18 Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Here’s the thing about half up half down styles—they’re the perfect compromise for curly hair. You get the best of both worlds: some hair pulled back to show off your face and keep strands out of your way, and the rest left loose to show off your curl pattern.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stood in front of the mirror trying to decide between wearing my curls up or down, and half up, half down is always the answer.

It works for everything from casual weekends to weddings, and it takes the guesswork out of styling. These 18 styles range from simple twists to intricate braids, all designed to work with your natural texture.

1. The Classic Half-Up with Volume at Crown

This is the foundation style—simple, elegant, and universally flattering. It pulls the front sections back while leaving the rest loose, with extra volume built in at the crown.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a section from each temple, about an inch behind your hairline, and bring them to the back.
2. Step 2: Secure with a small elastic at your crown, creating a half ponytail.
3. Step 3: Gently lift the hair at your crown by pulling slightly on the secured section.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and arrange a few face-framing pieces.

2. The Twisted Half-Up Crown

This style twists small sections from each side and meets them at the back, creating a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for special occasions.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a small section from your left temple and twist it toward the back.
2. Step 2: Take a matching section from your right temple and twist it toward the back.
3. Step 3: Bring both twists together and secure with bobby pins or a small clip.
4. Step 4: Gently pull at the twists to loosen them and let a few face-framing pieces fall naturally.

3. The Braided Half-Up with Loose Curls

Adding a braid to the half-up style elevates the whole look. Whether it’s a simple three-strand or a more intricate Dutch braid, it adds texture and interest.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a section from your left temple and begin a Dutch or French braid along your hairline.
2. Step 2: Braid until you reach the back of your head, then secure temporarily.
3. Step 3: Repeat on the right side and join both braids at the back with an elastic.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and gently pancake the braids for volume.

4. The Half-Up Curly Puff

This style gathers the top section into a small puff at the crown, creating volume and height while the rest of your curls hang loose. It’s playful and practical.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Section off the top half of your curls from ear to ear.
2. Step 2: Gather that section at your crown and secure with a small elastic.
3. Step 3: Gently pull at the puff to expand it outward into a rounded shape.
4. Step 4: Smooth any flyaways at your hairline with edge control and let the bottom hang loose.

5. The Rope Twist Half-Up

Rope twists are elegant and simple—they look more complicated than they are. Twisting two sections and joining them creates a beautiful, textured detail.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a section from your left temple and twist it tightly toward the back.
2. Step 2: Take a section from your right temple and twist it tightly toward the back.
3. Step 3: Twist both sections together in the opposite direction and secure with an elastic.
4. Step 4: Gently pull at the rope twist to loosen it and let the rest hang loose.

6. The Half-Up with Decorative Pins

Sometimes all you need is a few well-placed decorative pins to elevate a simple half-up style. Pearl pins, gold barrettes, or floral clips add instant elegance.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a simple half-up ponytail or twist at the back.
2. Step 2: Choose 2-3 decorative pins that complement each other.
3. Step 3: Place them along the gathered section, either in a row or clustered.
4. Step 4: Let the rest of your curls hang loose and arrange face-framing pieces.

7. The Half-Up Bubble Ponytail

This playful style sections the half-up ponytail into “bubbles” using elastics. It’s fun, modern, and shows off your curl pattern in a structured way.

How to style it:

8. The Half-Up Curly Knot with Face-Framing Pieces

This style creates a simple knot at the back and leaves out pieces around the face for softness. It’s quick, romantic, and perfect for second-day hair.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take sections from each temple and bring them to the back.
2. Step 2: Tie them into a loose knot—don’t pull the ends through all the way.
3. Step 3: Secure the knot with bobby pins if needed, letting ends stick out.
4. Step 4: Pull out a few face-framing pieces and let them curl naturally.

9. The Half-Up with Mini Space Buns

This playful style creates two small buns at the crown with the half-up section, leaving the rest loose. It’s youthful, fun, and perfect for festivals or casual days.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Section off the top half of your curls and part it down the middle.
2. Step 2: Gather each side into small ponytails at your crown.
3. Step 3: Twist each ponytail and wrap into mini buns, securing with pins.
4. Step 4: Let the bottom half hang loose and fluff the buns for volume.

