The half bun, or half-up topknot, is a practical everyday style that pulls the crown section back while leaving the lengths free. On its own it can look a little basic, so this gallery focuses on ways to make it more interesting: centre-parted French braids leading into the knot, fishtail plaits wrapped into a bun, a centre Dutch braid, waterfall braids, twisted face-framing sections, oversized flower buns, neat cornrows and Ghana braids feeding into a pile of natural curls.
It works on almost any length. Long hair suits voluminous and braided versions best, and lob or bob lengths can manage a small knot with a Dutch braid and a few bobby pins to catch shorter pieces. Fine hair benefits from a bit of backcombing or texture spray at the crown so the bun looks fuller, while thick hair may need a sturdier elastic and extra pins.
Placement changes the effect: a high topknot adds height and lengthens a round face, while a lower, softer bun feels more romantic and suits weddings or garden parties.
1. With Center-Parted French Braids
Two French braids start from a centre part and lead up into a slightly undone topknot. The casual bun contrasts with the neat plaits, and wearing the rest of the hair straight adds another texture difference.
Inspiration: @missysueblog
2. With Fishtail Braids
Several fishtail plaits add intrigue to a half updo. Pull the top half back, braid it into a fishtail and wrap it into a bun, then add two more fishtail braids underneath for a layered finish.
Inspiration: @braidsbyjordan
3. Voluminous Bun
Blonde hair is gathered into a full, voluminous half bun that feels polished rather than messy. Updos with height like this are especially flattering on women with smaller foreheads. Tease the crown lightly and wrap the bun around a small donut if you need extra fullness.
Inspiration: @sunkissedandmadeup
4. With a Side Braid
A side braid feeding into a half-up topknot flatters long hair and conveniently hides shorter layers or growing-out bangs. Loose, big waves through the lengths give it a romantic finish. Use a wide-barrel wand on the lengths to create those soft waves.
Inspiration: @braids_in_action
5. Twisted Low Bun
Only the face-framing sections are loosely twisted back into a low bun, creating a soft goddess-style look. It works just as well on undone, bedhead texture as on freshly styled hair. Secure the twists with small clear elastics or pins so they hold.
Inspiration: @twistmepretty
6. With a Center Dutch Braid
A central Dutch braid leads into a topknot, mixing edgy and sweet. Worn with medium or long hair loose, it takes around five minutes yet looks like a lot of effort went into it. Use clear elastics for an invisible finish.
Inspiration: @hairspirationbykylee
7. Messy Loose Knot
A messy, loose knot on thin hair is a signature casual style, famously worn by the Olsen twins and many others. Adjust how loose you make it to suit your mood and hair texture. Texture spray helps fine hair grip the knot.
Inspiration: @erinelizabethh
8. Curled Tousled Style
Hair curled into tousled waves with a wand is pulled into a big, voluminous half bun. Whether high or low, this works best with a slightly dishevelled texture for maximum drama. Finish with a flexible hairspray so the waves keep their movement.
Inspiration: @sunkissedandmadeup
9. With Loose Waterfall Braids
A loose waterfall braid uses essentially the same technique as a French braid, despite looking complex. Straightening the hair first, if needed, lets the lacy braid and loopy side knot stand out. Pin the loopy knot loosely for a softer, romantic finish.
Inspiration: @n.starck
10. Flower Bun with Beach Waves
Beach waves pair naturally with a relaxed flower bun. Pull back the crown section, leave front pieces to frame the face, and braid the gathered hair first if you want a more detailed flower shape.
Inspiration: @jamiedanahairstylist
11. With Neat Cornrows
Neat cornrows feeding into a topknot give a half updo an edgier feel. This combination works well for shoulder-length and medium hair and stays tidy for days. Ask for the cornrows to be braided with moderate tension so the hairline is protected while the style lasts.
Inspiration: @game_of_braids
12. Messy Bun with Braids
Loose side braids start a little behind the hairline and meet at the back in a messy bun. It is versatile enough for a casual lunch with friends or an outdoor wedding. Gently tug the braids to make them look fuller.
Inspiration: @christinagunnell
13. Knot with a Huge Dutch Braid
A huge Dutch braid leads into a knot for an unusual half updo. The secret to a chunky braid is fanning it out by tugging gently at the edges once it is secured, then pulling the rest into a half-pony bun.
Inspiration: @taylor_lamb_hair
14. Waterfall and 3-Strand Braids Combo
A waterfall braid and a three-strand plait sit beneath the bun, rather than at the sides or front. It offers a fresh variation, and the braid does not need to be perfect as long as it is secure.
Inspiration: @hairbyjaxx
15. Long Bob with a Bun
Lob-length hair works beautifully in a half-up knot. If your hair is not quite long enough to form a full bun, use bobby pins to secure the shorter pieces in place. Mini clips also help catch any layers that slip out of the knot.
Inspiration: @jamiedanahairstylist
16. Loopy Half Topknot
A loopy half topknot is a more stylish alternative to the quick bun everyone throws up to get hair off their neck. It still lifts the hair away from the face but looks deliberate and chic.
Inspiration: @sadiejcre8s
17. Oversize Flower Bun
An oversized flower bun is more unique than a regular knot, and a messy fishtail braid underneath makes it even more special. It takes a bit more time but is worth it for a special occasion.
Inspiration: @taylor_lamb_hair
18. Sleek Topknot
A sleek half topknot on straight hair suits busy mornings and professional settings. Smooth the crown with a brush before tying it, then set the style with hairspray so it lasts all day. A smoothing balm tames flyaways at the crown.
Inspiration: @sarahpotempa
19. Ghana Braids and Curly Bun
Ghana braids pull back the front section while voluminous curls are stacked on top. The sharp, tight plaits contrast beautifully with the lively curls, perfect for naturally curly hair. Keep the curls hydrated with a light leave-in so they stay springy while the braids hold the front.
Inspiration: @katahlia_blue
20. Braid and Bun for Bob Length
Bob-length hair can still join in with a half bun. A Dutch braid leading up to the topknot gathers shorter layers and keeps the style neat and secure. A little texture spray on the ends helps the short hair grip the bun, and mini pins catch stray pieces.
Inspiration: @hairbyelena
Building a half bun that stays put
- Start with second-day hair or add dry shampoo and texture spray, as freshly washed hair tends to slip.
- Section the hair from temple to temple across the crown; take a smaller section for a neat knot, larger for a big messy one.
- Secure the ponytail with a snag-free elastic before twisting it into a bun, then pin the bun in an X shape for stability.
- Gently pull at the bun and any braids to loosen them and create volume.
- Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray, and leave a few face-framing strands out for softness.
Adapting it for short or curly hair
On bob-length hair, a Dutch braid running back from the hairline gathers shorter layers before they reach the knot, and mini clips can hold any stray ends. Curly hair is easiest to style when dry and defined; use a curl cream, pull the front back with braids or a scrunchie and leave the curls on top as they are. Avoid brushing curls into the bun, which causes frizz.