Half Up Rope Braid: How to Make This Dainty Hairstyle for Proms, Weddings, and Parties

Find out how you can create this look all by yourself, especially when you need to glam up for a special event.

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Asian woman with hair in half up rope braid wearing a white sleeveless dress

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Tired of always having to go for updo hairstyles for weddings and other formal events? For once, it’s time to literally let your hair down and go for a gorgeous half updo like the half up rope braid! It may sound like a mouthful, but trust us when we say it’s so easy to do and the result is something to be in awe of. Read on to learn how to make this hairstyle.

Steps in Creating a Half Up Rope Braid

1

Prep your hair

Before you create a half up rope braid, wash your hair with a shampoo that has keratin complex to help revitalize your hair and a conditioner that can hydrate your hair. We recommend using Sunsilk Damage Reconstruction Shampoo paired with Cream Silk Hydra Fresh and Hydrated Light Conditioner.

 

Asian woman with long dark hair wearing a white sleeveless top
2

Divide hair

Take a section of hair from your left side and divide it into two small sections. You will use this to create your half up rope braid. 

 

Asian woman holding two small sections of hair
3

Start braiding

To create a rope braid, cross the left section over the right section one. It’s as if you’re twisting the two sections, adding more hair as you go along.

Continue until the braid reaches ear level. Once it does, lift it so it points toward the back of your head.

Asian woman creating a rope braid on one side of her hair
4

Just keep twisting

Once it reaches the back of your head, stop adding more hair and simply continue twisting down to the tips. Then secure the braid bobby pins.

Asian woman twisting her hair
5

Repeat

Now, take a small section of hair on the right side of your head. Repeat the same process of creating a rope braid. 

Asian woman creating a rope braid on one side of her head
6

Combine the two braids

Create a gap in the right braid and insert the left braid into that gap. When you’re done, you’ll see that the two braids have been combined at the back of your head. 

Back shot of an Asian woman making a half up rope braid hairstyle
7

Pin your braids

Secure your half up rope braid at the back of your head using bobby pins. Keep the pins hidden by tucking them under the braid.

 

Back shot of an Asian woman pinning her half up rope braid
9

Style and spritz

Remove the bobby pins at the tips of your braids and let the lower half of the braids unravel. Repeat the same process on the right side. If you want to make your braids look bigger, gently pull the edges from the bottom going up. 

For the final touch, spritz TRESemmé Salon Finish Extra Hold Hairspray to give half up rope braid more hold throughout the day.

 

Asian woman spritzing hairspray on her half up rope braid
10

All done!

Now, you have a dainty, diwata-like hairstyle that looks stunning on long hair. You can wear the half up rope braid to your prom or debut party. It’s also a great look for bridesmaids and brides alike. And you can do this easy hairstyle all by yourself in just a few minutes. What’s not to love?

Back shot of an Asian woman with long hair

Other Half Updo Hairstyles to Try

1. Celtic Knot Half Updo

Back short of an Asian woman with long hair in a Celtic knot half updo wearing a red top
Keep it simple and chic with the Celtic knot half updo. Credit: Natasha Estelle

Perfect for minimalist lovers, the Celtic knot half updo is a great choice for you if you’re not a big fan of all the fuss of hairstyling and want a simple style with a huge impact.

2. Half Updo with Bangs

Asian woman with long black hair and wispy bangs
Try wispy bangs for a chic but relaxed look. Credit: Natasha Estelle

Play up your look with a gorgeous half updo with bangs. There’s no reason to be worried about having bangs, even for special occasions, because there are ways on how you can still look polished even until the end of the night.

3. Twisted Ponytail Half Updo

Asian woman with long hair wearing a white blouse
It’s easy to fall in love with this elegant but easy-to-do hairstyle. Credit: Hariono Halim

Another classic half updo is the twisted ponytail. Think of this as the lazy girl’s go-to half updo for special occasions. But even if it’s easy to do, it looks just as elegant and sophisticated as other party hairstyles.

4. Waterfall Braid

Asian woman wearing a white dress with hair in a waterfall braid
Relaxed and sophisticated, waterfall braid can easily become one of your fave hairstyles. Credit: Hariono Halim

Go for a waterfall braid hairstyle if you want something that appears more relaxed and modern. If you have shoulder-length hair, this hairstyle would certainly be a great option to try for formal gatherings.

5. Half Up Fishtail Braid

Back shot of an Asian woman with short hair wearing a plaid blouse
Keep it simple but chic with a half up fishtail braid

Incorporate your love for the fishtail braid with the half up fishtail braid hairstyle. This ‘do adds a minimalist twist (quite literally so!) by having this barely-there type of braid, which works for both medium-length and long hair.

So which one would it be? Whether you’re attending a formal gathering like a wedding or simply just want to look extra gorgeous on an ordinary day, these hairstyles can be your go-to looks. Just make sure that you’re also using the right products in taking care of your hair before and after styling!