MomSkoop
Half-up hairstyles are the perfect solution when you can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down. They keep hair out of your face while still showing off your length and texture, making them ideal for school, sports, or special occasions.
Whether your hair is curly, straight, thick, or fine, these styles work beautifully on everyone. Get ready to discover fun and easy ways to transform your look in minutes!
1. Classic Half-Up Ponytail
This timeless style never goes out of fashion and takes less than a minute to create. Simply gather the top section of your hair from above your ears and secure it with an elastic band at the back of your head.
The beauty of this look is its versatility—you can wear it sleek and polished for formal events or add some texture and volume for a casual vibe. It works wonderfully on straight, wavy, and curly hair of any length past your shoulders.
For extra flair, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, or leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer effect.
2. Twisted Knot Half Updo
Want something a bit fancier than a basic ponytail? Take two sections of hair from either side of your head and twist them towards the back.
When they meet in the middle, twist them around each other to form a small knot, then secure with bobby pins. This elegant style adds instant sophistication to any outfit without requiring advanced braiding skills.
The twisted knot looks stunning on medium to long hair and works particularly well on hair with natural texture. You can make it tight and neat for a polished appearance or pull it apart slightly for a more relaxed, romantic vibe that’s perfect for dates or parties.
3. Braided Half-Up
Create two small braids starting from each side of your head, just above your temples. Braid them back towards the center and secure them together with a clear elastic or decorative hair tie.
This bohemian-inspired look gives off major festival vibes and works beautifully on all hair types. The braids add interesting detail while keeping hair away from your face during activities.
For variety, try different braid styles like Dutch braids for more texture or French braids for a tighter look. This style holds up really well throughout the day and looks especially gorgeous on layered hair or highlights since the braids showcase dimension.
4. Half-Up Top Knot
Gather the top section of your hair at the crown of your head and twist it into a small bun or knot. Secure it with an elastic and bobby pins if needed.
This trendy style became super popular with celebrities and influencers because it’s both practical and stylish. The half-up top knot works great for active days when you need hair completely off your face but still want to look put-together.
It’s particularly flattering on long hair but can work on shoulder-length hair too. Make your knot messy and textured for a casual look, or smooth and tight for something more polished and athletic-inspired.
5. Half-Up Fishtail Braid
Pull the top section of your hair back and create a fishtail braid instead of a regular three-strand braid. Fishtail braids look complicated but are actually quite simple once you get the hang of them.
You divide hair into two sections and repeatedly pull small pieces from the outer edge of one section to the inner edge of the other. The result is an intricate, woven pattern that looks absolutely stunning.
This style works best on longer hair and really shows off highlights or balayage. Gently pull apart the braid sections after securing the end to make it look fuller and more textured, creating that effortlessly cool vibe everyone loves.
6. Half-Up Space Buns
Channel your inner festival-goer with this playful style that features two small buns on top of your head. Part your hair down the middle, then take a section from each side of the part and twist each into a small bun.
Secure them with elastics and bobby pins, leaving the bottom half of your hair down. Space buns became iconic in the 90s and have made a major comeback.
They look adorable on all hair textures and lengths, though they’re easiest to create on hair that’s at least shoulder-length. Make them neat and tight for a retro look, or messy and loose for something more current and carefree.
7. Half-Up Bubble Ponytail
Start with a regular half-up ponytail, then add elastics down the length of the ponytail every few inches. After securing each elastic, gently pull and pancake the sections between them to create puffy bubble shapes.
This Instagram-worthy style adds major volume and visual interest to even the simplest ponytail. It’s surprisingly easy to do but looks like you spent ages on it.
Bubble ponytails work on all hair types, though they’re most dramatic on longer hair. You can use clear elastics for a seamless look or colorful ones to match your outfit and add extra personality to your style.
8. Diagonal Bobby-Pin Half-Up
Take sleek sections of hair from one or both sides and pin them diagonally across your head with decorative or coordinating bobby pins. This minimalist style has taken over social media for good reason—it’s chic, modern, and incredibly easy.
You can create a single diagonal line of pins or make an X-pattern for more visual interest. The key is using enough pins to actually hold your hair and arranging them in a deliberate, geometric pattern.
Gold or silver bobby pins work beautifully and double as accessories. This style looks especially striking on dark, sleek hair where the pins really stand out, though it works on all colors and textures when styled properly.
