We've got every hair length and texture covered.
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a classic for a reason. On one hand, it's so easy for even a hairstyling novice to do and it works for every occasion. On the other hand, the simplicity of it means there's so much room for innovation in both texture and placement. No matter your hair type, a half updo is a simple way to elevate a look with minimal effort.
To prove just how chic this style can be, we've rounded up our favorite half-up, half-down looks from the red carpet. We've got every length and texture covered too, so you have all the hair inspo you'll ever need.
1
Lana Condor
It's a misconception that you can't style short hair in versatile ways. Just take a cue from Lana Condor. Her short bob is styled in a half- up, half-down look that has volume, face-framing pieces, and tons of movement.
2
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravtiz wears her hair in box braids up top and loose curls on the bottom. For added glam, her hair is gathered and tied with a pearl-accented hair tie.
3
Ciara
Some of Ciara's gorgeous ombré brunette locs are gathered at the top of her head in a top knot while the rest cascades long past her shoulders.
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4
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's half-up hairstyle is neat and polished, save for a few wisps of hair framing her face for a more casual look.
5
Gemma Chan
For medium hair length, follow Gemma Chan's lead and part hair to the side before gathering some layers for a half-up, half-down style. Subtle waves give the style both volume and hold.
6
Jourdan Dunn
Add a little something extra to your half-up look with some beading like Jourdan Dunn. Her stunning braids are styled in a half- up, half-down look and finished with gold and silver accents.
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7
Olivia Munn
Elevate loose waves in a half-up, half-down style like Olivia Munn. It's even easier to do on unwashed hair. If you have layers, leave the shortest strands out to fall gently in front.
8
Yara Shahidi
Style natural voluminous curls like Yara Shahidi by gathering some sections for a top knot and letting the rest fall down.
9
Lucy Boynton
You don't need long hair to get a cute half-up style. Just look to Lucy Boynton. Gather a few pieces and tie at the back with a strong elastic or a few pins, leaving shorter layers to fall naturally out front.
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10
Tessa Thompson
For something more intricate, gather braids at the top and then twist so that the ends can fall to the front, framing your face beautifully.
11
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland wears her hair in a half-up, half-down look with the top loosely pulled back.
12
Bella Hadid
If you find half-up styles to look a little too severe, try Bella Hadid's hair trick. Pull the pieces of hair just in front of your ears down, which softens the whole look,
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13
Lily James
For an ethereal "I-just-frolicked-through-a-flower-field-in-Provence" look, add small floral details like Lily James.
14
Olivia Wilde
A half up half down style doesn't have to look so structured. Wear it more casual by gathering hair loosely at the back like Olivia Wilde.
15
Camila Mendes
Camila Mendes wears her hair in loose curls, with some gathered at the back and short layers out front to frame her face.
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16
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh's voluminous waves are pulled and tied to the back, with some key volume at the crown. She adds a small braid cascading down for some added bohemian style.
17
Constance Wu
If you're a fan of a middle part, wear your half-up hairstyle like Constance Wu.
18
Angelina Jolie
Like a true bombshell, Jolie's waves are perfectly voluminous and messy, yet still chic enough to wear on the red carpet.
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19
Jodie Comer
Add some volume up top when you gather your hair back like Jodie Comer. It elevates the look from sporty and casual to purposefully glam.
20
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba wears her beach waves in a relaxed look with a side part. The style is the perfect frame for a pair of statement earrings.
Audrey Noble
Beauty Contributor
Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
