31 Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for Prom and Special Events

✨ Want the perfect styling tools to match these looks?
We've included links to our favorite products throughout — tested and reader-approved. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Back view of a floral half up half down hairstyle with small flowers in a natural setting.

Perfumed with romance and elegance, a floral half up half down hairstyle is perfect for prom night or any special event. Incorporate small flowers like baby's breath or miniature roses throughout the upper section and let them cascade gently. This style exudes a whimsical charm that complements evening gowns beautifully, making it perfect for bridesmaids or prom queens.

Woman with cascading loose waves and sparkling clips in a vintage Hollywood setting.

Channel the elegance of old Hollywood with cascading loose waves styled in a half up half down design. This classic look can be enhanced with a subtle side part and secured with sparkling clips or pins for extra glam. Ideal for long, flowing dresses, this hairstyle complements strapless or sweetheart necklines, ensuring you steal the spotlight.

Braided crown half up hairstyle with pearls in a professional studio setting.

For a modern twist, try a braided crown intertwined into your half up half down hairstyle. The intricate braiding provides texture and interest, perfect for standing out during formal events. Whether you choose fishtail, French, or classic three-strand braids, this style offers versatility and can be personalized with hair jewelry or small pearls.

Boho half up hairstyle with braid and waves among natural elements.

Use the airy allure of boho style with soft, effortless waves combined with a braided accent in your half up style. Let a small braid dance along one side of your head for a fun, festive look that’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies or summer proms. Decorate the braid with tiny beads or charms for added personality and flair.

Elegant side curl half up hairstyle with decorative pins in a studio setting.

Get playful with a touch of romance by style-locking your side curls in a pinned-back manner. This half up half down look showcases your shoulders and accessories elegantly and is finished with curls for a timeless finish. Ideal for medium to long hair lengths, this style pairs beautifully with delicate hairpins or floral decor.

Romantic waves with a crown bun and ribbon in a garden setting.

Achieve an ethereal and graceful look with romantic waves paired with a small, stylish bun at the crown of your head. This hairstyle melds the simplicity of a bun with the enchantment of waves, creating an ethereal appearance that's ideal for garden parties and prom nights. Enhance the look with ribbon or a delicate hairband.

Subtly waved hair with intertwined braids in a sophisticated studio setting.

Nothing says elegant like subtly waved hair with small, delicate braids woven into the top half. Mix multiple small and large braids to add texture and interest from every angle. This hairstyle is particularly suited for longer hair and can be dressed up with a hairpiece or left naturally beautiful.

Youthful fishtail braid half up hairstyle in an outdoor setting.

For a youthful and chic prom hairstyle, create a half up half down fishtail braid on either side of your head, meeting at the back. This intricate design adds sophistication and draws attention to your neckline, making it perfect for dresses with unique cutout designs or back detailing.

Sleek half up hairstyle with a twist against a dark studio backdrop.

Opt for a sleek, understated look with straight hair pinched back into a delicate twist. Simple yet stunning, this style is perfect for minimalist fashionistas. For added impact, consider a bold makeup look and eye-catching jewelry that instantly elevates the ensemble into red carpet territory.

Beach waves half up hairstyle with a flowy dress on a summer beach.

Add a touch of bohemian flair to your prom look with romantic beach waves softly cascading down your shoulders. This effortlessly stunning hairstyle is well-suited for summer events, complementing flowy dresses. Increase its allure with a few strategically placed bridal-inspired accessories or a flowery headband.

Casual photograph of curly hair styled up with rhinestones and pearls.

Elevate your standard half up half down style with twisted accents that bring volume and dimension. Best suited for curly hair, this look adds a playful touch to a classic silhouette. Complete the vibe by accessorizing with pearls or rhinestones for an extra dash of glamour and sophistication.

Professional photo of half-up curly hairstyle with braided accents.

Add personality and a touch of glamour by tucking a series of small, braided accents above and below your half-up section. This layered braid approach works beautifully with full curls or soft waves, offering a sophisticated, multidimensional look perfect for prom or other special occasions.

Bohemian hairstyle with flowers in outdoor lighting.

Try integrating a bohemian touch by weaving flora accents like baby’s breath or small wildflowers in your half-up-do hairstyle. This natural look captures the essence of springtime romance and is perfect for an outdoor event or a nature-themed celebration.

Professional image of hair with fishtail braids.

Create a fun twist on the classic by incorporating cool braids into your half-up style. Include unique braids like the fishtail or French braids to add an edgy, modern flair while still maintaining a refined look. This will add a touch of fun and interest to any formal attire.

