Planning your wedding look can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect hairstyle. You want something timeless for photos, elegant enough for the ceremony, and comfortable enough to last through hours of celebrating , and that’s a tough balance to strike.
That’s where half up half down wedding hairstyles shine. They give you the best of both worlds — polished and put-together while still soft and romantic.
In this article, I’ll share 21 gorgeous half up half down wedding hairstyles you can use for inspiration, whether you’re going for classic curls, boho braids, or sleek modern twists.
1. Soft Curls Half Up
This style is simple, pretty, and so easy to love. The top part of the hair is pulled back and pinned while the rest of the hair is left down in soft curls.
It gives you that perfect mix of neat and flowy. The curls add a romantic touch, making it a great choice for brides who want to look elegant without feeling too formal.
You can wear it just as it is, or add a small clip, a flower, or even a veil to dress it up for your big day.
2. Curly Half Bun
This hairstyle mixes fun and classy together. The top section of the hair is tied into a small bun, while the rest of the curls fall down the back.
It gives you a little extra height on top and keeps the curls looking full and lively. This look is perfect if you want something a little different from the classic half up style but still easy to wear.
It’s also a good choice for outdoor weddings since it keeps the hair out of your face while still showing off your curls.
3. Twisted Half Up with Pins
This style is soft, sweet, and very bridal. The hair is gently twisted back on both sides and pinned in the middle, leaving the rest of the hair down in big curls.
The twists frame the face nicely, and the pins add sparkle that looks beautiful in photos.
It’s a timeless look that works with almost any wedding theme, from classic and traditional to rustic and romantic. Adding a few pearl or crystal pins makes it feel extra special for the big day.
4. Half Pony with Volume
This look is all about adding height and drama. The top part of the hair is pulled into a half ponytail, giving a little lift at the crown, while the rest of the hair flows in loose, bouncy curls.
It’s a great choice if you want a hairstyle that feels glamorous but still keeps some hair down.
You can make it even prettier by adding a jeweled clip or barrette to the ponytail. This style is perfect for brides who want their hair to look full, polished, and ready to last through the whole wedding day.
5. Glam Waves with Hairpiece
This hairstyle has a red-carpet vibe that feels fancy and bold. The hair is curled into large, flowing waves and half pulled back with a shiny hairpiece or clip.
The accessory becomes the star of the style and makes the curls look even more beautiful.
This style is best if you want to look dramatic and glamorous on your wedding day. It’s also a perfect choice if you’re skipping a veil, since the hairpiece gives you that extra sparkle.
6. Loose and Romantic Half Up
This style is soft, simple, and romantic. The hair is pulled back loosely, leaving some waves to fall naturally around the face, and the rest of the hair is left down.
The loose curls give it a relaxed and dreamy look, making it great for brides who want something easy and effortless.
It works really well for boho weddings, garden weddings, or even beach weddings. This style is all about looking natural while still feeling special.
7. Braided Half Up
This hairstyle starts with curling the hair to add bounce and texture. The top half is sectioned off and pulled back, leaving the bottom free and wavy.
A small braid is added on one side and pinned into place, giving the style more detail and charm. The braid blends into the waves, creating a soft and romantic look.
It’s an easy style to follow step by step and is perfect for brides who want something that feels both polished and natural.
8. Boho Braided Half Up
This look is all about effortless beauty with a bohemian touch. The hair is styled into loose waves, with a chunky braid across the back that pulls the top section together.
Dried flowers and golden accents are tucked into the braid, making it stand out and feel extra special. The waves flow down the back, keeping the style soft and relaxed.
It’s the perfect choice for outdoor weddings, rustic settings, or brides who want a dreamy and free-spirited hairstyle.
8. Fishtail Braid Half Up
This style is full of detail and texture. The top half of the hair is braided into a fishtail, then pulled back and secured, while the rest of the hair falls in soft curls.
The fishtail braid gives the style a unique and elegant twist that looks stunning from every angle. The curls add movement and keep the overall look romantic.
A floral hairpiece or clip is added on one side, giving the perfect finishing touch and making the style feel even more bridal.
9. Sleek Knot Half Up
This style is simple and modern. The top section of the hair is pulled back and twisted into a smooth knot, while the rest flows down in soft waves.
It gives a polished and timeless look without feeling overdone. The knot detail adds just enough charm to keep it special for a wedding day.
