35 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love
35 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love
Twists and Headpieces
Accentuate your half-up, half-down hairstyle's twist—this one was executed by M.O. Hair and Beauty—with a sparkly, leaf-like hairpiece.
Big Glam
To create this glamorous hairstyle, Brides by Sette set off this bride's bountiful waves by pulling half of her hair up; she added a little height on top, while allowing two front pieces to frame the bride's face.
Elegant Middle Part
Here's how to rock the half-up, half-down look if you're wearing a veil: When creating this look, stylist Sarah Al-adwani of Ceron Salon divided two pieces in the front to create a middle part, added soft waves at the ends, and formed a petite bun at the crown (so the veil's comb had something to grip onto).
Beautiful Boufant
Looking for a wedding hairstyle that's formal and elegant? We found it. Here, Team Hair and Makeup created a half-up, half-down hairstyle with volume and height that was in complete balance with this bride's ball gown.
Twists With a Veil
For this outdoor wedding, twists of the bride's naturally wavy hair was artfully arranged by Sinem Yavsaner. She tucked a long veil just underneath the twists for the ceremony (so the woman of the hour could easily remove it for the reception).
Organic and Natural
A strategically placed veil is a classic way to emphasize this hairstyle. The Hair and Makeup Collective anchored this bride's traditional lace accessory right into the "up" section of her hair.
Perfect Pairing
This colorful Monique Lhuillier wedding dress, complete with floral and butterfly embroidery, needed a hairstyle that was just as dreamy. This half-up, half-down style by Willow House Beauty—with face-framing pieces falling into loose waves—perfectly complemented this bride's whimsical look.
Braided
For a relaxed take on this classic look, try adding a milkmaid braid. This bride's pretty hairstyle would be perfect at a backyard wedding. Braided Wedding Hairstyles We Love Braided Wedding Hairstyles We Love
Simply Summery
A California summer wedding calls for a fuss-free half-up, half-down hairstyle that's simple, yet elegant. Edin Carpenter styled this bride's hair with subtle waves and a side part that dipped midway down and was pinned off her face.
Ponytail
If you're not sold on a full half-up hairdo, consider a modified version, like this one by Fringe Studio. The look came together by creating a low ponytail on the lower half of the bride's hair.
Headband
If you're looking to add a little glamour to your half-up, half-down hairstyle, make like Design Visage and pair the hairstyle with a sparkly headband. We also suggest mimicking this bride and wearing minimal jewelry to bring attention to the statement accessory.
Top Knot
For your contemporary ceremony, put an of-the-moment twist on this classic hairdo with a trendy top knot. Giulia Cresci was responsible for this bride's hair. Modern Wedding Hairstyles for the Cool, Contemporary Bride Modern Wedding Hairstyles for the Cool, Contemporary Bride
Gold Leaf
Even the smallest accessories can make an impact on your half-up, half-down hairstyle. This gold leaf clip from Sara's Boutique gave this bride's Devotion Studio hairstyle a Grecian touch.
Simple
Showcase your wedding dress' beauty by keeping your hair simple. Janet Zeitoun ditched the accessories for this bride's look to ensure all eyes were on her Vera Wang ensemble. Simple Wedding Hairstyles That Prove Less Is More Simple Wedding Hairstyles That Prove Less Is More
Flowy Waves
If you like the idea of wearing your hair down, but don't want it in your face or overpowering your look, this half-up, half-down style is a good compromise. Here, Hair by Amelia Renee pulled back hair from a middle part, allowing long waves to fall along the sides.
Traditional
For a completely traditional look, ask your hairstylist to add a little volume to the front of your half-up, half-down hairstyle with a bouffant. Olivia Halpin executed this bride's timeless hairdo by clipping the top section back and securing it with overlapping sections. Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Brides with Long Hair Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Brides with Long Hair
Loose Twists
This bride's long wavy locks were pulled back and loosely twisted into embellished pins; pretty pieces fell around her face. This romantic hairstyle by Raven Reed worked beautifully with the bride's lace-embelished wedding dress.
Front Fringe
Parlour 3 proves long bangs aren't an issue with this hairstyle. Rather than tucking them away, let them hang loose for a softer, more casual feel.
Low Ponytail
Keep the hair off your neck for your warm-weather wedding by tying the back section into a low ponytail—Nicole Graftner created this pretty example—and letting a few strands hang in the front. Wedding-Worthy Ponytails to Complete Your Bridal Beauty Look Wedding-Worthy Ponytails to Complete Your Bridal Beauty Look
Simple Twist
It doesn't get any more effortless than this hairdo created by Hey Lovely Makeup. The pros kept this look piece-y, which made it perfect for the bride's romantic garden wedding.
