20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium Looks

Medium hair is the length I find easiest to make look intentional in a half up style. There’s enough to twist, braid and curl, but not so much weight that the pinned section drags by evening. The challenge is the opposite one: if too much hair goes up, the loose half looks thin. These medium half up half down bridesmaid hairstyles each come with a note on how I’d balance the top and bottom, what it needs to hold, and where it tends to go wrong.

A Twenty-Minute Half Up You Can Do Yourself

Plenty of bridesmaids do their own hair, either to save money or because the stylist’s schedule is full. This is the version I teach for medium hair, using a curling iron, a few bobby pins and a flexible spray:

Start with dry, day-old hair. Mist texture spray at the roots and through the mid-lengths.
Curl the lower half first, in sections about an inch wide, alternating direction. Pin each curl in a loop to cool, or just leave them to cool before touching.
Take a section from each temple, back to just above the ear. Keep them thin; if you take too much, the loose half looks sparse.
Twist each section away from your face, bring them together at the back of the head and secure with two bobby pins crossed in an X.
Gently pull a little hair up at the crown with your fingertips to add height.
Brush the cooled curls out with your fingers, not a brush, and spray from arm’s length.

Practise it twice before the wedding. The first attempt is always slow; by the second, most people get it under twenty minutes.

1. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Soft Waves

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Soft Waves - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Waves are the safest starting point for a mixed bridal party. I lift the crown slightly, then pin the top back with a small twist or a simple crossover of two sections. The loose half should land around the shoulders in brushed waves. On fine hair I use a smaller barrel and more spray; on thick hair a bigger barrel and less, so everyone ends up with a similar wave even though the hair is different. Satin, chiffon and crepe all suit it.

2. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Twists

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Twists - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Twists are the quickest secure option I know. Two side sections twist away from the face and pin together at the back, and the rest of the hair stays loose. Smooth twists suit a formal room; for a garden I pull them a little apart. The detail people miss is direction. Twist each side away from the face and cross the pins in an X where they meet, otherwise the twists unwind as soon as the bridesmaid turns her head. Curl the ends so it looks finished from behind, where most walking shots are taken.

3. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Loose Curls

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Loose Curls - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

For hair that sits at the shoulder or collarbone, loose curls add the volume the length can’t. The half up section holds the front, the curls fill out the back. I brush curls out lightly once they’ve cooled instead of leaving ringlets, which look dated on medium hair. A little root lift at the crown stops the top from looking flat from the side. Delicate earrings are enough, since the face is open.

4. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Braided Crown

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Braided Crown - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

A braided crown doesn’t need long hair, but on medium hair it needs to be loose. I start it at one temple, wrap it across the back and pancake it gently so it looks full rather than thin. The bonus is that it catches the shorter face-framing layers that would otherwise fall out. Rustic, vineyard and garden settings suit it. Keep the lower hair waved, so the braid belongs to the hairstyle instead of sitting on top of it.

5. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Pearl Pins

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Pearl Pins - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Pearl pins make a simple half up look dressy fast. The base can be waves, curls or a twist, and the pearls go around the pinned section at the back. Scatter them lightly; when they’re packed in a row, they look like a hair slide from across the room. Medium hair actually shows them better than long hair, because there’s less length for them to sink into. Keep the front simple and let the pearls carry the detail.

6. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Face Framing Pieces

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Face Framing Pieces - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Face-framing works only if the pieces look chosen. I take a few thin strands at the cheekbone or jaw and curl them away from the face, which balances a pinned-back crown. It suits curtain bangs, long layers or naturally wavy hair particularly well. The back can be twisted, braided or simply pinned. For bridesmaids who feel exposed with everything pulled back, this is the compromise. One caution: in strong wind, face-framing pieces end up in lip gloss, so outdoors I keep them shorter and lightly sprayed.

7. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Small Bun

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Small Bun - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

A small bun in the top section gives a neat centre point. I place it at the crown or just below, depending on head shape and neckline: a flatter back of the head looks rounder with a slightly higher bun. Keep it soft and textured. A tight, smooth knot on a bridesmaid reads as gym hair. Waves underneath balance it. Open backs and detailed straps suit it, because the neck and shoulders stay visible.

8. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Bow

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Bow - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

A bow in satin, velvet, organza or plain ribbon, matched to the palette, finishes a half up style cleanly. I smooth the crown and curl the length, then tie the bow exactly where the section is pinned so it covers the pins. A small bow is subtle; longer tails give movement. Spring and garden weddings suit it best. Ribbon slips on silky hair, so I pin the knot from underneath with two bobby pins.

9. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Clip

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Clip - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

A decorative clip can hold the top section and decorate it at the same time, which is why I like it on medium hair. Pearl clips, crystal clips, gold barrettes and plain metal clips all work, depending on the theme. The clip does part of the pinning, so fewer pins are needed. That said, I never trust a clip alone over a long day: I secure the section with two hidden pins first, then put the clip over them. Curl the hair underneath so the clip doesn’t look like it’s holding up a flat sheet.

10. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Fishtail Braid

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Fishtail Braid - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

A fishtail across the back of the head, or two fishtails meeting in the centre, gives detail while the shape stays simple. On medium hair I pull the fishtail apart a little to make it look fuller. Fishtail needs some length to show its pattern, so I start it fairly high to give it room before the loose hair begins. The lower section should be waved to match the braid’s texture. Flowing dresses and outdoor ceremonies suit it.

11. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Straight Hair

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Straight Hair - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Straight medium hair is sleek and modern, but it shows every kink. I blow-dry it smooth, lift the top section gently and pin it cleanly at the back. The ends get a slight bevel with a flat iron, curving them just under so they move instead of hanging flat. Minimalist weddings, city venues and sharp necklines suit it. Finish with a light shine spray. If a bridesmaid’s hair has a natural wave, straight hair may start reverting in humidity, so I’d only suggest this indoors on a humid day.

12. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Natural Curls

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Natural Curls - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

With natural curls, I work with the pattern, not against it. The top section is gathered loosely, because tension stretches the curls at the root and they lose definition right where the face is. Medium curly hair looks best with crown volume and curls framing the face. A curl cream or gel goes on before pinning to keep them hydrated and defined. I’d rather add a couple of extra pins than pull the section tight.

13. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Hollywood Waves

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Hollywood Waves - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Hollywood waves are smooth, uniform waves set in one direction, then brushed into a single flowing pattern. I pin the top back softly and give it a deep side part or gentle crown volume. The waves need to cool before brushing, then a flexible spray sets them. Medium length suits this style better than you’d think: the pattern is crisp and the hair isn’t heavy enough to pull the waves straight. Formal and evening weddings.

14. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Waterfall Braid

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With A Waterfall Braid - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

A waterfall braid crosses the back or side of the head, dropping a small piece on each pass into the waves below. It looks layered in close-ups, and on highlighted or balayage hair the dropped strands show the colour. On medium hair I curl the dropped pieces with a slightly tighter curl so they don’t hang straight and vanish. Keep the waves relaxed so the braid stays visible.

15. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Side Part

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Side Part - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

A side part adds lift and a slightly more formal feel. One side is pinned back softly; the other keeps a wave near the face. The back can be twisted, clipped or gathered. It suits bridesmaids who want volume at the front or an asymmetrical look, and statement earrings on the open side. I set the part on dry hair at the trial and check it in a photo. A part that’s too deep can make the pinned side look flat.

16. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Volume

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Volume - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Crown lift gives a half up style a balanced profile. I tease in thin sections underneath and smooth the top over it, keeping it soft and blended rather than a visible bump. Without height, the pinned section sits flat and the head looks small next to curled ends. Fine or medium-density hair benefits most because the lift fakes thickness. With a plain dress, the volume itself is the detail.

17. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Shoulder Length Hair

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Shoulder Length Hair - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Shoulder length is the shortest hair I’d do a true half up on without extensions, and it needs planning. The top section has to be small, a couple of inches across, so there’s fullness left below. Curl or wave the lower hair, bending the ends so they don’t flick outward against the shoulders. A small twist, a pearl pin or a delicate clip at the back is plenty. In warm weather it’s comfortable, as the front stays off the face.

18. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Textured Waves

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Textured Waves - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Textured waves should look separated and moving, not uniform. I wave the hair in alternating directions, let it cool and break it up with fingers and a little texture spray. The top is loosely twisted or pinned with some crown volume. Beach, barn and garden weddings suit it. Texture also makes medium hair look thicker in photos. The finishing spray should be light. Texture with a stiff spray on top looks dry and crunchy up close.

19. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Floral Pins

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Floral Pins - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Small silk flowers, dried pieces or botanical pins around the pinned section at the back give a seasonal touch. Soft waves or a relaxed twist let them blend into the shape. Spring and summer weddings outdoors suit it best. I keep the flowers small and pull the colours from the bouquet. Silk and dried flowers hold up far better than fresh ones pressed against a warm head for hours.

20. Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Simple Twist

Medium Half Up Half Down Bridesmaid Hair With Simple Twist - Snippet and Ink - 20 Bridesmaid Hairstyles Half Up Half Down Medium

Two front sections brought back and twisted into a centre point, then pinned, with waves or curls below. That’s all this is, and that’s why I lean on it for mixed bridal parties: the same shape works on almost any hair type with small adjustments. Add crown volume for a formal wedding, keep it smooth for a modern one. If I only had twenty minutes per bridesmaid, this is the style I’d plan around.

Clips, Bows and Pins Have Weight Limits

Accessories on medium hair have less hair to grip, and a heavy one will slowly slide down the back of the head over the day. A few things I check at every trial:

Weigh it in your hand. If an accessory feels heavy in your palm, it needs a proper base: a small hidden ponytail or a cross of pins to hook onto.
Barrettes need thickness. A spring barrette only holds if enough hair fills its jaw. On fine medium hair, I tease the section slightly first.
Combs grip better than clips. A comb slid in against the direction of the hair and then flipped back locks in; a clip just pinches.
Anchor before you decorate. The accessory should cover the structure, not be the structure.
Test it while moving. Ask the bridesmaid to shake her head, hug someone, sit down. If it shifts at the trial, it will fall by the reception.

When the bridal party wears matching accessories, I place them at the same height on each head. Measured from the ears, not the top of the head, since everyone is a different height and so are their crowns.

Check It From the Side Before You Leave the Chair

Medium hair in a half up style gives the softness of hair worn down with the control of a pinned style, which is why it suits most bridal parties. Choose by the dress, the venue, the weather and how much detail each bridesmaid wants. Before you finish, look at the style from the side and the back, not just the mirror in front of you. Most problems, a flat crown or an uneven bun, show up only from those angles, and that’s how most guests will see it.

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