Half-up, half-down hairstyles are so easy to execute that they've become my tried-and-true go-to look when I'm short on time. I love that it never goes out of style and works with every hair length, but the celebrity-loved look—seen on everyone from Gigi Hadid to Issa Rae—is inherently versatile, too. Sometimes I wear it curled or straight, long or short, loose or in a protective style. The best part: It keeps my hair out of my face.
If you want to elevate your messy bun or ponytail, read on for eight celebrity-approved half-up hairstyles—and tips on how to execute them. They're perfect for any occasion, whether you're heading to the office, preparing for a party, or simply looking for a quick, easy updo.
The Best Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles
The Half-Up Half-Down Sky High Ponytail
Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos says his go-to is a "simple, sleek pony up top," which can be achieved with all hair types and curl patterns, as well as with protective styles. To get the look, Giannetos says, "Section your hair in a ponytail from temple to temple. Secure the style closer to the top of your head for a high, snatched pony look." Then, wrap a piece of your hair around your scrunchie.
For loose hair that's not in a protective style, Giannetos recommends prepping the hair with a styling cream to add some texture. "Follow up with a boar bristle brush to slick your hair back. After you have secured your ponytail, I would use a curling iron to create your favorite style of curls," he adds.
As a final touch, consider styling your edges à la Halle Bailey.
The Retro Half-Up Half-Down Teased Crown
Pay homage to the '60s by adding volume to your half-up, half-down do. One way to achieve the look is to tease your hair at the crown (see: Meghan Markle) before pulling it back into a loose ponytail. Leave the style sleek, or frame your face with a few loose strands. Finish it off with a medium or strong-hold hair spray.
If your front pieces are too greasy to leave out, channel Jessica Chastain's look by slicking back the front half of your hair and then fastening it with a hair tie underneath the back section.
The Half-Up Half-Down With a Scrunchie
Sometimes, a fun scrunchie is all you need to pull a look together. "If you are tight on time, you can quickly and easily throw the front of your hair into a ponytail," Giannetos says. "If you don't have time to brush through your hair, don't worry—having some texture to your hair gives it a messy but effortless look."
If time allows, I like to apply leave-in conditioner through my hair to smooth flyaways.
The Low Half-Up Half-Down Pony
For a formal occasion, Giannetos recommends playing with the placement of your hair tie. "Instead of a traditional high pony, I would place the hair band more towards the middle or back of your head. This elevates the look into a more elegant hairstyle," he explains.
To replicate Sydney Sweeney and Jennifer Lopez's looks above, prep your hair with a straightener and then smooth your favorite gel over the ponytail.
The Smooth Edge Half-Up Half-Down Ponytail
While a half-up half-down style that sits at the crown typically comes along with a curl for added body, you can pull off a straight, sleek look by pairing the 'do with sleek edges. Use the tip of a rat-tail comb to smooth edges with a gel or edge control.
Mist hair with a shine spray for good measure.
A Romantic Half-Up Half-Down Pony
Not all half-up, half-down looks involve pulling your hair back. For a softer look, Melessia Wade-Smith, Hair Artistry Education Manager at Zotos Professional, suggests pulling the top layer of your hair towards the back of the head and then curling the lengths for added bounce. First, she says to spray a texture spray all over your ends to add volume and brushable hold before parting your hair into four sections.
Then, curl the lengths and ends, working in two-inch sections. Use the tip of a comb to part your hair from ear to ear, and a bristle hairbrush to sweep this section into a ponytail. Secure with a hair elastic of your choice. To dress it up, wrap a small piece of hair around your elastic and secure it with bobby pins.
The Half-Up Half-Down With a Top Knot
This is a style that I love for running errands or when I'm short on time. Simply pull half of your hair up to the crown of your head and create a small top knot, leaving the rest of your hair falling down your back. It's a great way to both show off your length and pull your hair back at the last minute. I often find it even easier to accomplish than a half-ponytail.
The Half-Up Half-Down Pigtails
Pigtails are an excellent style that can easily be converted into the half-up, half-down look. Giannetos recommends tying your half-pigtails up into space buns, noting that the style is popular among Gen Z. Part your hair down the middle and create large or small top knots out of two sections at the top. Giannetos reassures that the strands sticking out of your buns are no problem if you have layered hair: Spiky space buns, he says, are a huge 2024 hair trend.
