33 Incredible Half Up-Half Down Prom Hairstyles

You have been waiting for your prom since you joined high school. You picked the perfect dress, the best date, fabulous shoes, matched the right makeup tones, but what about your hair? Before you panic, here are some ethereal half-up-half-down prom hair ideas you can consider.

The wrong hairstyle can drop your perfect spicy look to subpar ‘alright’. You want to look glamorous and turn heads, and with the right hairstyle, you can. Instead of spending most of your day deciding between updos, lower hairstyles, or loose natural hair, consider half up-half down hairstyles. They can be very elegant and surreal and suit any attire; be it a formal pant-suit or a gown. Also, you can find one up-down hairstyle for any personality and mood. You do not have to change your look for that secret after-prom party.

Jessica Shults, a licensed hairstylist, says, “When you pull half of your hair back, you will gently pull the skin taut on your face, revealing tighter skin as well as slimming down your face! Half up half down styles are so versatile, they can be casual chic, or more formal.”

So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down and check out the top 33 exquisite half updos for your prom.

Before You Get Started

• Although half up-half down hairstyles look trendy on all kinds of textured hair, they flatter curly or wavy hair the most as they help define the hair strands.
• Make sure to spray some hair-holding spray once the look has been created to keep all your hair in place for a long time.
• You can also use hair gel, mousse, or foam before setting your hair to secure your hairstyle.
• Keep some extra hair ties and bobby pins handy as you step outside. You never know when you might need them.

33 Incredible Half Up-Half Down Prom Hairstyles

Half-up-half-down hairstyles are an excellent choice for prom and go with almost any outfit. Here are some ideas you can try to make heads turn at your upcoming prom night party.

1. Braided Half Updo

What You Need

• Brush
• Straightening iron
• Hair accessory
• Bobby pins
• Elastic bands

How To Do

1. Brush out any knots or tangles from the hair.
2. Backcomb from the front hairline.
3. Use a straightening iron to create subtle waves halfway down the hair.
4. Divide your hair into three sections.
5. Weave a regular braid from the right temple to the back of the head. Keep adding hair while braiding.
6. Repeat the same process on the other side.
7. Now, secure both the parts at the center back of the head using bobby pins.
8. Slightly pull out the braided hair from the bottom to create a loose pancake effect.
9. Finally, adorn with any hair accessory of your choice.

2. Braided Crown With Fishtail Braid

What You Need

• Brush
• Hairspray
• Straightening iron
• Elastic bands

How To Do

1. Brush out any tangles or knots.
2. Style your hair in loose using a straightening iron.
3. Divide your hair down by the middle and into two sections.
4. Separate four strands from one section and weave a four-strand braid from the front to the back of the head.
5. Follow the same procedure on the other end as well.
6. Merge the two braided sections into one fishtail braid.
7. Secure the ends with an elastic band and slightly pull out the strands to create a pancake effect.
8. Finish off by spritzing some hairspray.

3. Half Crown Braid

What You Need

• Hair brush
• Bobby pins
• Elastic band

How To Do

1. Pick up some hair from one side of your head, at the front. Weave it into a braid and pancake it to make it look bigger.
2. Pick up some hair from the other side and repeat the process.
3. Pin both the braids below the crown at the back of your head.
4. Lastly, you can also tie the hair in a low ponytail to keep the hairstyle instact, but it is not necessary.

4. Messy Half Braid

What You Need

• Elastic band
• Bobby pins
• Elastic band
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Gather the hair from the front, sides, and crown of your head.
2. You can leave some hair at the front to frame your face. But remember, this hairstyle is messy and loose, so there will be more hair falling out of place.
3. Weave the gathered hair into a loose three-strand braid and tie it at the end with an elastic band.
4. Pancake the braid to make it look big and messy.
5. To prevent any unwanted hair from falling out of the ‘do, spritz on some hairspray and pin the looser sections in place.

5. Tuck-In Half ‘Do

What You Need

• Hair brush
• Comb
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Brush your hair to remove all knots and tangles.
2. Create partings on the left and right sides of your head, and gather the hair in between them. This section of hair is commonly known as the mohawk section.
3. Hold this section hair up and backcomb it just a tad, not much.
4. Comb the top neatly and pin the hair at the back of your head, below the crown, to create a nice bouffant.
5. Pick up hair from one side, cross it over to the opposite side, and tuck the rest of the hair under the pinned hair of the bouffant.
6. Repeat the previous step on the other side.
7. Use bobby pins to secure the hair in place before finishing off with hairspray.

