21 Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles I'm Trying Right Now

A collage of Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie and Laura Harrier with half-up, half-down hairstyles — (Image credit: @haileybieber, @brycescarlett, @haroldjames)

If you're anything like me, you might find doing your hair a bit of a chore. Which is a shame, as I love trying a new hair trend or finding a new 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 bouncy blowdry with a hot brush, or try that viral TikTok trend that looks easy (I'm looking at you, French twist) 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 and most hair lengths (yes, even bob hairstyles). It's also the perfect hairstyle if you're stretching out the days until your next shampoo 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.

So, if you're in need of some hairstyling ideas, I have saved the 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.

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1. Half Up Hairstyle With Hair Clip

Hailey Bieber with a half-up, half-down hairstyle with a tortoiseshell barette

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.

2. Half Up Waves

Margot Robbie with S waves tied into a half up half down hairstyle

Switch up your waves by combining them with a half-up, half-down hairstyle. I'm still dreaming about Margot Robbie's Wuthering Heights waves.

3. Half Up Bob

Hailey Bieber with a bob haircut worn in a half up half down hairstyle

Short hairstyles like bob haircuts can get in on the action, too, as Hailey Bieber shows.

4. Half Up Claw Clip

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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.

5. Half Up Hairstyle with Fringe

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A half up half down hairstyle looks seriously chic with a fringe.

6. Half Up Rope Braids

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Take a couple of rope braids and pin them at the top of your head with hair slides.

7. Half Up Messy Bun

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As you pull your hair into a bun, let a couple of strands fall free for a off-duty half up half down hairstyle.

8. Braided Top Knot

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A braided top knot is the ultimate casual hairstyle that instantly changes up your look.

9. Wavy Half Up Hairstyle

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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.

10. Curly Top Knot

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A half up top knot looks so chic with curly hair.

11. Straight Top Knot

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Equally, we love this look on straight hair too. It's an ideal holiday hairstyle, too.

12. Middle Part Half Up Hairstyle

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Part your hair down the middle and sweep hair back with a comb to recreate this slick half up half down hairstyle.

13. '90s Half Up Hairstyle

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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.

14. Half Up Plaited Hairstyle

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Give your standard half up half down hairstyle by plaiting the length of your ponytail.

15. Half Up Hairstyle with Scarf

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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.

16. Top Knot with Scrunchie

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A simple top knot is given a hit update with the addition of a scrunch.

17. Simple Half Up Half Down Hairstyle

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Hailey Bieber shows us that sometimes a simple half up half down hairstyle is all that is needed.

18. Half Up with Ribbon

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How pretty is this ribbon-tied half up half down hairstyle?

19. '90s Updo

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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.

20. Braid Tendrils

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You really get the best of both worlds with this braided ponytail with long braided tendrils left loose.

21. Straight Half Up Half Down Hairstyle

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Straight and sleek hair looks so cool in a half up hairstyle tied high on top of the head.

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Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.

With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.

Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.