Every bride wants to feel timeless and effortlessly radiant on her wedding day, and when it comes to bridal hairstyles, there’s one look that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and ease: the half up, half down style. Let’s dive into tips and techniques for achieving the perfect half up, half down bridal look and learn why this style is capturing the hearts of brides everywhere.
According to Caralee Pridemore, Sam Villa Ambassador and the talent behind @sweetlypinnedbycaralee, the last few years have seen a surge in brides requesting this versatile style. “For the past two years a majority of my clients want to wear their hair down, but they’re also loving texture, unstructured waves, and an element of interest such as a fun twist, braid or accessory,” says Caralee Pridemore, Sam Villa Ambassador and Founder of @sweetlypinnedbycaralee. “The half up half down trends we’re currently seeing will continue through the winter, possibly with more of a half up bun and other accents placed higher on the head so they can be seen from the front,” Pridemore explains.
This season, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. So you can expect to see more creative variations, including higher buns and front-facing accents that elevate the classic half up look with a fresh, modern twist. Whether it’s soft curls cascading down the shoulders or a more polished, defined wave, this style gives brides the best of both worlds: a touch of glam up top, and romantic, flowing length that frames the face beautifully.
Tips for Half Up Half Down Bridal Styles
- Long hair is a must for this style, if the bride doesn’t have the length (the blonde and redhead) add extensions (the brunette already had long locks).
- It takes about 90 minutes to set/place curls away from the face and either brush out for a relaxed look or keep the curl undisturbed for a more defined polished style, depending on the bride’s preference. PRO TIP: Use a Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand 1.5” – it can be used as an iron or a wand, so it saves time and space. And hold each curl in a hand after curling until it is fully cooled to really set the texture.
- Each style showcases how a half up style can vary and look so different but have the same type of curl. It’s all in the design aspect of it…whether it’s a twist, accessory, braid or bun.
- A half up half down style with extensions is a very time-consuming process and only 3-4 people can be accommodated in a tight prep time, so charge accordingly for these styles as they take longer to do (for both the trail and the day of the wedding).
Shop The Look:
Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand 1.5”
To help brides understand different styles and textures, Pridemore created a bridal menu (Hair Guidance for the Modern Bride), outlining important information about hair texture, length, color and style. It includes a look book featuring a selection of styles on multiple hair types to help clarify what a bride wants. It also provides clear direction on preparing for and scheduling trial runs/the wedding day, as well as insight into the time it takes to create each look.
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