6. Triple Dutch Braid Half Updo

What You Need

• Comb
• Hair clips
• Elastic bands
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Comb your hair and create two partings in line with the ends of your eyebrows.
2. You can jazz them up by following a zig-zag pattern.
3. Create a third parting at the back, at the crown, joining the previous two partings. Leave out the section of hair created by the partings and clip up the rest of your hair.
4. Divide this left-out section of hair into three smaller sections with zig-zag partings.
5. Clip up two sections and begin weaving a Dutch braid with the loose section of hair. Keep adding hair to the sides as you braid.
6. Stop weaving the braid once you reach the back parting and secure it with an elastic band.
7. Unclip the next section and repeat the same, followed by the last section.
8. Join all the remaining hair of the sections together and tie them in a high half ponytail.
9. Take some hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to cover it before pinning it in place.
10. Don’t forget to hit this half up-half down with some hairspray.

7. Bouffant With Twisted Sides

What You Need

• Comb
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Gather some hair from the top to make a bouffant.
2. You can simply twist the hair at the back and pin it higher up to create the bouffant. Or, you can tease the hair with a thin comb and pin it at the back.
3. Once the bouffant is in place, pick up hair from both the sides, twist them, and pin them just below the bouffant.
4. Spritz on some hairspray to secure the hairdo in place.

8. Dual Space Buns

What You Need

• Hair brush
• Elastic bands
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Gather the hair from the mohawk section and clip up the rest of your hair.
2. Divide the mohawk section into two subsections.
3. Weave both sections into Dutch braids until you reach the crown.
4. Once you reach the crown, weave your braids regularly the rest of the way down.
5. Roll up the regular braids to form two space buns.
6. Secure the buns with elastic bands and bobby pins.
7. Pancake the space buns to make them look bigger and messier.
8. Spritz on some hairspray to keep the hairdo intact.

9. Twisted Pretty

Abby Hoskins, a blogger, wrote about why she loved the twisted crown hairstyle. She said, “I think my most favorite thing about the twisted crown braid tutorial it is it takes literally five seconds to do. Okay so not literally but definitely less than five minutes (i)”

What You Need

• Hair brush
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Brush your hair to remove all tangles.
2. Section off the hair at the top (from side to side), till the crown.
3. Divide this section into smaller sections.
4. Twist each section from root to tip and pin them to the back of your head in an alternating pattern. Make sure you overlap the sections while pinning them to hide the bobby pins from view.
5. Spritz on some hairspray to set the half updo in place.

10. Ancient Braided Half Updo

What You Need

• Hair brush
• Elastic bands
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Gather hair from the front and tie it in a half ponytail. Let the rest be sleek and straight.
2. Part the hair above the ponytail in half to create a gap and flip the ponytail through it twice.
3. Take a small section of hair from the flipped ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to hide it from view. Pin it in place.
4. Weave a fishtail braid with the half ponytail.
5. Once you’ve reached the halfway point of the braid, add in some hair from the sides. Before you add in the hair (in place of the corner sections of the braid), divide it into half and twist it. Do the same with the hair on the other side.
6. After this, start adding hair to the braid, combing it as you do. This will make it neat.
7. After adding about three to four sections of hair, weave the fishtail braid without adding any hair and tie it at the end with an elastic band.
8. Wrap some hair around the elastic band to cover it, tucking the ends within the band.
9. Hit the ‘do with some hairspray to set it in place.

11. The High Bouffant Half ‘Do

What You Need

• Chignon bun maker
• Bobby pins
• Curling iron
• Hairspray
• Floral accessory

How To Do

1. Section off the hair right at the front, about 2 inches away from your front hairline.
2. Gather enough hair at the top to cover the chignon maker. Place it at the crown of your head and cover it with the hair.
3. Secure it in place with some bobby pins. This will create a bouffant
4. Divide the front section of hair into smaller sections.
5. Twist loosely and place each section over the bouffant.
6. Curl the ends of your hair and spritz on some hairspray to set the hairstyle in place.
7. Add a lovely accessory to finish off the look.

12. Curly Twisted Half Updo

What You Need

• Curling iron
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Curl your hair into perfect ringlets.
2. Spritz on some hairspray to set the curls in place.
3. Gather some hair from the top of your head and pull it back. Pin it back at the center.
4. Criss-cross and pin the rest of the hair, until you reach the final section beginning right near your ear.
5. This time, criss-cross the sections, so they look connected and pin them in place.
6. Spritz on some hairspray and go slay!

