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The best half-up hairstyles for every occasion

You can’t go wrong with a half-up, half-down hairstyle

By Chelsea Tromans

Beauty Crew Contributing Editor / November 17 2019

Is there anything a half-up, half-down hairstyle can’t do? The ‘up’ part makes you look ‘done’ and keeps the hair out of your face, and the ‘down’ bit softens your look. There are messy, throw-up-and-go half-up hairstyles, and intricate red carpet-worthy ones. And every hair type and hair length can get on board.

From the simplest half-up, half-down hairstyles to the most complex (pro hairdresser required!), here are some of the best half-up, half-down hairstyles to bookmark.

The fishtail half upstyle

Full of wow factor thanks to the fishtail braid, yet laidback with those messy beachy vibes, we adore Margot Robbie’s hairstyle for weekend get-togethers.

The topknot half updo

A half-up twist on Ariana Grande’s signature sky-high ponytail, we love the balance of the easy, voluminous topknot, the sleek, straight hair through the lengths, and the edgy ombre colour.

The glamour updo

For a formal half upstyle, we love Brie Larson’s twisted detail under the hair accessories' bling. Those soft curls through the ends are an elegant touch.

The curly half-up, half-down hairstyle

Kelly Rowland shows us how this hairstyle is done on curly hair. With the top pinned flat at the crown, the contrast of those volume-packed ringlets is super striking.

Curtain fringe half-up, half-down hair

This is the perfect half upstyle for both the office and evenings. The smooth, shiny finish and backcombed height at the crown, as well as the medium hair length, are all working in Selena Gomez’s favour.

Max volume half upstyle

Love a little - ok, a lot - of volume? Jessica Biel’s wavy hair upstyle is a great choice that can be dressed up, or dressed down, depending on the occasion.

A classic half-up, half-down hairstyle

Angelina Jolie is the picture-perfect example of a timeless half upstyle. A gentle wave, a touch of volume at the roots, and not a hair out of place. You could easily wear this classic hairstyle down the aisle.

The sweet half-up hairstyle

With a centre part and only a small section thrown up in a topknot, Mandy Moore let her thick, tousled waves steal the show. This is a hairstyle you could literally wear anywhere.

The tough braid upstyle

If you want to add a cool edge to your half upstyle, take your cues from Hailey Bieber and add a French braid. Have it sit high at the top of the head and wrap the ends in a tight bun. We love this look for a cocktail party when you need to step your look up a notch.

Looking for a hairstyle for your wedding day? Browse these bridal hairstyles.

What's your go-to half up hairstyle? Which of these half up, half down hairstyles is your favourite?

Image credits: Getty; @sarahpotempa

Chelsea Tromans

Chelsea is BEAUTYcrew’s Contributing Editor. She has a sweet spot for anything that claims to make skin glow and won’t leave the house without a slick of mascara. Chelsea has 10 years of experience as a beauty editor and her words can be found on BEAUTYcrew, Women’s Health, Daily Addict, The Joye and Primped.