49 half-up half-down hairstyles that we're adding to our rotation

Half-up half-down hairstyles are everywhere we look: on the red carpet, on the runway, on our for you page and on the girl's in our office. They've always been popular, but now that hair accessories (and the hair bow in particular) is having a moment, it feels like the style has exploded.

It's easy to see why. The style is a total crowd-pleaser when you can't decide between an updo or keeping your hair loose, because it blends the best of both. You get to keep the length, but half-up hairstyles also give you the opportunity to experiment with a little bit of oomph at the crown.

They can work across aesthetics too. Depending on how you style them, they have the ability to feel romantic, sleek or experimental. They're pretty much as versatile as you can get. The portion you lift away from your face offers endless opportunities from a straight-up ponytail to intricate braids, space buns, top knots, sky high ponies, face framing pigtails, simple twists and more – which is a lot of options for one hairstyle. And they work on extra long strands right up to the shortest bob lengths.

No matter where you are on your wash cycle, half-up half-down hairstyles are always a winner, too. If your hair is limp from being freshly washed, adding a high pony or top knot can fake some faux volume where you want it. Likewise creating a style that sits over your crown offers up some genius camouflage if your hair's looking a little greasy and due a wash.

39 hairstyles for greasy hair if you CBA with wash day

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By Elle Turner

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If your hair won't play ball when the weather's misbehaving, throwing your hair into a half up half down hairstyle means that you only have to style the bottom. And, if you already have a style installed, like braids, half-updos offer flexibility if you fancy changing things up day-to-day.