Half Up Half Down Hair: The Only Guide You Need

Gather the top section of hair from temples to crown, secure with an elastic, and leave the rest down for effortless polish.

The half up half down is beauty's equivalent of a well-cut blazer—it works because it follows your natural lines instead of fighting them.

1. Section the top layer. Use your fingers or a comb to gather hair from temple to temple, creating a horizontal part about two inches above your ears. The section should include the crown area but stop before reaching the back of your head.
2. Smooth and secure. Gently brush the gathered section back to remove any bumps or flyaways. Secure with a clear or matching elastic about 3-4 inches from your scalp, depending on your hair length.
3. Adjust the volume. Gently tug at the hair around your face and crown to create subtle volume. This prevents the flat, pulled-back look and adds dimension to your face shape.
4. Blend the sections. Run your fingers through the loose hair to ensure it blends naturally with the secured section. The transition should look seamless, not like two separate hairstyles.