Romantic Half-up, Half-down Hairstyle

By Amber Katz

There’s a reason the half-up, half-down hairstyle is a favorite with everyone from brides to celebrities on the red carpet: This hairstyle especially flatters because it pulls the hair away from the face -- bringing the eyes, jawline and neckline into the limelight. Want to create a gorgeous half-up, half-down look on your own? We asked Sally Hershberger Downtown stylist Matthew Fugate for his best tips on how to go halfsies.

For a romantic or Grecian feel, create waves first. “Prepping your hair is key,” says Fugate. He advises using hot rollers or a curling iron to start. “This is the foundation of this hairstyle -- do not get lazy during this step!”

Next, Fugate recommends gathering the hair as loosely and naturally as possible as you pull it up and back. “It should be high enough to create a little lift, then secure with pins,” he says. Don’t worry about making it look too perfect; the beauty in this look is in its haphazard effect. If pieces fall around your face, you can leave them out for softness or simply pin the strands back behind your ear.

Photo Credit: Getty Images