No Veil
If you're choosing to forgo a traditional veil, get creative with your half-up, half-down hairstyle. Nicolette Paige Fratto added a few gold leaf hair pins from Lia Terni to this bride's hair to ensure her look was still eye-catching. Modern Hair Accessories for Your Wedding Day Modern Hair Accessories for Your Wedding Day
Crown
Here's a surefire way to elevate this type of hairstyle, and that's with a crown. Jewel Hair Design used a tiara by Tania Maras as a regal finishing touch. Crowns That Will Make Any Bride Feel Like Royalty Crowns That Will Make Any Bride Feel Like Royalty
Eucalyptus
There are a myriad of uses for greenery on your big day, but this example by Stacey Ford from Prima Salon proves it's also a particularly pretty (and natural) addition to your half-up, half-down hairstyle.
Loose
You can still wear this traditional hairstyle for your relaxed tropical celebration. Just opt for a loose interpretation, like this one by Garbo A Salon. This bride's waves were perfect for a breezy outdoor event.
Middle Part
Want to add a little drama to your hairstyle? Yene Damtew proves that a middle part is the way to do just that. This bride's look also featured voluminous curls.
Succulents
The best part about this hairstyle? You can accessorize it with any headpiece that suits your theme or locale. Rock Me Makeup chose a succulent piece, which was an appropriate addition for the bride's desert wedding. Ideas for Using Succulents at Your Wedding Ideas for Using Succulents at Your Wedding
Dramatic Crown
With a wedding dress as unique as this one, you'll want an equally unexpected hairstyle. To match the bride's sparkly gown from One Day Bridal, Salon Ruelle chose this custom-made crown from Amaroq Design to accessorize her half-up look.
Curly
If you have gorgeous, curly hair like this beauty, you don't have to do much to make this hairstyle your own. That's why Jennie Kay kept it natural and let this bride's hair frame her face. Pinterest-Worthy Wedding Hairstyles for Curly Hair Pinterest-Worthy Wedding Hairstyles for Curly Hair
By the Sea
When thinking of a hairstyle for your outdoor reception, you may have to factor in wind. If you don't want an updo, a half-up, half-down hairdo—like this bride's Melina Ruiz style—is a great way to ensure your look is secure, even on a breezy beach.
Classic Half-Up Hair
This half-up hairstyle is perfect for a black-tie wedding. Amanda D'Andrea's combination of a simple twist and full curls gave this bride a classic vibe. Formal Wedding Ideas for Your Black-Tie Celebration Formal Wedding Ideas for Your Black-Tie Celebration
Simple Hair Inspiration
For a laid-back celebration in the sand, a half-up look adds just the right balance of simplicity and sophistication. See More Ideas for a Beach Wedding See More Ideas for a Beach Wedding
Garden Party Perfect Hair
While this wedding hairstyle can be the best way to keep longer hair out of your eyes, the look can also intentionally frame your face. This loose half-up, half-down hairdo by Jacqueline Villa is proof.
Braided Back Crown
A pretty back braid—this one was created by Amy Clarke—puts a unique and trendy spin on this classic look.
Long Locks
Wearing a unique veil like this bride's flower crown iteration? You may also want to bookmark her hairdo; Green Pea Salon keep her style minimal so it wouldn't compete with her statement headpiece.
Sophisticated Style
Here's proof that a simple half-up, half-down hairstyle can still feel glamorous. Although Marie Robinson Salon decided against accessories, this bride's look still felt elevated.
If you've been searching endlessly for the right wedding hairstyle to no avail, the task can seem overwhelming. To narrow down your options, we suggest starting with a tried-and-true idea that countless brides have loved in the past: the half-up, half-down hairstyle. If that all-out updo feels too fussy, but you want something more special than your everyday beach waves, we think this versatile look should be your starting point.
And when we say versatile, we mean it. This look can be glamorous, simple, or chic, and is the perfect choice for any hair type—or for any bride who simply wants to keep her hair off her face during the big celebration. You can wear a half-up, half-down hairstyle however you please, and there are countless ways to make the long-favored look your own.
Still in need of inspiration? Here, we've rounded up our favorite half-up, half-down hairstyles that real brides wore for their weddings. Whether you want to dress your look up or down, there's a style here for any kind of celebration.