30+ Quick And Easy Half-Up Hairstyles For Any Occasion
These half-up, half-down hairstyles are cute, easy, and effortlessly chic — making them suitable for all kinds of occasions.
By Elizabeth Liew -
Whether you have long hair or medium hair, wearing your tresses in a half-up, half-down hairstyle is an incredibly easy way to look effortlessly chic. It also keeps your hair in place all day so you don't have to keep flicking it out of your face. All you need for a cute half-up hairstyle are some good-quality bobby pins and hair elastics, as well as a holding spray to give sleek hair some grip. Here are our recommendations for a simple, quick half-up do that's suitable for all kinds of occasions — from fishtail braids to hair bows to quick messy topknots.
Throw the top half section into a half-bun (or "hun") and decorate with a circle barrette for a shiny touch. This pulls the front pieces of your hair away from your face for a cleaner look, while keeping the length. If you have more time, give your locks a quick wave or curl, then use a texturising spray for more body.
Photo: The Beauty Department/Pinterest
Who says hair ribbons are only for schoolgirls? Add a bit of oomph to short hair by dressing it up with an elegant black velvety ribbon — the playfulness works well with both feminine and edgy looks.
Photo: Pinterest
For this look, first make a half-ponytail, leaving a small section on either the left or right side loose. Braid that small section, then simply wrap it around the half-pony to create an accent braid. Secure with a hair tie or bobby pins.
Photo: Hello Glow
This style works best with some waves, so make sure to have some texturising spray on hand. Grab a section of hair by each of your temples, then slowly twist them down the whole length, securing the results with bobby pins or a hair tie. So effortlessly chic!
Photo: Say Yes
This relaxed, cascading style is really simple to do. Grab a section of hair from the back and separate into two. Tie them into a basic knot, leaving one end loose and securing the other with bobby pins.
Photo: Styleoholic
How gorgeous does this look? This half-up hairstyle will take a bit of dexterity to achieve the twist. Click here for the full tutorial.
Photo: Cup Of Jo
This one is so easy: grab a section of hair from the middle section starting from your forehead and throw it all into a messy topknot. Make sure the section is small enough so it stays on top of your head. Great for when you've just rolled out of bed and need to look presentable, stat!
Photo: My Style Vita
Or, if you're running out of the house, swipe a chic barrette from your dressing table and you can pin back your hair while you're on the go. We love investing in a few statement barrettes for this very reason.
Photo: Belmto/Pinterest
Give your crown some added lift with this easy pin-up hairstyle that volumises flat and limp hair! See the tutorial here.
Photo: Lulus Blog
Great for the office, romantic date night or a dinner event, this style literally takes less than five minutes to achieve. It works best on already curly or wavy hair.
Photo: Marcela Duran/Pinterest
For a subtle yet sophisticated look, create a thin fishtail braid by using hair from either side of your head. It's similar to the braided hairstyle above, but lends your overall look more detail and interest.
Photo: Lulus/Pinterest
All you need are a few bobby pins to create this chic look that's perfect for a short bob. It creates texture and volume without needing much product.
Photo: Brit Morin/Pinterest
Add a bit of modern femininity with a minimalist ribbon (plus points if it's velvet!) The style works great for straight hair as well, so all you need is a quick brush through.
Photo: Loyddi Guerrero/Pinterest
A more relaxed version of a topknot, this effortless style can be worn on both busy work mornings and easygoing weekends. Click here for the tutorial.
Photo: Treasures & Travels/Pinterest
This simple style consists of overlapping sections of hair and securing with bobby pins. Works best on sleek, straight hair for added oomph.
Photo: Make Up Geek Blog
Give texture and volume to your bob if your hair tends to fall a bit flat, by gently teasing your locks and spraying the hair with some texturising spray before securing it.
Photo: The Beauty Department/Pinterest
It's a lot easier than it looks! Get the tutorial here.
Photo: Twistmepretty/Pinterest
Turn heads with this hair bow that works well with both long and medium hair. And it's much easier to do than it looks — it's essentially just splitting a ponytail in a very specific way. Click here to see how it's done.
Photo: Hair and Makeup by Steph/Pinterest
Don't want the elastic to show? Jus turn your half-up ponytail inside out by flipping it and you've got a whole new hairstyle.
Photo: Liz Stanley/Pinterest
If you're looking for a hairstyle to try out for the upcoming festive season, here it is! Check out the video tutorial below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu5nYbR07r8
Photo: LuxyHair/via Pinterest
For this version of the fishtail braid, tie a regular half updo first, then begin braiding. Carefully pull the braid out for a loose, effortlessly chic look.
Photo: Stylecaster/Pinterest
You can choose to start braiding from your hairline, or simply use sections of hair from either side of your head to create this romantic look.
Photo: StyleMePretty/Pinterest
Why stick with one braid when you can have two? This look is casual, fun and so chic!
Photo: Pinterest
Headscarfs are back in trend, and they're an easy way to instantly glam up your outfit. Use a bobby pin or two to keep it in place!
For a more creative look, section your hair at the crown into two or three braids, then tie them back into a bun to complete this gorgeous half-up do.