You’ve probably seen a full halo braid, but here’s a fresh variation: the half halo braid. This quick hair tutorial shows how to create the look in under ten minutes.
The half-up, half-down hairstyle has made a strong comeback recently—think everything from the classic half pony to the popular “hun” (half-up, half-down bun). It’s a nostalgic style for many of us: I wore variations of it throughout middle and high school, from messy buns to simple half ponytails.
Today we’re putting a new spin on the trend: the half halo braid. It’s an elegant, effortless look that appears more time-consuming than it actually is. Follow the steps below for a quick, pretty hairstyle you can recreate in minutes.
Hair Tutorial: Half Halo Braid
1. Start with curled or wavy hair.
Begin with loose waves or curls for texture and movement. Apply a texturizing product at the roots and through the mid-lengths to give the hair grip and volume. (A lightweight texturizing spray works well for this style.)
2. Section the hair.
Take the top half of your hair and divide it into two sections—left and right. Create an inverted braid (also called a Dutch braid) on each side, working from the front toward the back. If you prefer a softer face frame, leave two small pieces of hair out in the front; otherwise, include those pieces in the braids.
Tip: While braiding, leave the crown area free of the braid so the back of your head remains natural and you avoid creating a visible center part down the back.
3. Make it messy.
When both braids are complete, gently pull at the edges of each braid to loosen them and create a relaxed, voluminous effect. If you want more texture, add an extra spritz of texturizing spray and work it through the braids with your fingers.
4. Wrap each braid around the head.
Bring each braid around the top of your head to form a half halo. Secure the braids in place with bobby pins, tucking and concealing the loose ends for a neat finish. Cross pins if needed to hold the braids firmly, especially on finer hair.
5. Finish with hairspray if desired.
Adjust the shape of the braids, spread any sections that need more fullness, and finish with a light mist of hairspray to set the style. That’s it—an easy, polished half halo braid.
Hair Tutorial: Half Halo Braid in 10 Minutes
Brittni
Instructions
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Start with curled or wavy hair. Prep the roots and mid-lengths with a texturizing product to add grip and volume.
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Take the top half of your hair and split it into two sections. Braid each section with an inverted (Dutch) braid, working from the front toward the back.
Keep a couple of face-framing pieces out if you prefer a softer look; otherwise include them in the braids. As you braid, leave the crown area out so you won’t end up with an obvious part down the back.
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Loosen each finished braid by gently tugging on the edges to create a relaxed, slightly messy texture. Add more texturizing product if needed.
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Wrap each braid around the top of your head to form a half-halo shape. Secure the braids with bobby pins and hide the loose ends.
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Adjust the braids for fullness and finish with a light spritz of hairspray to hold the style in place.
Did you make this?
Share your version and tag the creator on social media to show your take on the half halo braid.
Hair by Rachel Brewer
Modeling by Amelia Tatnall
Photography by Brittni Mehlhoff
Which hair trends are you into right now? Will you try the half halo braid?
P.S. For more braid guides, check the braid tutorials section on the blog.