Hair How-To: Your Guide to Pretty Half-Up Hairstyles
Half-up hairstyles are versatile, feminine and easy to do—even for rookies with minimal styling skills. Perfect the look with these quick tips.
The ultimate in stylish hair for the girl who wants it all, half-up hairstyles combine the sultriness of a mane that’s loose and carefree with the practicality of an updo. Discover how to create the look with this step-by-step guide (including a DIY video with @reneenguyen), as well as tips for choosing products and getting more wear out of your style.
Why we love half-up hairstyles
There’s something undeniably sexy about hair that hangs free—especially if it’s long—but the down ’do can get a little boring day in and day out. That’s why half-up hairstyles are the best: They show off length and add interest with a couple of quick curls and twists. The other big benefit is that half-up hairstyles keep loose strands off of the face—and away from your lip gloss—yet the hair isn’t pulled tight to the scalp like some more formal updos (a styling technique that can come off as severe).
Major versatility: Why the style works on all hair lengths and types
Whether your hair is chin length or reaches down your back, half-up half-down hairstyles are flattering and easy to create. All you need is enough hair to tuck behind your ears and you’ll be able to rock the simple style. It’s also a cinch for most hair textures, whether you have curls or are looking for ideas for straight-hair hairstyles. Because this style walks that fine line between looking pretty and feminine without trying too hard, it can dress up a casual outfit and help a dressy ensemble feel effortless. Wear it whether you’re dancing at a music festival, sipping cocktails at a housewarming party or kicking your well-soled heels up at a black-tie wedding.
Tool kit: Everything you need to have on hand
- Anti-frizz serum with heat protection
- Blow-dryer
- 1.5-inch curling iron
- Hair pins
Must-have product: L’Oréal Paris Stylista Sleek Serum
For major heat protection and frizz control, use L’Oréal Paris Stylista #Sleek Smoothing Serum with acai berry extract. It’s ideal for creating a barrier against strand-damaging heat from blow-dryers, curling irons and straighteners up to 230oC. It’s also free of silicones, which often only mask hair damage and can cause buildup on the hair shaft. Apply the serum to your mane prior to styling, or add afterwards to tame frizz and flyaways. It will instantly make your hair soft, sleek and smooth while maintaining natural movement for a fresh, non-greasy style that lasts 24 hours.
How to do half-up hairstyles: A step-by-step guide
- Blow-dry your hair using L’Oréal Paris Stylista #Sleek Smoothing Serum .
- Curl hair with a 1.5-inch curling iron to give it texture and wave.
- Starting on one side of your head, section the hair from the side of your face to above your ear. Twist that section of hair back, and pin it above and behind your ear.
- Repeat on the other side of your head.
- If desired, leave a few strands hanging loose.
- If you started out the look with day-old hair, smooth L’Oréal Paris Stylista #Sleek Smoothing Serum on your mane as a finisher; it will tame frizz throughout the day.
How to change it up
Get even more mileage out of this half-up hairstyle by using jewelled pins to clip back your hair or adding other hair accessories such as ribbons, flowers or headbands to dress up the look. Alternatively, you can achieve a half-up, half-down straight-hair style by swapping your curling iron for a straightener. You could even braid the sectioned pieces of your hair instead of twisting them, or bring the twisted or braided sections all the way to the back of your head and secure them into a ponytail or braid.
Easy to style, pretty and accessible for long, short, curly and straight hair: Half-up hairstyles truly check off all the boxes. Block off a couple of extra minutes during your morning routine to recreate this look and you’ll appear put together and effortless, all at the same time.
