37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (2024)

Pinning down the best wedding hairstyle for your big day is akin to plucking the perfect dress or nailing down the playlist. After all, there are so many options to choose from and you want to make sure you get it just right.

To help narrow down your bridal hairstyle options, consider starting with a tried-and-true classic worn by many women of the hour: the half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle. It's a twist on the all-out updo—which may not feel entirely "you"—but feels more special than everyday beach waves.

Quite versatile, this look can read glamorous, simple, or chic, and is the perfect choice for many hair types. There are also a lot of ways to make it your very own. For a bit of inspiration ahead of your nuptials, peruse our favorite half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles that real brides wore on their big days.

20 Wedding Hairstyles With Flowers

01of 37

Vintage '40s Glam

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (1)

This half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle, created by Amanda Thorne, hearkens back to the glamour of the 1940s. Soft retro-inspired curls and hair gently pulled from the face—complete with a face-framing sweep on one side—make this a classic look that'll stand the test of time.

02of 37

Delicate Floral Hairpiece

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (2)

Lean into the romance of your big day by having your hairstylist incorporate real or faux flowers into your half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle. For this look, stylist JC Hair Design incorporated a floral hair piece from Erin Rhyne. She also wove floral details into the bridesmaids' hair.

03of 37

Twists and Headpieces

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (3)

Accentuate your half-up, half-down hairstyle with a twist—like M.O. Hair and Beauty did for this bride—with a sparkly, leaf-like hairpiece.

04of 37

Big Glam

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (4)

To create this glamorous hairstyle, Brides by Sette gave this bride's bouncy waves dimension 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.

05of 37

Elegant Middle Part

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (5)

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).

06of 37

Beautiful Boufant

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (6)

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.

07of 37

Twists With a Veil

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (7)

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).

08of 37

Organic and Natural

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (8)

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.

09of 37

Perfect Pairing

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (9)

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.

10of 37

Braided

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (10)

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.

11of 37

Summer Simplicity

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (11)

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.

12of 37

Ponytail

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (12)

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.

13of 37

Headband

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (13)

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.

14of 37

Top Knot

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (14)

For a 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.

15of 37

Gold Leaf

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (15)

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.

16of 37

Effortless Waves

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (16)

Showcase your wedding dress' beauty by keeping your hair simple. Janet Zeitoun ditched accessories for this bride's look to ensure all eyes were on her Vera Wang ensemble.

Simple Wedding Hairstyles That Prove Less Is More

17of 37

Flowy Waves

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (17)

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.

18of 37

Traditional

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (18)

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

Loose Twists

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (19)

This bride's long wavy locks were pulled back and loosely twisted into embellished pins, while pretty pieces were left out to frame her face. This romantic hairstyle by Raven Reed worked beautifully with the bride's lace-embellished wedding dress.

20of 37

Front Fringe

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (20)

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.

21of 37

Low Ponytail

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (21)

Keep the hair off your neck for your warm-weather wedding by tying the back section into a low ponytail and letting a few strands hang in the front, like Nicole Graftner did for this bride.

Wedding-Worthy Ponytails to Complete Your Bridal Beauty Look

22of 37

Simple Twist

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (22)

It doesn't get any more effortless than this half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle created by Hey Lovely Makeup. The pros kept this look piece-y, which made it perfect for the bride's romantic garden wedding.

23of 37

No Veil

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (23)

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.

24of 37

Crown

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (24)

One surefire way to elevate this type of hairstyle is 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

25of 37

Eucalyptus

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (25)

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.

26of 37

Loose Tendrils

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (26)

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.

27of 37

Middle Part

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (27)

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.

28of 37

Succulents

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (28)

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.

29of 37

Dramatic Crown

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (29)

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, half-down look.

30of 37

Curly

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (30)

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 this half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle natural with the bride's tendrils framing her face.

The Best Hairstyles for Every Wedding Dress Neckline

31of 37

By the Sea

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (31)

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.

