33 chic half-up hairstyles for all occasions

These half-up, half-down hairstyles are less schoolgirl and more modern woman, so get inspired to change up your hair game today

half-up hairstyle
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Wearing your hair half-up, half-down is an incredibly easy way to look effortlessly chic. It also keeps your hair in place all day so you don’t have to keep flicking it backwards. All you need are some good quality bobby pins and hair elastics, as well as a good holding spray if your hair is super smooth and sleek.

Up your hair game with these effortlessly easy half-up hairstyles that are suitable for all kinds of occasions:

#1 The hun

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Throw the top half section into a half-bun (or “hun”) and decorate with a circle barrette for a shiny touch.

#2 Easy elegance

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Add a bit of oomph to short hair by dressing it up with an elegant black velvety ribbon.

#3 Braided look

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Instead of braiding all your hair, simply french braid the top half, and tie them together with ribbon for a festive look.

#4 Simple twists

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Overlap two sections of hair from either side of your head, and secure with bobby pins and tons of hairspray.

#5 Accent braid

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For this look, first make a half-ponytail, leaving a small section on either the left or right side loose. Braid that small section, then simply wrap it around the half-pony to create an accent braid. Secure with hairtie or bobby pins.

#6 Simple twisted 'do

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This style works best with a bit of waves, so make sure to have some texturising spray on hand. Grab a section of hair by each of your temples, then slowly twist them down the whole length, securing with bobby pins or a hairtie. So easy!

#7 Triple Inverted twists

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This surprisingly simple look takes less than five minutes to achieve: First, make three sections, with the middle section slightly overlapping the other two. Invert each section, and then tie all three sections together. Pull gently for a more textured effect, and finish with a shiny pin.

#8 Knotted half-updo

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This relaxed, cascading style is really simple to do: Grab a section of hair from the back and separate into two. Tie them into a basic knot, leaving on end loose and securing the other with bobby pins.

#9 Elegant twist

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How gorgeous does this look? Perfect for a fancy event! You’ll need to use your thumb for this one. Click here for the full tutorial.

#10 The half topknot

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This one is so easy: grab a section of hair from the middle section starting from your forehead and throw it all into a messy topknot.

#11 Use a chic barrette

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Or, if you’re running out of the house, swipe a simple barrette from your dressing table and you can do this while you’re on-the-go.

#12 Braided top section

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This simple yet sophisticated look involves braiding the top middle section of your hair until you reach the back, then tying it all up in a messy bun or ponytail.

#13 Voluminous pin up

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Give your crown some added lift with this easy pin-up hairstyle! See the tutorial here.

#14 Elegant wrap-around

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Great for the office, romantic date night or a dinner event, this style literally takes less than five minutes to achieve.

#15 Half-up fishtail

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For a subtle yet sophisticated look, create a thin fishtail braid by using hair from either side of your head.

#16 Pinned up bob

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All you need are a few bobby pins to create this chic look that’s perfect for super short hair.

#17 Ribbon it

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Add a bit of modern femininity with a minimalist ribbon (plus points if it’s velvet!)

#18 The low hun

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A more relaxed version of a topknot, this effortless style can be worn on both busy work mornings and easygoing weekends. Click here for the tutorial.

#19 Straight overlap

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This simple style consists of overlapping sections of hair and securing with bobby pins.

#20 Short stack

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Give texture and volume to your bob if your hair tends to fall a bit flat by gently teasing your locks.

#21 Celtic knot

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It’s a lot easier than it looks! Get the tutorial here.

#22 Hair bow

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It’s essentially splitting a ponytail in a very specific way. Click here to see how it’s done.

#23 Half Up twist

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#24 Topsy half-do

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Jus turn your half up ponytail inside out and you’ve got a whole new hairstyle.

#25 Flower braid

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If you’re looking for a hairstyle to try out for a special occasion, here it is!

#26 Loose fishtail braid

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For this version of the fishtail braid, tie a regular half updo, then begin braiding.

#27 Braided crown

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You can choose to start braiding from your hairline, or simply use sections of hair from either side of your head to create this romantic look.

#28 Double braids

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Why stick with one braid when you can have two? This look is casual, fun and so chic!

#29 Scarf it up

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Headscarfs are back in trend, and they’re an easy way to instantly glam up your outfit. Use a bobby pin or two to keep it in place!

#30 Braid to bun

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Section your hair at the crown into two or three braids, then tie them back into a bun to complete this gorgeous half-up do.

#31 Easy twisty

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Split a section of hair from each side of your head and begin winding them around each other, bringing the sections to the back and securing with a hair tie.

#32 Boho chic braids

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We love how this style helps to enhance the highlights even further!

#33 Interwoven braids

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This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.

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