13. The Bouffant With A Twist

What You Need

• Comb
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Backcomb the hair at the crown of your head and pin it down to create a bouffant.
2. Take a section of hair from one side, twist it, and pin it at the back.
3. Pick up another section of hair from the other side and do the same.
4. Don’t forget to spritz on some hairspray!

14. French Braid With Side Twist

What You Need

• Brush
• Elastic band
• Bobby pins

How To Do

1. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove all knots.
2. Gather hair from the mohawk section and weave a French braid until you reach the crown. Tie it securely with an elastic band.
3. Pick up some hair from beside the French braid, twist it, and pin it beneath the braid.
4. Repeat the previous step on the other side.

15. The Messy Half Top Knot

What You Need

• Comb
• Elastic bands
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Backcomb the hair at the crown of your head.
2. Start teasing your hair from the top and move down.
3. Comb the top of the teased hair to make it look neat.
4. If you want to jazz it up a bit more, weave the lifted hair into a super loose French braid.
5. Once you reach the crown, tie the rest of the hair from the section into a top knot. Secure it in place with an elastic band and bobby pins.
6. Pancake the knot to make it look messy, and spritz on some hairspray to secure it in place.

16. The Braid And Pouf

What You Need

• Chignon bun maker
• Comb
• Bobby pins
• Elastic band
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Create a bouffant and pin it in place.
2. You can use a chignon maker to make the bouffant bigger.
3. Pick up hair from both the sides and twist it.
4. Pull both the twists back and weave them into fishtail braids.
5. Pin the braids at the back of your head and pancake them to add volume.
6. Finish off with a hit of hairspray to set the ‘do in place.

17. The Knotted Flip

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Gather hair from the front till the crown and tie it in a half ponytail.
2. Part the hair just above the elastic band to create a gap and flip the ponytail through it twice.
3. Take some hair from one side and twist it. Wrap it around the elastic band of the half ponytail and pin it in place.
4. Repeat the previous step on the other side.
5. Don’t forget to hit the hairdo with some hairspray to tame down any flyaways.

18. Curly Half Ponytail

What You Need

• Curl defining cream
• Silk scarf
• Fancy barrette

How To Do

1. Apply curl defining cream after washing your hair the night before prom.
2. Tie a silk scarf around your hair and leave it on overnight. This prevents your curls from becoming frizzy and adds definition to each coil.
3. Remove the scarf and let your fierce curls shine through.
4. Gather hair from both sides and clip it at the back below the crown.
5. Instead of using simple bobby pins, use a designer barrette.

19. Crowned Top Knot

What You Need

• Clip
• Bobby pins
• Elastic band

How To Do

1. Leaving out some hair at the from, gather all the hair at the top and crown of your head, and clip it up.
2. Part the hair in the front down the middle.
3. Begin weaving a crown braid on one side of the parting. Once you reach the back of your head, pin it in place.
4. Repeat the previous step on the other side.
5. Unclip the hair at the crown and tie it in a top knot. Secure it in place with the help of an elastic band and bobby pins.

20. The Waterfall Half Updo

What You Need

• Hair brush
• Curling iron
• Elastic band
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Brush your hair to remove all tangles and knots.
2. Curl your hair. Keep your hair in the curling iron for about five to seven seconds to obtain perfect ringlets.
3. Pick up a section of hair from the front and divide it into three parts: two side sections and a middle section.
4. Weave a stitch of braid, then drop the top section.
5. Pick up a new section of hair from the top. Weave another stitch and drop it. Continue this way for all the stitches, following the curve of your head as you braid. Once you reach the back of your head, secure the braid with pins.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 6 on the other side.
7. Join the tails of both the braids at the back and tie them in a half ponytail.
8. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic band to conceal it and secure it in place with a bobby pin.
9. Finish off the look with some hairspray.

Quick Tip

Your waterfall braid can be complemented with a floral-inspired bun for a decidedly feminine look. In addition to being fashionable and romantic, the addition gives your hairdo more depth and interest, making you look stunning from all sides.

