Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles Are This Summer's It Girl Look

If you're on the hunt for an ultra-chic style to keep your hair out of your face on sweltering summer days or a simple slick-back to tide you over until hair wash day, you're in luck. While fresh blowouts and delicate curls no doubt reign as timelessly popular options, updos, ponytails, slick backs, and braided hairstyles have emerged as day-to-day alternatives that offer both function and fashion. 

From appearances on some of the most high-profile red carpets to highly visible spots on celebrity Instagram grids, the half-up half-down hairstyle is making the rounds among some of the most stylish fashion icons of the moment. From Kim Kardashian to Jenna Ortega, it seems nearly each and every sartorial savant has experimented with the hairstyle at one point or another in recent months. 

Although many of the most popular half-up half-down hairstyles for long hair truly only require a hair tie and a brush, the TikTok beauty community has gotten creative, prompting the widespread circulation of countless innovative ways to achieve the look, with options ranging from claw clip styles to braided looks. Many women with long hair are also opting to style their hair in a half-up half-down on days in between washes, so if you're looking to try out a slick back, but aren't quite ready to jump into a full-on ponytail or bun, these styles are must-try options for this summer.

Looking to jump in on one of Summer 2024's hottest hairstyles? Join L'OFFICIEL as we break down all the ways to style half-up half-down hairstyles for long hair.

A modern classic for Y2K-inspired looks and lazy hair days alike, slicked-back half-up half-down hairstyles for long hair have become increasingly popular online, in part due to the simplicity of the style, but also thanks to the recent clean girl beauty craze. Sleek, effortlessly put-together, and rife with opportunities to load nourishing products into your hair, it's no surprise why TikTok girls and celebrities alike are favoring this style. 

For slicked-back half-up half-down hairstyles for long hair, you'll want to have your favorite gel, hair mousse, hair wax, or hair oil on hand, as well as a comb or brush to smooth out any bumps. From there, opt to put up your hair in a bun or a ponytail, and you're all set to stun, whether you're just headed to the gym, embarking on a long day in the office, or enjoying a romantic date night out. 

For those with bangs, depending on your hair type, a slick-back may not be the most functional option, but worry not—there are plenty of half-up half-down hairstyles for long hair that are sure to be just as flattering. Whether you have a side bang, a straight-across blunt bang, or curtain bangs, a half-up half-down hairstyle is easier than you may think to achieve. Start by parting your hair behind your ear and pulling the top half of your hair into a ponytail or bun. Be sure to smooth out any bumps or stray hairs with a fine comb or bristled brush, and if the need arises, touch up your bangs with your favorite round brush or hair straightener.

While a wide variety of long hairstyles can be styled into spiky Y2K-inspired half-up half-down buns, hairstyles featuring bangs suit the look especially well, so if you're looking to mix it up this season and stay on trend, opt for a spiky bun to accompany your half-up half-down hairstyle. 

Given that the claw clip craze has been ongoing for several years now, by now even the most unsavvy home hairstylists out there have added a trendy clip or two to a collection. Although a hair tie can achieve a similar effect, a claw clip adds extra texture and volume to any hairstyle, and half-up half-down hairstyles for long hair are no exception. 

In lieu of your typical hair tie, opt for a cleverly placed claw clip to keep your hair in place. Whether you're going for a messy updo or bun look or a voluminous ponytail, the tried-and-true claw clip is no doubt the answer to all of your hair problems.