The Half Up Half Down Hair Hack for Volume

Why this Half Up Half Down Style is the Ultimate Volume Hack

If you're anything like me, and your hair is a little on the flat side (perhaps you've even got fine hair as I do), then you'll be interested to know that there's a simple trick to create a crown lift without any back-combing needed.

You can see me here on the left with my mum on her birthday.  Whilst I'm grateful my hair grows long, and is relatively low-maintenance, it's very flat. Volume is always something I've longed for. My mum has great volume in her hair, as you can see here too!

Sometimes I do turn to back-combing, but frankly it's not always convenient, and it's great to have other tricks for volume up your sleeve. 

I have felt in the past that Half up Half Down Hair did not suit me, as I don't like the fact it makes my hair look even flatter. But of course, Half Up Half Down Hair is a style classic - it's a practical and pretty hairstyle that's great to have in your repertoire. 

The reason I love this hack is that it combines the luxe and classic styling of a half up half down hairstyle with the crown lift - creating a truly head-turning hairstyle that will win you compliments, and leave you feeling like you're ready to strut down the red carpet. 

The Secret to Crown Lift (without Backcombing)

To create crown lift without the backcombing, start with an ordinary half up half down ponytail, with your hair secured in an elastic.

If you want to get the top of your hair smooth for the half up, brush it well, and then use hairspray or a serum to smooth flyaways into place. 

Don't be fooled, this ordinary ponytail is going to be transformed into a va-va-voom hairstyle in a few seconds with our simple hack. Keep reading....

Step by Step, the Half Up Half Down Volume Hack

You're next going to create a hole in the top of the ponytail, just above where the elastic has the ponytail secured.

You can use your fingers for this, as we have in the photo below - ease them into the ponytail and then gently shift the elastic down so that you have a hole. 

Create 2 Sections above the Ponytail

Next you're going to pull the ponytail through the 2 sections that you've created in the hair, from underneath.

 

Pull the Ponytail through the Sections to create your Crown Lift

The ponytail flips through and over the top of the elastic again, to create a fountain of hair that gives you the oomph and the crown lift you've been longing for!

As you can see in the photo above, you just pull each side of the ponytail to tighten the elastic again, and create the volume at the crown.

Your Half Up Half Down Hair is now a blank canvas for a hair clip!

You've now got a sensational half up half down hairstyle with envious volume at the crown... but you're not finished yet.

To elevate this hairstyle into a head-turner, we're going to add some chic hair accessories. 

Use your QueenMee hair clip to emphasize the crown lift 

Now comes the fun bit - you can add your own unique touch to this hairstyle by choosing a colourful or sparkling hair clip that you love to emphasize the crown lift you've created.

Clip the barrette halfway down your head, securing both the ponytail and the hair beneath so that the hairstyle stays put (even when you're dancing the night away). 

We've opted here for our classic flower hair clip in enamel, to bring out the Old Hollywood vibes of this gorgeous half up hairstyle. 

This hairstyle is a beautiful blank canvas to create a very glamorous look - have fun choosing your favourite sparkling hair clip to create your own signature look. 

For an alternative Half Up Hairstyle, Secure the Hair Clip at the Top

This hairstyle is perfect for a date night or an event like a christening or wedding, as it adds a sense of occasion to your outfit. 

To switch things up and change the look for another event, try wearing the hair barrette at the top of the ponytail, and let your hair flow free below - luscious with your crown lift!

Try a hair bow with your half up hairstyle for movie star vibes...

Bow Hair Clips are delightfully celebratory and perfect for weddings and special occasions (as well as day-to-day wear).

This half up half down hairstyle hack works brilliantly with a bow hair clip, as you can see in the photo above. The classic bow with the volume at the crown gives strong Brigitte Bardot vibes. Try this and you'll be oozing movie-star chic. 

The alternative positioning of the bow is beautiful too, with it balanced just at the top of your crown lift, giving a pretty flourish to your flowing locks. 

We've opted for a classic black satin hair bow in our photos, but you could equally try a colourful bow, like pink or lilac, for a playful finish. 

This half up half down hack really does give good volume - unbeatable crown lift, fit for a Queen - take a look at the photo below, where our model is in profile to see the full effect!

Common Mistakes: Why does my Half Up Hair Keep Flat?

I've styled thousands of women at my John Lewis Pop Up Shops, and I see these mistakes crop up time and again. Now you know....

Is my hair clip too heavy for my hair type?

If your hair is very fine, opt for a small hair clip to create this hairstyle. You don’t want to weigh your hair down by using a large hair clip.

If your hair is medium to fine, a hair clip similar in size to the enamel flower clip shown in our photos will work well.

A hair bow is a great alternative if your hair clip feels too heavy, as it's a lightweight option

How to fix slipping hair clips in seconds...

My hair is slippery, and until I discovered this simple hair hack, I couldn't wear many of my own hair clips. 

Now I'm delighted to say that I can wear any hair clip, and it stays in place all day and night!

If you're opting for Hairstyle 1, where you wear the hair clip halfway down your head, Simply back comb a touch, and then add some hairspray where you want to secure the clip. You'll be amazed at the results.

Alternatively, opt for style 2 where the hair clip is secured just over the hair tie - at the top of the ponytail - and you won't need to do anything! The elastic is already a non-slip hack, and will keep the hair clip firmly in place. 

How do I keep the volume in place all day?

Tighten the ponytail to create that fountain of hair, and then use some hairspray to maintain your style throughout the day. 

You'll be amazed at just how easy and effective this hack is!

Do email me any styling photos amanda@queenmee.com, or tag me on Instagram @queenmee_accessories. I'd love to see how you wear your hair accessories!

If you'd like to get some more styling ideas, try my Free Easy Hairstyles Cheat Sheet. Just enter your details below!

With love and thanks, Amanda X