21. Multi-Twist Half Updo

What You Need

• Comb
• Elastic bands
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Pick three sections of hair from each side (a total of six sections).
2. Divide each section into half and twist the sub-sections around each other. Do the same with the other sections. You can use elastic bands to secure them.
3. Pin all the twists at the back of your head and remove all the elastic bands.
4. Un-twist the hair below the pins and brush it out.
5. Pick up a medium-sized section of hair from below the pins.
6. Divide this section into two subsections and twist them around each other.
7. Secure the ends with an elastic band.
8. Spritz on some hairspray to finish off the look.

22. Boho Half Updo

What You Need

• Comb
• Elastic band
• Bobby pins
• Fancy hair accessory

How To Do

1. Backcomb the hair at the crown of your head to create a pouf.
2. Leaving out the hair at the front, pick up the sides of the pouf and overlap them.
3. Secure the pouf with an elastic band and bobby pins.
4. Part the hair in the front in a deep side parting. Divide the hair into smaller sub-sections. Create loose twists with each sub-section.
5. Pin the twists underneath the pouf and add a fancy hair accessory to jazz it up.

23. Folded Half Updo

What You Need

• Brush
• Curling iron
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Brush your hair and curl it from midway down.
2. Comb your hair back and clip it up in a half ponytail using bobby pins.
3. Pick up some hair from the half ponytail and fold it upwards. Pin this rolled bun on top of the bobby pins at the back of your head.
4. Spritz on some hairspray to set the half updo in place.

24. Flower Half Updo

What You Need

• Curling iron
• Hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Beads and floral accessories

How To Do

1. Curl your hair and hit it with some hairspray.
2. Take a small section of hair and roll it up to form a rose.
3. Pin it up with bobby pins that are the same color as your hair.
4. Make as many roses with your hair as you want and pin them up along the sides and back of your head.
5. Accessorize with some simple beads and small flower pins.

25. Faux High Ponytail

What You Need

• Curling iron
• Comb
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Curl the lower half of your hair.
2. Divide your hair horizontally into three sections: top, middle, and bottom sections.
3. Tease the hair in the top section to form a pouf.
4. Secure the pouf in place with bobby pins.
5. Pin the hair in the middle section like a half ponytail. Make sure it looks connected to the top section.
6. Pin up the lower section like a low ponytail. Again, make sure it looks connected to the middle section.
7. Spritz on a good amount of hairspray to set it in place.

26. Romantic Half Updo

What You Need

• Hairspray
• Curling iron
• Comb
• Elastic band
• Bobby pins
• Flower accessories

How To Do

1. Curl your hair and spritz some hairspray on it.
2. This will lock in those curls and make them last all night.
3. Brush out the curls gently to get those perfect Hollywood swirls.
4. Take some hair from the front and tie it in a half ponytail.
5. Create a gap in the hair above the elastic band and flip the ponytail up and through it.
6. Pick up some hair from one side and Dutch braid it. Wrap it around the elastic band of the ponytail and pin it in place.
7. Repeat the previous step on the other side.
8. Accessorize with some medium-sized flowers to finish off the look.

27. The Highlight And Hair Clip Updo

What You Need

• Curling iron
• Comb
• Bobby pins
• Floral hair clip
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Curl your hair with the curling iron.
2. Gather some hair from the top and tease it to form a bouffant.
3. Wrap some curls around the bouffant to create a crown and pin them in place.
4. Take a few curls and pin them up as you would a half ponytail.
5. Add a final touch with a simple hair clip and some hairspray.

28. The Scarf

What You Need

• Scarf
• Elastic band

How To Do

1. Pick up some hair from the front left side and weave it in a fishtail braid.
2. Keep adding hair to the top section of the braid as you go. Secure the end with an elastic band.
3. Repeat the steps 1 and 2 on the other side.
4. Join both the braids at the crown and tie them with a scarf.
5. Weave a fishtail braid with the hair below the scarf and tie it at the end with an elastic band.

29. Double Braided Crown

What You Need

• Comb
• Elastic bands
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Gather two sections of hair from the right side of your hair.
2. Weave both sections in regular three-strand braids and secure them with elastic bands.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 on the left side.
4. Wrap the braids around the back of your head to form a crown, pinning them at the back.
5. Pancake the braids to make them look voluminous.
6. Spritz on some hairspray to set the half updo in place.

Quick Tip

Include fresh flowers to give your double-braided crown an extra romantic feel. It’s simple, seems natural, and yet it brings in a little something extra.

