There is a special kind of magic in hairstyles that feel both effortlessly romantic and beautifully put-together. The braided half up half down style is the perfect embodiment of this, channeling a carefree, bohemian spirit that is timelessly chic. Perfect for sunny festival days, rustic weddings, or simply adding a touch of romance to your everyday look, these styles are incredibly versatile. By pulling the top section of hair back into an intricate braid, you keep it neatly out of your face while letting the rest flow freely. Get ready to be inspired by these 24 stunning ideas that perfectly capture those dreamy boho vibes.
1. The Classic Fishtail Crown Braid
A quintessential boho look, the fishtail crown braid is intricate and stunning. Two fishtail braids begin at the temples and meet at the back of the head, creating a beautiful woven crown. The rest of the hair is left in soft, loose waves, perfecting that effortlessly romantic vibe.
2. The Dutch Braid Half-Up with Loose Waves
For a braid that truly pops, the Dutch braid is key. This Dutch braid half-up style features one or two braids on top that stand out with beautiful dimension. Paired with soft, beachy waves below, it’s a look that is both striking and wonderfully relaxed, embodying a true boho spirit.
3. The Messy Braided Top Knot
This style is the perfect blend of chic and casual. The top half of the hair is gathered and braided, then twisted into a messy, textured top knot. A few loose strands and tendrils are pulled out to frame the face, creating a perfectly undone look that is ideal for a hot summer day.
4. The Waterfall Braid with Beachy Waves
Perhaps the most romantic braid of all, the waterfall braid creates a cascading effect as strands of hair flow through it. When woven across the crown of the head with loose, beachy waves falling below, it creates a truly magical and ethereal hairstyle perfect for any bohemian queen.
5. The Pull-Through Braid Half-Up
Don’t know how to braid? No problem! The pull-through braid uses a series of ponytails pulled through each other to create a voluminous, intricate-looking braid. It’s a wonderfully full and dramatic style that adds incredible texture to a simple half-up look.
6. Twin Dutch Braids into a Ponytail
This style combines a sporty vibe with boho chic. Two Dutch braids start at the hairline and travel back, where they are gathered together with the rest of the top section into a small, half-up ponytail. It’s a practical look that keeps hair secure while still looking stylish and textured.
7. The French Braid Headband
Use your own hair as the perfect accessory. A French braid headband is created by braiding a section of hair along your hairline from one side to the other. It’s a beautiful, practical way to keep your hair out of your face while letting the rest flow free, like a natural, bohemian crown.
8. The Rope Braid Half-Up Twist
Simple yet incredibly elegant. The rope braid half-up takes two tightly twisted sections of hair from the front and ties them together at the back. This minimalist approach is perfect for a subtle boho look, especially when the rest of the hair has a soft, natural wave.
9. The Fishtail Braid with Baby’s Breath
Elevate a simple fishtail braid with delicate flowers. A half-up style secured with a beautiful fishtail is made instantly more romantic and bohemian by tucking small sprigs of baby’s breath into the woven sections. It’s a dreamy and popular choice for weddings and special occasions.
10. The Boho Crown Braid with Face-Framing Tendrils
This look is all about that soft, “undone” beauty. A thick braid wraps around the crown of the head, but the key to the boho vibe is pulling out several soft, face-framing tendrils. This small detail prevents the style from looking too severe and adds a touch of effortless romance.
11. Multiple Small Braids Pulled Back
For a true festival-inspired look, create several small, delicate braids throughout the top sections of your hair and then gather them together at the back. You can vary the braid types for extra texture. This creates a beautifully detailed and unique multi-braid style.
12. The Half-Up Braid with a Silk Scarf
Incorporate a pop of color and pattern into your look. Weave a thin silk scarf into your braid as you create your half-up style. The scarf adds a beautiful, unexpected element that is effortlessly chic and a perfect expression of personal bohemian style.
13. The Loose Side Braid into a Half-Up Style
This asymmetrical approach is soft and romantic. A single, loose braid starts on one side of the head and sweeps across the back to be pinned on the other side. This creates a beautiful, diagonal line and works wonderfully with a deep side part and long, flowing waves.
14. The Knotted Braid Half-Up
A fun and unique take on a half-up style. Instead of a traditional braid, this look uses a series of simple knots to secure the hair at the back. The knotted braid creates a cool, macrame-like texture that is both bohemian and slightly nautical, perfect for a beachy vibe.
15. The Half-Up Fishtail into a Bun
Get the best of both worlds with this hybrid style. Start with a half-up fishtail braid at the crown, but instead of braiding all the way down, twist the end of the braid into a small, textured bun. It’s a secure and elegant style that still has a relaxed, boho feel.
16. The Dutch Pigtail Braids Half-Up
This is a playful and youthful take on the trend. Two Dutch braids are started on either side of a center part, like pigtails, but only braided for a few inches before being secured. The Dutch pigtail half-up look is fun, sporty, and perfect for a casual summer festival.
17. The Braided Halo with Loose Curls
For a truly angelic and romantic style, the braided halo is perfect. A single braid wraps all the way around the head, creating a beautiful, ethereal halo. This look is especially stunning when paired with soft, loose curls, making it a favorite for bohemian brides.
18. The Infinity Braid Half-Up
This intricate braid looks more complicated than it is. The infinity braid weaves hair in a figure-eight pattern, creating a beautiful and unique texture. Using this braid for a half-up style is a great way to showcase a more advanced braiding skill for a captivating boho look.
19. The Half-Up Braid with Hair Rings
Accessorize your braid with a touch of metallic shine. A simple half-up braid is instantly elevated by adding small, gold or silver hair rings into the woven sections. These little cuffs add a modern, edgy touch to a classic bohemian style, making it feel fresh and cool.
20. The Deconstructed Fishtail Braid
This is all about achieving a perfectly “messy” look. After creating a half-up fishtail, gently pull on the edges of the braid to loosen it and make it wider. This deconstructed or “pancaked” fishtail looks fuller, softer, and more romantically undone.
21. The Half-Up Braid with a Flower Crown
The ultimate boho statement. A simple half-up braid provides the perfect, secure base for a beautiful fresh or faux flower crown. This combination is iconic for festivals and weddings, creating a look that is natural, joyful, and incredibly photogenic.
22. The Double Waterfall Braid
Twice the romance, twice the beauty. The double waterfall braid features two cascading braids stacked one above the other. This creates an incredibly intricate and detailed look that is sure to turn heads, perfect for a more formal bohemian-themed event.
23. The Side-Swept Braids Half-Up
Create beautiful movement with this asymmetrical style. Start with a deep side part and create two or three small braids that sweep across the head with the direction of the hair. Securing these side-swept braids at the back results in a gorgeous, flowing style.
24. The Four-Strand Braid Half-Up
For a braid that looks beautifully complex and rounded, try a four-strand. A four-strand braid, especially when it includes a ribbon as the fourth strand, creates a stunningly detailed centerpiece for your half-up style. It’s a unique braid that will definitely earn you compliments.
Whether you’re drawn to the intricacy of a fishtail, the romance of a waterfall braid, or the simplicity of a classic three-strand, a braided half up half down hairstyle is a beautiful way to express your inner bohemian. These 24 ideas show just how versatile this look can be, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of effortless, free-spirited romance. So grab some flowers or a ribbon, let your hair down, and start braiding!
