Many people believe that it is difficult to find a cute style with braids for short hair. Mostly, because without length it can be hard for the sections in braids to stay together and not unravel. But, messy styles are in – even for formal events – so those with cropped cuts should put aside antiquated ideas and embrace pretty plaits.
If you have shorter hair, you can experiment with braids as a detail. Short headband braids, braided bangs, and braids in half-up hairstyles can have different textures and braided patterns. You can alternate thicker and thinner braids, try asymmetrical styles, master new braiding techniques, and try new trendy hair colors to take your short crop to the new level. Here are some creative examples to try.
This hairstyle can work both as formal and casual. The carefully coifed tousled waves for a choppy bob are very chic. If you want to make the style even more gorgeous, add a wide, lacy braid that drowns in those wild waves.
@shelbyweatherholtzhair
Side braids are a quick way to add spunk to any style because they lend a subtle bit of texture that won’t overwhelm your entire glam. They are also an excellent accent to formal looks that require a little edge, but still need to be appropriate for a conservative crowd.
@beautybyjessiehoang
Already got a stylish graduated haircut and a bright hair color? Show the beauty of your hair using inverted fishtail braid as you see in this picture! And don’t forget to hide the elastic band under the tiny strand of your hair — thie technique is extremely popular among it-girls nowadays.
@alex_haircraft
The best part about a crown braid is that it highlights your face and pulls strands back similar to what a headband would do. In recent years, thanks partly to music festival styles, braided crowns have become very popular. Make yours stand out with a double variation in a messy fishtail pattern.
@kileenickels
Even though looser braid styles are harder to keep together in shorter locks, they are possible with the right tools and styling products. With the help of a backcombing brush, hairspray, and a few bobby pins, you can easily mimic this beautiful style.
@veronicazambrano_
Shaping a crown out of two shorter braids is not a difficult task if you have bob-length hair. Let your braids be messy and deliberately imperfect. Crunched waves pair well with this cute boho half-updo.
@stylemesamira
French braids for short hair are not just for toddlers and librarians, they can be exceptionally cool depending on how you choose to style them. Color and cut are the two easiest ways to elevate a basic style. This look uses midnight blue and spunky topknot to take a short cut to the next level.
@carrieholley_hair
A plait can be very simple but it will work as a cute detail. Combine two trends, grey hair and ombre, for the ultimate chic look. A loose side braid is the perfect accent to bodacious curls.
@modernsalon
Put a creative spin on the typical milkmaid braid by playing with proportions. Pairing a chunky braid with a smaller one provides visual interest and smartly organizes your strands on the top of the head. It’s a must-try style for a casual day date or Sunday brunch.
@jillenefarrbeauty
If you are in search of colorful ideas for your next style, try a beautiful blend like in this picture. By dyeing your hair in several shades, e.g., medium brown, bright pink, and rose gold, you will create a cool contrast. So cute!
@roc_coco_salon
For boho beauties, this minimal-effort, maximum-impact braid is ideal. It keeps short strands out of your face while maintaining a cool bohemian vibe. Pair with tousled locks for a practical and simple everyday style.
@jbraidsandbows
Extremely versatile, this braid will suit fine and thick hair alike. If your strands are on the thinner side, add volume by pancaking (pulling apart) the plait to create an imperfect, full finish.
@chrisweberhair
This mini French braid takes just minutes to do once you’ve grasped the technique. Make yours stand out even more with the addition of rings – a stylish twist for special occasions or everyday wear!
@lalousalon
Upgrade your half-up, half-down hairstyle with a French plait worked into the side. It’s far easier to complete with day-old locks, so it’s a great hairstyle idea to try on the days between shampoos!
@hair_by_pelerossi
To recreate this look, use a comb to separate a large section at the top of your head and clip it out of the way. Pull the rest of the hair into high ponytail and secure. Release the top segment from the clip and begin plaiting from the hairline towards the ponytail. Pull in more strands until the entire top section is fully incorporated. Bring the end of the newly plaited section and the ponytail together and secure with a band.
@sunkissedandmadeup
This hairdo will make a real statement! Ask your hairdresser to create an avant garde braid that has volume, attitude, and sass. Luckily, showy chunky braids for short hair don’t always rely on long lengths.
@annette_updo_artist
Statement color can add a whimsical touch to your hairstyle. If you’ve got a cool multi-tonal hue, one large weave will show off all the different tones perfectly.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Crave an intricate look but don’t have enough lengths? No problem. Sectioning your hair and crafting several smaller braids is the way to go. Ask your hairdresser to create something special that involves two twists or more!
@braids_in_action
It’s official: Dutch braids have been breaking the Internet. But don’t be fooled into thinking you need waist-length locks to tap into the trend. A small accent plait works well with ultra-cool pixie cuts. Keep the undercut smooth and tight and use a braid to separate the longer and shorter two-tone hair for a showy, head-turning result.
