Bored with regular ponytails and buns? Work a half-up half-down girl! Today we’re going to talk about one of the most versatile hairstyles of all time- the magical half-up half-down! Whether you’re heading to the office, a night out with friends, or a special occasion, a half-up half-down braid is the perfect way to add some flair to your look.
Not only is it easy to create, but it’s also flattering on all face shapes and hair types. From fishtail braids to Dutch braids, there are endless variations to choose from. Here we have a list of 50 cute half-up half-down braid hairstyles to help you keep experimenting and slaying!
50 Best Cute Half-up half-down Braid Hairstyles
Simple Half-up half-down Bun
This is one of the simplest variations of the hairdo. All you have to do is take a part of your hair and leave the rest open. Now, make a messy bun out of this hair and get some bangs out for a messy look. Voila! Your hair looks pretty and perfect.
Easy Half-up half-down Ponytail
When running late, this hairdo is a go-to for most of us. This hairstyle really doesn’t ask for much, just a hair tie and a close-toothed comb. Take the upper section of your hair and make a ponytail out of it. You can also try to curl your hair for an even gorgeous look.
Fishtail Hairstyle
Now, if you’re aiming for a more chic and elegant look, you can go for a half-up half-down fishtail braid. It does take some effort and time to get the perfect fishtail, but it’s all worth it. This hairstyle is best for a prom or a wedding look.
Short Hair with a Scrunchie look
If you have short hair, you are going to rock this hairdo. With a cute scrunchie and some waves, this hairstyle is the most adorable yet simple for someone with short hair. You won’t even need a comb for this one.
Top Knot Hairstyle
This hairdo is an alternative for a simple half-up half-down bun, all you have to do is shift the bun a little towards the front of your head. This hairstyle is both easy and oh so bold!
Rope braid half up, half down.
Have you ever twisted a rope? If yes, then this might be a straightforward variation of a half-up hairstyle for you. Although they look rather complicated, rope braids are the easiest braids and take very little time if you get the twisting right. Rope braids are very graceful and go perfectly with dresses.
Triple Braid
While there is no single, specific style of a triple braid ‘do, it just any three types of braids simultaneously of one’s own accord. It may get a little complicated at times, but with practice comes precision, girl!
Top Half-up Braid
This look brings out the baddie in you. It’s not that hard to do, plus it doesn’t require and extra tools or products. Just a comb and a hair tie, and you’re good to go! These look the best with biker outfits and leather jackets.
French Braid Half-up
One of the most common go-to hairstyles is the French braid, and it’s both easy and stylish. However, when it is turned into a half-up hairstyle, it gives you a charming look.
Half-up Galaxy Buns
Galaxy buns are one of the cutest and most adorable half-up half-down hairstyles! They are super easy to make and give you that lovely, perky vibe all day long.
Easy Half-up Twists
Twist hairstyles are especially similar to the rope braids, except when taking pieces from both the sections of the hair, the pieces blend, and the point of their amalgamation isn’t visible from the outside. They can easily be secured with bobby pins but have higher chances of opening.
Short Hun
A half-bun or a Hun is one of the most convenient hairdos of all time. Huns are a timeless trend. So if you have short hair and there isn’t much you can do with your hair, you can rock a hun. When paired with the big hoop earrings, hun hairstyle is magical!
Half-up Cornrows
Cornrows are best known for being protective hairstyles to guard your roots against the pollution and dust of the surrounding while locking the moisture in your hair. Plus, they can also turn out to be as stylish as any other braid style and can be pulled off by both curly and straight-haired women.
Teased Updo
To attain this look, you have to take a section of some of your top hair, tease it with a fine-toothed comb, and use some hairspray over it. Now secure the puff using some bobby pins, and there it is a perfect teased updo.
Pearly Look
Angelic. Angelic is the word for this variation of the half-up half-down hairstyle. This is perfect for you if you’re a bridesmaid or are looking forward to a pure look. Super simple and all you have to do is choose the right accessory for your hair.
Half-up Half-down Pigtails
Pigtails carry with them a special, youthful vibe. They are effortless and require just two hair ties. All you have to do is take the upper section of your hair and divide it into two equal parts. Now make a ponytail of each part and take some bangs out with the help of a spoolie. When styled with aesthetic wear, the look is going to be a total glam game!
Half-up Flower Bun
This one might be as complex as it looks, and perhaps you might want to save it or some special occasion where you will have ample time to get ready and rock this wonderful and artistic hairdo.
Pigtail Braids
We have yet another alternative to our half-up half-down pigtails, and this is just an extension. You can braid both sections of your hair and secure them with hair ties. This is the hairstyle that is really hard not to have a try.
Pull Through Braids
Pull-through braids on long hair are just simply mesmerizing. Although the style is a little hard to master, a little run-through each time goes a long way.
Wide Plait Half-up
For this hairstyle, you have to do the old-school plaits starting from the front to the side and then using your fingers to widen them.
Hun with Bangs
If you’re bored with your normal hair, try getting some bangs and spice things up more; make a half-bun out of your hair to give you that modish and gallant look.
Super Simple Half-Braid
This hairstyle is perfect when you’re too lazy to try out innovative things yet still want to look cute and well-dressed. It literally takes minutes to do.
Pigtails for Short Hair
Pigtails with short hair? What an adorable combo! This is a charming alternative for a half-up hairdo if you have super short hair.
Half-up Waterfall Braid
Let’s admit it. Waterfall braid has a different enchanting vibe to them. While they are an easy form of hairdo, they may end up becoming a mess at times if not braided well.
Curly hair with Braids and Hun
Having natural or curly hair comes with all the struggle of maintaining a style and protecting your hair against external torment. Huns and braids not only serve as protective hairstyles but also provide you with a kicking look.
Headband for Short Hair
Ever since the beginning, headbands were meant for short hair, no lie. Just how adorable these make you look, and they come in handy every time you run out of style to do to your hair.
Bouffant Half-up Hairstyle
For this look, you’ll need a handful of tools like a rattail comb, a boar bristle brush, some bobby pins, and a lot of hairsprays. You may not need an artificial bouffant if you have thick hair, but an artificial puff may be recommended in the case of super-thin hair.
Space Buns for Short Hair
For someone who has short hair, space buns are the prettiest go-to hairstyle ever. All you have to do is divide the upper section of your hair into two parts and make a bun out of each part. It’s that simple. Brownie points if you have bangs or baby pink highlights!
Voluminous Half-up Curls
Thick and curly hair is indubitably a blessing. Nothing can defy the beauty of long, lavish curls and the grace they come with. To amplify the beauty, you can make a half-up half-down ponytail or a bun. The look will be ethereal.
Donut Bun Half-up
A donut bun is different from a normal bun, well, quite evidently. You can use a tube sock to attain this look and top it off with some headbands.
Boxer Braid Half-up Bun
You don’t have to put any extra effort to aim for boxer braids and stop braiding right where you want the buns to be to attain this look. The thickness of both the braid and the buns may vary as per your own accord.
Half-up Double Braids with Scrunchie
It’s a universal fact that if you want to spice a hairdo up, you take the help of the scrunchie-magic! This hairstyle especially is a very minimalistic yet fashionable variation of the half-up ‘do. All you need to do is divide your top hair into two sections, braid them out and secure them together using a cute scrunchie.
Infinity Braid Half-up
Infinity braid, also known as the figure-8 braid, is a sister to our good old fishtail braid. It gives you a beautiful intricacy, leaving people wondering.
Hun for Short and Curly Hair
Natural hair is beautiful just how it is, but if you don’t want it on your face, try putting it into a bun instead of a regular bun.
Half-up Dutch Braids
Dutch braids, or as popularly called reverse-French braids, are a straightforward look to attain. You have to French braid, but outwards.
Good Ol’ Headband
A headband gives you a very youthful and elegant vibe. While it may look like a hard job, it is quite simple and doesn’t take up a lot of time. You can also embellish it with beads, pearls, a scarf, or any other accessories of your choice.
Dutch Braid Buns
To get the Dutch braid buns, you have to divide your hair into two sections. Dutch braid each part, and instead of going all the way down, you must stop and turn it into a bun.
Mermaid Braid
The magic of mermaid braids is really palpable—a truly majestic hairdo, best suitable for important occasions or your days at the beach.
Top Braided Bun
This is one of the most famous hairstyles of the season. You must have seen ample models in this hairdo. A braided bun may look complex, but it is an easy-breezy hairdo.
Double Dutch Braids
By now, you must be a fan of the Dutch braids. So why not try another variation of the technique. Divide the upper part of your hair into two sections and Dutch braid both of them; secure the ends with a hair tie or a scrunchie if you feel like going a little fancy.
