Looking for something that’s effortlessly chic, adds major volume, and works for virtually any occasion? The puffy half up half down hairstyle is about to become your new go-to look! This gorgeous, voluminous style has taken social media by storm, and for good reason – it’s stunning, versatile, and surprisingly easy to achieve.
Whether you’re heading to school, going to work, preparing for a special event, or just want to feel fabulous on a regular Tuesday, this hairstyle has got you covered. Best of all, it works beautifully on all hair types and lengths, making it truly accessible for everyone.
Looking for more half up styles? Check out our collection of half up hairstyles!
What You Need for Your Topsy Tail Hairstyle
First, gather your materials. You’ll need a brush, clear elastics, and bobby pins. Additionally, grab some hairspray for hold. Next, we’ll start with the sectioning process. This step is crucial for creating the perfect topsy tail.
Before we dive into the tutorial, gather these simple tools:
- Hairbrush or comb
- Two hair ties or elastics
- Teasing comb or fine-tooth comb
- Hairspray (light to medium hold)
- Optional: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for extra volume
- Optional: curling iron or wand if you want added waves
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair was just washed, it might be too silky and slippery to hold volume well. Day-old hair or hair with a bit of texture actually works better for this style! If you need extra grip and volume, spray some dry shampoo or texturizing spray at your roots and throughout your hair.
Pro Tip: If you have naturally straight hair, consider adding some loose waves or curls throughout before you start. This adds extra dimension and helps the style hold better. For more everyday styling tips, see our easy wrapped half up style.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Using your fingers or a comb, create a circular shaped section around the crown of the head. Don’t worry about making it perfectly straight.
Gather this top section and tie it off using one of the elastic bands.
Step 3: Create the Flip
Create a gap in the hair directly above the elastic band and push the ends of the up through the gap so the ponytail is coming out the top, hanging down towards the face.
Step 4: Second Section
Now bring the rest of the hair that is in front of the crown section and down along the face and bring them around the sides of the first section so they’re combined at the back directly underneath the first elastic band.
Use the second elastic band to tie the section together.
Step 5: Pull Through
Reach through the gap of the first elastic band and pull the second ponytail section through so it’s coming up and angled towards the face as well.
Step 6: Flip the Pony’s
Lift both ponytail sections now and angle them back down towards the back of the head. They’ll create a puffy section since they were brought forwards and then flipped backwards.
Step 7: Final Touches
Grip the sides of the ponytail and pull the hair in opposite directions to tighten the elastics against the head. Set your style with a light mist of hairspray.
Once you master the basic topsy tail technique, try our topsy tail ponytail for a different look!
Once you’ve mastered this half up topsy tail, you’ll love experimenting with variations! Try our topsy tail ponytail for a complete ponytail look, or elevate the style for special occasions with our topsy tail updo. For those who love braids, combine topsy tails with fishtails in our topsy tail fishtail braid tutorial. Looking for more half up options? Browse our collection of half up hairstyles for endless inspiration!
