Half up Braid Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Looking to elevate your curly hair game? A half-up, half-down style with micro braids is the perfect way to add some flair to your usual look. Whether you’re prepping for a festival or just want a fresh change, this on-trend hairstyle will surely turn heads.

It’s the ideal way to say goodbye to your standard look and say hello to something that will transform your hair—curly half-up styles give you a chance to add a bit of personality to your curls. It’s the perfect look when you’re going for a chic yet effortless vibe.

One of the best things about curly hair is that it works with so many curl types and can be super easy to recreate. To get the most out of your curly style, try to prep your hair on day 2 or day 3 curls, when your hair holds texture and is more manageable. This cuts down the styling time and ensures a quicker, fuss-free look. 

6 Top Half-up Braids Hairstyles

Braided Half Up Pony Tail

• When styling a half-up braid, starting with a middle parting can set the tone for perfect symmetry and balance. Divide your hair into sections from the top of the head down to just behind the ears. Use a pintail comb for precise parting.
• The key is to ensure that the back section stays smooth and that the transition between half-up and half-down is seamless. This hairstyle looks best when you let your curls frame your face gently, enhancing the natural texture of your hair.
• Begin by selecting small, triangular sections of hair near the front hairline, adding a few micro braids for an intricate but relaxed look.
• A soft bristle brush can help smooth out any flyaways and define the edges around your face. After braiding the top part, secure it with a bobble or a hair tie at the base of the hairline.
• Let the half-down portion flow freely, enhancing the natural waves and creating a beautiful contrast with the tighter braid.
• For those with curly hair, using a bit of gel to smooth the back hairline can help maintain a clean finish, ensuring your curls stay in place throughout the day. You can even drape the braid over your shoulder for a more relaxed vibe or leave it untied for a carefree, flowing look.

Easy Dutch Braid Half-Up

• Start by creating a middle parting and dividing your hair into a small section at the top. Begin your Dutch braid by crossing the left section under the middle, then the right under the left.
• As you braid, add more hair to the next section and continue braiding towards your temple, making sure to follow your hairline and add hair from both sides until you’re just above the ear.
• Finish with a regular braid or plait and secure it at the back with a clear elastic. To keep your curls from getting frizzy, try adding whole curls without breaking them up so you maintain the natural shape of your twisty treasure.
• Let the half down portion flow freely, enhancing the lower curls and creating a beautiful contrast with the loose braid.

Feed-In Braids

• Begin by parting the hair into sections where you want the braids. Use a tail comb for precise lines. For this style, you typically need a central part running from the forehead to the nape, dividing the hair into two equal sections.
• Start each braid near the forehead. Begin with a small section of hair, and gradually incorporate larger sections as you braid back towards the nape. This technique, known as “feed-in,” creates a natural, tapered look.
• Use a three-strand braid method, smoothly adding small pieces of braiding hair to each section as you go along to increase the thickness and length of the braid gradually.
• Secure the ends of the braids with hair bands. Optionally, apply mousse to the braids to tame flyaways and give a neat, polished look. Stop braiding midway (at the crown) and secure the ends of the braids using a small rubber band, letting the natural curls fall loose. 
• Define and moisturize the loose curls with a curl cream or gel. For a polished look, add edge control to smooth the edges, and finish with hair spray for hold.

A Fun Feed-In Braid

• A curly bob is a timeless classic style that turns heads effortlessly. When you combine this look with a feed-in braid at the front, the result is a striking and unique hairdo.
• To achieve the perfect mix, start by curling the entire head with a half-inch curling iron to add volume and bounce to your curly hair.
• The braids can be carefully added afterward, giving your style an extra flair and making it even more exciting. The feed-in braid keeps things neat and adds a touch of intricacy to the overall look.

Braided Half-Up, Half-Down

• This hairstyle is a chic and stylish half-braided updo, perfect for those who love a combination of elegance and playfulness.  Start with clean, detangled hair. consider applying a leave-in conditioner to ensure the hair remains moisturized and easier to manage throughout the styling process.
• Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair horizontally from ear to ear. Tie the top section up and out of the way.
• Apply a small amount of gel or pomade to the bottom half of your hair to smooth it down. Begin at the nape of your neck and create small to medium-sized cornrow braids moving upwards towards the crown of your head.
• Stop braiding once you reach the horizontal part you made earlier and secure each braid with a small elastic band.
• Release the top section of your hair. Brush this section to smooth it out and gather it at the crown of your head. Secure this section into a high ponytail, ensuring it covers the ends of your braids.
• Twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins, ensuring it’s tight and secure. Use edge control around your hairline to lay down any flyaways and sculpt your edges with a small brush or toothbrush.
• Apply hairspray for additional hold, especially if you have flyaways or the hairstyle must last through a long event. Optionally, accessorize with decorative hair pins or a hair cuff around the bun’s base for an extra touch of style.

Half up French Braid

• This hair looks fabulous you can try it on curly hair as well as straight hair too. First of all, make a simple ponytail at the center front of the head at the crown area occupying an area of 2 inches exactly at the center, and secure it with an elastic band.
• Now section this ponytail into 2 one for the left side and the other for the right. Section the hair on both sides of the head with the help of a tail comb exactly from the ponytail on both sides till behind the ear and keep gathering them on the front side. 
• We section the front pony tail, pick one section, and start making a French braid by cooperating with the left side section. Use the hair section to make the braid in the whole hair and secure it with a hair tie. Repeat the same process on the right side, too.
• Now gather both braids and secure them with hair ties at the center back of the head and make a hair bow or you can add elegance with the help of some cute hair accessory. Keep open the lower hair. Tttttthannnnnnna your hairstyle is ready.

Styling Your Curly Hair: Half-Up, Half-Down Look

When it’s winter or a special festival like Christmas, you want your mid-to-long hair to look flawless but stay practical. A half-up, half-down style is perfect, keeping those wild curly locks under control while letting them flow beautifully. The sleek front ensures that hair is neatly pulled back, keeping it out of your face, while the natural curls in the back add texture and volume.

FAQs

What is the Best Braid to Get Curly Hair?

The best braid for curly hair is a loose side braid, as it enhances the curled hair without overpowering the waves or creating tight, uncomfortable braids.

Are Braids Good for Curly Hair?

Braids are great for curly hair, especially for 3C curly hair, as they minimize manipulation and help retain moisture. Using protective styles like braids can also reduce breakage and keep your hair healthy.

Which Hairstyle Suits Curly Hair?

For thicker, denser curls, a shoulder cut can frame your face and give your locks a defined look. Keeping it simple, without bangs or fringes, and ensuring each curl is trimmed helps achieve a polished, natural style.