21+ iconic half-up, half-down hairstyles for Black hair

Half-up, half-down hairstyles for Black hair feature a delicate balance of hair structure and flow, with the top section styled up, and the rest left down. Most popular designs include elements such as ponytails, buns, knots, or twists.

Key takeaways

• Half-up, half-down styling suits any already styled hairstyles, textures, and lengths, from natural to straight, braided, locked, and with extensions.
• For natural hair, styling options include half-ponytails, top buns and space buns.
• When worn on wigs and sew-ins, this hairstyle shines on curly or straight hair with half-ponytails, buns, or accessories for formal or casual looks.
• Braided versions of the style combine protective styling with cornrows, buns and accessories.

Natural hair, half-up, half-down hairstyles for Black hair

It is easy to find fresh ways to style Black hair in its natural state. Look over this list of naturalista looks that can give you a true confidence boost, as you rock your curly hairstyle.

1. Voluminous natural half-up ponytail

To create this, natural hair is styled in a half-up, half-down design by pulling up a section of the top half of your natural hair into a high ponytail and letting the rest of your hair flow freely at the back. You can add a small parted section at the front to suit your day’s look.

2. Curly half-up, half-down hairstyle

Naturally curly hair can be tricky to manage. However, nothing beats bouncy curls styled in this manner. With the help of moisturising creams and your preferred hair gel, brush the desired amount of hair into a half-up bun or ponytail, depending on its length.

3. Loose curls in half-up buns

When wearing loose curls, this half-up, half-down hairstyle can keep hair out of your face and frame your face. To tame any unruly curls, use your preferred hair gels or mousse, creating one of the most preferred curly hairstyles.

4. Half-up, half-down twist-outs

Regardless of hair length, this hairstyle is a versatile option, often worn as a short half-up, half-down style for Black hair. To create it, begin by making two-or three-strand twists. Alternatively, the twist-outs can be created using the African threading method. Once complete and set, undo the twists and style the top section as desired.

5. Half-up, half-down style on long natural hair

This half-up, half-down hairstyle is created by parting the top section of the hair into three triangles. One section is braided into a jumbo braid and fastened to another in a bun, while a long fringe falls softly on the face. To adorn it further, you can lay your edges neatly and add curls to the ends.

Curly half-up, half-down hairstyles for Black girls

This style can be done on weaves, wigs, sew-ins, or hair with extensions. It can be held in buns, high or low ponytails, with various accessories.

1. Wet and wavy half-up, half-down hairstyle

To create this wet look, gather the top section into a ponytail and style the rest in defined wet-look waves. The roots and edges can be slicked back using gels and styling wax for that glassy shine.

2. High ponytail with defined baby hairs

If you love detail, wear this wet look by styling the top section with gel for that ‘fresh-out-of-the-shower’ sheen. To complete the look, lay down your edges or your baby hairs into swoops along your hairline.

3. Loose curls with a Kash Doll-inspired ponytail

This half-up, half-down style can be achieved by smoothing out the top half of your hair into a ponytail or bun and then defining the curls left with your favourite curl cream or gel. While keeping your roots smooth and polished, this style lets the curls at the back and sides pop with definition.

4. Crimped ponytail with sleek half-up

This retro hairstyle features a half-up pony with crimped lengths and glossy roots. Wear this look to give a nod to early 2000s fashion, or to let your boldness show at parties or concerts.

5. Sleek top with body waves

This half-up, half-down style gives you the best of both worlds. By creating a slicked-back half-up section paired with loose, soft waves on the bottom, this contrast draws attention to your facial features.

6. Curly bob with face-framing strands

If you sport a chic, blunt bob, you can pull the top section of your hair into a small bun or ponytail to create a clean half-up style. Leave a couple of strands out in front to frame your face for a soft, flattering effect.

Long half-up, half-down hairstyles for straight Black hair

For straight Black hair, half-up, half-down hairstyles offer a stylish way to elevate your everyday look. Enjoy the versatility of these updos and loose looks that can easily transition from formal events to everyday wear.

