29 Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles To Inspire Your Next Styling Sesh

Half-up, half-down hair might just take the award for the most versatile hairstyle. It's a style that works on anyone as long as your hair is long enough to pull back. Plus, it's such an easy hairstyle to love since it keeps your hair out of your face while also letting you keep your hair down. Short or long, straight or curly, all shades of the rainbow, and even clean or greasy, there's a half-up, half-down style to suit any hair type. 

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are so versatile there's an option you can wear to any event, too, whether you need an easy style to hide greasy roots until your next wash day or you're planning an elaborate half-updo for your wedding. Depending on the half-up, half-down style, it can look practical, sultry, or romantic, so you'll see versions of this style everywhere, from the workplace to the red carpet. Throw your hair up in a claw clip for an easy day-to-day look, slick it back in a high half-pony for a night out with friends, or try one of the almost endless half-updo bridal styles, with their elegant twists, braids, and curls. Keep reading for half-up, half-down hairstyle inspiration you'll want to emulate for all occasions.

A high, slicked-back ponytail always looks sleek and sophisticated, and you can bring that vibe to your half-up styles as well. Since it pulls your hair out of your face, a half-up, half-down high pony is the perfect way to show off a statement makeup look. With enough hair spray or gel, this style will stay solidly in place, so it's also stellar for days or nights you expect to get a bit sweaty, such as at a festival. This look adds an even more glamorous touch to the slick ponytail with the hair wrap detail and loose waves.

You can get creative with braids many different ways, and half-up, half-down hairstyles are the perfect place to experiment. To get this trendy look, take two front pieces of hair and create face-framing braided strands. Then section off two sections right behind those pieces and make pigtails, then braid. Starting with pigtails gives the braids a little more volume to make them stand out.

Space buns have captured our hearts — they're just so cute and versatile. Half-up space buns make a gorgeous festival or concert look since they're fun and practical. They keep your hair tied back for dancing and running around, but let you keep most of your hair down to complete your event look. Messy space buns look a little more casual and undone, so they're suitable for everyday wear as well.

A unique hair barrette adds personality to a half-up, half-down hairstyle, and if you coordinate it right, it can really pull an outfit together. This pink barrette with a pink dress is the perfect example — match colors or patterns between your hair accessory and your outfit to make it look all the more cohesive.

Since they're so easy to use, claw clip updos have been all the rage in recent years. Not only do claw-clip styles look nice, but, since they don't use tight elastics, they can be gentler on your hair. Use a claw clip to create a fetching half-up, half-down style that's casual for every day. Consider using a smaller claw clip if you have short or thin hair.

As adorable as space buns, but easier to style, high half-up, half-down pigtails are just plain adorable. If you have trouble creating space buns, stop at this step instead and style some pigtails. To get this look, add a flip to the ends of your hair using a hair straightener. It makes the pigtails look even more bouncy and fun.

Silk hair scarves are so classic they never go out of style. The best part? Hair scarf styles tend to be low maintenance, while elevating any hair look and adding personality to basic outfits. Tie one around your half-up, half-down ponytail or bun to make it look effortlessly chic.

A lot of sleek hairstyles pull all your hair back and forgo a part. But if you feel that makes your head look like, well, an egg, then keep your part in place. It looks just as nice slicked back (as you can see in the inspiration photo above) and can make you feel more comfortable by keeping your usual part.

Is your usual half-up style feeling a little boring? A patterned headband can instantly give it some color or pattern to enhance your look. With preppy and academia-inspired fashion making a comeback, headbands aren't going anywhere. Channel your inner Gossip Girl by using a headband to adorn your crown.

Middle parts are having their moment right now. One way to emphasize your middle part is to throw it in a half-up, half-down style. To get this pleasantly symmetrical look, take time to part your hair right down the middle in a straight line. Then loosely pull back the side sections of your hair to keep your middle part prominent.

A hairstyle with flipped up ends feels charmingly vintage — it's a trend that's made its way into a few decades throughout history. Bring it to the modern era with a chic half-up, half-down style. An easy way to achieve this look is with either a flat iron or curling iron. Use your chosen hot tool to curl the end section of your hair outwards.

Another easy way to switch up a half-up ponytail is to add more elastics. The more ponytails, the more intricate this type of style can look. Use small elastics to tie up some front sections of your hair. You can go with two, as in this inspiration photo, or add more to get a '90s-inspired look. Leave the sections as-is or join them at the back in one neat ponytail to bring it all together.

Youthful with a bit of sass, half-up pigtail braids are a great choice for when you want to look stylish but keep your hair out of the way. These simple braids feel sporty and look just as good if you get sweaty, so they're another practical look for festivals or even athletic dates, whether a hiking or rock climbing date.

A half-up, half-down hairstyle with cascading curls is timeless for very good reason. There is pretty much no situation where this style looks out of place, whether at work, at brunch with friends, or at a fancy gala. Though simple, this look is one of many that gives half-up, half-down styles their versatile reputation.