The Modern Bride's Guide to Half-Up, Half-Down Hair + Accessories

Somewhere in between a classic, high bun and soft waves is the perfect wedding hair medium – the half up, half-down hairstyle.

This lovely look delivers the best of both worlds – you get all the romance of flowing locks combined with the put together vibe of an updo. The fact that part of your hair is up opens a world of wedding headpiece possibilities!

What’s Special about Half-Up, Half-down Wedding Hair

Face-Framing

If you’ve got layered or curly hair, this hairdo is a natural. The shorter sections fall naturally around your face, creating a super romantic feel. Meanwhile, the secured top prevents the rest of your hair from getting in the way if there’s a stiff breeze or lots of twirling on the dance floor.

Bridal Accessories Galore

Thanks to the bit that’s pulled back, there’s a solid spot on which to affix accessories. A half-up’s structure can accommodate a royal cathedral veil during the ceremony and bold pieces like a crystal bridal tiara or headband. Plus, with your hair partially up, you highlight your wedding earrings!

Versatility

A half-up do complements all face-shapes and aesthetics. It’s sleek and modern, textured and braided-boho, or dramatic and high-volume glam. All hair textures look great in a half up, too! Straight hair lends itself to polished half ups, wavy hair has volume built in, and curly hair has the gorgeous fullness that a half-down benefits from.

Accessories For Half Up, Half-down Bridal Hair

Since it combines the structure of an updo and the loose locks of a down, this wedding day hairstyle is truly a match every bridal accessory.

Headbands

A classic in general, a dazzling bridal headband is excellent with a half up. Even without pinning your hair at the lower crown of your head, a band creates a similar aesthetic – your hair will look as though it’s drawn up, but it’s not! You can see what we mean in the pictures of our two lovely brides below!

Hair Combs

The gathering point of a half-up is practically made to show off a dainty pearl and crystal comb…or a glittering statement bridal hair comb.

Hair Vines and Halos

These flexible pieces pair beautifully with half-down dos. You can wear hair vines as you would a headband, curving over the secured section in back, and woven throughout.

Crowns and Tiaras

These regal headpieces and half ups are excellent partners! These headpieces can sit atop your head or slightly angled, framing your loose and up hair that seems effortless.

Why Brides Choose Half Up, Half-down

A half-up is ideal for brides who can't decide whether they want an updo or to wear their hair down. We're talking to you ladies who worry about getting hot with all your hair up, or having your hair get in the way during the ceremony and reception. With a half up, you don't have to choose – you get your hair out of your face while still maintaining the gorgeous flow of your locks around your shoulders.

To find the right headpieces for your half up, half-down, browse our collection of bridal headpieces. If you'd like to see how different accessories look with your specific hair length and aesthetic, we'd love for you to visit us at our NYC bridal accessory boutique for a styling session.