Half updos are a great way to fancy up your look without seeming too formal. Perfect for wearing as an everyday hairstyle or for that occasional special event.  These three are all a little different and unique enough to suit your own personal style. Let me know which one you love the most!

Diagonal French Braid Instructions:

• Step 1 / With a part on the left side, start by picking up a section of hair on the right side dividing it into three sections.
• Step 2 / Do one stitch of a regular braid crossing the right strand over the middle and then the left.
• Step 3 / Begin incorporating hair into the braid crossing the side strands over the middle and bringing in new sections of hair.
• Step 4 / Now cross the right over the middle and bring in a new section and then cross the left over and now we’re going to stop adding in hair on the lower side of the braid.
• Step 5 / Continue the braid working around the back of the head, incorporating hair into the top half of the braid and slowly angling the braid downwards to create a diagonal.
• Step 6 / Once a section on the left side of the part, at the hairline, is brought into the braid then stop adding in hair and braid the section to the bottom in a regular three-strand braid.
• Step 7 / When the braid reaches the ends, go back and gently pull on the edges to make it a little bit bigger.
• Step 8 / Then tie off the end with an elastic band so it doesn’t come loose.

Fishtail French Braid Instructions:

• Step 1 / For this style start with a part on the right side of the head.
• Step 2 / Divide off a small section on the heavy side of the part and split it into three smaller sections.
• Step 3 / Do one stitch of a regular three strand braid crossing the back strand over the middle then the front strand.
• Step 4 / Combine the middle and back strand together so you have two sections for the fishtail braid.
• Step 5 / Divide off a small piece from the back or right section, cross it over the top and add it into the left section.
• Step 6 / Pick up a new section of hair, crossing it over the top and adding it into the left side as well.
• Step 7 / Take a small piece from the left side, crossing it over to the right. Pick up a new section of hair, crossing it over and adding it into the right side as well.
• Step 8 / Now just continue the fishtail french braid, bringing hair into both sides of the braid until it reaches the top of the left ear.
• Step 9 / Then stop adding in new hair and braid the section to the bottom in a regular fishtail braid, crossing small sections over to the opposite side and alternating between the left and right side.
• Step 10 / When the section is braided, go back and pull on the edges to make the braid bigger and more full.
• Step 11 / Secure the end of the braid by criss-crossing two bobby pins over the end.
• Step 12 / Now pick up a section of hair on the right side of the head, twist it upwards wrapping it around the back of the head, and pin it in place with a few bobby pins.
• Step 13 / Take the fishtail braid,  wrapping it around the back of the head, tuck the braid underneath the twist so the twist is anchoring the braid against the head.
• Step 14 / Grab some bobby pins and pin the braid making sure to keep them hidden underneath the hair.

Mermaid Fishtail Braid Instructions:

• Step 1 / Start by creating a center part and then brush the hair at the crown straight back.
• Step 2 / Divide off a section of hair at the crown and split into three sections.
• Step 3 / Begin a regular braid by crossing the side strands over the middle strand.
• Step 4 / Now take the left strand and combine it with the middle strand.
• Step 5 / Switching to a fishtail braid, take a small section from the left side, cross it over to the right. Then cross a small section from the right over to the left.
• Step 6 / Cross a section from the left over to the right. Then from the right over to the left.
• Step 7 / Now cross a small piece from the left and pick up a new section of hair bringing it into the braid.
• Step 8 / Then do one regular stitch of a fishtail braid, crossing a section from the right over to the left and a section from the left over to the right.
• Step 9 / Now cross a section from the right over to the left and bring in a new section of hair.
• Step 10 / Do three more cross overs, left, right, then left, and bring in a new section of hair.
• Step 11 / Then do three more cross overs, right, left, then right and bring in a new section.
• Step 12 / Now just braid a little ways down, I did about 8 stitches, and tie off the braid with an elastic band.
• Step 13 / Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic band and secure it with a second elastic.

I absolutely love how unique each of these braids are and would love to see your recreations of any of these styles. Be sure to tag me on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #MissySueHair if you do! Don’t forget to share this with a friend who you think would love them too!