18 Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles for Any Texture

A woman with long wavy hair wearing a strapless outfit with cut-out details and elegant jewelry — @jennychohair / Instagram

Can't decide whether you want to put your hair up or leave it down? Great news: You don't have to choose. Thanks to plenty of chic half-up, half-down hairstyles, you can have both. The tried and true style is perfect for any season or occasion while doing the most important job—keeping your tresses out of your face without fully committing to an updo like a bun or ponytail. Adorn it with a bow or shimmery pin, or keep it simple with a slicked back look; the combinations are endless. If you want to try this ever-popular, super-easy style but don't know where to start, scroll on for 18 of our favorite half-up, half-down hairstyles that we know you'll absolutely love.

01 of 18

Braids with Curls

A person with braided hair looking to the side, wearing a black top — @freshlengths / Instagram

These braids with loose curled ends are effortlessly cool. For a laid-back look, pull the front braids back into a simple pony, leaving one or two hanging on either side to create a face-framing effect.

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Loose Tendrils

A person stands in front of a vibrant floral background, looking towards the camera — @aureefabienne / Instagram

If you have curtain bangs or side bangs, leave them loosely hanging out so you can get that ultra-flattering face-framing effect. By pulling back the other hair towards the top of your head, you will let your short strands get all the attention.

03 of 18

Flippy Bob

@justinemarjan / Instagram

Bobs are majorly in right now. Did you know the short length is the perfect opportunity to opt for a half-up, half-down look? Flipping up the ends with a flat iron and slicking the hair back so it looks super snatched makes for a total Barbie-esque look, as seen here on Khloe Kardashian.

04 of 18

Space Buns

A person with curly hair styled in two buns and loose curls looks at the camera — @aureefabienne / Instagram

Take this festival-inspired hairdo mainstream. Simply pull back some hair from one side of your part to about an inch above your ear, tie it into a ponytail, and wrap around itself to create a space bun. Do the same on the other side, and you're ready to go.

05 of 18

Wrapped High Ponytail

To get this wrapped effect, after pulling your strands back into a high ponytail, take a piece of hair from the bottom of the pony and wrap it around the hair elastic. To secure the style, pin it with a bobby pin hidden from view. Keep things looking sleek by adding some hairspray or styling gel to your hair, and you are done!

06 of 18

Topped With a Bow

Person with styled half-up half-down hair and a bow, wearing a red outfit — @justinemarjan / Instagram

Adding a bow gives what would be a simple and classic half-up, half-down hairstyle a cute boost. Complete the look with a sweeping side part, and you're ready to take this versatile look from morning to evening.

07 of 18

Mermaid Waves

A person standing indoors wearing a strapless outfit with cut-out details and elegant jewelry — @jennychohair / Instagram

Long mermaid waves? Sign us up. A partially pulled-back style will only emphasize the wavy, long pieces hidden in the back. Tie back your front strands into a casual, loose bun, and then run some hair oil through your mid-lengths to ends to keep unwanted flyaways in check.

08 of 18

Snatched Pony

Rihanna at a public event — Getty Images

Want to automatically snatch your face? Us too. Simply run some styling cream through your strands, use a boar bristle brush to slick back your hair and pull it into a super-high pony. Bonus: It allows you to show off some blingy accessories.

09 of 18

Seasonal Pins

@arbridalhair / Instagram

Simple touches sometimes make the biggest impact. Sea-inspired hair pins decorate this elegant style and give it a summery touch. The twisted band of hair tucks back your front strands while showcasing the curly texture underneath—a win, win!

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Blinged-Out Braided Bun

Letitia Wright at a formal event — Getty Images

An easy way to upgrade your half-up, half-down style is by adorning your updo with sparkly accents. Here, a high bun was decorated with pearl and rhinestone pins throughout to make the finished look shine (literally).

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Sculptural Strands

Person with long straight hair styled in a top knot, wearing an off-shoulder garment, standing in a modern interior — @justinemarjan / Instagram

Adding a wavy, sculptural strand on top of your half-up, half-down hairstyle is playful and oh-so fun. It's perfect to dress up your hair a bit. We especially love the way the slicked-back curl cascades down from the top knot.

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Super Sleek

Sydney Sweeney attending an event, wearing an elegant outfit and featuring a bow accessory — Getty Images

To achieve an extra-sleek half-up, half-down 'do, start by completely straightening your hair with a flat iron (of course, apply heat protectant first). Then, add a styling cream to your strands and brush back whatever hair you want out of your face. Adding a bow, like Sydney Sweeney, is optional but encouraged!

13 of 18

Bleached Bob

Kristen Stewart at a public event, close-up view of her expression — Getty Images

Going for a textured, I-woke-up-like-this look? This dimensional updo is for you. Pull the top of your hair back and twist it however you like before pinning or clipping it back. Leaving the bottom strands free will create a structured balance to the playful look.

14 of 18

Box Braid Ponytail

Laura Harrier posing at a public event — Getty Images

Classic and simple is the name of the game here. Pulling your box braids back into a half-up, half-down hairstyle is easy and low-maintenance. Simply use a thin elastic in the same color as your hair for a hidden, yet impactful finished look.

15 of 18

Flowery Accents

Lily Collins with floral accessory in hair — @mararoszak / Instagram

Flower accents in your hair is nothing new, but this take on the trend might just be our new favorite. Tuck a variety of your favorite flowers (real or artificial) around your hair tie, and secure with bobby pins if needed. Don't forget to cut the stems short to avoid them peaking out.

16 of 18

Headband Accessory

A person with vitiligo wearing a sports bra and headband, holding their arms in a raised position — Getty Images

Don't shy away from accessorizing your half-up, half-down style. Adding a fabric headband, patterned or not, gives your hairdo an interesting twist. Bonus: It helps keep your hair out of your face even more, which is perfect if you're exercising.

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Pulled-Back Classic

A person wearing formal attire and jewelry, sitting and smiling — @whiterosecollective / Instagram

Traditional and classic pulled-back looks don't equal boring. Finish off the hairstyle by curling your hair with a 1.5" curling iron to get loose, beachy waves, and spritz some volumizing spray to add oomph.

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Beachy Pony

A woman with curly hair smiling outdoors with palm trees in the background, wearing a swimsuit on a sunny day — @aureefabienne / Instagram

Ready for a warm day at the beach? Pulling your hair back will keep your face cool (and your style even cooler!). Consider a claw clip an effortless way to pull back a section of hair—no heavy-duty products or tools required.