32of 37

Classic Half-Up Hair

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (32)

This half-up, half-down 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.

33of 37

Simple Hair Inspiration

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (33)

For a laid-back celebration in the sand, a half-up, half-down look adds just the right balance of simplicity and sophistication.

34of 37

Garden Party Perfect Hair

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (34)

While this wedding hairstyle is a great 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.

35of 37

Braided Back Crown

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (35)

A braided back crown puts a unique and trendy spin on this classic hairstyle—as evidenced by this look that Amy Clarke created.

36of 37

Pink Veil

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (36)

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.

37of 37

Sophisticated Style

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (37)

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.

37 Half-Up, Half-Down Wedding Hairstyles We Love (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular wedding hairstyle? ›

Half Up, Half Down Hair

Half up, half down hair is one of the most popular wedding hairstyles for short and long hair. This timeless look will never go out of style. Half updos are the perfect fit for veils and other accessories. It can also be paired with all the styles mentioned above.

Tell Me More ›

Do brides look better with hair up or down? ›

Consider Your Wedding Dress Neckline

"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.

See Details ›

What is the bridal hairstyle trend in 2024? ›

In 2024, we're seeing a rise in sleek and sophisticated ponytails gracing the aisle. Whether you opt for a low, textured pony or a high, voluminous one, this versatile style adds a touch of modern elegance to your bridal look.

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

What Are the Numbers in Haircuts? If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

What is more elegant hair up or down? ›

If you're having an evening wedding, an updo can create a more formal and elegant look. If you're having a daytime wedding, a down hairstyle can create a more natural and relaxed look that is perfect for the daytime.

Explore More ›

Do brides get hair or makeup done first? ›

“It has been my experience with clients that getting your makeup done before doing your hair is best,” says Voight. She further adds, “This way, the makeup artist has the chance to blend the makeup into the hairline and around the jaw area without worrying about messing up the beautiful work of the hairstylist.

Tell Me More ›

Does the bride get her hair done first or last? ›

In a perfect world, hairstyling happens first because the hot styling tools might cause perspiration, and also because the makeup artist can remove any overspray from the skin before starting. However, your schedule may dictate that hair and makeup happen in tandem – or, in a REAL pinch, simultaneously.

How to do half up half down without looking bald? ›

Pull the top half of your hair into a high half ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic. Then, use your fingers to separate your hair and create a hole above the elastic. Flip your ponytail up and over, pulling the ponytail through the hole you made. To complete your look, pull your ponytail taut.

Know More ›

Is half up half down professional? ›

The Half and Half

You don't need to be a professional hairstylist to achieve this look. The beauty of the half and half look is versatile, looks different with every choice, and is much easier than it seems. A half-bun hairstyle hides all manner of sins. No one is looking at the back of your head on camera, anyway.

View Details ›

What is the classic bride hairstyle? ›

Classic wedding hairstyles such as the chignon, the French twist, and the ballerina bun, are still popular choices for many brides. These hairstyles are timeless and elegant, and they complement almost any wedding dress style.

What is the timeless hairstyle for a wedding? ›

Think chic updos in the way of low chignons, buns, romantic curls, and waves—all classic. This could be personalized further by the addition of accessories or where the veil is placed, or it could be taken to the complete opposite end with your stylist's help.

Learn More Now ›

Which is the most elegant hairstyle? ›

Nothing beats a classic chignon, which is a low bun with a larger section of hair wrapped and pinned around the base. You can invest in some affordable hair pins with fun designs, such as pearls, for added elegance.

How do I find the best wedding hairstyle? ›

Consider your everyday hairstyles.

"I always like to find out how my brides wear their hair regularly. This is a great jumping-off point in choosing your wedding hairstyle," adds Bivona. "If you usually wear it down, look for bridal blowouts. If you wear it up, look into updos or a formal ponytail.