Celebrity-Approved Half-Up, Half Down Hairstyles (2024)

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is so flattering that it's become my signature look. It also never goes out of style, transcending part line trends, updo trends, and hair length preferences. This is in part because it's so versatile: When opting for a half-up, half-down hairstyle, you can keep your hair curled or straight, long or short, loose or in a protective style. Last but not least, this look is the best of both worlds, allowing the wearer to both show off their length and keep their hair out of their face the whole day.

If you think that the half-up, half-down style is boring, or if you're a true believer but want to spice up your look a bit, read on for these celebrity-approved half-up, half-down hairstyles that are bound to bring out your inner starlet. 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.

Our Favorite Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles

The Sky-High Half 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 ponytail 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 by applying a styling cream throughout your strands. Then, he says, "Follow up with a detangling/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."

As a final touch, consider styling your edges à la Halle Bailey as well.

Retro Volume

Pay homage to the style of the 1960s by adding some volume to your half-up, half-down 'do. One way of achieving the look is the tease your hair at the crown, the way Meghan Markle did above, before pulling it back into a loose ponytail. Lease the style sleek or pluck a few strands loose to frame your face, then finish with a medium or strong hold hair spray.

If you're not comfortable teasing your hair, you can also channel the look à la Jessica Chastain by pulling back the front hald of your hair and tucking it beneath the back section.

The Relaxed, Off-Duty Look

You don't always have to look put-together to look chic, and Giannetos agrees. "If you are tight on time, as long as you brush through your hair, you can quickly and easily throw the front up into a ponytail and then you are ready to go!" he reassures. "And 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." I like to run a bit of leave-in conditioner through my hair to smooth flyaways. You can also opt for a large, colorful scrunchie that adds to your outfit or stands out as a statement accessory.

The Low Half-Pony

For a more formal occasion, Giannetos recommends playing with the placement of your ponytail—something that'll also benefit you if wearing high ponytails all day gives you a headache. He suggests, "Instead of a traditional high pony, I would place the ponytails more towards the middle or back of your head. This elevates the look into a more elegant hairstyle instead of playful and fun." To replicate Sydney Sweeney and Jennifer Lopez's looks above, prep your hair with a straightener or by blowing it out, and then keep the look sleek by smoothing your favorite gel over the top of the ponytail when you're done.

The Hyper-Sleek Look

If you're in a pinch and want an elevated look, Better Natured's in-house hair expert, Melessia Wade-Smith recommends a super-sleek half-up ponytail. To start, Wade-Smith says to apply your styling lotion of choice evenly throughout damp, clean hair prior to blow drying. Then section off hair into four sections and straighten with a flat iron, doing ¼ -inch widths of hair at a time. Once all your hair is straightened, use the tip of a comb to part your hair from ear to ear, then sweep this section up into a ponytail and secure the ponytail with a hair elastic of your choice.

A Soft, Romantic Look

Not all half-up, half-down looks involve pulling your hair back into tight ponytails. For a softer look, Wade-Smith 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 brush-able hold before parting your hair into four sections. Then, curl the lengths and ends, working in two-inch wide sections. Once your hair is curled, use the tip of a comb to part your hair from ear to ear, and a bristle hairbrush to weep this section into a ponytail. Secure with a hair elastic of your choice. To really dress it up, wrap a small piece of hair around your elastic and secure with bobby pins.

A Towering Top Knot

This is a style that I love for running errands or for when I'm short on time. Simply pull half of your hair up to the top or back 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, and I often find it even easier to accomplish than a half-ponytail.

Half-Up Pigtails

Pigtails are an excellent style for when you want to look playful, and they can be converted easily into the half-up, half-down look. Giannetos especially recommends tying your half-pigtails up into space buns, noting that the style is popular among Gen Z right now. Simply part your hair down the middle and create top knots out of two small sections at the top. If you have layered hair, Giannetos reassures that the strands sticking out of your buns are no problem: Spiky space buns, he says, are all the rage. When styling celebrities, he even enhances spikes with streaky hair coloring for a particularly daring effect.

Meanwhile, if you prefer a subdued look but still want to give the style a chance, take inspiration from Issa Rae, tying small sections of hair into two low, thin pigtails at the back of your head.

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