Pretty half-up, half-down curly hairstyles to try this wedding season
Show off your waves and curls in one of these utterly feminine half-up 'dos.
Every year, when wedding season comes round, we find ourselves endlessly searching for wedding-appropriate outfits, makeup looks, and fresh hairstyles. And while it’s not always an easy task, when it comes to wedding hair, there are all manner of updos, down ‘dos and even half-up half-down curly hairstyles to inspire you.
For those who can’t quite make up their minds about whether they want to wear their hair up or let it all hang loose, half-up, half-down looks are the perfect compromise. They allow you to combine the best of both worlds by showcasing your curls while also keeping your hair off your face. Oh, and Kate Middleton is a big fan – what’s not to love, right?
So, if you’re looking for pretty half-up, half-down curly hairstyles, here are some of our favourite looks to inspire you this wedding season.
3 Stunning half-up, half-down curly hairstyles & how to get them
Voluminous half-up, half-down hairstyle
This ’60s-inspired, half-up half-down curly hairstyle is the epitome of retro elegance, making it perfect for a glamorous cocktail party or even black tie. Pair it with a fierce cat-eye flick and glossy, nude lips to channel the unassumingly sexy vibes a la Brigitte Bardot.
To get the look:
- Divide your hair into 2 horizontal sections to begin your half-up, half-down ‘do; clip the bottom section away for now.
2. Then, take a small section of hair from the top half and spray your roots with TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo (£14.95*) before backcombing with a fine-tooth comb to inject plenty of height and volume.
3. Repeat step 2 with the entire top section before using bobby pins to pin your hair into a half updo.
4. Release the bottom section of your hair and use a large-barrel curling wand to create big, bouncy ringlets.
5. Once you’ve curled the entire bottom section, use your fingers to gently separate the curls for a softer, less uniformed look, then generously spray TRESemmé Ultimate Hold Hairspray (500ml, £4.99*) all over your finished style to ensure it stays in place all day (and night!).
The half-up fishtail crown
Embracing one of this season’s hottest trends, the braid, this ethereal-looking, half-up fishtail braid crown makes the perfect choice for all sorts of summer occasions, but thanks to its casually elegant attitude, it’s especially great for low-key affairs in the country or by the seaside.
To get the look:
- Start by sectioning your hair into 2-3 inch sections. Then curl your hair using a straightener or wand, depending on what you feel most comfortable using.
2. Once you’ve curled all of your hair, give it a once over with the TRESemmé Runway Collection Max the Volume Creation Hairspray (£5.99*) before using your fingers to gently brush out the curls for a more natural-looking finish.
3. Create a deep side parting. Then, starting from the part, take a small section of hair, spritz with VO5 Plump It Up Dry Shampoo (£2.99*) to help add grip and tie with a clear elastic. Now you can begin your fishtail braid or inverted fishtail braid (whichever you prefer!).
4. Continue braiding until your get to the end of your hair and secure with another elastic, before repeating step 3, this time from the other side of the parting.
5. Now you have 2 fishtail/inverted fishtail braids, join them together at the back to create your “crown”.
6. Carefully cut the elastic bands at the top of your braids and use your fingers to flatten and tease out the weaves to add texture and widen the braid. Spray with the TRESemmé hairspray to hold the style in place.
The waterfall braid
Playful and feminine, a waterfall braid makes the ideal half-up, half-down hairstyle for a wedding, especially when teamed with loose, undulating waves. And the great thing is, it works on most hair lengths, too. Bonus!
To get the look:
- Start by spritzing your hair with the VO5 Give Me Texture Rough & Sexy Sea Salt Spray (£3.99*). This will help give it texture and grip, which will make weaving your braid easier and help it stay put all day.
2. Once you’ve prepped your hair, create a side parting using the tip of your comb. Then take 1-2 inches of hair from next to your parting and divide it into 3 equal sections. Now it’s time to start weaving your waterfall braid across the back of your crown.
3. Cross the section of hair nearer to the top of your head over the middle section, then cross the bottom section over the (new) middle section. Then pick up a new top section and cross over the middle section, this time dropping the middle section before crossing the bottom section over it again.
4. Continue this process, following the crown of your head until you get to the other side. When you have reached the other side of your crown, end your waterfall braid with a three-strand plait and secure with a clear elastic band.
Now, which one of these half-up, half-down curly hairstyles will you be trying this summer?
*RRPs are Unilever suggested retail prices only, it is at the discretion of the individual retailers to set the actual price.
