50 Stylish Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyle Ideas for Brides (2024)

The choice of the right wedding hairstyle is as responsible as the choice of a wedding dress. If you can’t decide between an updo and downdo type, we suggest you pay attention to the variety of different half up half down bridal hairstyles. This way you’ll enjoy the best qualities of the both hairstyle groups – the naturalness and chic of freely flowing locks and the elegance of the lifted up part.

Half Up Half Down Bridal Hairstyles for Medium and Long Hair

Here are the best half up half down hairstyles you can style in 2024. Our review includes the latest natural hairstyles as well as incredibly feminine ‘dos with braids and bridal veils.

1. Bumped Hairdo for Medium Hair

This cute style is half French twist, half cascades – it’s lovely on medium hair. A more formal look is achieved with the addition of a bump, which is perfect for a bride who wants something simple that makes a statement. This fun hairdo is completed with soft curls, adding dimension to the hair.

2. Bumped Twist Half Updo

First of all, this is a showstopper. Second, who wouldn’t want this lovely hair? Flecks of balayage are accented with curls for long hair down the back. The locks are poufed and side twisted to add a plethora of visual interest that will captivate your guests. This style just says FABULOUS!

3. Sectioned Twist Style

Here is one of those wedding hairstyles down that stands out with its creativity. Side pieces are pulled back while they are twisted and woven together to create such a stunningly gorgeous braided detail. Interesting color solutions like ombre and balayage also show up really well in exquisite hairdos like this one.

4. Veiled Bump with Waves

If you choose a halfdo with a bump, the base of the bump is the perfect place to add a veil, and this bride did it just right. The addition of soft, long bangs and long waves keeps this style simple and sweet to show off your beautiful face. This also allows for easy veil removal, so that you can move and have fun at your reception.

5. Romantic Style for Natural Hair

As far as styles go, this one shows that a lady has panache and style to boot. The twists are swept to the side to create an innocent-looking off-center style that complements a variety of face shapes. This is the perfect look for those ladies who wish to incorporate extensions and wear a long-lasting style.

6. Half Up Blonde Ombre Curls

Take a gander at the beautiful curls we have here! The stunning ombre dye job flows from dark at the roots to white blonde tips. A jeweled clip peeks through the mass of angelic curls. If you plan to wear a bridal gown with a low cut back, this is an alternative to an updo.

7. Side Curls with Tiara and Lace Veil

You might be an experimental fashionista when it comes to your everyday style, but you will probably want to keep things traditional for your wedding. There is still room to play around with wedding hairstyles for long hair. A ‘do with veil is classic. Add pizzazz to your covered bridal hairstyle with a shimmering tiara that matches the pattern of the lace.

8. Teased Half Up Style with Headband

Imagine a bohemian bride wearing this romantic ‘do as she walks down the aisle in an ethereal gown… It is made for an outdoor wedding. We love the tender headband with ribbons and the tiny flowers stuck in the curls.

9. Pinned Back Tousled Waves

It is tempting to go all out preparing for your wedding because it is your “big day,” but showing some restraint actually creates head-turning results. She shows how it’s done with the loose wavy hairstyle that features some softly clipped back layers. Oh la la.

10. Half Up Wedding ‘Do with Jeweled Clip

Any bride-to-be knows that her gown is going to be the focal point of her entire look, but that doesn’t mean her mane has to be understated. Wedding half updos with shimmering hair accessories complete fancy dresses without competition. We love the asymmetry of this gorgeous half updo.

11. Pinned Brunette Ribbons

When it comes to your big day, you probably want something that will have people swooning! That’s where crystal-embellished hair accessories come in. They’re practical because they get your tresses off your beautiful face, and they add even more bling to your fancy outfit.

12. Floral Crown Half Up Half Down Hair

Who says that you have to save flowers for your bouquet? Take your favorite floral crown from music festivals to your wedding day by pairing it with undone waves. Soft eye makeup and rosy lipstick will complete your blushing bride look.

13. Voluminous Half Ponytail

This bridal hair oozes romance, and that is exactly the sort of thing you want when you’re walking down the aisle. Half up wedding hair with mega body and luscious curls is made for long hair. Those with shorter locks can still achieve the ‘do with the help of extensions.