Boxer Braids
Boxer braids are one of the boldest and most effortless hairstyles in this series. All you have to do is braid the two divided sections from the upper part of your hair to the tips and secure them with hair ties.
Bandana Style
We all are aware of the transformation that comes with a simple bandana. Spice up your looks with a bandana of whichever pattern and print of your wish, and keep experimenting with various styles.
Bow-shaped Half-up Hairstyle
As complex as it looks, this hairstyle isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It takes a lot of practice to achieve precision, yet it is such an intricate but beautiful hairdo of all time.
Flip Over Half-up Hairdo
For this look, you have to take two parts of your hair from the front, tie them with an elastic band, and then flip the knot to the other side.
Top Knot with Tiny Braids
This is a very creative hairstyle; all you have to do is make three to four skinny braids and merge all of them in a knot right over your head.
Multi-Braid Hairstyle
Oof! This one is the hardest one on the list, without a doubt. If you have mastered the art of various braids, you can bring them together simultaneously to create a new look. One should never stop experimenting.
Jewelry Magic
At times, when you’re aiming for a half-up half-down look, you don’t even have to go crazy all over the place. Just a simple piece of jewelry is enough, too, for the magic.
Short Layers Hairdo
Don’t worry; this hairdo isn’t as complex as it appears to be. All you have to do is work the arcane with some bobby pins and leave everyone bewildered.
Braids and Accessories
If you want to go for something simple yet still a little chic, you can always braid your hair and add a little poppy piece of accessories to the look.
Cross Braid
For this look, you need two bobby pins and a rat-tailed comb. This look will have you feeling like a majestic princess with the perfect hair.
Common Questions:
1. Is there a difference between a French braid and a half-up half-down braid?
Yes, there is a difference between a French braid and a half-up half-down braid. A French braid is a traditional style of braid where the hair is divided into three sections, then braided together by weaving the three sections of hair. The French braid is typically started at the crown of the head and braided all the way down the back of the head.
A half-up half-down braid, on the other hand, is a style of braid that starts with the top half of the hair pulled back and braided, while the rest of the hair is left down. The braid is usually started near the crown of the head and braided down to the bottom of the ear. The rest of the hair is then left down and can be either left loose or tied off with a scrunchie.
The difference between the two styles of braids is that a French braid involves the entire head of hair being braided, while a half-up half-down braid only involves the top half of the hair being braided. Also, a French braid creates a traditional three-strand braid, while a half-up half-down braid creates a fishtail pattern.
2. How long does a half-up half-down braid hairstyle last?
A half-up half-down braid hairstyle can last from one day to a few days, depending on how well it is put together and how well it is maintained. If the braid is done correctly and all of the hair is properly secured, it can last for up to two days. If the braid is not done correctly or if the hair is not properly secured, the braid can come undone after just a few hours.
3. How do you create a half-up half-down braid hairstyle?
Creating a half-up half-down braid hairstyle is a simple way to add an extra touch of style to your look. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the perfect look:
- Start by brushing your hair to make sure it’s tangle-free. If you’re starting with damp hair, you may want to use a leave-in conditioner to help keep it soft and manageable.
- Separate the top section of your hair from the bottom. You can use a hair clip to hold the top section away from the bottom, or use your fingers to keep the two sections apart.
- Take the top section of hair and start to braid it. You can choose to do a French braid, a Dutch braid, or a regular three-strand braid.
- Secure the braid with an elastic band and then pull it gently to loosen the braid and make it look fuller.
- Take the bottom section of your hair and pull it to the side, making sure it’s even with the braid.
- Secure the bottom section with an elastic band or bobby pins.
- Do a light mist of hairspray to keep the style in place.
4. How do you keep my half-up half-down braid from falling out?
Keeping a half-up half-down braid from falling out can be tricky but it is definitely achievable!
- The first step is to make sure your hair is free of any knots or tangles. You can do this by brushing your hair out or using a wide-tooth comb.
- After your hair is tangle-free, you can create a voluminous half-up half-down braid by sectioning off the top half of your hair and teasing it lightly with a comb. This will give the braid more body and help it stay in place.
- Once your top section is teased, you can create your half-up braid. To help keep it from slipping out of place, you can use bobby pins to secure the braid where it meets the scalp.
- Next, you can create your bottom half-down braid. To keep it from slipping out, you can use a light-hold hairspray to secure it in place.
- Finally, you can add a few more bobby pins to the sides of the braid to help keep it in place.
