Braided Half Up Half Down Hairstyle: Step-by-Step Tutorial

This braided half up half down hairstyle is easier than it looks, and I’ve even figured out how to do it without a mirorr. Okay, so this isn’t really how unicorns wear their hair, I know this. But when I had this fun braided hairstyle put in my hair for Coachella one day at a pool party, I knew I wanted to recreate it.  They had put the braided section up in a high pony and I just think I prefer it in this half-up style. Since a half top knot is my go-to style lately, I thought it made sense to update it with a fun braid. Here’s how to do it.

This hair tutorial is super easy to do on short hair or even long hair. It works for just about any lengths, especially great for those of you with a bob. It just requires a bit of hair at the top of your head to make your braid and that’s it. Choose to pull it back into a half up messy top knot, or pull it back into a full pony tail if you like.

How To Do The Braided Half Top Knot Hairstyle – Step by Step Tutorial

A step by step tutorial on how I do my braided half top knot. This is also called the Mohawk top knot. This method works for any length of hair which is great. It’s also a really ideal hack for hiding those greasy roots. Use some dry shampoo (here are some of my favorites) before getting started!

Step One – Start With Your Go To Waves

Curl your hair to create volume and texture. You can see my everyday waves tutorial here.

Step Two – Separate Your Hair Into Two Sections

To make life easier, I take the half top knot section and put it in a clip, then throw the rest of my hair into a low pony to keep it out of the way.

Step Three – Section Off The Half Top Knot Section

Separate the very front of your sectioned-off hair into three pieces to get ready to braid it.

Step Four – Dutch Braid Your Hair

Dutch braid your hair back to the crown of your head. A dutch braid is simply an inside out braid. It helps to create more volume and texture. So instead of crossing over the sections when you braid, you’ll go underneath.

You can do a standard 3 strand French braid if you like. I find the dutch braid adds more texture and looks better in this braided half updo.

Step Five – Create Texture

Pull apart each braided section until it’s all full and voluminous and even of course. Just be patient and start from the front and slowly work back. You may have to go over it a few times to get it just right.

Step Six – Secure The Braid With A Hair Tie & Make Your Top Knot

Put a hair tie in the hair to secure it. Depending on how comfortable you are making a half top knot, you can use this same hairtie to go ahead and do that all at once. I like to then put the half pony into a messy half top knot. But you can always secure the braid and then add another hair tie to ensure your braid stays put.

Step Seven – Finish With Texturizing Spray

Finish your style with some texturizing spray in the hair that’s down to add some texture. And you can always add some hairspray to your braid to hold in any flyaways. that’s it!

Braided Half Up Half Down for Short Hair

For those of you with a great bob, the braided half up half down for short hair is such a great hairstyle option. You’ll just want to maybe take smaller sections and use some dry shampoo or texture spray for added grip. There should be plenty of hair down the middle of your part to create a simple braid.

You can even do two smaller braids on either side and achieve a braided half-updo that way. But this is a great easy half up hairstyle short hair style to try.

Half Up Half Down Without A Braid

I find with shorter hair, half up, half down hairstyles are great options to reach for. And if braiding your hair is not something you’re confident at, or simply want more options for short hair, try some of these favorite styles. From my easy half up hair clip tutorial, this simple technique makes this look feel so much more elevated. Or try this twisted half up with a hair pin if you have a French pin around. Or just simply do the easiest option, a half top knot.

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Photos by JNelly