14. Blonde Half Up Hairstyle with Veil

There’s more than one way to wear your wedding veil. Sporting it over your head is something we see on many brides, but having it tucked under the upper part of your updo lends an effortless finish to your bridal look. Pin it under a soft braid and finish things off with a tiara or a jeweled hair clip.

15. Curly Ponytail for Long Hair

Jeweled hair accessories can make even the simplest ‘dos feel a little more special. It’s hard to say whether her swept back curls could look any pettier. But with the delicate hair piece they have instantly got Bridal.

16. Pulled Back Layers with Headband

Half up wedding hairstyles are the best because they look like an updo at the front and show off the length of your gorgeous hair at the back. If you prefer sleek yet voluminous wedding hair styles, draw inspiration from this breathtaking look. It’s a style a bride or a bridesmaid with long hair would be pleased with.

50 Stylish Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyle Ideas for Brides (16)

Instagram/ @husseinsafwann from @PACEELUCE

17. Accessorized Undone Waves

This hairstyles looks very spontaneous and quick-to-do, and we love that! Ideal for an outdoor ceremony, the half updo would complement a boho dress or any other informal bridal outfit.

18. Crown Braid, Bouffant and Headpiece

A crown braid becomes more exciting when it’s decorated with an elegant hair band. A bouffant won’t hurt either. It’s something that instantly makes your hairstyle more meaningful.

19. Half Up Curls for Wedding

Half up half down wedding hair is the best of both worlds – hair is away from the face and flowing in soft curls. A curly half up like this one benefits from a dynamic clip that you can coordinate with a necklace or shoulder-grazing earrings.

20. Bohemian Curls with Floral Clip

Every bride wants her ‘do to highlight her face but it is also wise to think about the back of your head. After all, a lot of your guests are going to contemplate you from behind. The whimsical baby’s-breath band plays up the print of the gown and tenderness of those undone blonde waves.

21. Wedding Semi Updo with Braid

The hallo braid mirrors the cut of the dress, the bouffant gives height, and the bangs are optional but here they do look charming. When choosing the best bridal hairstyle, coordinate it with your dress, then it will really be the most flattering for you!

22. Golden Half Up Half Down Curls

Wedding hair down ideas for medium length hair often suggest curls. Trendy curls are tousled, not those perfect hair-to-hair ribbons. The simple romantic style topped with a snowflake-like clip is divine for weddings!

23. Classic Hairdo with Veil and Tiara

It’s your special day, so, if you want a long veil and a sparkly tiara, go for it. Just make sure you don’t cover your mane completely. When you have glossy waves cascading down your shoulders you want them to be seen. Same goes for your stunning jewelry.

24. Tied Back Ombre Curls

The choice of hair color is another important consideration on your long wedding to-do list. If you don’t plan to wear a veil or any hair pieces, make color your main adornment. Choose wisely, shy away from everything extraordinary, and you’ll love it when you look through your wedding photos years after.

25. Crisscrossed Half Up Wedding Hair

Some brides prefer to wear their hair down, while others are in love with half up half down wedding hairstyles. Those falling into the second camp will surely be inspired by this dazzling twisted updo. It’s a lovely option that may compliment the twisted design of the lace covering your shoulders.

26. Braided Hairstyle with Subtle Waves

Half up half down wedding hairstyles like this one are perfect for a Boho bride. A sweet braid wrapped like a headband offers a feminine touch along with lovely waves flowing freely over the shoulders. It would complement a lace gown perfectly.

27. Sides-Parted Wedding Hairstyle

This bride is as darling as can be with a deep part and hair swept to the side. Those who want a style with a veil can definitely pull off this stunning, face-framing downdo with ease. Soft curls also add movement and texture to this wedding look.

28. Curled Hairdo with Tendrils

If you want to go curly, then this look is for you! Not only is hair very loosely braided, but the “down” part of this hairdo is off center for a more relaxed trendy look. Waves and curls abound and will give you a lot of volume on your big day.

29. Curls Clipped to the Side

This style is simple, free-flowing and so stunning… hair is pulled off of the face to let your lovely features take center stage. Curls are combined with a braid, and a barrette is tucked to the side, giving an extra oomph to this bridal look.

