31 Best Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for Curly Hair

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What Are The Best Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for Curly Hair?

While some girls dream of bouncy curls, those fortunate enough to be gifted with them can sometimes want to rip their hair out! The key to having a healthy relationship with your curls is learning how to play with them!

Whether you are rocking natural curls or rely on a curling wand to work its magic, there are some amazing options to explore to have you flaunting those curls with confidence. An absolute go-to is a half up half down look, which is a great balance between casual and formal, so you get to have the best of both worlds!

Read on to be inspired by the fun and gorgeous looks we found for you, you will be the envy of every girl at the party, the prom, or even the girl sitting across from you at the coffee shop. The versatility of this look will have you feeling fabulous for any occasion.

1. Braided Topknot

Pull back the top half of your locks into a chunky Dutch braid and end it off with a messy but chic bun. The braid can be given some extra texture by pulling the strands carefully to loosen and thicken them up. This is an easy style to pull off on your own and will look stunning alongside some tousled curls.

2. Double Dutch Braids

Create some bohemian funk by doubling up the braids. You can create a lot of texture and show off the different tones in your hair with this double braided look. It’s fun and practical to remove any unwanted stray hairs from the face and is perfect for a casual day out with girlfriends.

3. Simple Twist

So easy yet so effective and great for when time is minimal. Simply rope two strands of hair from each side of the hair together to create a twist. Let them merge together just below the crown and secure it with a tiny elastic or hair accessory. To add some extra height, you can lightly tease the crown and use the meeting of the two twists to hold the lift you have created.

4. Tousled Half Updo

You can easily create this romantic half up half down hairdo by twisting two sections of hair back into an effortless and loose knot just below the crown. Nestled amongst some tousled curls, this simple do can look both casual and elegant.

5. Bohemian Variety

Artistic and decorative, you can have so much fun with a variety of braids and details all blended into a whimsical hairdo. By creating tons of texture and dimension, this hairdo is a treat on the eyes and so fun to create! Use your imagination to blend braids, twists, knots, and sweet accessories to achieve this masterpiece of bohemian variety.

6. Boho Twists with Fishplait Detail

This style works beautifully on thick hair as that extra fullness is needed for the detail to pop. It also shows off different hues in the hair and pops of color that may be present. Again you are combining some twisted sections of hair that meet at the center back of the head which then seamlessly cascade into a stunning fishtail braid to finish it off, surrounded by bouncy. voluminous curls.

7. Bouncy High half Ponytail

Turn on the glamour with a high and bouncy ponytail! This is a sure way to attract attention to that stunning mane of curls. Tightly pull back to the hair on top from the temples and create a ponytail on the very top of your head. Wrap a separate, thick strand of hair around the elastic to both hide it and create a bit of extra height to your ponytail. Pull the ponytail tight and let the curls waterfall down the back and sides of your head. Simply stunning!

8. Braid and Ponytail Combination

Turn a classic half-up ponytail into a style that oozes personality by adding a Dutch braid down the center of the head, blending into the ponytail that rests on top of a head of gorgeous curls. The variety of textures makes this look more interesting and imaginative and is very simple to achieve.

9. Braided Fauxhawk

Embody your inner rockstar with this fabulous fauxhawk braid. The hair is braided loosely with extra height and the sides are slicked down and back to create an epic illusion of a mohawk. Tastefully done, this look can work great in a formal setting paired with the right dress and a gorgeous pair of heels.

10. Bubble Braid

A simple way to create some big effect! Softly twist two sections of hair from each side of the head and secure them with a tiny elastic just below the crown. Tie off equal sections down the shaft of the ponytail and gently tug the hair up to loosen and create a bubble. The longer your ponytail, the better! like a string of Chinese lanterns, a perfect and fitting do for a casual beach bon fire!

11. Cornrows to Bun

A great way to complement a bun on a head of curls is by feeding the bun with some flawless and stylish cornrows. It is a great way to clear the face from fly aways and the contrasting textures make this a creative and artistic way to wear your hair half up. What is really amazing about this hairstyle is that can be enjoyed for longer than a day, given the cornrows have been braided by a braid connoisseur.

