15+ Gorgeous Wavy Half Up Half Down Hairstyles Taking Over 2025

📷 Photos updated on March 13, 2025

Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

When you want your hair out of your face but still love the look of it down, a half-up, half-down style is the perfect balance. But if you have wavy hair, the key is making sure the top section blends seamlessly with the rest—too much tension at the crown can flatten your waves, while too little can make it look unfinished. The trick? Using a texturizing spray before styling and securing the top section with a loose grip to maintain volume.

Another mistake people make is choosing the wrong placement. If your half-up section sits too high, it can throw off the natural movement of your waves. The sweet spot is just above the ears for a soft, effortless look. Whether you’re going for casual or dressed-up, there are plenty of ways to style this classic look. Keep scrolling for some of the best half-up, half-down ideas for wavy hair!

Photos

Romantic half-up half-down wavy hair with soft curls and a delicate twisted bun, accented with pearl pins for an elegant touch

#1 Romantic Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair

Soft waves cascade down in this dreamy half-up half-down hairstyle, perfect for weddings or formal events. The crown section is loosely twisted into a delicate bun, secured with pearl hairpins for a romantic touch. This look works best on long, medium-density hair with natural waves or heat-styled curls. The volume at the crown flatters oval and heart-shaped faces, adding a gentle lift. While stunning, it requires careful styling and strong hold products to maintain its shape throughout the day.

Playful half-up half-down wavy hairstyle with high pigtails and nude bow accessories for a fun, youthful look

#2 Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair with Pigtails

This fun and youthful half-up half-down look features two high pigtails secured with nude bows, adding a charming touch to the voluminous waves. The middle part keeps the style symmetrical, making it flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. Thick, defined waves add body, making this ideal for medium to thick hair. This style brings a nostalgic yet trendy appeal, perfect for casual outings or playful occasions. While effortless in appearance, light-hold spray is needed to maintain the bounce and structure throughout the day.

Romantic half-up half-down wedding hairstyle with braided details and crystal floral hairpins, ideal for brides

#3 Half Up Half Down Wavy Wedding Hair

A dreamy wedding hairstyle featuring a beautifully woven half-up braid adorned with crystal floral hairpins. The soft, defined waves add a romantic touch, making this perfect for bridal looks. Ideal for thick or medium-density hair, the voluminous texture balances the intricate braid detail. The deep, dark brown shade enhances the shine and elegance of the style. While it creates a timeless bridal look, securing the braid properly with pins and light hairspray ensures all-day hold without stiffness.

Glossy half-up half-down wavy hair with a sleek top bun and soft face-framing layers for an elegant, polished look

#4 Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair with Face-Framing Layers

This refined half-up half-down style features sleek, voluminous waves paired with a high twisted bun at the crown. The polished finish enhances the richness of dark, glossy hair, making it ideal for medium to thick textures. Soft face-framing tendrils add a touch of romance while complementing oval and heart-shaped face shapes. The balance of structured waves and a sleek top makes this look perfect for formal occasions. While visually striking, maintaining the sleekness requires smoothing serums and heat protection.

Elegant half-up half-down wavy hairstyle with a twisted crown and pearl hairpiece, perfect for prom or formal events

#5 Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair for Prom

This glamorous half-up half-down look is designed for prom or formal occasions, featuring softly twisted sections at the crown secured with a pearl-adorned clip. The flowing, tousled waves add an effortless charm, making it ideal for medium to long hair. The warm, dimensional brunette tone enhances the movement in the curls. Perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces, this style provides volume at the crown while keeping hair off the face. A flexible hold hairspray ensures the style lasts all night without feeling stiff.

Elegant half-up half-down wavy hair with a crown braid and deep, defined waves for a sophisticated look

#6 Braided Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair

This intricate half-up half-down style features a beautifully woven crown braid that transitions into cascading waves. The thick, structured waves add drama, making this a stunning option for formal events. Ideal for medium to long hair, the braid adds volume at the crown while keeping the style secure. This look works best on naturally thick or voluminous hair but may require extensions for those with fine hair. While elegant, braiding requires time and skill to achieve a clean, polished finish.

Half-up half-down wavy hair secured with a claw clip, featuring soft curls and face-framing layers

#7 Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair with a Claw Clip

A relaxed and practical take on the half-up half-down trend, this style uses a claw clip to secure the top section, allowing the waves to flow naturally. The loose tendrils around the face soften the look, making it flattering for most face shapes. This style is perfect for medium to thick hair with natural waves, offering an effortless yet put-together effect. While the claw clip adds convenience, fine hair may need texturizing spray for extra grip.

