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It’s that exquisite mix of relaxed and chic, a style that says, "I’ve got my life together, but I’m still effortlessly cool." Picture this: the top half of your hair pulled up into a cute braid, while the rest flows freely down. It gives you a little more structure, but you don’t have to sacrifice that laid-back vibe.
What I love most is how versatile it is; you can make the braid as loose or tight as you want, and even add in some accessories like beads or flowers to make it uniquely yours. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. And to make your life easier, we’re about to bring some of the best half up half down braided hairstyles into your eyes, so you’ll have a ton of options to choose from. Ready to braid?
1. Boho mermaid braid
Okay, hear me out—this one is pure magic. The boho mermaid braid is that effortless, “I just stepped out of a fairytale” look, good for festivals, weddings, or honestly, just a Tuesday when you want to feel extra. The top section is braided loosely, cascading into soft waves that give major ethereal vibes. It works best with long, layered hair and looks ridiculously good on balayage or highlighted hair because the braid enhances the dimension.
2. Braided crown twist
Now, this is what I call regal with a twist. The braided crown twist is like the ultimate power move for anyone who wants a half up half down style that screams elegance but still keeps things playful. It involves two braids wrapping around the top of your head like a crown, secured at the back, while the rest of your hair flows down in soft curls. This look is perfect for medium to long hair, especially if you have thick locks. Blonde shades? Brunettes? Jet black? Doesn’t matter because it looks stunning on all of them. Wear it to a fancy event, or just flex at brunch.
3. High pony braid combo
This one’s for the girlies who love a little drama. Instead of the classic half-up, we’re taking things up a notch with a high pony braided into a thick, textured plait. It’s giving cool girl energy with just the right balance of edge and elegance. Think Ariana Grande meets boho chic. It also keeps your hair out of your face while still letting those long waves flow. If you have naturally thick or textured hair, this is your moment.
4. Double dutch braid half up
Listen, if you want a half up half down look that’s equal parts sporty and chic, this is the one. Two Dutch braids run along both sides of your head, meeting in the middle to create a seamless transition into flowing waves or curls. It’s the ultimate gym-to-glam style, and you can just secure enough for a workout, but stylish enough for a night out. It’s especially stunning on ombré or balayage hair because the contrast between the braids and loose ends makes everything pop.
5. Fishtail fantasy
If you’re obsessed with texture, the fishtail fantasy braid is about to be your new favorite. This look takes the traditional half up half down and gives it a romantic, whimsical twist with an intricately woven fishtail braid secured at the back. It looks insanely good on longer hair, especially if you have natural waves or curls. Want to make it even dreamier? Pull apart the braid slightly for that lived-in vibe, and finish with a spritz of texturizing spray.
6. Half-up rope braid
Okay, I know I said we’re starting with the boldest styles, but I had to include a classic option for the minimalists out there. The half-up rope braid is easy and consummate for everyday wear. It’s basically two twisted sections wrapped around each other, secured at the back while the rest of your hair flows. Think of it as the low-maintenance, high-impact hairstyle you can pull together in five minutes but still look like you tried.
7. Waterfall braid cascade
The waterfall braid cascade is that dreamy, soft, romantic look that turns heads without trying too hard. Imagine a delicate braid weaving across the crown of your head while loose strands gracefully fall through it, creating a “waterfall” effect. It's like the braid is effortlessly dripping through your waves—yes, please. This one is perfect for layered hair because it adds dimension, especially if you’ve got some highlights to show off.
8. Triple braid illusion
Why settle for one braid when you can have three? The triple braid illusion is all about stacking different braids together to create insane texture and depth. Think a mix of fishtail, Dutch, and classic three-strand braids coming together in one masterpiece of a half-up style. It works best for medium to long hair, especially if you love that full, voluminous vibe.
9. Bohemian twisted braid
If beach waves and a braid had a baby, it would be this style. The bohemian twisted braid takes a more relaxed approach to the traditional half up half down by incorporating loose, twisted sections that flow into a soft, undone braid at the back. No tight, structured plaits here; just pure, relaxed goddess vibes. This one’s a dream for those with naturally wavy or textured hair, but if you’ve got pin-straight locks, a little dry shampoo and teasing can add the perfect amount of grit. Add in some hair cuffs or tiny rings for that extra boho queen effect.
10. Half-up infinity braid
Okay, if you love a braid that looks way more complicated than it actually is, the infinity braid is your moment. The braid itself is woven in a continuous figure-eight pattern, wrapping around itself to create an intricate, mind-blowing design.
