If you’re anything like me, you might find doing your hair a bit of a chore. Which is a shame, as I love a hairstyle that ties a whole look together and makes you feel polished. The problem is that doing your hair (especially if you have long hair) can be time consuming, and we don’t always have time to do a full-blown ’90s blowout, or try that viral TikTok trend that looks easy, but in reality leaves you huffing in frustration while trying to get out of the door in the morning.
Well, dear reader, there is one look which is a stylish—yet easy—hairstyle that won’t make you late in the mornings. Enter the half up, half down hairstyle. It’s fuss-free, simple and quick to do, and suits every hair texture. It’s also the perfect hairstyle if you’re stretching out the days until your next hair wash day, or just don’t know what to do with your hair if it’s not playing ball. It’s the hairstyle equivalent of a throw-on blazer that instantly elevates your look. What’s more, this hairstyle works on medium-length hair through to long hair.
Ahead, I have saved the 21 best half up, half down hairstyles that I’m saving for when a bad hair day strikes, and they are bound to give you a dose of inspiration too.
If you want to add a little more pizazz to a half up half down hairstyle, simply add a barrette to secure your lengths in place.
Switch up your braided hairstyle by looping the top section of your into a loop and securing with a hair band.
It takes less than 30 seconds to do, but adding a claw clip to your half up half down hairstyle will make it look like you’ve put in more effort.
Take the top section of your hair and twist in to a bun—were love this spiky ’90s-inspired bun with the ends left out.
A half up half down hairstyle looks seriously chic with a fringe.
If curling your entire head of hair feels like a colossal feat, then tie half your hair up and just curl the lengths to save on time.
Take a couple of rope braids and pin them at the top of your head with hair slides.
As you pull your hair into a bun, let a couple of strands fall free for a off-duty half up half down hairstyle.
A half up top knot looks so chic with curly hair.
A braided top knot is the ultimate casual hairstyle that instantly changes up your look.
Equally, we love this look on straight hair too. It’s an ideal holiday hairstyle, too.
Part your hair down the middle and sweep hair back with a comb to recreate this slick half up half down hairstyle.
The key to achieving this ’90s-inspired half up half down hairstyle is to secure your ponytail high on the top of your head. Bonus points for adding flicks ends.
Give your standard half up half down hairstyle by braiding the length of your ponytail.
Hailey Bieber shows us that sometimes a simple half up half down hairstyle is all that is needed.
Take the top section of hair and secure with a scarf for an effortless (and effortless-looking) take on your half up half down hairstyle.
How pretty is this ribbon-tied half up half down hairstyle?
A simple top knot is given a hit update with the addition of a scrunch.
Pile the back section of your hair up into a bun, leaving face-framing tendrils loose and pulling a couple of strands to keep it feeling modern.
You really get the best of both worlds with this braided ponytail and long braided tendrils left loose.
Straight and sleek hair looks so cool in a half up hairstyle tied high on top of the head.