1. Sleek side-parted half-up bun

This gel hairstyle comes with a twist. To create it, sculpt your edges and swoop your top section into a neat bun off to one side, leaving the rest of your natural hair out. It gives the wearer a timeless elegance ideal for formal events.

2. Sleek half-up bun with blunt ends

For a modern feel, secure the top half of your hair into a smooth bun while keeping the bottom half straight and blunt. This style screams minimalist chic, a style favoured by famous actresses and models such as Margot Robbie, Gigi Hadid, and Zoë Kravitz.

3. Half-up messy bun

This put-together look can be created by gathering the top half of your straight hair into a high or mid messy bun, holding everything sleek and smooth. This polished style is perfect for school, work, or any formal setting.

4. Long half-up, half-down with a side swoop

By parting the top section of your hair to the side, you add a dose of drama to this style. You can dress the half-up pony with hair accessories for extra flair.

5. Double ponytails on long straight hair

Show off your fun side by styling the top half into two mini space buns and letting the rest fall straight and loose. This playful style gives the loose hair instant volume and makes for a nostalgic early 2000s hip hop fashion vibe.

Braided half-up, half-down hairstyles for Black hair

For braided hairstyles, this look blends the protective benefits of braids with its elegance. This style lets you show off intricate braiding patterns and highlight accessories.

1. Top bow with knotless braids

This hairstyle elevates your braids by sweeping the top half up and forming them into an oversized bow, often paired with creative feed-in cornrow patterns at the base. The braids cascade down your back to keep the classic half-down look with a fun, statement twist on top.

2. Long spiral half-up, half-down

Long spiral braids let you enjoy the drama of length while keeping your roots protected. With this look, you pull the top section into a half-ponytail or bun, allowing the spiralled braids to tumble down your back in defined coils.

3. Half-up, half-down hairstyle with double cornrows

Mixing tight cornrows along the scalp with chunky twists in a half-up bun, this look is all about texture and depth. To complete it, design the cornrows in your favourite pattern, then gather the upper half into a twisted bun, or fasten with an accessory, letting the rest of your hair flow loose.

4. Half-up cornrows with braids and extensions

With this look, you start with intricate cornrow designs on top, then let the braids transition into a crinkled, textured half-down style. The waves in the braids inject visual interest and create a lively, fun contrast against the smoothness of the cornrows.

5. High ponytail on mini twists

The braided hairstyle involves adding decorative flair to the hair in clean rows. Once done, clip in colourful flower accessories before letting the rest of your natural curls fall free. This is a fantastic option for spring and summer, kids’ events, or a cute hairstyle that is protective.

6. Dreadlocked half-up, half-down hairstyle

Celebrate your locks by pulling the top section into a ponytail, two space buns, or your preferred design. This shape works well with long and short dreadlocks because it creates volume and a playful silhouette.

Is half-up, half-down good for your hair?

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is generally gentle on your hair. It allows your scalp to breathe and avoids the tension that full updos may cause. Using protective accessories can also help maintain healthy strands.

How do you make a half-up, half-down look good?

Start by creating volume with soft curls or waves before sectioning your hair. Secure the upper section with a sleek clip, scrunchie, or braid to add a touch of style. Leave the lower half smooth or textured, depending on your look. Finish with a light hairspray or edge control to keep it neat.

What hair is good for half-up, half-down?

This hairstyle suits most hair types, but it yields the best results for medium to long hair. Wavy, curly, and coily textures add natural volume and shape to the style. It works well for both relaxed and natural hair. Straight hair can also achieve this look with added waves or curls for texture.

Choosing from the trendiest half-up, half-down hairstyles for Black hair does not have to be overwhelming. Celebrate your beauty and individuality with these styles that suit various face shapes and hair types, from natural to relaxed and extensions.

Legit.ng recently published an article listing trendy and gorgeous hairstyles for girls to rock. Millions of little girls enjoy wearing beautiful hairstyles that make them fit in with their peers.

These structured and free-flowing hairstyles are often worn by role models, trend setters and icons in pop culture, often seen on TV. Read on for a blend of classic and trendy looks, braided and natural hairstyles for girls to try out.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng