Everybody’s Wearing Half-Up, Half-Down Hair – Here’s Why

“What I like about a half-up, half-down hairstyle is it can be really versatile,” says celebrity hairstylist George Northwood. You can just as easily wear it to lounge around the house as take it out for a night on the town.” It’s this easy femininity and simple polish that has led to celebrities opting for the face-framing look more and more over recent months. Take Salma Hayek, whose recent tousled iteration was set off by face-framing waves, while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s sleek and polished version was secured with a top knot. Meanwhile, Sydney Sweeney, who wore a retro-inspired version of the hairstyle, paired her half-pony with side-swept bangs and a flick of black eyeliner, and Hailee Steinfeld – whose slightly messier version, scraped back and high on volume – was a lesson in edgy glamour. Read on to discover Northwood’s tips to master the look.

When recreating any A-list-approved iteration at home, look to the right styling product to help with hold. Northwood recommends a rich but non-greasy moisturizing cream to add texture, while still allowing the hair to grip: “It really helps to keep the style in place when working on an up-do,” he says. Apply it to damp hair, from mid-lengths downwards, and blow-dry it in for best results before sectioning and securing your half-pony.

Sofia Richie Grainge, whose glossy honey locks were pulled into a sleek half-pony with waves falling over her shoulders for her husband’s 30th birthday party, wore a version that offered the best of both worlds: polished and flyaway-free, but still bouncy and party-ready – the perfect way to combine elegance (Richie Grainge’s forte, after all) with a touch of flirtiness. For daytime, or a more relaxed occasion, Northwood recommends taking a cue from Richie Grainge and opting for “a more effortless and undone approach with a bit of texture, soft waves or a chic twist at the back of the head.”

“This look can also be easily transformed into an elevated version for an evening event or red carpet by snatching it at the sides for a super-sleek, dressed-up half-pony,” explains Northwood. “When creating that ultra-polished look, I can’t be without a great-quality hairspray. Oribe’s Superfine Hair Spray is a firm favorite in my kit, as the spray is ultra-fine, meaning hair doesn’t end up with that dry and crispy texture.” Use it sparingly to keep flyaways in place.

For even more impact, you can finish the look with a statement accessory. Sarah Jessica Parker’s long black ponytail bow is the perfect use of those hoarded gift-bag ribbons and gives the style an elegant edge. For even more ease, try one of the season’s ready-made bows – we love Jennifer Behr’s Wide Velvet Bow Hair Clip. For thicker hair, secure your half-pony with a hair tie first and simply snap the barrette in place slightly above to disguise the tie. Alternatively, embrace the ’00s using an oversized hair clip to hold your half-pony in place, like Olivia Rodrigo.