5 Half Up, Half Down Wedding Hairstyles

Half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles have stood the test of time and even evolved with it. As one of the most versatile, flattering, romantic, and sophisticated hairstyles around, it’s easy to see why these updos are such popular choices. These styles work with long hair and short hair, and they’re a perfect finishing touch for any bridal look—from glam to boho. 

Whether the bride-to-be is aiming for a timeless bridal hairstyle to suit a classic ceremony or the guest is opting for a trendy aesthetic to match a boho beach wedding, there’s a half-up, half-down hairdo to suit any style! Along with sharing some of our favorite ones, below you’ll find suggestions on salon hair styling products to perfect each look, hair accessories to complete each look and recommended hair types for each look! Keep reading to discover several half-up, half-down hairstyles you and your bridesmaids can rock on your big day with help from your hairstylist.

Before the Styling Begins

Because half-up, half-down hairstyles require a bit of body and volume and probably some face-framing tendrils, you’ll want to start each and every one of these half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles by washing the hair and applying the appropriate salon hair care products to damp hair. From here, you’ll want to incorporate a heat protectant product and blow dry the hair according to the desired outcome. Use hot tools like curling irons or flat irons to finish creating the desired texture and then gently brush through.

By doing this, you can guarantee the bride-to-be’s half-up wedding hairstyle will have the volume, clean roots, smooth and shiny strands and ability to hold that it needs!

Now, let’s take a closer look at some hairstyle ideas.

1. Relaxed and Romantic

For brides who want to achieve a relaxed and romantic look, loose waves are the perfect choice — and pinning half of them up and away from the face into a loosely piled bun will only serve to amplify the feeling. The more of this soft, relaxed and romantic feeling you want, the bigger and less uniform the bun should be (which ends up looking much more lived-in and like all of those loose waves have fallen naturally and beautifully out of a big loose bun). 

This hairstyle will work well on both long and medium-length hair, and while a bit of a natural wave is nice, it can be created on almost any hair type and hold up with the help of the right products. It does work especially well with curly hair. Because volume and sleekness are sought-after characteristics of this look, though, volumizing and smoothing products are definitely going to be essential for ensuring this gorgeous half-up hairstyle lasts throughout your wedding day. 

2. Edgy and Enchanting

For brides who want to feel as edgy as they do enchanting, we suggest something more intense in the form of pin-straight hair that features a big fishtail braid (made from the top half of the hair) that runs along the part line! From here, tugging on the sides of the braid will create a fuller and more voluminous look, as well as add more edge to the overall aesthetic! 

This hairstyle will work well on both long and medium-length hair and will pair particularly well for those with fine hair, thanks to the braid creating the illusion of more volume! With that said, if you do find yourself working with fine or thin hair to create this look, it’s important to also embrace products that will help add body, volume and texture to hair. Be sure to stock up on texture hair products to enhance this look! If necessary, don’t forget to use bobby pins to hold everything in place. 

3. Refined and Regal

Braided half-up, half-down styles are in abundance because they work well with all types of hair and all types of braids — from the French braid to the Fishtail braid — and can be incorporated in different ways. For the most refined, feminine and royal of them all, we suggest creating a Dutch or French braid around the crown of the head, starting from one ear and going all the way around to the other before securing with pins. From underneath this large crown braid, let the rest of the hair fall down freely.

This is a style that will look amazing on almost any length of hair and any type of hair but will be an especially great way to add some extra texture and dimension to flatter hair (whether it be flatter in terms of texture, shine or otherwise). For an enchanting, whimsical twist, consider weaving fresh flowers into this braided hairstyle.

4. Simple and Sophisticated

For brides who want to add a touch of elegance and glamour to their wedding aesthetic, half of the hair can be pulled away from the face in twists. Similar to basic braided half-up, half-down hairstyles, twists can be created by taking small sections of hair from each side of the head and securing at the back of the head with pins.

This style works well with all types of hair, but we love it especially on shorter, curlier strands! When working with these shorter, curlier strands, we tend to embrace quality creams to define curls and a good salon hairspray to keep curls in place and keep twists from unraveling before their time!

5. Vintage Vibes

For the vintage bride seeking to emulate the sirens of the silver screen, a half-up, half-down hairstyle with finger waves and pearls creates a timeless and glamorous look. Imagine Veronica Lake’s cascading waves, but styled with a touch of practicality. Here, the top half of the hair is meticulously sculpted into S-shaped finger waves, a technique that adds texture and volume. 

These waves can be styled to frame the face softly or swept back for a more dramatic effect. The remaining hair cascades down the back in loose curls or a polished wave, creating a sense of movement and femininity. The finishing touch? Delicate pearl accents nestled within the waves or woven throughout the braid add a touch of sophistication reminiscent of Hollywood royalty. This hairstyle perfectly complements a vintage-inspired wedding dress, especially those with a sweetheart neckline or delicate lace details.

Amplifying Any Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle

While each of the half-up, half-down hairstyles above are completely unique and encompass their own essence, the similarities that come from only securing the top section of hair extend to accessorizing! Pieces like the ones below were meant for half-up, half-down hairstyles, so no matter which one you’ve chosen, consider amplifying the look with:

• Veils
• Flower crowns
• Headbands
• Individual flowers and greenery
• Hair jewels
• Braid charms
• Dangly earrings
• Bridal headpiece

It’s All in the Style(ist)

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a beautiful and versatile choice for any wedding. Combined with a good stylist, this look allows a bride to showcase her hair as much as her face, stay in place no matter how much fun she has, and create whatever vibe and aesthetic she’s aiming for!

Wrapping Up

Half-up, half-down hairstyles offer endless possibilities for creating a truly unique and unforgettable wedding look. Whether you envision a relaxed and romantic aesthetic for your outdoor ceremony or a sleek and sophisticated style for your grand ballroom reception, there is a half-up, half-down variation that will perfectly complement your vision. 

Remember — a successful wedding look hinges on both your hair and makeup. Collaborate with your stylist to ensure your hairstyle seamlessly blends with your makeup choices, creating a cohesive and radiant aesthetic from head to toe. Don’t hesitate to schedule a hair trial beforehand to refine your look and ensure you’ll feel confident on your special day. With their versatility and timeless appeal, one of these half-up, half-down hairstyles will surely become your go-to choice for a wedding day full of elegance and unforgettable memories.