Half up half down hairstyles strike the perfect balance between casual and chic, making them a go-to option for many black women. But when braids enter the picture, these hairstyles become even more enchanting. From cornrows and twists to box braids and Goddess braids, the options are endless. In this listicle, we explore 15 stunning half up half down hairstyles with braids for black women that are sure to turn heads and inspire your next hairdo.

1. Cornrow Half Up Half Down

This style involves braiding your hair into intricate cornrows at the top while leaving the rest of your hair down. It’s a beautiful way to showcase your natural texture while keeping your hair away from your face. This style works well with any hair length and is perfect for any occasion.

2. Box Braid Half Up Half Down

Box braids are a classic choice for black women, and combining them with a half up half down style can create a striking look. You can gather half of your box braids up into a high ponytail or bun, leaving the rest to cascade down your back. This hairstyle exudes a playful yet sophisticated vibe.

3. Goddess Braid Half Up Half Down

Goddess braids are thick, beautifully intricate braids that look like a crown when styled in a half up half down fashion. The top section can be braided into a single Goddess braid that sweeps across the head, while the rest of the hair is left down. It’s an elegant, regal style that’s perfect for special occasions.

4. Twist Braid Half Up Half Down

Twist braids are a popular choice for black women due to their versatility and ease of maintenance. In a half up half down style, twist braids can be gathered into a top knot or ponytail, leaving the rest loose. This look is fun, chic, and perfect for both casual and formal settings.

5. Fulani Braid Half Up Half Down

Fulani braids, characterized by their unique pattern and the inclusion of braids of different sizes, can create a stunning half up half down style. The top section can be braided in the Fulani style, with a few braids left down for a unique, eye-catching look. This style exudes a cultural richness and beauty that’s hard to ignore.

6. Micro Braid Half Up Half Down

Micro braids are tiny, delicate braids that offer a lot of styling options. For a half up half down style, gather half of your micro braids into a high ponytail or bun, leaving the rest to flow freely. This style is elegant, sophisticated, and perfect for any event.

7. Senegalese Twist Half Up Half Down

Senegalese twists are sleek, shiny, and stunning. In a half up half down style, you can gather half of your twists into a high bun or ponytail, while letting the rest drape down your back. This look is glamorous, chic, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

8. Dutch Braid Half Up Half Down

Dutch braids involve braiding sections of hair underneath one another to create a 3D effect. This style works beautifully in a half up half down hairstyle, with the top section braided into a Dutch braid and the rest left down. It’s a unique, stylish look that’s sure to turn heads.

9. Fishtail Braid Half Up Half Down

Fishtail braids are intricate and elegant, and they look stunning in a half up half down hairstyle. You can braid a section of your hair into a fishtail braid on top, and leave the rest down. This style is romantic, chic, and perfect for special occasions.

10. Havana Twist Half Up Half Down

Havana twists are chunky, stylish, and easy to maintain. In a half up half down style, you can gather some of your twists into a top bun or ponytail, leaving the rest to hang freely. This look is trendy, fun, and perfect for any casual outing.

11. Crochet Braid Half Up Half Down

Crochet braids are versatile and protective, making them a popular choice for black women. This style involves attaching extensions to your hair using a crochet hook. You can style half of your crochet braids up into a bun or ponytail, leaving the rest down. This look is stylish, protective, and perfect for any occasion.

12. Marley Twist Half Up Half Down

Marley twists are chunky, bohemian, and effortlessly stylish. In a half up half down style, you can gather some of your Marley twists into a high bun or ponytail, leaving the rest down. This look is trendy, fun, and perfect for any casual outing.

13. Lemonade Braid Half Up Half Down

Lemonade braids, popularized by Beyoncé, are side-swept cornrows that look stunning in a half up half down style. You can braid the top section of your hair into lemonade braids, leaving the rest down. This style is glamorous, stylish, and perfect for making a statement.

14. French Braid Half Up Half Down

French braids are classic and chic. In a half up half down style, you can braid the top section of your hair into a French braid, leaving the rest down. This style is elegant, sophisticated, and perfect for any event.

15. Feed-in Braid Half Up Half Down

Feed-in braids are a modern and stylish option. They’re added gradually, giving the effect of natural, voluminous hair. In a half up half down style, you can have a few feed-in braids at the top of your head, with the rest of your hair left down. This style is trendy, fun, and perfect for making a bold statement.