Slicked-back half-up half-down wavy hair with a tight bun and voluminous curls for a sophisticated finish

#8 Slicked Back Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair

This modern take on the half-up half-down look features a slicked-back crown with a tight, high bun, contrasting beautifully with the flowing, voluminous waves. The smooth finish at the top gives a structured feel, making this style perfect for formal occasions. Best suited for thick or medium-density hair, this look requires strong-hold styling products to keep the sleekness intact. The defined waves add a glamorous touch, though maintaining the sleek contrast can require frequent touch-ups throughout the day.

Half-up half-down wavy hair with a sleek high ponytail and defined waves, perfect for Black women with long hair

#9 Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair for Black Women

This striking half-up half-down style features a sleek, high ponytail with voluminous, well-defined waves flowing down the back. The edges are carefully styled, adding a polished touch. Ideal for thick, textured hair, this look balances sleekness with movement. It works beautifully on oval and heart-shaped faces by elongating the profile. While stunning and versatile, achieving the smooth ponytail requires strong-hold gel and edge control to maintain sleekness throughout the day.

Glossy wet-look wavy hair styled in a half-up half-down ponytail for a sleek and modern finish

#10 Wet and Wavy Half Up Half Down Hair

This half-up half-down style embraces the wet-look trend, with high-shine waves giving the hair a sleek, polished effect. The top section is pulled into a smooth ponytail, keeping the face open while allowing the wavy lengths to cascade down. Perfect for thick, naturally wavy hair, this look works best with gel-based styling products to maintain the glossy finish. While stunning for special occasions, it requires regular touch-ups to prevent the wet look from fading or becoming greasy.

Medium-length wavy hair in a half-up half-down style with a loose French braid and face-framing waves

#11 Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for Medium Length Wavy Hair

This stylish half-up half-down look is perfect for medium-length wavy hair, featuring a loosely woven French braid along the crown for added texture. The soft, undone waves enhance movement, making this a great choice for fine to thick hair. The subtle ombré effect in the color adds dimension, creating a naturally sun-kissed look. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, this style lifts the crown while keeping the overall effect relaxed. Light-hold hairspray can help keep the braid secure without making it feel stiff.

Long wavy hair styled in a half-up half-down look with soft curls and a small twisted knot at the crown

#12 Long Wavy Hair Half Up Half Down

This classic half-up half-down style highlights the beauty of long wavy hair with effortless, flowing curls. The crown section is gently twisted and pinned, keeping hair off the face while maintaining volume. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this look works well with natural waves or heat-styled curls. The soft, blended layers enhance movement and prevent heaviness. While flattering for most face shapes, long hair requires extra care to keep waves bouncy and frizz-free, especially in humid conditions.

Chic short wavy hair in a half-up half-down style with twisted sections and a decorative clip for a stylish touch

#13 Short Wavy Hair Half Up Half Down

This trendy half-up half-down style is perfect for short wavy hair, offering a playful yet structured look. The top sections are twisted back and secured with a metallic clip, allowing the tousled waves to frame the face beautifully. The blunt, shoulder-length cut adds volume, making it a great option for fine to medium hair. The cool-toned color with subtle highlights enhances the texture, giving the waves extra dimension. While easy to style, shorter lengths may need additional hold spray to keep the twists in place all day.

Casual half-up half-down wavy hairstyle with a simple twisted knot, ideal for everyday wear or a relaxed event

#14 Simple Half Up Half Down Wavy Hair

This easygoing half-up half-down style features a loosely gathered top section twisted into a simple knot, creating a relaxed yet polished effect. The soft, natural waves add movement, making it a great choice for medium to long hair with light to medium density. Ideal for oval and round face shapes, this style enhances volume at the crown without overpowering the face. It’s a low-maintenance option that stays put with minimal effort, though fine hair may need light teasing or texturizing spray for better grip.

Half-up half-down wavy hairstyle with a twisted crown bun and warm copper tones, radiating a sun-kissed glow

#15 Wavebound Hairstyle

This striking half-up half-down look features a twisted crown bun that blends seamlessly into cascading waves. The vibrant copper hair color adds warmth, making the waves glow under natural light. This style is best suited for medium to long hair with a naturally wavy or heat-styled texture. The lifted crown section creates volume, flattering round and heart-shaped faces. While visually stunning, maintaining the vibrant color requires color-safe shampoos and hydrating treatments to keep the shine and depth intact.

Soft half-up half-down wavy hairstyle with a thick, twisted halo braid, creating a romantic, ethereal effect

#16 Twisthalo Hairstyle

A timeless and romantic hairstyle featuring a thick, twisted halo braid that blends effortlessly into cascading waves. The natural copper and golden blonde tones add depth, enhancing the movement of the waves. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this style provides structure while keeping a soft, organic flow. The loose, face-framing tendrils make it flattering for most face shapes. While breathtaking for weddings or special occasions, the braid requires secure pinning and a light mist of hairspray to hold its shape throughout the day.