The Best of Both Worlds: 6 Half-Up Hairstyles to Try
Find yourself constantly torn between putting your locks into an updo or letting them hang free? Well, you know what they say—mix it all together and you know you’ve got the best of both worlds! Half-up hairstyles blend together everything you’re looking for in a hairstyle, meaning they’re the answer to your indecisive prayers—not to mention they’re totally gorgeous. Whether you’re rocking a short, medium, or long ‘do, there’s a half-up hairstyle for you! Keep reading for six half-up hairstyles to try in your next beauty look.
HALF-UP HAIRSTYLES FOR SHORT HAIR
If you have short hair, you may feel limited in your hair styling options—especially when it comes to putting your short strands into an updo or ponytail. Don’t fret! Half-up hairstyles are the perfect way to get your short locks out of your face and expertly styled. Try one of the following half-up hairstyles for short hair.
HALF-UP HAIRSTYLE #1: PARTY PONY
The hairstyle you likely sported as a child (along with colorful hair accessories) has made a major comeback. The party pony is a hairstyle we’re seeing everywhere from work to the bar. Even better, this hairstyle can be worn with straight, wavy, or curly strands! Here’s how to get it:
STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR
To start, you’ll want to create a top and bottom section of your hair. The size of your top section will end up being your party pony, so you’ll probably want it to be a little smaller than the bottom section of hair that you’ll be leaving down. We recommend creating your section about one inch above your ear.
STEP #2: PUT IT UP
Once you’ve gathered your top section of hair, it’s time to create your party pony! The key to this hairstyle is to have your pony sitting on the very top of the back of your head. Make sure to smooth your hair before securing your ponytail to ensure there aren’t any unwanted bumps or knots in the finished product. Secure your pony with a clear elastic.
STEP #3: SECURE YOUR STYLE
That’s it! To finish the look, spritz your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, which will help keep your strands in place throughout the day.
HALF-UP HAIRSTYLE #2: HALF-UP TOP KNOT
We love this hairstyle because it combines two of our favorite looks—long, free locks and a carefree top knot! Follow the steps below to create it for yourself.
STEP #1: SECTION YOUR MANE
This may feel like déjà vu, but you’ll start this hairstyle off the same way you did the party pony, by separating your hair into a top and bottom section. Once again, split your hair starting about one inch above your ear.
STEP #2: CREATE YOUR BUN
Take the top section of hair and use it to create your top knot! First, create a ponytail at the top of your head where you want your top knot to be placed, securing it with a clear elastic. Then, wrap the length of your locks around the base of your pony to create a bun. Pin your hair into place with a few bobby pins, not worrying about the occasional stray strand.
STEP #3: ADD SOME HAIRSPRAY
Finish the look off with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray.
HALF-UP HAIRSTYLES FOR MEDIUM HAIR
If you have medium length hair, you can get a little more creative with your half-up hairstyle of choice. Try one of the following two half-up hairstyles for medium hair!
HALF-UP HAIRSTYLE #3: UNICORN BRAID
While the title of this half-up hairstyle includes “braid,” we assure you there’s no braiding required! This is ideal for those with medium hair because braids can quickly use up the length of your locks. Here’s how to get the look:
STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR
As with our other half-up tutorials, you want to begin by sectioning your hair. For this half-up style, create a section at the front of your head that’s about three inches wide. The size of your section can vary based on your personal preference. Tie the rest of your hair back into a loose, low ponytail for now.
STEP #2: CREATE A PONYTAIL
Working with the top section of hair you just created, make a smaller section within it that goes back about an inch, starting at your hairline. Use that section to create a miniature ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic.
STEP #3: CONTINUE YOUR “BRAID”
Allow that first miniature pony to fall forward, hanging down over your forehead. Then, create another miniature pony behind that one. Once you have your second pony, split the first ponytail you created in half (while still letting it hang down across your forehead) and place your second ponytail in the center of it so that both ponytails are hanging down. Then, take the two halves of your original ponytail and pull then around the second ponytail, incorporating them back into your main section of hair. Still with us?
STEP #4: SECTION, SECTION, SECTION
Create another miniature ponytail and incorporate the halves from your first ponytail. Split your second pony into two (and keep it hanging down over your forehead), allow your third ponytail to fall down the center, and bring the two halves back into your main section of hair. You see where we’re going with this?
STEP #5: FINISH YOUR UNICORN BRAID
Continue to section, split, and section until you’ve almost made it to the back of your head. Then, take the “braid” that is now hanging down your forehead and gently pull it back on top of your head. Secure the unicorn braid with a clear elastic and check out your handy work. It’ll look as though you braided the top portion of your hair with no actual braiding required.
STEP #6: SEAL THE DEAL
After all that hard work, you’ll want to seal in your style. Let your bottom section of hair hang free, then use the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray to do just that.
