Once you find the perfect wedding dress, choosing the perfect wedding hairstyle is next! But, that’s easier said than done. The problem is that there are SO many wedding hairstyles to choose from that it can be hard to figure out a) which one will look best with your dress and b) which one will allow you to party all night long without having to worry about it! For brides who want to pick the most flexible option for their big day, half up half down wedding hair is popular for a reason!
While I love wearing my hair down, I know that if I’m going to a party, I’m going to have to fuss with it at least once or twice throughout the night. While updo’s are a great choice for those brides who want to set and forget about their locks, half-up hairstyles give you that romantic, tousled lookwhile also giving you a fuss-free hairstyle.Chance are if a hair falls out of place with a half up half down wedding hair, it will still look amazing on your wedding day!
If you’re looking for inspiration for your bridal hairstyle, or want to find out how to DIY your own bridal hair no matter your hair length, keep on reading, below!
Half Up Half Down Wedding Hair: Step by Step
A half updo is all about securing two sections of your hair together. The idea is to gather sections from both sides and to secure them together using braids, a ponytail, bun, knots, or twists. This type of hairstyle is infinitely more forgiving than a traditional updo, and with the right tools you can have a professional looking ‘do in no time. It also works great for all hair styles, including black hair, curly hair, and even bangs.
How do you section your hair for half up half down?
Alright, let’s talk about where to section your hair for that half-up, half-down look. You’re going to want to get this right, because it’s kind of the make-or-break moment for this hairstyle. No pressure, though! 😉
First off, you need to know that there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach here. Everybody’s got a unique head shape and hair type, so what works for one person might not work for another. But don’t worry, I’ve got some general guidelines that should set you on the right track.
Start by picturing an invisible line running from the top of one ear, over the crown of your head, to the top of the other ear. This line is your guide for separating your hair into the ‘half up’ and ‘half down’ sections. You might find it helpful to use your fingers or a comb to follow along this line as you separate the hair.
Now, here’s a tip: if you want a more casual, laid-back look, don’t stress too much about making the line perfectly straight. A bit of messiness can add character! But if you’re going for a more polished look, you might want to take a bit more time to get that line just right.
Once you’ve got your hair sectioned off, take a look in the mirror. Do you like how it looks? If the ‘half up’ section seems too small or too big, feel free to adjust. This is your hairstyle, after all!
What you’ll need:
While you might not need all of these tools, it helps to have them on hand:
- Fine-tooth comb
- Clear elastics
- Bobby pins
- Texturizing spray (we love Oribe)
- Hairspray to secure the look
You’ll also want to decide if you want to add waves to your your hair with a curling iron for a more polished look, or go with your natural hair texture. As with other hairstyles, a half up half down wedding look does best with second day hair.
And of course, accessories can instantly elevate a half up half down hairstyle. Consider a silk bow, gilded barrette, or pearl hair clip for some extra flair. Check out our favorite wedding hair accessories here.
Next, follow these instructions for half up half down wedding hair, using either a double knot or half-ponytail. Then, watch the videos to see similar hairstyles up close.
Half-Up Ponytails
Hair Types: Perfect for medium to long hair and hair with curls
Steps:
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. If you’re going to use heat tools like a curling iron, consider applying a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
- Curl your hair (optional): If you want to add some extra glamour to your look, curl your hair before starting with the hairstyle. Use a curling iron to create loose curls throughout your hair. Let the curls cool and gently loosen them with your fingers.
- Section your hair: Using your hairbrush or comb, brush your hair to remove any knots or tangles. Then, using your fingers or a comb, section off the top half of your hair. This is typically done from ear-to-ear, across the crown of your head.
- Create the ponytail: Gather the top section of your hair and pull it back into a ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie. Make sure it’s tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. You can position the ponytail wherever you feel it looks best, but for a more elegant look, you might want to place it at the back of the crown of your head.
- Add volume (optional): To create more volume, you can gently tease the ponytail with your comb. Simply hold the ponytail straight up, and then comb down towards your scalp a few times. This will create a fuller, more voluminous look.
- Secure the style: Use bobby pins to secure any loose strands or areas that need more stability. You can also use bobby pins to shape the ponytail or add more volume.
- Finishing touches: If you have any face-framing pieces of hair, you might want to leave them out for a softer look. You can also curl these pieces for added elegance. Finally, spray your hair lightly with hairspray to help the style hold throughout the event.
If you want to add a little extra glamour to your look, consider adding hair accessories. This could be a jeweled hairpin, a flower, or a decorative hair vine. Position the accessory where it feels most comfortable and secure.
DIY Double Knot
Hair Types: Perfect for short, medium or long hair, and hair with curls
- Gather Your Tools: Start off on the right foot with the right tools. You’re going to need a hairbrush, a comb, some hair ties, bobby pins, and hairspray.
- Prep and Section Your Hair: Brush out your hair to ensure it’s knot-free. Next, you’ll need to section off the top half of your hair. Imagine a line running from the top of one ear, over the crown of your head, to the top of the other ear – that’s your target area.
- Tie the Top Section: Grab the top section of hair you’ve just separated and tie it into a ponytail. Not too tight, though – you want a bit of room to work with for the next steps.
- Create the First Knot: Split the ponytail into two equal sections. Take one section, loop it around the other, and pull it through, just like you’re tying a shoelace. Secure it with bobby pins.
- Then the Second Knot: Now, with the remaining loose ends of hair, repeat the process – loop one section around the other and pull it through to create a second knot. Secure this with more bobby pins.
- Secure and Adjust: Use additional bobby pins to secure your double knot and adjust it to your liking. If you want a more relaxed look, gently tug on parts of the knot to loosen it up a bit.
- Finish the Look: Give your new half-up, half-down double knot a once-over with some hairspray to keep everything in place. And there you have it, a bridal look that’s equal parts sophisticated and whimsical!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsHkrbS4fgo
Braided Half for Short Hair
Thankfully, most half up half down wedding hairstyles can be replicated on short hair just as easily. If you love YouTube hairtorials, Milabu makes great ones for those of you brides rocking short hair, like this boho bridal look below:
Half Up Half Down Wedding Hair Inspiration for Every Hair Type
We’ve compiled some of our favorite half up half down hairstyles that are perfect for your wedding, bridal shower, engagement photos, or even a date night! Browse through and let us know in the comments section below how you’re planning on wearing your hair!
Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairst FAQ
Is half up half down wedding hair in for 2023-2024?
Honestly, this look NEVER goes out of style. It’s easy and elegant, and it’s perfect for the bride who might want to do her own wedding hair.
How do you make a half up half down wedding hair look fuller?
There are a couple ways you can make your hair look fuller no matter what the hairstyle. The first (and harder) option is with hair extensions. This is how celebrity hairstylists create those Oscar-worthy red-carpet looks with lots of volume. The second, no-cost option is by teasing your hair. All you need is a hair pick or fine-tooth comb. Then, take a top section of hair, and tease underneath the section. This will add instant volume whether you’re wearing your hair half up and half down or a traditional updo.
What is a half up half down hairstyle called?
It might sound obvious, but that’s the name! You can have variations of the style (such as the “half-up fishtail braid” or “vintage half up”), but most styles will have the “half up” term in there.
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