessories! Add a floral accent to your beautifully cascading locks to draw more attention to your hairstyle.
Adorable Curled Half Up Half Down
It’s less tangled than having all your hair down, as it’s mostly gathered at the back into a curled arrangement. In that way, you can still be polished and well-styled, but it maintains a more relaxed vibe than an updo hairstyle. The loose strands of hair along the sides help to frame your face and add a soft and romantic touch.
You will need longer hair for this prom half-up look – ideally waist length to start with. The curls will appear more beautiful with highlighted hair to create a 3-dimensional texture. It’s essential to use hair spray with strong holding power so your curls can endure longer. This style will be ideal if you favor something romantic and youthful in appearance!
Beachy Waves and Half-Up Braids for Any Occasion
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.
Simplified Half-Down Overlap Look
Choose this simplified half-down overlap look for your upcoming event! Half up half down hairstyles for prom are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a timeless updo that keeps some hair framing your face. This style allows for elegance while still maintaining a relaxed feel.
Stunning Half Up Crown Braid
A hairstyle that showcases a stunning hair crown enhanced by lovely highlights. Rich autumn hues for your prom dress would beautifully complement this hair color.
Brunette Half-Up Braided Curly Hairstyle
A braided curly half-up hairstyle in brunette could be the ideal choice for you. This look complements all face shapes and can be easily accomplished with your natural hair. Making it a simple style to recreate at home for prom. If your hair has natural curls or you prefer to add some, begin by curling first. Apply a light wax or pomade to secure half-up, half-down braids and tuck them in the back for a charming half-up appearance. Complete with hairspray for maximum hold.
Half-up Dutch Braids Accompanied by Loose Waves
I love this half-up 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 loose waves for a romantic feel. Use a quality heat protectant spray. Apply it before using curling tongs or a straightener to create Hollywood-style curls. For additional hold, use an anti-frizz hairspray. Try Macadamia Professional Weightless Moisture Dry/Style Finishing Spray. It’s sure to keep flyaways under control throughout the night!
Artistic Half Updo for Long Locks
Go for hair that is twisted from both sides and tied in the center. This was repeated until a half-up ponytail was achieved. Loose waves were added for extra texture.
Effortless Knot on Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle
Try this half-up half-down look and feminine style for your prom hairstyle if you desire a chic appearance. 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 look. 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!
Elegantly Gathered
This gathered 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!
Elegant Half Up with Braided Headband
I created a rope braid for this half-up half-down hairstyle using NBR Hand Tied Extensions. I adore a princess’ hair, and the most beautiful aspect is that her hair managed to achieve this look without her extensions being noticeable. It’s versatile and pairs beautifully with Bohemian dresses and chiffon gowns.
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.
Charming Braided Half Up Half Down Style
Embrace a bold and relaxed boho feel with an elegant braid. If you’re looking to keep your hair up all day, consider a stunning long ponytail perfect for prom. A show stopper when you step into the room!
Blonde Half-Updo with Soft Waves
This gorgeous blonde half-updo with soft waves will ensure you stand out at any event. To achieve this hairstyle, begin by sectioning off the top portion of your hair and securing it back. Utilize a curling iron to create beautiful curls in the lower layers of your hair. This will provide an effortless, romantic look. Finish with hairspray for added hold and shine that will keep your hairstyle perfect throughout the evening!
Mid-Length Waves Enhanced with Two-Strand Braids
Explore the elegance of two-strand braids on wavy mid-length hair. A straightforward braiding technique involves separating the hair into two sections. Begin by rotating and twisting each section away from the other. This will create ropes that you twist around each other, forming a beautiful two-strand braid. Complete the look with curls and a wax spray to accentuate waves and ensure lasting hold.