Once you get the hang of the pattern, it’s actually super easy to do. It’s ideal for thicker hair because the infinity braid stands out more with volume, but if you’ve got finer hair, no worries; just add in a bit of texturizing spray before braiding.
11. Criss-cross braided elegance
If you love the idea of braids but want something structured and polished, the criss-cross braided elegance is for you. This style features two or more braids that cross over each other in a lattice-like design before merging into a single braid or ponytail at the back. It’s giving red carpet glam but with minimal effort. This one is pure sorcery when paired with hair accessories like pearl pins or delicate chains woven through the braids.
What are half up half down braided hairstyles?
The half up half down braided hairstyles are the best of both worlds. You get the fun, playful energy of an updo while still keeping those gorgeous locks flowing. It’s like your hair can’t decide whether it wants to be fancy or chill, so it just goes, why not both? The top section is styled into a braid, sometimes sleek, sometimes loose and boho, while the rest cascades down naturally.
How to do braided hair half up half down?
The braid adds just the right amount of detail while keeping things breezy and undone. It’s actually super easy to do (yes, even if you’re a beginner). Let’s do it step by step so you can master this look in no time.
Step 1: Get that wished blowout first!
Before you even think about braiding, start with a smooth and voluminous base. Grab the Laifen Swift Special (trust me, this thing is magic) and give your hair a quick blowout. It’ll help reduce frizz, add bounce, and make sure your hair is silky smooth.
Laifen Swift Special · High-speed hair dryer (3 nozzles)
$134.99
$149.99
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• Fast drying – Cuts down prep time before braiding.
• Lightweight design – Easy to handle while styling.
• Even airflow – Ensures consistent drying for neat braids.
• Quiet operation – Comfortable styling experience.
• Tangle-free styling – No static or flyaways in braided sections.
• Lightweight design – Easy to handle while styling.
• Even airflow – Ensures consistent drying for neat braids.
• Quiet operation – Comfortable styling experience.
• Tangle-free styling – No static or flyaways in braided sections.
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Step 2: Section like a pro
Take the top half of your hair—roughly from temple to crown—and separate it from the rest. Clip the bottom section out of the way so it doesn’t mess with your braid.
Step 3: Pick your braid (Options = Endless)
Now’s the time to get creative! Want a boho dream girl vibe? Go for a loose fishtail or waterfall braid. Feeling more structured and sleek? A Dutch or French braid is your best bet. Want something quick but cute? A simple three-strand braid will always deliver. Start braiding towards the back of your head and secure it with a clear elastic.
Step 4: Add that volume, babe
Here’s where the magic happens: pancaking. You need to tug at the sections of your braid to make it look fuller and more voluminous. If you want extra texture, hit the roots with a bit of texturizing spray. Trust me, this one trick makes all the difference.
Step 5: Secure + Blend
Once your braid is locked in, you have options. Pin it at the back for a seamless blend, or tie it into a small ponytail and let the rest of your hair flow down effortlessly. Either way, you’re about to look amazing.
Step 6: The finishing touches (Because details matter!)
Let’s take this look from cute to jaw-dropping. Pull out a few soft, face-framing pieces for that effortless, lived-in effect. A spritz of light-hold hairspray will keep everything in place. And if you really want to go all out, add some pearl pins, gold cuffs, or a cute barrette. Because why not?
Is half up half down braids hairstyle recommended for black hair?
Absolutely, half up half down braids on Black hair? A total masterpiece. This style is a whole moment. With the natural texture and volume that Black hair brings, this hairstyle levels up in ways that straight hair could only dream of. Think cornrows or feed-in braids up top, blending into long, flowing curls, twists, or even goddess locs.
And let’s talk versatility; because this is where Black hair shines. You can go for chunky tribal braids in the front and big, voluminous curls in the back for that dramatic contrast, or keep it sleek with a few delicate flat twists leading into long silk-pressed strands. Add in gold cuffs, beads, or even a pop of color? Game over.
How to maintain your half up half down bubble braids?
First things first, foundation matters. If you want those bubbles to stay full and bouncy, start with a smooth, frizz-free base. The Laifen Swift Special ionic hair dryer tames flyaways, adds that silky finish, and gives your hair a balance of volume without the poof. After washing your hair, do a quick blowout, focusing on lifting the roots for that extra bounce before styling.
The secret to keeping those bubble sections crisp and voluminous? Double up on elastics; one at the base of each bubble and another halfway through each section. This keeps them from flattening as the day goes on.