12. Crown Braid

Feel like a princess with this braided crown. Start a Dutch braid at the parting of your hair and work your way toward the crown, then repeat this step on the other side so that the braids come together creating an enchanted halo effect. Gently loosen the strands to create a wider braid which will really enhance the idea of the braid resembling a crown.

13. Cute Bow with Curls

Sweet and elegant! Creating a bow from the hair as opposed to adding a bow accessory is a creative way to show off your talents! this is a perfect hairstyle choice for a more formal setting. Take a section of hair that is not too thick and create a bun by not pulling the ponytail through fully. Split the bun in two and secure the base of each side with a bobby pin, spreading the section of hair to create each side of the bow. You will then take a section of the hair that is left, bring it over the center where the bun splits, and thread it down and through, and voila!

14. Dramatic Dutch Braid

Amp up your curls by adding a thick and chunky yet elegant braid cascading around your head. It’s a crown of braided glory that works great on thicker hair. This hairdo adds a lot of dimension and contrast in textures and works fantastically whether it be for a casual or formal occasion.

15. Effortless Loose Knot

We are really loving these simple easy and effective hairdos! A simple knot can be so versatile and played with in many ways. This is a great example of just that, a low and loose knot with some brilliantly blended balayage will give you this relaxed, natural-looking half-up half down hairstyle.

16. Half Cornrows to Afro

Tame your gorgeous afro by adding some cornrows to the top half of your hair. This opens up the face beautifully and the contrast in textures is simply stunning. This hairdo can be casually flaunted on a trip to the mall and dressed up for a glamorous night out.

17. Half Up Braided Pigtails

Boho chic at its finest! Revolutionize classic pigtails by rocking them with Dutch braids and leave your curls as a beautiful backdrop to flaunt them. This style is adventurous but cute, as well as practical and fun.

18. Half Up Connected Buns

Absolutely unique and a guaranteed head-turner! This spectacular hairstyle may seem complicated but is in fact simple to pull off. Using four sections of hair from the forehead to the temples, bring each section into a knot or bun. Leave a small section of hair from the bun to add to the next so they all connect and create this train of gorgeous knot buns.

19. Half Up Space Buns

This style choice has a fun, girl band, 90’s kind of vibe to it, but is super on-trend in 2022! Space buns look extra cute on a head full of curly locks. Wear them messy or pretty and polished, either way, they are a huge win when looking for a half up half down curly do.

20. Lazy Half Bun on Long Hair

As the title suggests, this is a half-up bun achieved in a way that seems lazy but still looks cute and chic. Softly pull back the top half of the hair, leaving some hair loose around the face, and secure in a bun by not pulling through the ponytail fully at the last, tightest loop the elastic can make. This creates an easy, floppy bun with an extra tail of tousled locks.

21. Long Bohemian Braid

If you are blessed with long locks and some epic braiding skills, then this is a great option for you. Simply create a long Dutch braid down the center of your head, pulling it gently to broaden the braid. This hairstyle is practical and adds some height if you feel a bit flat. A gorgeous head of disheveled waves can be enjoyed once you release the braid for a second gorgeous hairdo!

22. One-Sided Braid

A chic, alternative look, this one-sided braid creates some asymmetry that has an edgy feel. A fun way to wear your locks half up by not opting for the obvious way of top half up and bottom half down. The volume created by a mane of curls finishes off this look perfectly.

23. Pleasingly Messy Beachy Half Knot

This hairstyle has a fabulous way of looking chic and casual. Ideal on tight curls and very effective when the curls are left unbrushed and natural, creating some separation. Hair left loose at the hairline to soften the face and the hair left down at the bottom balances it out perfectly.

24. Simple Twist Knot

If braids aren’t quite your thing or your co-ords are against you, then a simple knot can be so effective, and to the eye, it may seem that it requires more skill than it actually does. It works great on shorter lengths or hair with layers as it adds to the detail and doesn’t get lost amongst the gorgeous curls.