It’s perfect for brides who love minimal styles and want something elegant yet easy to wear all day.
10. Smooth Twist Half Up
This look keeps things sleek and shiny. The top half of the hair is gently twisted back and pinned, leaving the rest to fall in smooth, glossy waves.
It’s very clean and classy, making it a great choice for brides who prefer a simple hairstyle that still feels romantic.
Because it’s low-maintenance and stays neat, it works especially well for longer celebrations or destination weddings.
11. Voluminous Waves Half Up
This style is all about big, full curls. The top section is gently pulled back, giving lift and volume, while the rest of the hair falls in thick, flowing waves.
It looks soft and romantic but still has that extra “wow” factor. This style is perfect for brides who want their hair to feel glamorous and eye-catching.
You can leave it as it is, or add a small clip or flowers to make it more bridal.
12. High Volume Half Pony
This hairstyle brings drama and elegance together. The top section is smoothed back into a lifted half ponytail, while the curls are styled big and bouncy.
It’s a bold look that works beautifully for brides who love height and volume in their hairstyle.
Because it holds its shape well, it’s a great pick for long wedding days where you want your hair to stay picture-perfect.
13. Floral Half Up
This look is simple yet so stunning. The top half of the hair is pulled back neatly, and the waves are left to flow down the back.
Fresh flowers are pinned in the center, adding a natural and traditional touch. It feels soft, feminine, and perfect for a wedding day.
This style is especially beautiful for brides who want to include flowers in their overall bridal look.
14. Simple Twist Half Up
This hairstyle is easy, elegant, and perfect for brides who love a soft look. The top half of the hair is gently twisted back and pinned, while the rest falls in loose curls.
The twist adds just the right amount of detail without being too much. It keeps the style polished but still natural and relaxed.
This is a great option if you want a timeless style that looks beautiful in photos and feels comfortable all day long.
15. Half Up French Twist
This hairstyle is a mix of classic and modern. The top section is smoothed back into a soft twist, while the rest of the hair is left down in loose, defined curls.
The twist keeps the top neat and polished, while the curls add volume and flow. It’s simple but still feels very bridal.
This look is perfect for brides who want something easy to wear that still has a touch of elegance and charm.
16. Twisted Half Up with Accessories
This hairstyle blends soft curls with delicate details. The top half of the hair is gently twisted back, creating shape and texture, while the rest flows in natural curls.
Small floral or jeweled pins are added along the twists, giving the hairstyle sparkle and elegance. These little accents make the curls stand out even more.
It’s a perfect choice for brides who want a romantic look with just the right amount of shine for their wedding day.
17. Short Hair Half Up with Pearls
This style proves that you don’t need long hair to look bridal. The top layers are softly twisted back, while the rest of the hair is left in gentle waves.
Pearl and crystal pins are added to the twists, giving sparkle and elegance that instantly make it wedding-ready.
It’s a lovely choice for brides with short to medium hair who want something polished, romantic, and easy to wear all day.
18. Rustic Floral Half Up
This hairstyle is perfect for brides who love a natural, outdoorsy feel. The top section is twisted back neatly, while the rest of the hair is left in soft, loose waves.
Fresh flowers are tucked into the twist, making the style feel romantic and earthy. It’s a beautiful way to bring nature into your bridal look.
This is a great choice for garden weddings, barn weddings, or any celebration with a rustic touch.
Double Fishtail Half Up
This hairstyle is bold and detailed. Two fishtail braids are pulled back and joined into one, creating a unique and textured design.
The braids stand out beautifully against the soft, loose waves. It’s a great option for brides who want a hairstyle that looks intricate but still feels natural.
This style is especially stunning for outdoor weddings, where every detail catches the light.
Soft Fishtail with Greenery
This look is soft, simple, and very romantic. A loose fishtail braid runs down the back while the rest of the hair falls in relaxed waves.
A small piece of greenery is tucked into the braid, adding a fresh, natural touch. It’s perfect for brides who love an effortless, boho-inspired style.
This hairstyle feels light and airy, making it wonderful for garden or rustic weddings.
Knotted Half Up
This hairstyle is sleek but still casual. The top section is tied into a knot at the back, while the rest of the hair is left in soft waves.
It’s a clean and modern look that works well for brides who prefer something minimal. The knot detail keeps it interesting without being too fancy.
This is a great choice if you want a simple style that’s easy to wear and photograph beautifully.