30. Criss-Crossed Braids

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Bobby pins

How To Do

1. Take the hair at the front right side and weave it in a braid.
2. Repeat the same on the left side as well.
3. Overlap the braids at the back and pin them in place.

31. Flowered Braid

What You Need

• Comb
• Elastic bands
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Gather some hair from either side of your hair. Weave it into a Dutch braid and secure it at the end with an elastic band.
2. Take some more hair from just below the first braid and twist it.
3. Wrap the braid around itself and pancake it to form the flower. Secure it in place with bobby pins.
4. Wrap the twist around the flower and pin it in place.
5. Spritz on some hairspray.

32. Classic Top Knot

What You Need

• Comb
• Elastic band
• Bobby pins

How To Do

1. Gather the hair at the top and crown of your head.
2. Pass your elastic band once over this section of hair.
3. Twist the band and pass it only halfway over the hair.
4. Twist the band and pass it halfway over the hair again.
5. Pancake the top knot and secure it in place with bobby pins.

33. Braided Top Knot

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Hairspray

How To Do

1. Divide the top part of your hair into four sections.
2. Weave each section in a French braid until you reach the crown and secure them with elastic bands.
3. Gather the tails of all the braids and wrap them in a top knot. Secure the top knot in place with an elastic band and bobby pins.
4. Spritz on some hairspray to set the ‘do in place.

Let us now check how to style your half-up-half-down hair according to your hair type.

How To Style Your Half-Up-Half-Down According To Your Hair Type

Here is how to style a half-up-half-down look for prom, based on your hair type:

1. Straight Hair

Start by adding volume with a volumizing spray at the roots and gently backcomb the crown section. It will look super elegant and feminine and will make your hair look fuller.

2. Wavy Hair

Gather the top section of your hair, letting a few face-framing pieces fall loose for a softer look. Secure it with a hair tie. To add extra volume, gently tease the crown area for lift.

3. Curly Hair

Gather the top section of your curls and secure it with a strong hair tie. Avoid pulling the hair too tight, as this can disrupt your curls’ natural shape. Try incorporating a unique braid or twist on the sections that are gathered. You may also leave some loose curls around the face to frame it beautifully.

With the right products and styling techniques, you can create a hairstyle that complements your natural texture and looks stunning.

Infographic: 5 Stunning Prom Hairstyles To Try

Half updos are fun and easy to do! They open up your face, look super cute, and won’t budge even if you dance the night away at the prom! In the infographic below, we have put together 5 stunning prom hairdos you can try to elevate the basic half ponytail and turn some heads at the prom night. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Illustration: Incredible Half Up-Half Down Prom Hairstyles

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What half-up-half-down style is best for my face shape?

For wider faces, you can go for a high half-up style to elongate your facial features, while oval faces can pull off almost any style.

Can you wear your hair down for prom?

Yes, you can wear your hair down for prom. It gives an elegant look and adds charm to your appearance. However, ensure you select the right accessories for a chic look.

Is half-up half-down professional?

Yes, a half-up-half-down hairdo is professional. However, make sure to choose simple accessories that fit your professional attire.

What hair length is suitable for a half up-half down prom hairstyle?

You can sport this hairstyle whether you have short, medium, or long hair.

How can I add volume to my half up-half down prom hairstyle?

Try teasing your hair by backcombing it to create some lift and volume. Alternatively, use a volumizing spray or dry shampoo.

How do I prepare my hair before styling a half up-half down prom hairstyle?

Hair styling products, such as mousse, sea salt spray, putty, hair spray, and clay can help make styling it easier. Also, these hairstyles work great on second-day hair as opposed to freshly washed locks, which don’t hold the style longer.

How can I make my half up-half down prom hairstyle last all night?

Use a humidity-resistant styling oil or a moisturizing hair styling cream along with a hair spray to make your half up-half down hairstyle last all night.

How can I personalize my half up-half down prom hairstyle to match my dress and accessories?

Use accessories that match your dress to create a seamless, elegant look.

Learn easy wedding half-up half-down hairstyles for beginners! These are perfect for short, medium, and long hair. Get step-by-step instructions for the perfect look on your special day in the video below!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Jessica ShultsLicensed Hairstylist

   

Jessica is an expert hairstylist with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in all areas of hair color and is exceptionally skilled at balayage and best-in-class gray blending techniques. After two decades of hairstyling, she launched Twisted Scissors Salon, a full-service hair salon.

Read full bio of Jessica Shults

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

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