You’ve seen it on everyone from Ariana Grande to Margot Robbie — the half up half down bun is the It girl hairstyle of the moment. It’s basically a love child between the top knot and the messy, “lived-in” hair trend. And now, the hun is dominating the cool girl contingent.
But half up half down buns don’t have to look sloppy and undone. Styled just right, you can rock the trend from the office to a formal affair. Intrigued? Skeptical? Check out this roundup of the best half bun tutorials on the web.
half-up bun
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Romantic Knot
This ethereal take on the half up half down bun would be perfect for a party or outdoor wedding. Just gather a section of hair from above each ear back into a mid-height ponytail. Braid the ponytail above half way down. Then, neatly twist the braided ponytail around itself to create a bun, and secure it to your head with a few bobby pins, making sure to hide the end of the tail.
Image: Etsy Bridal Beauty
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Messy Middle Part
For a look that works particularly well on unwashed hair, first part your hair in the middle (it doesn't have to be — rather, it shouldn't be — perfect). Gather hair up into a ponytail at the crown of your head, and secure with an elastic. Then take sections of hair from the pony and pile them on top of one another at the base of the ponytail to create a messy bun. Secure with another elastic. Pin down any crazy pieces sticking out, and voila.
Image: His Little Lady
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High Design
To master the classic "hipster" half up half down bun, start by creating a rectangular section on top of your head. Do this by making three straight parts with a rat tail comb: one in line with each temple on either side of the head and one connecting them in back. Gather hair from the rectangle section up into a super high ponytail on top of your head, and secure with an elastic. Twist the ponytail around itself, wrapping the end of the tail around its base. Pin in place with a couple of bobby pins.
Image: Francis Lola
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Feminine Flower
This slightly more complex style would look stunning at a holiday party or formal affair. Grab a small section of hair from above each ear, bring them together at the back of your head and secure with a small elastic. Make a small opening in the hair above the elastic, and flip the end of ponytail up and through that hole to create an inverted "topsy" ponytail.
Next, braid your ponytail all the way down, and secure the end with another small elastic. Gently tug each section of the braid outwards to make it as big and flat as possible. Then, slowly roll the braid upward toward its base, creating the flower shape. When you get all the way to the back of your head, you should have your full flower. Pin it in place with a few bobby pins.
Image: Luxy Hair Blog
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Office Appropriate
Half buns can work for the office, too. Create this polished look by neatly brushing hair back into a mid-height ponytail and securing with an elastic. The hair on either side of your head should graze the very top of each ear. Twist the ponytail around itself to create a tight bun in back, making sure to hide the tail. Pin into place with a few bobby pins.
Image: Hair Romance
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Easy Twist
When you're in a rush and need to style your hair in two minutes or less, default to this adorable style. Bring a section of hair from above each ear to the back of your head, then twist the two sections together to create one bigger section. Twirl that section around one of your fingers to make a small knot. Tuck the ends of the knot underneath to conceal them, and secure with a couple of bobby pins.
Image: Treasures & Travels
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Braids on Braids
This runway take on the half up half down hairstyle is for braid-loving bohemians. First, take a section of hair from above one ear and braid it until you reach the center of your head in back. Secure with a small elastic. Then, create an identical braid on the other side and secure both braids together with another elastic in back. Twist the loose ends around themselves to create your bun, and secure with a couple of bobby pins. Create a third braid directly under your bun and secure with a small elastic to finish.
Image: Getty