9. Bubble Bun Half-Up
Combine the bubble ponytail technique with a bun by gathering the top half of your hair and creating a ponytail with multiple elastics spaced along it. Then wrap the bubbled ponytail around itself to form a textured bun.
Secure everything with bobby pins and you’ve got an eye-catching style that’s both unique and practical. The bubbles add dimension and make even thin hair look fuller and more voluminous.
This creative twist on the classic bun works for casual hangouts or dressier occasions depending on how neat or messy you make it. It’s a conversation starter that shows off your hairstyling skills without requiring hours of practice.
10. Elegant Criss-Cross Half-Up
This sophisticated style involves taking sections of hair from each side and crossing them over each other repeatedly as you work towards the back. Each twist goes over or under the previous one, creating a beautiful woven effect.
Secure the ends with bobby pins once you’ve created your desired pattern. The criss-cross technique looks complex and formal enough for weddings or proms.
It works wonderfully on medium to long hair and really showcases healthy, shiny hair. While it takes a bit more time than simpler styles, the elegant result is absolutely worth the effort. Practice makes perfect with this one, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless.
11. Claw Clip Half-Up
Gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a claw clip in whatever size matches your hair thickness. That’s literally it—no elastics, no bobby pins, just one clip and you’re done.
This incredibly easy style became hugely popular because it takes about ten seconds but looks intentionally stylish. Claw clips come in countless colors, sizes, and designs, from basic tortoiseshell to sparkly statement pieces.
The half-up claw clip works on virtually any hair type and length past your chin. It’s perfect for those mornings when you’re running late but still want to look cute. Plus, it doesn’t damage your hair like tight elastics sometimes can.
12. Half-Up with Scarf
Create a half-up ponytail and tie a colorful scarf around the elastic, letting the ends flow down with your hair. This retro-inspired look adds instant personality and a pop of color to any hairstyle.
Scarves come in endless patterns and fabrics, so you can match them to your outfit or mood. Silk scarves give a more polished, vintage vibe while cotton bandanas create a casual, summery feel.
This style works beautifully on all hair textures and adds length to shorter ponytails since the scarf hangs down too. It’s a fantastic way to accessorize without spending money on expensive hair jewelry, and you can change up your look daily with different scarves.
13. Romantic Half-Up Bow Ribbon
Pull your hair into a half-up style and tie it with a ribbon instead of an elastic, finishing with a pretty bow. This ultra-feminine look is perfect for special occasions, photos, or anytime you want to feel extra sweet and romantic.
Velvet ribbons give a luxurious, vintage feel while satin ribbons look elegant and formal. You can match your ribbon to your outfit or choose a contrasting color for more visual interest.
The ribbon bow works on all hair types and adds a charming, whimsical touch that regular elastics just can’t achieve. It’s especially popular for holiday parties, Valentine’s Day, or garden parties where the romantic aesthetic really shines through beautifully.
14. Half-Up Double Braids
Braid a section from each side of your head and bring both braids to meet at the back, securing them together with an elastic or bobby pins. Unlike the earlier braided style, these braids are typically thicker and more prominent.
You can do regular three-strand braids, Dutch braids, or even rope braids depending on your skill level and desired look. This style keeps hair secure during sports or outdoor activities while still looking intentional and cute.
It’s particularly flattering on long hair where the braids can be substantial, but it works on medium lengths too. The double braids showcase hair dimension beautifully and hold up through hours of activity without needing touch-ups.
15. Half-Up Twisted Side Sections
Take a section of hair from each side of your head, twist each one backwards towards the crown, and pin them together or separately at the back. This simple technique creates a polished look without any complicated braiding.
The twists add texture and visual interest while keeping your face framed nicely. You can make the twists tight for a sleek appearance or loose and soft for something more romantic.
This style is incredibly versatile and appropriate for everything from school to work to dinner out. It works on virtually all hair types and lengths, though it’s easiest on hair past your shoulders. Add some texturizing spray before twisting for extra grip and dimension.
16. Half-Up Crown Braid
Create a braid that goes across your crown from one side to the other, like a halo or headband, then let the remaining hair flow freely down your back. This ethereal style makes you look like royalty or a fairy tale character.
You can do a regular braid, Dutch braid, or French braid depending on what you’re comfortable with. The crown braid is stunning for formal events like proms, weddings, or graduation ceremonies.
It works best on medium to long hair and looks especially magical on wavy or curly hair where the contrast between the structured braid and flowing hair is most dramatic. This style definitely takes practice but creates an unforgettable, princess-worthy look.