Casually Styled Blonde Half Up Bun
Opt for a half-up, half-down hairstyle with few accessories (or add more if you like!) that works beautifully for both long and short hair. The voluminous curls really make this look unique. To achieve this style for prom night, wash your hair a day prior, apply some dry shampoo to absorb oil and shine, and provide some texture to enhance your curls. If your hair is lengthy or struggles to hold curls, consider using White Sands Liquid Texture and dry it beforehand for better hold. Finally, employ White Sands Infinity Hairspray to secure your style, as it delivers a firm hold without the sticky residue typical of traditional hairspray.
Elegant Rooted Curls
This half-up, half-do prom hairstyle is one of my favorites, as it provides both height and length! It’s charming and striking at the same time. If you want to feel like a stunning princess for your prom, remember that this style will last throughout the evening! If you are going for this look, shoulder-length or long hair will do.
Stunning Ash Blonde Boho Inspiration
Effortlessly chic, this gorgeous ash-blonde boho style is all about ease. If you want a look that keeps hair off your face while still down, this is an excellent option. It’s also ideal for weddings or special events. For those with finer hair, consider using clip-ins to enhance fullness and length.
Elegant and Polished Half Updo for Straight Hair
Choose an elegant, polished half updo for straight hairstyles. Half updos for prom flatter all face shapes. You can play with where your hair needs height or width and adjust it to enhance your features. Create a charming little wrap in the back using elastic to form a ponytail. Then tie the hair around the elastic to conceal it and pin the hair down using a bobby pin or hairpin.
Elegantly Braided Crown Look
An elegantly braided crown, half updo is a fantastic way to enjoy the best of both worlds. If you desire a touch more drama, consider clip-in hair extensions for added volume and fullness. It’s one of my preferred methods for achieving that “Pinterest-worthy” hairstyle. To keep this look in place all day long, opt for a heavy hold Number 4 High Performance Hair Care Non Aerosol Hair Spray.
Elegant Bouffant Half-Up Hairstyle with Curls
Achieve a half-up, elegant bouffant hairstyle with curls. When it comes to hair and photographs, bigger is often better. Prom hairstyles should have volume to showcase your personal style. This look can be created using foam forms or wrapped-up mesh material to create impressive height. It also provides a base for bobby pins to secure the hair. This style is ideal for face shapes that require added height or balance in their profile. Finish off with curls and a strong-hold hairspray.
Elegant Half-up Fishtail Braid with Twists
Look effortlessly stunning at prom with this gorgeous half-up fishtail braid and twist hairstyle. Start by styling your hair into two twisted sections at the front. Pull parts of your strands back for a polished 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 extra elegance.
Stunning Blonde Bohemian Braid
Consider a blonde bohemian braid for your upcoming formal occasion. The Bohemian and ethereal style is trending this season, and you’ll quickly understand why. These soft styles exude romance and charm, offering a lived-in vibe that strikes a balance between messy and polished. With my extensive experience, I suggest opting for thicker hair with some length to achieve the look. A dimensional color, like blondes, brunettes, or coppers, significantly enhances depth, interest, and texture in the braiding.
Stunning Light Auburn Flowing Hairstyle
A braided texture is one of the most popular styles that has been trending for quite a while. The key to a look like this is a great curl set that will last all night long. Don’t skimp on the product, as that will help you texture in pulling apart the braid. Please do a trial with your hairstylist for any big event to ensure all your expectations are met.
Elegant Half Up Boho Braid
Boho half-up, half-down prom hairstyles are in vogue this year. Elevate your prom style with this boho chic hair featuring messy braids and twists that add volume to your locks from top to bottom. Looks incredible with vintage and flowing dresses!
Contemporary French Twist with Curly Tips
This stunning contemporary french twist with curly tips is an ideal choice to elevate 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 shimmering touch!
Stylish Dimensional Blonde with Effortless Twisted Hairstyle
This stylish dimensional blonde with effortless twisted hairstyle is stunning! With an easy twist and soft waves in the back, this half-up, the half-down look takes prom night glam to a new level. Use sea salt spray for defined curls and secure with a strong-hold hairspray to get 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.
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