Take it from the droves of celebs who sport the half-up, half-down hairstyle: Contrasting loose locks with sleekness up top will elevate any look. We asked Herbal Essences celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager to show us how to get a glamorous streamlined version.

Step 1

This style can work on hair that’s a few days between shampoos or freshly washed. For the former, use a flatiron to smooth and add shine to the top half. If you’re starting with clean, damp hair, apply a cream heat protectant throughout, then a styling mousse to the top section.

Step 2

To set your dry or damp tresses, “blow-dry hair in the direction you’re going to put it up,” says Brager. Use a brush to sweep the top and sides backward until smooth.

Step 3

Use the tail of a comb to create a horizontal part along the back of your head. “I always look at a person’s profile to figure out what will be the most beautiful height,” says Brager. “If it’s too high, it can look ’80s, and if it’s too low, it can look flat.” The sweet spot for this style is the base of your crown, which sits just above your ears.

Step 4

Once you have a clean part between sections, swap out your comb for a boar-bristle brush. Rake the top half backward, gathering hair at the base of your crown, then secure using two clear elastics for added hold. “The most important thing is to keep the sides very tight and smooth,” says Brager.

PRO TIP: To maintain a polished look, tackle flyaways around your hairline with gel. “For a style like this, it’s all about the details,” says Brager.