
@alex_haircraft
Braids can help shape the look and keep things in place. This quick bun is added at the end of two smooth, tight mini French braids. A cute and youthful style to complement casual looks or dress up a laid-back outfit.
It may seem that intricate updos are reserved for those with long hair, as many ponytails, braids, and buns are designed with longer locks in mind. However, there are many cute and stylish ways to create short hair buns. These styles range from modern and edgy to classic and chic. A bun is a great alternative to a ponytail for shorter lengths, as you don’t have to worry about having enough hair to create a full look. Check out the inspiring photos below to find a bun style that works for you.

@les_allures
This wispy hairstyle has an elegant, romantic quality. The tendrils of hair escaping on each side add softness to the look. This low updo can be done in a matter of minutes by skilled hands.
It’s fascinating to see what the right hair accessory can do for a hairstyle. If you feel you need a little something extra to make your style stand out, a floral accessory is a sweet way to dress up your bun.

@foxanddoll
Cute, polished, and sweet are the words that best describe this miniature updo. With a voluminous crown and a tucked-twisted chignon, this is as neat as it gets.

@valsbeautynetwork
Getting creative with the actual styling is a way to stand out from the rest. Try out this swirl design, which is a definite conversation starter thanks to its intricacies.

@modernsalon
If braids and traditional buns aren’t your thing, perhaps twisting your hair into a bun-like updo will do the trick. Short hair needs to be styled loosely to give the body to your updo, and at the same time, every lock has to be pinned skillfully for your whole hairstyle to hold. That’s a job for a professional, of course.

@_eternalelegance_
Hair buns are often associated with slick, tight, and high-atop-the-head rigid ballerina updos. However, today’s buns, like the one seen here, are looser and more romantic. Best of all, you don’t need a lot of hair to construct them!

@bonika_muah
While certain hair types will mold more easily into the bun form, length no longer has anything to do with nailing a gorgeous updo. This simple bun involves gathering hair straight back and securing it into a roll with hairpins.

@duyenhuynh
This loose, side-swept bun feels easygoing and a little playful. It’s surprisingly simple to pull off, even if your hair is on the shorter side.

@the_mane_aesthetic
Teasing the under layer of hair while allowing a curled tendril or two to hang loose will create the illusion of hair that’s longer than it really is. If you love updos but aren’t so sure how to pull them off, try this style on for size.

@allieliliokalani
One of the great things about short hair is that your hair coloring appointments get much more affordable. However, you can still show off your gorgeous, creative color with a side bun and braid combo that’s sure to shine.

@amanda.galmiche
Since so many short hairstyles depend upon bangs to keep the face from looking too strict, this updo is a perfect compromise. Skip the comb for this one – gathering the hair up with your hands and securing with an elastic will provide a fun, casual, messy look as shown.

@daphnenarcy
While this won’t work on very short hair, if your strands reach your shoulders, you should be able to pull off this style. Bun hair doesn’t always have to be just for the gym or a hot summer day – this fancy twist on the classic chignon is perfect for a big night out.

@studioalessandranunes
Even super straight strands can be pulled back into a casual low bun that’s made a bit fancier with a hair embellishment. Best of all, while you’re accessorizing, you’re also helping to hold flyaways in place.

@weddinghaircompany
Cute bun hairstyles can be appropriate for all occasions, including the most special day of your life. If you want your short hair to appear longer and more feminine, take this style over to the salon for a test run before your wedding day.

@studioalessandranunes
Wavy and lovely, this short hair bun receives a boost from some properly used styling product and a teased underlayer. To create the bun itself, gather hair into a mid-height ponytail and then curl the sections with a small to medium barrel iron. Secure with hairpins, and you’re done.

@maxwellmathson
This hairstyle plays with bold frontal streaks of color to create a fun and slightly surreal vibe with a nod to retro flair.

@chrisweberhair
There’s no need to worry about perfection when it comes to this style. Easy buns are a welcome addition to a busy morning routine, and hair still leaves the house looking fabulous.

@georgesmattarofficial
This high bun creates a look that is both regal and contemporary. A pop of unexpected color can give it an imaginative storybook twist.

@hairbyelm
For the shortest of hair comes the smallest of buns. This is the winner of cute buns with its subtle simplicity and ability to hang in there despite flyaway strands.

@chicartistry
Get inspired by the vibrant greens of the rainforest with this unique look. If you’re hoping for bun ideas that veer off the popular path, then your answer is found in a vibrant color job.