30. Semi-Bouffant Style with Long Bangs

Talk about high impact! Some half up half down wedding hairstyles just say “perfection”, and this one does exactly that. Whether for bridesmaids or the bride herself, this bumped up half updo is topped off with length at the sides that complements those striking features beautifully!

31. Highlighted Braided Crown

Got ombre tones or highlights? Show them off with a braided, curly half updo like this one here. Hair is completely off of the face, yet flows perfectly in a sea of curls topped off by a lovely braid. This style is both interesting and stunning, especially when paired with a fun color solution.

32. Lovely Timeless Style

Twists and waves make this classic style a go for the brides-to-be who want to wear their long hair down. Reminiscent of a Grecian goddess, elements such as pins and rhinestones can be incorporated to add even more interest to this already gorgeous style.

33. French Braided Halfdo

What an intricately gorgeous hairstyle for weddings! The braids start at the crown, end at the back of the head and fall into a delicate cascade of curls and waves. This style is stunning both coming and going and ranks among the most detailed half up wedding hairstyles on our list. Beautiful!

34. Simple Halfdo for Short Hair

What a lovely yet effortless look! Short locks are pulled back with a pouf at the top of the head to add height. The style is secured with a few bobby pins and really shows off the variation of hues in her hair.

35. Sophisticated Pulled Back Cascade

Having been ranked as one of the more formal hairstyles, this look is mesmerizing. It features an almost full updo with one section of hair simulating a low ponytail upgraded with a sophisticated color solution – reverse ombre. This style is perfect for a woman who chooses the look of an updo from the front, yet wants to have the security of hair down the back.

36. Darling Style with Circular Twists

Classic half up half down wedding hairstyles like this one offer a sophisticated, feminine flair. Hair is pulled back and allowed to flow. Selected strands are then twisted into circular rosettes. You could even add a tiara to this style to enhance the interest both in the front and back.

37. Double Braid with Fresh Flowers

This just has to be one of the sweetest looks ever. Two braids – one thick, one thin – are placed across the crown of the head, while the front pieces are tucked back (lovely!) and secured in the back with a small spray of flowers. The back of the hair is allowed to flow freely down the back. How sweet and delicate – this one is a sure fire favorite!

38. Double Braided Look for Straightened Hair

Having your locks straightened and braided is a great idea for those who like to see their wedding hairstyles down. Adding a few waves give the look some beautiful texture for long hair down the back. What a pretty bride you are going to be!

39. Ponytail Style with Headband and Bow

Lacy braids and a bow of hair… all topped off the look of the low curly ponytail. This style has a lot going on, but each detail works flawlessly together. The half updo will suit a girl who wants a wedding Boho look or enjoys hairdos with variety and interest.

40. Pulled Back Half Updo with Comb

This is one of those highly requested wedding hairstyles down for a straight haired woman who wants to be all curls on her wedding day. Hair is curled and pulled back halfway, which makes for the perfect location to add an interesting wedding comb or tiara. So pretty!

41. Long Curly Hairstyle With A Tiara

A half up half down hairstyle for long thick hair should be simple but impressive. This is exactly the case. The lush, touchable curls, fancy tiara, the play of symmetry and asymmetry – we are impressed and enchanted!

42. Fabulous Cascade Of Loose Curls

The showiest way to present the long curls is to gather them on the crown and let them gracefully cascade down. This is a gorgeous hairstyle from any angle of view: the lift at the roots makes any face more attractive, thanks to the sleek sides your profile is becoming more refined, and the flows of curls at the back literally mesmerize!

43. Simple And Cute Wedding Hairstyle For Long Hair

If you do not want any pomposity in your bridal look, you will perfectly do without any bouffant, intricate braiding or new, exquisite curl patterns. The maximally natural hairstyle in this picture will please Boho brides. The easily pinned front locks and effortless loose curls are irresistibly charming, and the V-shaped hair piece is, unquestionably, the most suitable accessory for this cute look.

44. Medium Half Up Half Down Hairstyle With Fancy Knots

A typical solution for half up hairstyles is to pin the front locks at the back with a cute hairpiece as an adornment. And shaping a few knots from hair as a substitute for a hair clasp is a more creative idea. You can still use a jeweled headband and eye-catching earrings.

