Refresh Your Half Up Half Down Style in Less Than an Hour

The half up half down hairstyle has become hugely popular in recent years for its elegance and versatility. However, many struggle to keep the look fresh for longer than a few weeks without redo-ing their entire install. Atlanta-based hairstylist @hairfreakco shares a game-changing styling hack for refreshing your half up half down style in under an hour, allowing you to enjoy the look for a full month or more between full services.

The Issue with Half Up Half Down Styles

While the half up half down look is undeniably chic, it often loses its polish and definition within 2-3 weeks as product builds up on the scalp and roots start to show. This leads many clients to redo their entire install much sooner than necessary, taking up time and money. It can also damage the hair with over-processing if full services are needed more frequently than the typical 4-6 week schedule.

The Secret Refreshing Method

@hairfreakco's refreshing method allows you to deeply cleanse just the top ponytail section and scalp area without soaking the entire install. By washing only the roots and recreating the ponytail style, the rest of the hair is left untouched, keeping your install intact. Let's break down the steps:

Wash Just the Ponytail

Start by having your client lean over a bowl while you shampoo only the top ponytail section. Thoroughly cleanse the scalp area to remove buildup and freshen the roots. Use a gentle cleanser so as not to disrupt the bonds of a sewn install.

Refresh the Style

Once the ponytail area is dry, rework the curl or twist pattern to reshape the style. For a quick weave, you can gently brush through the install to blend the new growth with the existing hair. Finish by applying your preferred styling products to sleek down flyaways.

Deep Clean the Nape

With the top styled, move to the nape and back section. Cleanse these areas without soaking the hair, focusing on removing debris and product residue from the lower scalp. Rinse and pat dry - avoiding fully saturating the lengths.

The Benefits of a Refresh

By addressing just the problem areas and recreating the ponytail, you can buy yourself an extra 2 weeks between full installs. This refreshing method allows clients to maintain their half up half down style for 4-6 weeks rather than the typical 2-3 weeks. It saves both time and money in the long run by reducing the need for as many full services.

More importantly, refreshing selectively protects the integrity of the hair by limiting unnecessary chemical processes or over-manipulation. Over time, this gentler approach leads to healthier strands that can better withstand long-term styling.

Taking the Half Up Half Down Look to the Next Level

For those wanting to stretch their style for the full month before the next install is due, @hairfreakco recommends following a simple haircare routine at home:

Cleanse Weekly

Continue cleansing just the top ponytail section and nape 1-2 times per week using a moisturizing shampoo. This will keep buildup at bay and roots freshened.

Deep Condition Regularly

Apply a rich hair masque to the new growth areas after each wash to replenish moisture stripped by cleansing. Look for formulas with hydrolyzed proteins, butters and oils.

Protect with Silk or Satin

Wearing a scarf, bonnet or pillowcase made from natural fibers while sleeping protects the style from friction and breakage during the night.

By following these pro-level tips, you can enjoy your favorite half up half down install for 4 full weeks or longer between full services. The refreshing method shared by @hairfreakco allows you to maximally extend the life of your look while caring for your natural hair health.