Styling Tutorial: Half up Half down Bridal Hairstyles (2024)

The iconic Half up Half down hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, whether your going to work or working out, for a bride or a bridesmaid it’s the fail proof hair solution for any event. The beauty of the Half up Half down hairstyle is that it works on any hair type and any length, you don’t need to have long flowing locks to pull it off and with a few nifty tricks we are going to show you how! In todays blog you’ll find a step by step guide, a video tutorial and tons of Half up Half down inspiration pics for the big day. We’ve even shown you how to addhair extensions to really amplify the volume if that’s the look your after.

Half Up Half down Bridal Hairstyle for Short Hair

The Half up Half down hairstyle is as versatile as it is stunning. For any bride that is unsure of whether they want to wear their hair up or down on their wedding day this is the answer. It gives the best of both worlds, hair away from the face for practicality and flowing tresses behind for ultimate glam! You also have endless possibilities; you can choose to keep it super simple and neat or add a bohemian flair with braids and accessories. Straight, Curly, Long, Short, it really doesn’t matter what you have for this look as it all works. In the video below the stunning Alicia models a tousled Bridal Half up Half down style with a Grecian inspired hairpiece, this hairstyle was created by the super talented Chelsea (@theoriginalstylist_).

Step by Step…

First prepare the hair by curling it. To do this start from the nape of the neck and work upwards in sections.
Step 2. Using hair straighteners curl the hair, after each curl add a generous amount of hairspray. Once the section is curled wrap the pieces around your fingers then secure in a pin curl with a clip. This will set the hair firmly ensuring the waves will last.
Step 3. Repeat this process until all of the hair is curled and pinned. Add a final helping of hairspray and leave to set and cool for 10 minutes. Allowing the hair to cool down before brushing out will retain the volume and shape.
Step 4. Once the hair has cooled and set you can carefully remove the pins allowing the curls to drop out. When all of the pins are removed give the hair another spritz of hairspray all over.
Step 5. Now using a wide toothed, anti static comb you can start to comb out the curls which will reform them into soft waves. Make sure you comb all of the hair together to create a fluid shape rather than separate curls.

Step 6. Once the hair is combed out into waves use some Cliphair Moisture Spray to tame any frizz and add a dazzling shine.
Step 7. Now take a thick section from one side of the hair and twist it around. Once twisted bring towards the back of the head and pin firmly into the middle.
Step 8. Repeat the previous process on the other side of the hair. Take care to keep the look symmetrical in shape and position.
Step 10. To finish add your chosen hair accessory. We chose to use a Grecian inspired golden/pearl hairpiece, hairpieces are also a great way to hide any stand out pins and clips.

What We Used...

Before and After Half up Half down Bridal style

In the photos above you can see how adding hair extensions can give you both length and thickness. To achieve this look simply add the hair extensions before the ‘Step 1’ stage and continue with the rest of the steps!

What we used…

To achieve this look we used 2 different shades to compliment the tones in our lovely model Annie’s hair. As the hair was not only short but thick and we wanted a super long finish 2 packs ensured that perfect blend between the extensions and natural hair.

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As a hairstyling expert with years of experience in the field, I can confidently say that the Half up Half down hairstyle is a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion. Whether you're heading to work, hitting the gym, attending a wedding as a bride or a bridesmaid, this hairstyle is a fail-proof solution that never disappoints.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Half up Half down hairstyle is its adaptability to different hair types and lengths. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need long, flowing locks to pull off this look. With a few clever tricks and techniques, anyone can achieve stunning Half up Half down hair.

In today's blog, I will provide you with a step-by-step guide to creating this hairstyle, along with a video tutorial and a plethora of inspiration pictures for your big day. Additionally, I will show you how to incorporate hair extensions to add volume and amplify the overall effect.

For brides with short hair who are unsure about whether to wear their hair up or down on their wedding day, the Half up Half down hairstyle is the perfect answer. It combines the practicality of having the hair away from the face with the elegance of flowing tresses. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customization – you can keep it simple and neat or add a bohemian flair with braids and accessories.

To achieve this hairstyle, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Start by curling your hair. Begin at the nape of your neck and work your way upwards in sections.

Step 2: Use hair straighteners to curl each section, making sure to apply a generous amount of hairspray after each curl. After curling, wrap the hair around your fingers and secure it with a pin curl clip. This will ensure that the waves last longer.

Step 3: Repeat the curling and pinning process until all of your hair is curled. Apply a final coat of hairspray and let the hair cool and set for about 10 minutes. Allowing the hair to cool before brushing it out will help retain the volume and shape.

Step 4: Once the hair has cooled, remove the pins carefully to let the curls drop out. Spritz the hair with hairspray once again.

Step 5: Use a wide-toothed, anti-static comb to comb out the curls and transform them into soft waves. Comb all of the hair together to create a cohesive, fluid shape.

Step 6: Apply some Cliphair Moisture Spray to tame any frizz and add a beautiful shine to your waves.

Step 7: Take a thick section of hair from one side and twist it around. Bring the twisted section towards the back of your head and firmly pin it in the middle.

Step 8: Repeat the previous step on the other side, ensuring symmetry in shape and position.

Step 9: To complete the look, add a hair accessory of your choice. A Grecian-inspired golden/pearl hairpiece, for example, can add a touch of elegance. Hairpieces also help conceal any visible pins or clips.

If you desire longer or thicker hair, you can incorporate hair extensions into this hairstyle. Simply add the extensions before starting the curling process, and continue with the remaining steps.

For the Half up Half down Bridal style showcased in the photos, we used 2 different shades of hair extensions to complement the tones in the model's hair. As the hair was short but thick, 2 packs of extensions ensured a seamless blend with her natural hair, achieving a stunningly long finish.

Now that you have mastered the art of creating a Half up Half down Bridal Hairstyle, with or without hair extensions, I invite you to explore our "Ultimate Guide to Wedding Hair." This comprehensive guide is filled with inspiration, ideas, and everything you need to know about Bridal Hairstyling. Simply click the provided link to access it.

At Cliphair, we offer a wide range of hair extensions in various lengths and over 50 shades, including our new Balayage colors. Additionally, we provide all the accessories and haircare products necessary for applying and maintaining the extensions. If you need assistance in choosing the right extensions for you, feel free to ask our experts and use our FREE Colour Match and Advice service.

For further inspiration, you can also check out our Bridal Styling Competition Winners and our styling tutorial on easy up-dos for bridal hairstyles.

We are dedicated to helping you achieve the best wedding hair possible, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.