Half-Braided, Half-Down Textured Style
A playful and popular 90s twist on the classic half-up, half-down look. This style incorporates cornrows, box braids, or twists on the top section of the hair while leaving the rest of the hair down to showcase its natural texture or curl pattern. As noted by celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland, this look is fun, easy to achieve, and perfect for incorporating protective styling into a trendy everyday look.
| Hair Type | Coily |
| Categories | |
| Occasion | Casual |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Styling Time | 45 minutes |
| Drying Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
| Hair Length | Medium |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Popularity | 88/100 |
| Tags | protective-stylebraidstextured |
Instructions
- 1
Start with clean, detangled hair. Ensure the bottom half of the hair is moisturized and prepped to show off its natural texture.
- 2
Using the rat-tail comb, create a clean horizontal part, separating the top section of hair (from ear to ear or temple to temple) that will be braided from the bottom half that will remain down.
- 3
Clip the bottom section securely out of the way. Focus on the top section, which will be divided into smaller sub-sections for the individual braids or twists.
- 4
Create 2 to 4 vertical parts in the top section. Apply a small amount of styling gel or pomade to the roots of the first sub-section for a clean start.
- 5
Execute the desired braid pattern (e.g., cornrows, two-strand twists, or simple three-strand braids). Braid/twist the hair until you reach the horizontal part, then secure the end with a small rubber band.
- 6
Repeat the braiding process (Step 5) for all the top sub-sections. Once all braids/twists are secured, gather them together at the back of the head, creating the "half-up" element. Secure this ponytail with an elastic.
- 7
Release the bottom section of hair. Lightly mist the entire style with a shine spray and ensure the edges around the hairline are laid smoothly with a touch of edge control.
Styling Tips
For added flair, you can weave thin gold cuffs or beads into the braids or twists before securing them.
Ensure the part defining the top and bottom sections is perfectly straight for a neat, polished contrast.
To refresh the natural texture of the hair left down, use a water and leave-in conditioner mixture the next day.
More 90s Hairstyles For Women
Hilary Banks Hat-Ready Hairstyle
Inspired by Karyn Parsons’ iconic character Hilary Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, this look focuses on styling medium to long hair with polished volume and bounce, specifically to be paired with a statement hat. The key is smooth, controlled hair that maintains lift at the roots so that it does not fall flat under headwear. This style embodies 90s polished glamour and works well with straightened or smooth hair.
Sarah Jessica Wild Natural Curls
The signature, highly voluminous, and often wild curl pattern popularized by Sarah Jessica Parker in her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in the late 1990s. This look celebrates natural hair texture, emphasizing high volume, length, and defined spirals. It stands as a pinnacle of 90s natural hair trends, favoring bounce and movement over sleek perfection. This style works best on medium to long naturally curly or coily hair.
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Princess Diana 90s Layers
Building on her iconic ’80s haircut, Princess Diana’s ’90s layers were slightly longer, framing her face with soft elegance. This timeless royal style combines movement, volume, and sophistication, cementing her status as a hair legend across decades.
Drew Barrymore Platinum Curls
Platinum blonde curls styled in a classic ’90s fashion, complemented by thin eyebrows and bold red lips. Symmetrical daisy hair accessories add a playful, whimsical touch. This look combines vintage Hollywood glamour with youthful, carefree energy, perfect for formal events or making a statement.