@ladylee.looks
Don’t be intimidated by the incredible fishtail braid. Instead of parting into three sections – like a traditional plait – you can create a fishtail by splitting the hair into four. The effect? An elaborate, mermaid-inspired look.
@jbraidsandbows
Cornrows on the sides of your head can help you create an amazing faux hawk effect. Curl the centre section and whip the coils up into a hawk that reveals cornrows below. Stylish and cool.
@goldplaited_
Need a little inspo to keep your bob looking lovely? Try styling with a low-key plait. Quick and achievable, pull some strands from the middle of your parting and braid loosely for a nonchalant, messy finish.
@sunkissedandmadeup
This hairstyle might look intricate, but it’s quite simple to create. Spray dry shampoo into your tresses to create the all-important texture. Section off a large piece of hair at the front of your head to craft your statement plait. Pull the rest of your locks into a low deconstructed bun and secure with pins. Take your front section, divide it into three pieces, and begin to braid. Once you reach the ends, hide them by pinning into the top of the bun.
@braidstudio
Braided updos don’t come much cooler than these cute braids into space buns. You might need an extra pair of hands to help you with these reverse plaits, but it’ll be so worth it!
@game_of_braids
A crown braid is a go-to for special occasions. Decorative, beautiful, and flattering, it runs around the head and can be woven into an intricate updo. Elegant and stunning!
@styledby_steph
This gorgeous style is a certified head-turner. With intricate plaits weaving their way down the entire head, the flowing, voluminous braided Mohawk is made all the more eye-catching with its bold, blonde color.
@kiastylez
Why go for just one when you can have two? Effortless and feminine, this hairstyle is wedding-, birthday-, and prom-appropriate. Braid just the top half of the head and leave the bottom half tousled and flowing for an event-worthy finish.
@ramsaymarstonhair
Expose your bold undercut with a series of different-sized braids for short hair. Funky and unique, a variety of un-uniform sections shows you’re no friend of conformity.
@reneecrawfordhair
When it comes to braiding really short tresses, a mousse gives them extra hold. Run a small amount through the top and use a comb to divide the top segment into three sections. Starting at the hairline, begin braiding, pulling in more sections as you go to create a Dutch braid. Once at the end of the section, wrap a small hairband around the end to secure in place. Repeat on the other two sections.
@mybighairday
This soft and elegant updo shows two plaits pinned into a messy bun at the nape of the neck. Don’t worry about making them too uniform – there’s beauty in imperfection.
@wb_upstyles
Cool braids tend to have a lace or fishtail pattern because they create thickness and are visually interesting without looking like you tried too hard. Little details like wrapped ponytail holders go a long way.
@american_salon
When it comes to wearing their hair natural, many African-American women look at braids as a protective style to prevent breakage. However, you may opt to use a single braid as a decorative and functional detail that keeps those curls pushed back off the forehead.
@therochellegraham
Side bangs are fun, but they can definitely get in the way on hot sweaty days. A pretty way to pull your hair back is with a bang braid. Plaiting it at the edges gives you more hair to work with, which will in turn give you a thicker weave.
@alex_haircraft
Half-up styles work well for short hair because they allow you to have texture throughout the style without taking away from the length and volume (or thickness.) Also, they are excellent for women who are short on time, because they can be done within five minutes with the right utensils.
@elyssabraids
Messy braids for short hair are perfect for those days when you need a casual style that will last throughout a morning workout and after work errands. Because of the tousled texture, no matter what you do, it still looks stylish.
@joelgbeauty
Halo hairstyles are the ideal choice for those who are in the process of growing out natural hair or looking for protective styles. If your strands are too short, your hairstylist can likely use extensions to achieve this style.
@modernsalon
A great way to try a punk hairstyle without shaving the whole side of your head is to braid it instead. Moreover, if your hair is dyed with darkened roots, side cornrows are a perfect way to show off the two-tone color that is darker at the roots and lighter or brighter through the length.
@game_of_braids
People assume that mermaid hair has to be long and flowing. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You can evoke the same magical feeling with an ocean blue color, tousled waves, and a smooth accent braid.
@american_salon
Add some flair to your hairstyle with a seasonal inspired dye job. Add green highlights to red hair for a quirky look. Try a temporary color that will fade with the changing seasons.
@modernsalon
A fun trick for creating texture and thickness within braided styles is to combine multiple small braids together to create one large one. Mix twists and plaits and tie them with a delicate ribbon.
@american_salon
Without having a lot of length to work with, braids for short hair can seem daunting. But instead of opting for extensions, try getting creative with various sizes, braiding techniques, and colorful dye jobs. You don’t need very long hair to achieve an impactful style!
