The half-up, half-down hairstyle has firmly cemented itself as a favorite among brides, with no sign of waning popularity. Characterized by flowing waves and intricate detailing, this look is all about personalizing the bridal aesthetic.
Caralee Pridemore, a bridal styling expert and Sam Villa ambassador, notes that for the past two years, the majority of her clients have requested to wear their hair down. However, they’re also seeking texture, natural waves, and added touches such as braids, twists, or accessories.
“This style is incredibly versatile,” Pridemore explains, “and it can range from something casual like a ‘barefoot on the beach’ vibe to a more refined, ‘royal wedding’ look.”
According to Pridemore, who exclusively works with brides and is the author of Hair Guidance for the Modern Bride, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. She predicts that it will remain popular well into the winter months, with the addition of subtle accents such as a higher half-up bun that can be seen from the front.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Half-Up, Half-Down Bridal Waves
While the half-up, half-down style may seem simple, no two looks are alike. Brides can easily infuse their own personality into the style with accessories, braids, twists, flowers, or buns. Pridemore emphasizes that long hair is essential to achieving this look. If a bride doesn’t have the desired length, extensions are a must. In fact, many of the brides featured in this article wore extensions to achieve their dream wedding hairstyle.
To ensure curls stay defined throughout a long wedding day and night, Pridemore recommends a key technique: after curling each section of hair, hold it in your hand until it fully cools. Pridemore prefers using the Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand (1.5”) for this step, ensuring that each curl is set to perfection.
Setting the curls and arranging them to frame the face takes around 90 minutes. Once the curls are in place, the next step is to either brush them out for a more relaxed, beachy finish or leave them undisturbed for a polished, defined look—depending on the bride’s preference.
Considerations for the Half-Up, Half-Down Look
While the half-up, half-down style with extensions can be breathtaking, it requires a significant time commitment. Pridemore advises that due to the complexity and time required to perfect this look, wedding-day preparations should be planned carefully. A team of no more than three to four stylists is recommended to work within a tight timeline.
Pridemore also stresses the importance of setting clear expectations when it comes to pricing for these intricate styles. Both the trial run and the wedding day itself require extra time and skill, so it’s essential to charge accordingly for these more labor-intensive bridal looks.
The half-up, half-down bridal hairstyle continues to dominate wedding trends, and with the right technique and personalization, it can be adapted to suit any bride’s vision—from understated elegance to regal sophistication.
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