Two words that perfectly describe a half bun are chic and casual. Yes, this is one of those hairstyles that you can wear all day long, every day. It is practical – part of your hair is up, while the rest of your hair is down.
We don’t know many women who haven’t tried it yet. However, if you still have some doubts about this lovely hairstyle, don’t worry. We have prepared an amazing gallery to inspire you. Plus, there are some useful tips to know.
How to Create a Half Up Bun
While many celebs and trendsetters make half buns look effortless, you can follow our guide if you still feel unsure. Whether you have long, short, thin, or curly hair – we have it covered.
For Long Hair
- You should separate the top half of your hair from the bottom.
- Secure the half ponytail with a small elastic and make sure it is tight.
- The trick is to make your bun look more voluminous, so gently tease the hair at the crown with a comb.
- Wrap your hair around the ponytail base and secure it with bobby pins.
- Adjust the shape and volume of the bun as much as you like.
For Short Hair
- Separate a section of hair from the hairline to the crown of your head.
- Secure the high ponytail with an elastic and make it more voluminous if you wish.
- Your half-up bun will look small, but with short hair that is part of the charm.
Watch the following video to learn how to do a half up half down bun for long hair.
How to Wear a Half Up Bun With Waves and Curls
If your hair is wavy or curly, there are a few tricks to make a half up half down bun look even better. This hairstyle is perfect for summer, whether your hair is left natural or styled with medium beach waves.
Wavy Hair
- Part your hair at the temples and section off the top.
- Be careful – sectioning your hair from ear to ear will leave you with a fairly large amount of hair at the top of your head.
- Wrap your hair around itself and secure it with a hair tie.
- Tuck in the ends and pin them with bobby pins for a nice, polished hairstyle.
Curly Hair
- You should start by parting your hair at the temples.
- Then make a ponytail of the hair you have separated.
- Twist it until it forms a coil.
- Secure the bun with bobby pins and an elastic.
How to Wear a Half Up Bun on Straight Hair
Long straight hair might be the easiest texture for creating half-up buns.
- To make sure your hair stays in place, you might need a few products, such as hairspray.
- Section your hair and make a tucked bun.
- By pulling your hair through the elastic two or three times, the ends will be left out.
- You can now wrap the ends around the half bun and hide the elastic.
How to Style a Low Half Up Half Down Bun
Low buns are usually considered to be more elegant. You can style them for many different occasions, such as wedding days, birthday parties, engagements, as well as cocktail parties with colleagues and friends.
- Start by sectioning your hair and pulling it slightly back to the middle of your head.
- You can twist the ends or pull your hair through the elastic and leave the ends out.
How to Style a Braided Half Bun
One of the most popular versions of the half bun hairstyle is the braided one. Instead of making only a half updo, you get two looks in one – braids and a bun.
- Part and section your hair from ear to ear to secure enough hair for the braid.
- If you want to add some volume to the braid, opt for a fishtail braid.
- Braid it until the hair ends.
- Wrap it around until you get your desired shape and look.
How to Style a Messy Half Up Bun
Right after braided versions, messy buns for long hair are especially popular among girls and women. Many celebrities and trendsetters have worn this effortless look. It is perfect for everyday wear, whether you are at home or heading out for coffee.
- Part your hair at the temples.
- Pull the section you parted into a ponytail.
- Secure it with an elastic.
- When pulling through the elastic for the second time, don’t do it completely.
- Make a loop and wrap the hair around it.
- Once you are satisfied, adjust the elastic to secure the bun.
Watch the following tutorial to learn how to do a messy half up bun.
Half Up Bun Hairstyles to Try
We hope these half bun half down hairstyle ideas provide the right amount of inspiration. We have to admit one thing though – we absolutely can’t choose favorites. They are all beautiful and easy to create.
1. Effortless Messy Topknot
This effortlessly cool half bun hairstyle is perfect for laid-back days. You can also wear it as your everyday hairstyle. It is utterly chic.
2. Floral Braids and a Half Bun
If a simple bun is not interesting enough for you, combine it with crown braids as well. This romantic style is perfect for special occasions, such as weddings and proms.
3. Soft Blonde Flower Bun
A flower-shaped bun like this looks especially pretty on soft, wavy blonde hair. A half up bun hairstyle like this is great for both everyday wear and special occasions.
4. Rose-Shaped Half Bun
Is there anything more beautiful than a half bun in the form of a rose? We don’t think so either. This copper brown hairstyle feels especially elegant for formal events.
