8 Half Up Braided Hairstyles That Give You the Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down?

Half up braided styles let you have both.

These eight looks keep hair off your face while letting the rest flow free.

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1. The Crown Braid Half Up

Step by step

1. Create a Dutch braid along your hairline.
2. Braid from one ear around to the other.
3. Secure both ends at the back with pins.
4. Let the rest of your hair flow down.
5. Curl the ends for extra romance.
6. This is boho princess style.

Picture this: You’re at a music festival with a crown braid and flowing hair, looking like a free spirit, the braid keeping hair back while the waves dance free, dreamy and relaxed.

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2. The Double Braided Half Up

Step by step

1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. Create a small braid on each side.
3. Bring both braids to the back.
4. Secure together with a small elastic or pin.
5. Let the rest cascade down your back.
6. This frames your face beautifully.

Picture this: You’re at a picnic with double braids holding back your hair, looking cute and casual, the braids symmetrical and sweet, playful and pretty.

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3. The Fishtail Half Up

Step by step

1. Take the top section of your hair.
2. Create a loose fishtail braid.
3. Secure at the back with a clear elastic.
4. Gently pull the fishtail loops apart.
5. Let the bottom half flow naturally.
6. This looks intricate but easy.

Picture this: You’re at a beach wedding with a fishtail half up style, looking elegant and beachy, the fishtail textured and pretty, romantic and relaxed.

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4. The Twisted Half Up

Step by step

1. Take two sections from the front.
2. Twist each away from your face.
3. Bring them together at the crown.
4. Secure with a pretty clip or pin.
5. Leave everything else down.
6. Simple and effective.

Picture this: You’re at work with twisted half up hair, looking professional but soft, the twists keeping hair managed, easy and elegant.

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5. The Braided Crown and Pony

Step by step

1. Braid a section from each side.
2. Bring them together at the back.
3. Gather the rest into a low ponytail.
4. Secure everything together.
5. Wrap a strand around the elastic.
6. This keeps everything neat.

Picture this: You’re at the gym with a braided crown leading to a ponytail, looking sporty and styled, the braid adding interest to the practical pony, functional and cute.

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6. The Waterfall Half Up

Step by step

1. Start a French braid at the front.
2. As you braid, drop the bottom strand.
3. Pick up new hair to replace it.
4. Continue to the back and secure.
5. Let the dropped strands blend with your hair.
6. The waterfall effect is magical.

Picture this: You’re at a romantic dinner with a waterfall braid, looking ethereal and lovely, the strands cascading like water, feminine and dreamy.

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7. The Braided Space Buns Half Up

Step by step

1. Part the top section of your hair.
2. Braid each side from front to back.
3. Wrap each braid into a small bun.
4. Secure with pins.
5. Let the bottom half flow free.
6. This is fun and trendy.

Picture this: You’re at a concert with braided space buns and flowing hair, looking playful and cool, the buns quirky and the waves free, youthful and fun.

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8. The Simple Side Braid Half Up

Step by step

1. Take a section from one side only.
2. Braid it back toward the center.
3. Pin it at the back of your head.
4. Leave everything else down.
5. Style the rest in soft waves.
6. Asymmetrical and pretty.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a side braid half up, looking effortlessly chic, the single braid adding just enough detail, relaxed and lovely.

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Half up braided hairstyles give you the perfect balance—hair controlled where you need it, free where you want it. Whether you choose crowns, fishtails, or simple twists, these styles are versatile and beautiful.