25. Soft Half Ponytail

I don’t think it can get simpler than this. A classic ponytail created by half the hair that looks charming among some curls.  Using a strand of hair from the ponytail to wrap around and hide the elastic, provides a small detail that is very pleasing to the eye.

26. Textured Half Ponytail for Medium Length Hair

Curls can be just as gorgeous on medium-length hair, in fact, this texture paired with this length is so trendy at the moment. Create some extra volume and height by softly pulling the hair back into a tousled ponytail. Use an elastic the classic way and use an extra strand of hair to creatively and effectively enhance the overall look. It is always a good idea to let some hair loose around the face for extra softness.

27. Textured Twists with Beach Waves

An inspired look created by a gorgeous mass of twisted and tousled locks. This hairdo is imaginative and expressive and is as pretty as a picture! Roped strands come together into a gorgeous detail , accompanied by some pleasingly unkempt beachy waves.

28. Thick Twist

Create a thick twist with two strands of hair by coiling them around each other. Thicker strands contribute to the beautiful spiraling effect of this hairdo. Different tones throughout the hair will be highlighted adding to the overall aesthetic of this simple twisted hairstyle.

29. Topknot on Medium Length Curls

This style is so trendy at the moment and is such a cute way to enjoy curls on shorter hair. The contrast in texture is playful and is great for adding a bit of height and volume to your locks. You can simply pull the top half of your hair up into an effortless bun, and spend half the amount of time attending to the curls that are hanging loose.

30. Voluminous Boho Knot

You just can not go wrong with fabulous boho detail to show off those curls. This style is achieved by loosely gathering the top half of your hair into an effortless, chunky knot. Again adding some twisted sections to really add texture and contrast.

31. Waterfall Braid

This style requires a little extra patience and technique, but if you can get this one down, you will be sure to turn heads! A waterfall braid is essentially a Dutch braid with a step that is slightly tweaked. You will braid your hair from both sides of the temples so that the two braids meet at the back, and one strand of the braid is left hanging loose creating a cascading effect, that blends beautifully into the rest of the hair.

Final Thoughts

Spoilt for choice right! I hope you are left feeling eager and confident to get out there and rock those curls in the many creative ways that you have been inspired by. In order to wear these hairdos to their fullest potential, there are some tips to guide you to really look after your natural locks or achieve the perfect curl.

  • The key ingredient for bouncy, frizz-free curls. is moisture. Curly locks are naturally dryer than other hair textures and require extra moisture to retain their gorgeous form. So don’t be shy with those deep conditioning products!
  • When creating curls with hot tools, it is imperative to use a heat-protecting spray or lotion before you start. Do not skip this step, ever!
  • Seal in the frizz and lock in the bounce of natural curls by finding the right combination of products that will enhance them. Whether it be a mousse, gel or curl serum, every head of locks is unique and figuring out what works for you depends on hair texture, thickness and history. Don’t be resistant to experimenting, you will be over the moon when you discover the perfect formula.
  • Upskill your braiding skills and build up a collection of bobby pins, hair accessories and elastics to optimally create these gorgeous looks.
  • Play, play play! practice makes perfect and it is time that will never be wasted.

Now you are ready and equipped for that event, however casual or formal it may be and with every step of confidence you take, those locks will be bouncing in all their glory!

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Author - Lauren Holland

Lauren always knew she needed to work in an industry that would nurture her creative and eccentric personality. She has run her own business for 7 years. After 2 years attending college, Lauren found herself an apprenticeship with one of the top salons in her province. This salon was popular for their more alternative and creative hairstyle ideas, taking part in many international competitions, photoshoots and shows where bright colors and Avant Garde styling were always the theme. She fine-tuned her skills throughout her 5 years there, achieving many awards including national finalist of the Goldwell Color Zoom competition. After qualifying, Lauren stayed on and grew in leaps and bounds in her art, training new apprentices and meeting some local fame and influencers. She got to experience various facets of the industry and built up a strong clientele. Lauren eventually found her way to owning her own salon and, in this time, she specialized in bridal and formal hair. Living in the Midlands meant she was in the hub of the wedding industry and was involved with collaborative shoots and bridal shows.