10. The Half-Up Slicked Edges

This style combines sleek, laid edges with loose, voluminous curls. The contrast is striking and modern, perfect for when you want polished but not too done.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply edge control to your hairline and smooth back with a soft brush.
2. Step 2: Take the front sections and gather them at the back into a half-up style.
3. Step 3: Secure with an elastic and smooth any remaining flyaways.
4. Step 4: Let the rest of your curls hang loose and voluminous.

11. The Half-Up Dutch Braid Crown

A Dutch braid along the hairline that transitions into a half-up style is romantic and intricate. It keeps front curls contained while letting the back flow free.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Start at your left temple and Dutch braid along your hairline toward the back.
2. Step 2: Continue braiding until you reach the center back, then secure temporarily.
3. Step 3: Repeat from the right temple and join both braids at the back.
4. Step 4: Secure together with an elastic and let remaining curls hang loose.

12. The Half-Up with Curly Bangs

If you have curly bangs, this style lets them shine while pulling the rest of the front back. It’s perfect for showing off both your bangs and your length.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Define your curly bangs with a small amount of curl cream.
2. Step 2: Take the sections behind your bangs and gather them at the back.
3. Step 3: Secure with a small elastic or clip, leaving your bangs free.
4. Step 4: Let the rest of your curls hang loose and arrange the bangs to frame your face.

13. The Half-Up Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid adds intricate detail to a half-up style without being too complicated. It looks impressive but comes together quickly once you know the technique.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a section from each temple and bring them to the back.
2. Step 2: Split the gathered section into two parts and create a fishtail braid.
3. Step 3: Secure the end with a clear elastic and gently pull at the braid to loosen it.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and arrange face-framing pieces.

14. The Half-Up with Ribbon or Scarf

Adding a ribbon or small scarf to your half-up style instantly elevates it. Thread it through the gathered section or tie it around the elastic for a pop of color.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a simple half-up ponytail or twist at the back.
2. Step 2: Take a thin ribbon or folded scarf and tie it around the base.
3. Step 3: Tie in a bow or let the ends hang with your curls.
4. Step 4: Adjust so the ribbon sits nicely and let the rest hang loose.

15. The Half-Up Curly Pompadour

This style creates volume at the front by lifting the half-up section and sweeping it back. It’s inspired by rockabilly and adds drama to any look.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a triangular section from your forehead to your crown.
2. Step 2: Apply a volumizing mousse and blow-dry this section while lifting at the roots.
3. Step 3: Gently backcomb the roots for extra height, then smooth the top layer.
4. Step 4: Pin the section back at the crown and let the remaining curls hang loose.

16. The Half-Up with Pearl Accents

Pearl pins or clips add timeless elegance to a simple half-up style. They catch the light and draw attention to your face and curls.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a twisted or braided half-up style at the back.
2. Step 2: Choose 2-3 pearl pins or clips.
3. Step 3: Place them strategically along the gathered section or at the temples.
4. Step 4: Let the rest of your curls hang loose and arrange face-framing pieces.

17. The Half-Up Curly Bun with Tendrils

This style gathers the half-up section into a small bun and leaves tendrils out around the face. It’s romantic and soft, perfect for weddings or date nights.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take sections from each temple and bring them to the back.
2. Step 2: Twist the gathered section and wrap it into a small bun, securing with pins.
3. Step 3: Leave out a few thin tendrils at each temple.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and curl the tendrils with your fingers.

18. The Half-Up with Multiple Small Braids

This boho-inspired style incorporates several small braids into the half-up section. It’s detailed, textured, and perfect for festivals or casual summer days.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create 3-4 small braids in the front section of your hair, varying sizes.
2. Step 2: Gather all front sections, including the braids, and bring them to the back.
3. Step 3: Secure with an elastic, letting the braids blend with the gathered hair.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and gently pull at the braids for volume.