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The best half-up hairstyles for every occasion

Celeb-approved and chic as hell

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / August 26 2021

Half-up, half-down hairstyles practically invented versatility. Is there anything they can't do?

The 'up' part makes you look 'done', and the 'down' bit softens your look and makes sure you don't look too 'done'. It's a fine line, right?

The options are endless, too. The style can be worn sleek, soft, messy, modern; whatever your little heart (and your hair) desires.

All you need is some celeb-approved inspiration to get you started. So, allow us to bless you with all the best half-up half-down 'dos sweeping Hollywood...

The bumped-up half-up half-down 'do

Love a lot of volume? Go for a centre-part in the front, and a backcombed moment in the back, sweeping the bumped-up bit up and over the crown and leaving a section free around the face. Whether you follow Lily Collins' lead with medium height, or go full beehive is up to you.

Image via: @mararoszak

The fishtail half-up half-down 'do

A bit beachy and a bit fancy, we're obsessed with Margot Robbie's tousled take: dishevelled waves with a section braided back into a playful but polished fishtail. The best bit? The asymmetrical aesthetic, with the braid on one side and just waves on the other.

Image via: @sarahpotempa

The pinned back half-up half-down 'do

Don't want face-framing pieces but not vibing with the pulled-back look either? Take your 'up' section from a few inches off your hairline just like J.Lo and then use a comb and some smoothing shine spray to blend the front pieces into your down 'do.

Image via: @chrisappleton1

The tendril-adorned half-up half-down 'do

No blending necessary with this centre-parted style; the tendrils are the stars of the show. It'll work a treat on any texture, but Addison Rae's mermaid waves definitely suit it to a tee. FYI, to keep the part in tact, you'll want to pull pieces back on each side to meet in the middle behind the head.

Image via: mollyddickson

The fountain half-up half-down 'do

Prefer to sweep upward and back rather than around each side? Try Tia Mowry's fountain pony. The trick is to place it on top of your head, wrap a section around the elastic, and then 'fountain' the pony in two, working the ends in with the loose locks on each side.

Image via: @antonmakeup

The retro half-up half-down 'do

Ariana Grande also tried a take on tendrils, just with more of a vintage vibe. 'Shaping' is the secret to this pin-up look – you want the ends of your hair to flick outward, but the framing pieces to curve in with your face. As for the 'up' section, sweep it back and smooth it out along each side.

Image via: @ash_kholm

Main image credit: @chrisappleton1

After an updo instead? Here's all the inspo you'll need...