45. Tender Shapely Curls For A Romantic Wedding Look

Shapely polished curls look great in both medium and long lengths. If you want to make an accent on the flawless shape of your curls, their polished finish and fantastic shine, make a simple half up half down hairstyle. It will look good with minimalistic accessories that do not distract attention from the beauty of your locks.

46. Dimensional Waves In Half Up Wedding Hairstyles

If you are a fan of the popular today bronding hair color solutions, your wedding hair will look amazing in dimensional waves. The fabulous texture of the rigid waves is the “wow” factor of this gorgeous hairstyle. But the dyeing procedure should be certainly planned beforehand.

47. Twists And Curls In Bridal Half Up Styles

According to the current trends in wedding fashion, the tenderness and naturalness of the look are the key factors to pursue for modern brides. This lovely long hairstyle meets all the contemporary fashion requirements. The curls look soft and natural. They literally breathe with ease and spring freshness!

48. Diagonal Waterfall Braid In Half Up Bridal Hairstyle

Braided hairstyles are associated with girly charm and innocence. That’s why braids have always been very welcome in wedding hairstyles. The diagonal waterfall braid and bouncy curls are a cute win-win combination. You may add a few big hair flowers on one side or adorn the braid with a sprinkling of tiny buds.

49. Natural-Looking Braided Hairstyle For Brides

This hairstyle reminds a low pony in its silhouette, but it looks more sophisticated thanks to the headband braid and intersecting locks at the nape. Besides, we can’t help admiring its gorgeous messy feel of lively locks, free of any styling products. The cute field flowers are the sweetest compliment, indeed.

50. Tender Bridal Hairstyle With A Veil

If you want to wear a fluffy bridal veil on your wedding day, half up half down hairstyle is the most appropriate base for it, especially if your hair is long. You can show off beautiful curls and wear your voluminous wedding veil with ease and comfort.

Half up half down bridal ‘dos are beautiful and comfortable to wear. They are easy to pair with a bridal veil, flowers and jeweled hair pieces of any design. There are half up hairstyles to fit any wedding theme and suit any hair length except for very short hair. So, why not to choose the image you like and test it with your hairstylist?

50 Stylish Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyle Ideas for Brides (2024)

FAQs

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.

How to do a perfect half up half down hairstyle? ›

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.

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.

How to look like a classy bride? ›

You can add modern touches with your makeup, hair or jewelry. Don't underestimate the importance of color. Think about your event location and decor, then select a color that will contrast and make you stand out as the bride. Lighter makeup can keep your bridal look youthful, fresh, and effortless.

How to do half up twist hairstyles? ›

Separate a section of hair in front of one ear and twist it toward the back. Position the twist on top of the previously inserted pins to cover them. Insert a bobby pin or two into the twist to secure it. Repeat on the other side.

What is the hairstyle called half up half down? ›

This particular hairstyle is more or less what the name suggests: tie up the top half of your hair into a topknot or ponytail, while the lower half can cascade down your back or be swept to the side. This is an underrated hairstyle and bound to be a favorite for anyone who wants a great look in a hurry!

What is half up half down hairstyle? ›

A "half up half down" hairstyle is where the hair is divided into two sections, with the top section pulled up and pinned or styled in some way, while the bottom section remains down. A "half up do" is similar, but may involve more styling or intricate techniques to create a more formal or polished look.

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.

Do brides do hair or makeup 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.

Why do most brides wear their hair up? ›

For many brides, their reason for wanting to wear their hair up is that it was more like their everyday style and they wanted their guests and their husband to be to see them as themselves and not overly styled, for others it can often be because it feels easier – once it's up, its up, and there's no further ...

Why do brides wear their hair down? ›

The thing is, brides who choose to wear their hair down tend to be girls who always wear their hair down – bottom line, they feel the most comfortable, beautiful and confident with their hair down. It's the same reasoning for brides who choose to wear their hair up – it just feels 'right' for them.

Is it OK to wear your hair down to a wedding? ›

You can definitely wear your hair down to a wedding – as long as your finished style looks smart and complements your outfit. This is not the day for trying out a grungy 'bed head' look.

Can a bride wear her hair down? ›

Hair-down looks work great with strapless gowns or spaghetti straps. If your dress has a detailed back or a high neck, you may want to consider an updo or a half-up, half-down style. Be sure your stylist knows what your dress looks like, and they can help you find a hairstyle that works from all angles.

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