5. Braided Half Bun With Hair Rings
You can make the front part of your hairstyle even more interesting by adding slim braids and a few hair rings. Leave the rest straight at the ends and wrap the top into a bun.
6. Braided Rose Half Bun
Even if this gorgeous hairstyle looks hard to pull off, it is actually achievable. After you create the flower-like half bun, braid the hair on both sides for extra detail.
7. Sleek Half Bun With a Hair Stick
Instead of a few bobby pins and an elastic, let a hair stick hold your bun. That polished hair-stick finish with half-down hair will definitely become one of your favorites.
8. Messy Half Bun for Short Hair
A half up bun will certainly show off the prettiest parts of your blonde balayage. It is an easy style that works especially well on short hair.
9. Low Half Bun With Hair Sticks
A pair of hair sticks gives this low half bun a delicate, elevated finish. It is a lovely way to dress up simple straight hair.
10. Blonde Half Bun With Lilac Tones
If you are bored with simple blonde hairstyles, add a little purple. Purple balayage will make your hairstyle look even more interesting than before.
11. Soft Twisted Half Bun
If prom season is on your calendar, this half bun half down hairstyle can work beautifully with almost any dress. A softly twisted bun and waves feel romantic for occasions such as prom.
12. Undone Everyday Half Bun
Busy women out there, gather around. This is one of those hairstyles you should know about. It takes only a few minutes to style and it is perfect for every day.
13. Sleek Half Bun on Straight Ombre Hair
A half bun like this is a great option for workwear. You can leave the rest of your ombre hair straight, or curl it with a curling wand.
14. Double-Knot Half Bun
Instead of making only one bun, try a double-knot version instead. Styled like this, it feels a little more detailed while still staying soft and wearable.
15. Platinum Half Bun With Soft Waves
Anyone with long blonde hair can make this half up half down bun hairdo a success. It is messy, easy to create, and utterly chic.
16. Boho Half Bun With Mini Braids
For all those upcoming summer days, a hairstyle like this is all that you need. A bun with mini braids will make you feel beautiful and give your outfit a boho vibe.
17. Twisted Crown Half Bun
Long waves are perfect for both everyday and elegant occasions. When you add a lovely bun and braids into that equation, you get a gorgeous hairstyle.
18. Mohawk Braid Half Bun
A mohawk-style braid and a few hair rings give this half bun a cool edge. It is a fun way to make a simple hairstyle feel more directional.
19. Elegant Low Half Bun
This half hair bun style is perfect when you want something more elegant. You can always decorate it with a gold or silver bobby pin.
20. Half Bun Tied With a Bandana
If you want to upgrade not only your hairstyle but your outfit as well, add a bandana instead of a plain elastic. It will look great on your half bun updo.
21. Top Half Bun With a Bow Scarf
Even top half up bun hairstyles can be decorated with a scarf. Use the small one so it doesn’t fall across your face.
22. Messy Half Bun for Shoulder-Length Waves
Mid-length hair is not always easy to style, but a top bun is something you can always count on. In combination with waves and a bit of dimension, you get an amazing everyday hairstyle.
23. Box Braids With a Top Half Bun
How cool do these box braids look? In combination with a top bun, you get a style that feels bold, neat, and full of personality.
24. Rose Gold Half Bun
For easy, everyday wear, pull your rose gold hair into a small top knot and leave the rest of your hair straight and casual. If you ask us, this half up half down bun is one of our favorites.
25. Half Bun on a Blonde Lob
Half bun half down can also be paired with a long blunt bob cut. Just pull the top section together and twist it into a mini bun.
FAQs on Half Up Half Down Bun Styles
A top knot is a hairstyle where the hair is gathered into a knot or bun at the crown or top of the head.
A half up bun is different because only the top section is pulled up, while the rest of the hair is left down.
You can think of the half up bun as a variation inspired by the top knot, but the two are not exactly the same style.
When you say half up half down hairstyles, that does not necessarily mean a bun is included. Sometimes you will see half up hairstyles with braids, twists, or hair accessories.
If you are interested in buns only, search for terms such as half up bun or half up half down bun.
Half buns are a great hairstyle for both casual and elegant occasions. You can easily wear one to work or style it for a wedding day. It is a completely versatile and practical hairstyle.
Get inspired with our gallery and learn all the tricks to achieve the perfect half up half down bun.