This Gigi Hadid Approved Half-Up Hairstyle Saves Me So Much Time in the Morning (2024)

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are so easy to execute that they're a tried-and-true go-to when I'm tight on time. They never go out of style and work with every hair length and texture. The celebrity-loved look—seen on everyone from Gigi Hadid to Issa Rae—is inherently versatile. You can keep your hair curled or straight, long or short, loose or in a protective style. The best part: It keeps hair out of your face all day.

If you want to elevate your messy bun or ponytail, read on for eight celebrity-approved half-up, half-down hairstyles—and. tips on how to execute them. They're perfect for any occasion, whether you're heading to the office, preparing for a party, or simply looking for a quick, easy updo.

The Best Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles

The Half-Up Half-Down Sky High Ponytail

Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos says his go-to is a "simple, sleek pony up top," which can be achieved with all hair types and curl patterns, as well as with protective styles. To get the look, Giannetos says, "Section your hair in a ponytail from temple to temple. Secure the ponytail closer to the top of your head for a high, snatched pony look." Then, wrap a piece of your hair around your scrunchie.

For loose hair that's not in a protective style, Giannetos recommends prepping the hair with a styling cream to add some texture. "Follow up with a boar bristle brush to slick your hair back. After you have secured your ponytail, I would use a curling iron to create your favorite style of curls," he adds.

As a final touch, consider styling your edges à la Halle Bailey.

The Retro Half-Up Half-Down Teased Crown

Pay homage to the style of the 1960s by adding some volume to your half-up, half-down 'do. One way of achieving the look is the tease your hair at the crown (read: Meghan Markle) before pulling it back into a loose ponytail. Leave the style sleek or pluck a few strands loose to frame your face. Finish it off with a medium or strong hold hair spray.

If your front pieces are too greasy to sit out, you can channel Jessica Chastain's look. Slick back the front half of your hair and fasten it with a hair tie underneath the back section.

The Half-Up Half-Down With a Scrunchie

Sometimes, a fun scrunchie is all you need to pull a look together. "If you are tight on time, you can quickly and easily throw the front of your hair into a ponytail," Giannetos says. "If you don't have time to brush through your hair, don't worry—having some texture to your hair gives it a messy but effortless look."

I like to run some leave-in conditioner through my hair to smooth flyaways.

The Low Half-Up Half-Down Pony

For a more formal occasion, Giannetos recommends playing with the placement of your ponytail. "Instead of a traditional high pony, I would place the ponytails more towards the middle or back of your head. This elevates the look into a more elegant hairstyle," he explains.

To replicate Sydney Sweeney and Jennifer Lopez's looks above, prep your hair with a straightener and then smooth your favorite gel over the ponytail.

The High-Gloss Half-Up Half-Down Ponytail

While a half-up half-down ponytail that sits at the crown typically comes along with a curl for added body, you can pull off a straight, sleek look if you move the ponytail just a few inches down. Better Natured's in-house hair expert, Melessia Wade-Smith, recommends sectioning off hair into four sections and straightening each with a flat iron. Once all your hair is straightened, use the tip of a comb to part your hair from ear to ear, then sweep this section up into a ponytail and secure the ponytail with a hair elastic of your choice.

Mist hair with a shine spray for good measure.

A Romantic Half-Up Half-Down Pony

Not all half-up, half-down looks involve pulling your hair back into tight ponytails. For a softer look, Wade-Smith suggests pulling the top layer of your hair towards the back of the head and then curling the lengths for added bounce. First, she says to spray a texture spray all over your ends to add volume and brushable hold before parting your hair into four sections.

Then, curl the lengths and ends, working in two-inch sections. Use the tip of a comb to part your hair from ear to ear, and a bristle hairbrush to sweep this section into a ponytail. Secure with a hair elastic of your choice. To dress it up, wrap a small piece of hair around your elastic and secure it with bobby pins.

The Half-Up Half-Down With a Top Knot

This is a style that I love for running errands or when I'm short on time. Simply pull half of your hair up to the crown of your head and create a small top knot, leaving the rest of your hair falling down your back. It's a great way to both show off your length and pull your hair back at the last minute. I often find it even easier to accomplish than a half-ponytail.

The Half-Up Half-Down Pigtails

Pigtails are an excellent style as-is—and they can easily be converted into the half-up, half-down look. Giannetos recommends tying your half-pigtails up into space buns, noting that the style is popular among Gen Z. Part your hair down the middle and create top knots out of two small sections at the top. Giannetos reassures that the strands sticking out of your buns are no problem if you have layered hair: Spiky space buns, he says, are a huge 2024 hair trend.

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