I. Introduction
Who said that curls can’t be stylish? Born with wavy and curly hair, I keep experimenting with my hairstyles. For me, one of the most favorite and go-to hairstyles is the half-up and half-down style, which means I pull up some of my curls and tie them into a loose bun or just pin it up and leave the rest of the curls resting on my shoulders. It serves as both a formal and informal look. Let us take a deep dive into the beauty and technique of half-up and half-down curly hairstyles.
The Allure of Half Up and Half Down Curly Hairstyle
The beauty of half up, half down curly hair lies in them being not fully tied up and not fully loose, perfect for someone who wishes to flaunt their tresses but doesn’t want to manage them or comb them at regular intervals. A small pin or a clip can keep some of our curls in place while the rest of the curls can flow around.
Why Curly Hair Deserves a Unique Style?
There has been a misconception regarding curly hair, that such hair can only have limited forms of styling as they are more difficult to manage as compared to straight hair. Though, curls are the most beautiful form of natural hair that carries its natural look.
I have seen a lot of my friends who have perfect, straight, and silky hair which often slips down and escapes from a clutch whereas my curly hair stays intact after being tied up. Well, this is where curly hair gets its unique style.
II. The Beauty of Curly Hair
Yes, it is time for us to accept that curls are beautiful and one should embrace them. The beauty of curls lies in embracing them and taking care of them. Yes, they might turn frizzy quickly and require more care, but they are truly rewarding when you wish to have some unique style.
Embracing Natural Texture
The natural texture of curls is rough and bouncy. Hence, even if the volume of your hair is less, curls make your crown look heavy and give you a perfect look.
The texture of the curls is also unique, a bit dry and a bit bouncy which makes you look stand apart from the rest who have almost similar-looking hair – straightened and silky.
If you learn to embrace your curls, then you will be able to find ways to style them properly.
The Versatility of Half Up, Half Down Styles
As I wrote above, one of the most sought-after hairstyles if you have curly hair, is the half up and half down style, which means, some of the curly locks are tied up in the form of a bun or just with the help of some clips, while the rest of the curls are left loose.
There are a lot of variations in half-up, half half-down styles. Let us visit some of the common and quirky styles.
- Simple Twist – Create a center part, gather your hair together into a ponytail, and then flip it
- Half top knot – Gather some of your curls and tie them up into a bun, you can also braid them and then tie them into a bun, secure it with some pins, and let the other curls stay loose
- Braided Half-Up – Take a few curls and make a three-strand braid tie it together using a rubber band and leave the other portion of hair untouched
- Twisted sides – Take some strands from both sides-left and right, create separate braids, and tie them together at the end
III. How to Prepare Your Curly Locks
Yes, I know that managing your curly locks can be a tough task, but regular maintenance can ensure that your curly locks remain in control. So here are some tips to maintain your curls by using the right combination of hair care products.
Shampoo and Conditioner Tips for Curly Hair
- A night before you plan to shower your hair, just comb back your hair and tie it up into a pineapple – a simple trick where you tie up your hair into a pony and slide your hairband at the bottom of your pony and let the curls fall around.
- Prep and hydrate your curls before washing them.
- Sprinkle water, smoothen, and detangle your curls.
- In case your hair is extremely dry, apply some conditioner or dry shampoo and the curls get softened a bit. While washing, go for some sulfate-free shampoos.
- Apply some shampoo on the scalp and ensure it is clean, then gently apply shampoo on the curls. Rub it, then wash it well with the water.
- Then comes the turn of the conditioner. It is better to opt for the same brand of conditioner as that of shampoo as the base remains the same. Unlike shampoo which is to be put on the scalp, conditioner is meant only for the loose ends of the hair. Take a generous amount of conditioners on your palm, and rub it gently across the loose tresses. Then wash it off.
Towel Drying vs. Air Drying: What Works Best?
Now comes the drying part. If your hair is wet, it is best to use a towel to puff out that extra water from your hair. It will ensure the removal of extra water without exposing your hair to artificial heat or hot air that comes out of a hair dryer.
Once you have dried your hair, take a comb and remove all the knots slightly. Then reduce the speed of your hair drier and start blowing your hair part-by-part. Ensure, you don’t overdo it as curly hair tends to get frizzy and dry with time.
IV. Styling Half Up, Half Down Curls
Let us get back to styling a half-up and half-down curly hairstyle. Here are some other trendy half-up, half-down curls. Once you have dried out your hair, use a brush to gently ease out the detangled curls, you can also use your fingers to part away those stubborn locks of curls. Then try out some different half-up and half-down curls and check what suits you.