@glamiris
Braids can help shape the look and keep things in place. This quick bun is added at the end of two smooth, tight mini French braids. A cute and youthful style to complement casual looks or dress up a laid-back outfit.

@alex_haircraft
Granny hair is very trendy right now, so age no longer determines the hair color you choose. If you want a bun that looks both stylish and has a grown-up edge, then go for the full-out granny look with a modern twist. Add in some long bangs to soften the style.

@onerceliq
Keep things creative with a shaved underlayer of hair. You can choose an undercut with some carved lines that display beautifully against the nape of the neck when the upper sections of hair are pulled into a bun.

@jamiedanahairstylist
What do you get when you combine a bun, a braid, and some seriously vibrant color? A messy bun for short hair that is both creative and ultra-feminine. Best of all, everyone will be so caught up by your hair hue that it won’t matter much how perfect your braid and bun are. This playful style is great for both casual and formal occasions.

@amanda.galmiche
If buns grow too boring, but you love their functionality, try to fancy up your bun with a classically romantic braid crown. Wisps of strands can fly free, or you can go for a tighter and more pulled-together crown. This style will work best on hair that’s around shoulder length – it can be a bit too demanding when it comes to shorter cuts.

@daphnenarcy
There is also something to be said for what the addition of a well-placed braid or two can do for an ordinary hairstyle. Buns are generally understated, but if you want to inject them with a little pizzazz, perhaps you should try rocking the effortless side braid featured here.

@modernsalon
A little teasing goes a long way, as seen with this cute and sassy bun. While there are many ways to style your updo, the expertly teased bangs on this look are top-notch.

@hairstylistlauren
When you’re torn between a full bun and a half-up style, why not split the difference with something that blends both? This half-bun strikes a smart balance with its layered texture and holographic color. If you’re feeling bold, ask your stylist for unicorn-inspired tones to take it even further.

@xostylistxo
One of the biggest challenges when your hair is short is making sure it stays put together. This tight bun looks sleek and secure thanks to the French pin going through the middle of the bun.

@haselnussblond
Sure, buns that rest at the nape of the neck are the most popular, but the side bun is just as flattering. This one is polished, making it ideal for the office.

@salonxvi
What can be better than a bun? Multiple buns! In this creative style, the hair is teased at the crown, and three mini buns are placed in the back at a slight angle.

@modernsalon
If you are in search of a formal and elegant hairstyle, you might find this one checks all the right boxes. Slight volume in the crown area, neat low bun, loose strands, which perfectly frame the face… What else can a bride, a bridesmaid, or a graduate dream of?

@kykhair
If you want to add a little edge to your hairstyle, the messy look is the way to go. Here, the crown is teased, the ends of the hair are twisted and pinned at the nape of the neck with occasional strands pulled out to stick out carelessly.

@lovemoreanddosalon
Pair a cute rolled bun with a textured side twist. A loosely twisted side and a carefully constructed bun are all the components you need to achieve this look. Let it be slightly undone.

@sarahangius
When polished and messy meet, the result is this chic messy bun for short hair. While the actual knot is neat and expertly created, the messiness is in the form of the long pieces of hair that are gracefully escaping at the sides.

@nicoleoharehair
Wearing a single flower in your hair is lovely, but wearing two at a time is even better. This cute chignon for short hair is almost too pretty to be real.

@modernsalon
Braided hairstyles are an intricate way to take your locks from blah to bombshell. The interlocking braids seen on this style add both depth and dimension to the overall edgy look.

@linneaharts
A hair color often goes quite a long way, especially if it’s in an extreme shade such as neon turquoise. Here, Minnie Mouse buns look absolutely effortless, plus they’re highlighted by the extraordinary blue-green hair color that turns a simple style into something unforgettable.

@glamiris
This sleek, tight, effortless bun is a beautiful and easy way to wear your short strands in an updo. The hair accessory in this look is placed right through the middle of the bun at a slight angle.

@michaela.lenja
This slightly messy casual updo features a few details to keep it looking chic. Here’s a braided back and a top knot wrapped into a bandana – an easy and creative idea for a casual yet charming updo.

@modernsalon
Short hair doesn’t limit your styling options – it just invites a more thoughtful approach. These looks use braids, twists, and accessories to shape short hair buns that are expressive and totally wearable.