15 timeless and chic half-up half-down wedding hairstyles
You get the best of both worlds with half-up half-down wedding hairstyles. So it’s no surprise that it’s still one of the most sought-after looks for brides all over the world — celebrities included.
Nicola Peltz Beckham and Ariana Grande are just a couple of stars who've rocked the look on their big day.
Looking for something romantic with a touch of timeless elegance? These hairstyles promise to deliver. Not to mention they look great with most wedding themes and dress necklines.
Why choose a half-up half-down wedding hairstyle
Aside from the vibe or the feel of the look, the half-up half-down wedding hairstyle can be flattering for all face shapes — yes, whether you have round, oval, heart-shaped, square or diamond-shaped faces. The cascading waves elongate the neckline and add softness to your features.
They’re also great to elevate with the help of accessories. They’re versatile, too; there’s a style for every hair type.
Best hair types and lengths for this style
You can definitely rock it if you have short hair but the look goes so well with medium or long hair. You can definitely wear extensions if your hair is in the growing-out stage!
There’s also no need to think about whether or not your hair’s thickness is apt for the style because there are so many ways to enhance volume if your hair is lacking it. If you think your hair’s a bit too voluminous and hard to tame for the style, you’ll find that there are serums and treatments to help with that too.
15 half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles
Another thing that’s great about the half-up, half-down bridal hairstyle is that there are tons of ways to do it! If you’re unsure which to go for, here are 15 you can consider.
1. Soft Curls with Twisted Sides
Love a romantic look for your big day? This one’s for you. And it’s easy to achieve. The look is so elegant too, with two sides pinned at the back and soft curls cascading down.
2. Braided Crown with Loose Waves
You deserve a crown on your big day. Why not have it with your hair? This style is a braid that encircles the crown. The waves at the bottom give off a boho vibe.
3. Hollywood Waves with Sleek Top
It’s all about vintage glamour, baby! Channel the look with structured waves and a polished, sleek half-ponytail.
4. Half-Up Bun with Flowing Curls
Pair a chic top knot with loose curls for a modern yet elegantly timeless look.
5. Twisted Half-Updo with Side-Swept Curls
To achieve this look, you need only to twist sections from the front and sweep the curls to one side.
6. Vintage-Inspired Waves with Loose Waves
It’s vintage too, but this time, the waves come from the top, flowing in soft waves at the bottom.
7. Half-Up Chignon with Cascading Hair
Pair a low half-chignon with loose hair — no curls or waves — for a sleek look.
8. Loose Braided Half-Updo
For a more relaxed look, opt for a relaxed braid at the upper half of your hair.
9. Side-Swept Half-Up Style
Get the look by gathering hair to one side and securing it with pins or a clip.
10. Sleek Half Ponytail
It doesn’t get simpler and sleeker than a polished half ponytail. Minimalist but eye-catching.
11. Fishtail Braid Half-Updo
A fan of braids but want something just a tad different from the usual styles? Do a fishtail braid for the top section of your hair and just let the lower part be for a relaxed but polished look.
12. Double Braids with Loose Waves
A fan of symmetry? Have your hair parted in the middle and add two parallel braids on the sides of the top half of your hair. Finish the lower part with flowing faves.
13. Waterfall Braid Half-Up Style
An ethereal look, a waterfall braid creates a mystical cascading effect.
14. Twisted Rope Braids
If you have pretty fine hair, a rope-like braid would be great to add texture and a unique touch to your ‘do.
15. Dutch Braid with volume Half-Up Style
Pair a Dutch braid at the top half of the hair with some volume at the back for more texture and layers.
Elevate your half-up, half-down hairstyle with a bridal hair accessory
Now, there’s no bridal look complete without a headpiece or hair accessory. These tiny little details make the look distinctly bridal (otherwise, the hairstyles could be just for anything). Here are fun ways to add a bridal hair accessory to your half-up, half-down ‘do.
1. Bridal Hair Combs
2. Headbands & Halo Crowns
Headbands and halo crowns sit nicely on half-up-styles. You can go for something that’s a bit more modern or something that’s more whimsical for an ethereal look.
3. Hair Pins & Clusters
Scatter hair pins along the twisted or braided sections of your half-up, half-down hair-do for a great accent to your hairstyle and overall look.
4. Statement Bows
A statement bow will act like an amazing final touch to your hair look for your big day. You can go classic with a satin option or opt for something that’s more modern such as one made with structured netting.
5. Veils
Veils are a classic pick for weddings, and you can definitely wear one with a half-up style. Cathedral-length, chapel-length, and even birdcage veils look great with the hairstyle.
Which of these looks will you wear?