1. Pulled Fishtail
- Create an inverted braid, just like a French braid.
- Cross the hair strands under each other instead of over each other.
- Then keep loosening the previous curls a bit using your fingers and
- Finally, secure it with some pins.
2. Messy Twist Half-Up Space Buns
It has been one of the most trendy hairstyles opted by people, especially those with curls.
Lift some of the curls, roll them into a bun, and tie it overhead. Then lift some curls on the opposite end, roll them into a bun, and tie it into a second overhead bun. Leave the rest of the curls loose.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling
- Comb the wet curls from top to bottom to detangle them
- Dry them with a towel or a smooth t-shirt, don’t rub them, just dampen them
- Let them get dried naturally, avoid using a hairdryer
- Trim your hair regularly to avoid split or dead ends
- Ensure, you use a night cream for your hair and cover them with a cloth by using the pineapple technique
- Both a curling iron and hair spray can help you set hair
- Use some accessories to give curls a perfect look
- You can also go for curl highlights
3. Half-Up Ponytail
Another amazing half-up and half-down curly hairstyle which is easy to make and looks stylish too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling
- Comb your hair and make it even.
- Take some of your hair and tie it in a ponytail.
- Leave the rest of your hair open.
Choosing the Right Products
You need to try and test some products to arrive at the right combination of products. Consult an expert who can understand your hair better and help you make the right choice.
It is advisable to use some samples of shampoo and conditioner and use them before buying a full pack.
V. Wedding Hairstyle: Half Up and Half Down Curly Hairstyle
Half Up, Half Down looks are perfect for weddings even for a bride. They are also popular among prom night looks.
1. Half Up and Half Down Curly Hairstyle for Weddings
- Flip half up, half down look sideways by combing your hair upwards.
- Take some hair and braid it.
- Leave the rest of your curly hair open.
- Use flowers, colorful beads, and even tiaras to support this look
2. Curly Prom Hairstyles
Prom is known for being bold and elegant. You can get some highlighted curls and leave them loose while the virgin hair can be tied into a half-up, half-side look.
You can make a loose bun towards the ends and let some strands of curls fall onto both sides – right and left
DIY Curl Enhancing Sprays
If you are going to a party and want your curls to speak for you, then there are some DIY curl-enhancing sprays.
- Lemon Spray – Add some lemon juice in water and heat it a bit. Add an essential oil to it, maybe some aromatic oil along with some vodka. Then put it into a mixer and use it
- Aloe Vera Spray – Mix some aloe vera gel, glycerin, and rose water and dilute it with water. Add a Vitamin E capsule to it, shake it and use it
- Sugar-salt spray – This is one of the easiest DIY setting sprays. Boil some sugar and salt in the water. Add some essential oil and use it
- Coconut oil spray – Add some coconut oil to water and bring it to a boil. Then add an essential oil and it is ready to be used
- Orange DIY spray – Add some orange zest and juice to some water and also add some essential oils
VI. How to handle Curly Bad Hair Day?
Despite all the care, the curls can still turn out to be unruly on a bad hair day. Here are some quick tips to fix your curls over some time.
Taming Unruly Curls
Take your time to figure out which DIY hair masks and shampoos work for you. Try some samples over some time and notice the results to see what suits you. You can also visit an expert to figure out the texture of your hair.
Keep a wide-tooth brush handy to peacefully detangle your hair after washing. Let them dry naturally.
Avoid using too much heat for some time until the curls get settled.
Refreshing Your Style Throughout the Day
- If you want to have different looks throughout the day. You can leave them loose with a headband while your hair is wet.
- Carry a hair tie and a clutch. Use the clutch to pull up some hair into a half-up, half-down style while your hair is half-dry.
- You can tie them into a ponytail towards evening after combing down your curls properly.
- By night, you can tie them into a pineapple and let the hair flow or pull them into a loose bun.
VII. Confidence and Conclusion
Curly hair has often been associated with being untidy and ugly. But increasingly, people are getting drawn towards the beauty of curls after their positive representation in popular culture. You must know that people with straight hair often find their tresses as boring and long for natural curls.
Embrace yourself the easy you are. While straightening machines are a good fix to get a new look, curly hair also allows you to experiment with your looks. Curls can make you stand out. There are so many known personalities who regularly appear on the camera as they embrace their curls like no one else.
Have you ever tried Half up and Half down Curly Hairstyle?
