A half-up, half-down style gathers part of the hair and lets the rest fall, so it takes something from both sides: the hold of an updo and the movement of loose hair. It is a wedding hairstyle that strikes a lovely balance between classic and modern. Knowing when it works, what hair it needs and how it is built helps you decide whether it is the one for you.
When half up half down wedding hair suits a bride
Choosing a half-up style is a very personal decision. Some brides picture themselves with it from the very beginning, and then that idea is the starting point. Other times it is the dress that asks for it: with some necklines a half-up style fits in a special way, and then I recommend it. And when a bride is not sure which hairstyle she wants, it is often a very good choice, precisely because of that balance between classic and modern.
Which necklines suit a half-up style best is in what hairstyle goes with my wedding dress neckline.
How long your hair needs to be
In fact, anyone can wear a half-up style, but it needs a minimum of length to fall. With a short bob it is possible, within some limits. From shoulder length down, the loose hair has room to move: when you turn your head, the wave moves with you. The two give different finishes, but both work.
Can you do half up half down wedding hair with short hair?
Yes, within some limits. It needs a minimum of length to fall. From shoulder length down, the loose part already has movement.
How any wedding hairstyle adapts to a shorter cut is in wedding hairstyles for short hair. If your hair is fine, wedding hair extensions for thin hair explains when a half-up style needs a little more volume.
How it is built to hold all day
A half-up style has two parts, and each one is worked differently. The gathered part needs a good anchor: first a small structure is made with an elastic, which acts as the support, and the rest is pinned onto it with hairpins, looser or tighter depending on the look you want. The loose part is prepared just like a hairstyle worn down, so the wave holds. The products are chosen according to the weather expected on the day.
In strong heat or humidity, a half-up style suffers more than an updo. Why that happens, and how it is planned for, is in summer wedding hair in heat and humidity.
Where the veil goes
With a half-up style, the veil always goes above the gathered part. Placing it underneath is impossible, because the veil would have nothing to hold on to and it would fall.
Can you wear half up half down wedding hair with a veil?
Yes. The veil always goes above the gathered part, which is what holds it. Underneath, it would fall.
If you can see yourself with a half-up style, or you are torn between several options, tell me at the trial. That is where it is tried on your own hair, with your dress in mind, and where you see whether it is the hairstyle you are looking for.