Half up hairstyle with sleek base and voluminous curls.

For a glamorous and sophisticated finish, try a dual-texture approach with a sleek base and voluminous curls cascading down. This style is both elegant and practical, as it keeps hair away from the face while celebrating the full length and beauty of your curls.

Sparkling half-up hairstyle with crystal pins.

Amplify your waves with hair jewelry incorporated into your half-up, half-down do. Opt for delicate crystal pins or metallic clips to catch the light and add a sparkling frame to your face, perfect for both proms and weddings alike.

Half-bun hairstyle with butterflies, elegant setting.

Bring a burst of elegance with a beautifully crafted half-bun set above flowing waves or curls. This charming style oozes sophistication and is adorned best with thematic decorations like butterflies or celestial motifs for a fairytale prom night.

Balayage highlights in casual indoor setting.

Let layers of gentle gold or auburn balayage highlights weave through your cascading waves to infuse warmth and depth into your prom hairstyle. This color technique enhances every twist and curl, making it ideal for those looking to add vibrancy and dimension.

Tropical half-up hairstyle with flower accent.

A breath of the tropics can be achieved with lush, full curls in a half up half down style, accented with a vibrant flower tucked behind an ear. This look pairs perfectly with colorful, flowing dresses and is ideal for tropical-themed or destination events.

Side-swept curls with rhinestones, glamorous setting.

For a glitzy evening affair, choose a side-swept twist that gradually folds into a swirl of voluminous curls. Dress it up further by interlacing rhinestones or a statement hairpiece to accentuate the look. This hairstyle is perfect for capturing attention on the dance floor.

Ethereal half updo with cascading curls and pearl accents in professional setting.

Adopt an ethereal appearance with a soft and voluminous half updo completed by cascading curls. Enhance the style's romantic aspect by discreetly inserting tiny pearl or diamante accents among the curls, establishing an enchanting and timeless look suitable for gala events and formal dances.

Romantic hairstyle with soft curls and a delicate twist in a professional photo.

Craft a romantic and feminine look by sculpting your long curls into soft tendrils that tenderly frame your face while securing the top into a delicate twist or braid. This style lends elegance to ballroom gowns and off-the-shoulder dresses, perfect for making magical prom memories.

Half up hairstyle with waves and layered bangs in a professional studio.

Embrace an adventurous style with half up half down hair that transitions into a cascade of lush, smooth waves. Use fashion-forward detailing like layered bangs, and complement the style's contemporary feel with chic metallic accessories to lend a refined touch.

Sophisticated half up style with volumized waves in a professional setting.

Add depth to your prom ensemble with dimensional waves in a half up style that radiates sophistication and poise. Enhance the hairstyle's volume by teasing the roots, providing an expansive texture that looks stunning in photos and irresistible in person.

Playful half updo with mini braids in a casual home setting.

Show off your playful side by accentuating your half updo with haphazardly placed mini braids integrated within cascading curls. This effortlessly charming hairstyle pairs with a wide variety of dress options, from classic to avant-garde, making it a versatile option for any formal event.

Chic half up hairstyle with straight lines in a professional photo.

Achieve a chic and polished appearance with a half up hairstyle dressed up by sleek, straight lines combined with subtle twists. While simple, this style offers sophistication and can be transformed into a party-ready look with statement pieces or bold lipstick.

Celestial-themed half up hairstyle with star and moon pins.

For a hint of drama, craft an alluring look where loose curls flowing from a half up hairstyle are adorned thoughtfully with glittering stars or moon pins. This celestial-themed style is both eye-catching and perfectly suited to lively nighttime festivities.

Half up hairstyle with highlights in an outdoor setting.

Exude elegant simplicity by donning a half up hairstyle with flowing waves, finished with a color pop from strategically placed highlights or lowlights. Fine-tune this look with additional curls or keep it smooth for an understated sophistication.

Halo braid half up in a vintage-inspired professional setting.

Enmesh the sweetness of innocence with a halo braid designed into a half up style. Ideal for longer hair types, this design creates a textured crown effect, best paired with vintage-inspired gowns for a timeless, classic appearance.

Modern half up hairstyle with braids and curls in a professional setting.

Infuse your prom hairstyle with a modern edge using subtle braids paired with soft curls in a half up configuration. This style's intricate braiding work adds complexity and interest, perfect for fashion-forward dress designs.

Half updo with dark layers and floral barrettes in an informal setting.

Exude fashionista vibes with a sophisticated half updo transformed by flowing layers of dark hues and luxe accessories. Consider integrating sleek bands, or floral barrettes, which lend an additional trendy edge to full-length formal wear.