I’ve created a ton, of half up half down hairstyles, in the last few years. So I thought the style deserved its very own blog post. Brides and particularly bridesmaids, appear to be leaning towards a more laid-back approach to wedding hair now. Its a very pretty, versatile style, that can be worn a multitude of ways. Be it ‘boho’ or ‘undone/effortless’ or a little more classic. It inevitably involves curls or waves, twists and/or plaits,which can instantly give the style a different spin. I love creating this look anyway, its definitely my fave wedding hairstyle!

An ethereal half up half down wedding hairstyle with plaits, in blond hair. The style has loose whispy waves in blond hair — Half up half down wedding hairstyle with loose airy waves and braids

Why this style is for you if…

You want the majority of your hair down, then this will be a winner. Although you can quite literally take half the hair up if you so wish, even taking a small section of hair from each side is so pretty and very flattering.
You have a low-back to your wedding dress. Hair cascading down your back is GORGEOUS.
You’re the ultimate ‘boho bride’. Bring on the textured loose waves and a whole lotta braids!
You have a lot of heavy hair and want a relaxed wedding hairstyle.Putting it up can end up looking very classic with a huge amount of hair.
You love a more ‘effortless’ feel to your bridal hairstyle

Brunette hair in a half up half down wedding hairstyle. A section from either side has been softly pinned to the back of the head. This wedding hair has soft loose uniform waves. — Loose waves half up half down wedding hairstyle

This style probably isn’t for you if…

Your hair WILL NOT hold a curl for love nor money (That’s if you want some sort of curl/wave). Don’t set yourself up for disapointment. You’re far better off having some sort of relaxed up-do
Having your hair down will irritate you. Something I can relate to!
You get very sweaty in hot weather. This style could be uncomfortable, particularly if you have quite long hair.
You have beautiful detail on the back of your dress that could potentially be covered by your hair.

The other beauty of this style, is that it can can carry off a multitude of different hair accessories. I love a sprinkling of small flowers personally but combs, hair vines and hair pins all look equally as beautiful. I took photos of most of the following half up half down styles I created, before I popped in the accessory, so apologies for that. BUT here’s a bunch of inspiration pics for you anyway. Look how versatile this style is !

An effortless half up half down bridal hairstyle in blond shoulder length hair. Plait on one side and twist on the other — Effortless half up half down hairstyle, with a plait and a twist and loose waves.

A casual half up half down style, gathered at the back with a pretty pearl crocodile clip.

Half up half down haistyle in warm blond hair with twists and a knot detail — Twists and a knot detail with loose effortless waves

loose effortless waves in this half up half down wedding style. A section from each side is twisted to the back and has a loop detail where the hair meets. — Loose effortless waves, soft loose twists and loop of hair

Half up half down hairstyle with a section of hair each side softly twisted to meet a the back. The hair has a very soft loose curl at the bottom of the hair — Loose curled ends and soft effortless twists half up half down wedding hairstyle

Brunette hair with half of hair up take from just above the ear and twisted in 2 sections either side — Half of the hair is up and twisted in 2 sections either side just above the ear.

Blond hair in half up half down with double twists each side and airy bouncy waves — Double twist half up half down hairstyle with bouncy, airy waves.

Kit essentials for creating your own half up half down bridal hair

Texture dust/spray

Got2B volume powder is my go to. Gives the hair grip (which helps it stay put when pinned) and aids in getting some good old back combing in the hair.

Pin tail comb

Perfect for sectioning your hair and back combing each curl at the roots for volume. Try this one

Hairspray

Got2b volume hairspray is fabulous for spraying each section of hair before curling. It adds texture and hold beautifully.

I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for your wedding day hair! Its such a beautiful style, there’s something for EVERYONE and it can be adapted to suit many styles of wedding dress. Wether its for you or your bridesmaids, you’ll definitely be onto a winner.

Comment below if you have any questions, or just want to say hello! I’d love to hear what you think,

Enjoy the weekend !

Nicky x

Hi! I’m Nicky, I’ve been a Hair and Makeup Artist for yonks now. Roughly 20 years! I’ve worked with 100s of brides and LOVE my job. I live in Petersfield, Hampshire and cover Hampshire and Surrey. I also do makeup lessons for both brides who want to do their own makeup ,and anyone else who wants to learn. I’m hugely passionate about teaching people makeup techniques and generally waffling on about hair and makeup. Honestly, I could go on for hours! Brides book me for my natural hair and makeup looks (and I like to think because I’m a super lovely person who is a very calming influence on a wedding day!).

If you would like to work with me, please fill out the enquiry form on the contact page. Or message me on insta or facebook.

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