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Need style inspiration? We’ve got plenty.
When it comes to versatile hairstyles that effortlessly blend elegance and practicality, half up, half down styles reign supreme. Perfect for every occasion—from casual brunches with the girls to being a guest at formal weddings—the style is a stunning and simple way to highlights the natural beauty of Black hair.
“Half up styles are amazing on anyone that has lots of volume and length,” which curls and coils tend to have, says celebrity stylist Tippi Shorter Rank. “It offers chic styling options that work with your texture.”
Meet the expert
- Tippi Shorter Rank is a celebrity hairstylist and ambassador for Mizani. Gregory Patterson is a celebrity stylist and DIY expert for Sally Beauty. Peter Gray is OWAY’s guest editorial hair stylist. Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon.
Read on below for a curated list of stunning half up, half down hairstyles that celebrate your natural texture and elevate your hair game.
Soft Curls
Of course Beyoncé had to be in this story—how could we not mention the queen? In this look, the icon’s hair is styled in voluminous, cascading curls that exudes glamour. The key to this style is maintaining the shape of the curls while still keeping them soft and touchable, which can be achieved by gently separating and fluffing the curls with your fingers to add volume, and then finishing with a light-hold hairspray.
High Pony
Incorporating some of your natural texture into your half-up style is definitely the move. In fact, Rank says it "gives you sophisticated in the front and free flowing fun in the back." To get the look, style your hair to your liking and then pull those locks into a high pony, laying down edges to give a slick appearance on the top of the scalp.
Tied in a Bow
You can also go slick and sleek. Victoria Monét pulls this look off perfectly by taking a section of her hair towards the front and laying it down across the forehead and behind her ear. The rest of her hair is pulled back in an adorable pony that cascades down her neck and flips outward at the edges.
Space Buns
Individuality and experimentation is everything when it comes to styling, says hairstylist Peter Gray. That’s why a good space bun is the perfect choice for a stylish and customizable look. You can position them high or low, dress them up with accessories or keep them simple, wear them fully gathered or in a half-up, half-down style, and choose to braid them or leave them loose—the possibilities are endless!
Half-Up Bun With Extensions
This chic and quick style pulls back just the right amount of hair for an effortless, casual look. Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of The Second Floor Salon, says “it’s perfect for keeping hair off the face while showing off the length and volume.”
Face-Framing Tendrils
Tendrils are such a cute and easy look. All you have to do is part your hair down the middle and pull out two small sections towards the front of the head. For extra flair, you can even braid the tendrils.
Frontal Braids
Experiment with colorful rubber bands, clips, or barrettes to add a stylish twist or a striking statement. Cavalcante especially loves decorative bobby pins or clips with jewels, pearls, or metallic finishes to add an eye-catching element to the style, perfect for special occasions or even a casual day out.
The Classic
The quintessential half-up, half-down style, Dia Nash has gorgeous, stylized curls with just enough hair pulled back to look effortless and elegant at the same time. Fair warning: this style may become your go-to look for how adorable and easy it is to mimic.
Super-High Pony
Quinta Brunson can do no wrong. This timeless yet unique style involves twisting a section of the hair around a super-high ponytail with barrel curls. The result is a regal look that falls down the body beautifully. What more could a girl want?
Top Knot
For a fun, playful vibe, gather the top section of your hair into a high bun while letting the rest flow freely. This style showcases natural texture beautifully by “allowing you to highlight the sleek or curly textures in your hair, creating a balanced, polished look that works for any occasion,” says Cavalcante.
Sprout Ponytail with Wand Curls
If you’re comfortable using hot tools, experimenting with textures is your best friend. Whether your hair is sleek, curly, or somewhere in between, half-up, and half-down styles let you play with different volumes and styles, says Cavalcante. You can curl the loose ends for a more romantic feel or straighten them for a polished, sleek finish.
Spiky Yet Sleek
Quinta is back at it again with another iconic hairstyle. This look combines sleek sophistication with an edgy twist with her hair parted down the middle and styled straight for a totally '90s vibe. We especially love the spiky sections at the crown that create a playful, bold accent that contrasts with the sleekness of the rest of the look.
Half Bun
For a relaxed vibe, try creating a voluminous half bun. In this look, Issa Rae's hair is braided to one side into the bun while loose curls flow down the back.
Jumbo Braids
Wedding season is upon us and this style is going to be a new go-to for all your events. This elegant ‘do rocked by the one and only Keke Palmer is achieved by creating large box braids using braiding hair for extra length and thickness. Gather the braids up and secure them into an updo at the crown, arranging them for maximum height and volume.
Low Puff
We can't get enough of the puff! This style can be adapted for anything from a casual outing to a formal event by switching up the accessories or styling it, says Cavalcante. Plus, bold puffs beautifully showcase natural texture and volume, allowing your curls or coils to take center stage.
Bow Buns
Braids can be adorned with various accessories like beads or ribbons for a decorative and unique touch. This particular style elevates that idea by using braiding hair to form small bows, which are then pinned to two braided side buns for a fun and playful style.