No more ponytails, no more having your hair all down. Mix both into the hairstyle that many celebrities are doing! Learning How to do your hair half-up and half-down is as simple and basic than the other styles you're already doing but more creative and stylish. This is a look that can be used for any occasion from another day at work to a formal party. The best part is that you don't have to spend money going to a beauty salon because you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home.

To get started, the items you will need is a rat tail comb, a hair clip or bobby pins, and hairspray (if desired for a longer lasting style). Beginning with clean, shampooed and conditioned hair will help preserve the look. The length and texture (curly or straight) of your hair will determine the amount of time it will take to achieve the style. Sit in front of a mirror with good lighting to help make the process easier for you.

To amp up the glam with more lift, you can tease the hair at the roots or use a “Bumpit” for volume and lift all night.http://beauty.about.com/od/stylingyourhair/qt/hair_volume.htm

Be sure to do all of your teasing and/or curling before making the defined part you plan on separating the hair with. If interested in learning how to pouf/tease your hair for the top half of this look, check out Step 1 of the How to Put Hair In A Ponytail page.

Part half of your hair with your fingers or the rat tail comb using either your temples (for a thicker half-up section) or your eyebrows as a guide. Comb away any stranded hairs that are causing the part to look crooked or too messy. Allow your frontal and side bangs to fall forward and to the sides to add more style and frame your face. Gather all of this hair in the back on the crown of your head.http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/celebrity-hairstyles-half-up-may07

Smooth the top layer of this section of hair lightly to avoid undoing any teasing. Do not brush all the way against the scalp! This would cause any created cushioning to fall flat as well as the look.http://www.ehow.com/how_2002243_half-up-updo.html If it gets a little bumpy, don't get frustrated! The more you do this hairstyle the easier it will become to do. Depending on the occasion, it doesn't always have to be perfectly smooth.

Once you have gathered the hair at the top of your head, make one twist and prepare to secure the hair with either your hair clip or bobby pins. You can pull the bottom section of hair into a loose ponytail to keep it out of the way until you are done.http://factoidz.com/hair-updos-101-how-to-create-and-style-half-up-and-half-down-updos/

To enhance the height of the half-up section, push the pouf forward more before clipping or pinning the hair.

"'Clipping:"' Insert the clip directly over the twisted section and be sure to wiggle it in snug enough so that it doesn't fall causing a more sleek look. Any type of hair clip can be used but those with teeth will grip onto the hair better allowing the style to last longer.

"'Pinning:"' Insert one bobby pin at a time causing them to make a criss-cross or "X" shape. Use as many pins as necessary to hold back all of the hair. The thicker your hair is the more pins will be required to hold the style tight and make it last. You can also place bobby pins on the side of the part to fix any bumps or hold down any fly-away hairs or layers that keep falling down messing up the look.

A decorative clip or flower can be added to make the look more attractive or elegant. Finishing hairspray will help hold this more creative look all together. It is best to use aerosol products because they dry faster reducing the risk of straightened hair to wave or curl.http://www.style-hair-magazine.com/hair-spray.html

You can also use a finishing serum to fight humidity and add shine to your hair. Hair serum also protects the hair from sun exposure and heat styling as well as strengthening the hair. The serum does not allow the hair to tangle as easily and will remain until the next wash. http://www.womanjunction.com/topic/hair/hair-products/hair-serum/

Especially for layered hair, curling out the ends with a flat iron or a curling iron will add even more style to the look giving it more volume as well. You could leave out the back to flow over the shoulders, softening the over-all look. Also, think about braiding the sides to help keep hair off the face and out of the eyes. Subtle layers added to the front and sides will add shape for a simple finish. Those with a high hairline could style bangs to both sides of a side part for a finishing touch. Don’t be afraid to use this hairdo with soft curls to add more style.http://www.thehairstyler.com/hairstyles/casual/half-up-long