As a creative person, musician and actress at heart, Stacey Bradshaw has experimented a lot with her hairstyles just out of curiosity: blunt and side swept bangs, layered haircut, long bob, highlights, dark toning etc. “Life is too long to be afraid of changes. Monotony is dull” is her motto. She is a freelance writer, keen reader, and just a curious person, who loves exploring new useful information on nutrition and beauty tips for keeping hair healthy and pretty.
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Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
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Olga is a professional wedding hairstylist based in the UK. She specializes in modern, effortless, relaxed looks, which emphasize her client’s best features. Olga's hairstyles have been featured in print magazines such as Salonfocus and Weddings & Honeymoons. The stylist is sharing her knowledge and love for hair by training and mentoring other hairdressers.
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@hair.so.boho
Most fancy updos for short hair require curling your locks first, but once you are done with this step, creating a beautiful, messy updo will not take much effort. Looks really pretty, isn’t it?
Have you ever struggled to learn some updos for short hair? With so many gorgeous updo ideas available online, the strong majority are for long hair. This can be maddeningly frustrating for short-haired girls, who deserve to have some inspiration too. We are here to correct this wrong trend and provide you with the best updo ideas for short hair.
Fortunately, there are plenty of updos for short hair – they just take a bit more effort and, in some cases, a lot more hair pins. Check out these 60 images with brilliant ideas below to give you some seriously gorgeous short hair inspiration.
@5thavebranddirectory
This lovely ‘do looks better on lighter hair, as you can see, but if you really like it, then don’t let your black hair hold you back, just get it. It’s ideal for a short bob. Start with a braided section that runs from your side parting to the other side. Style some large curls with a straightener, tousle them and set with hair spray. It’s one of the coolest updo styles for slightly longer hair.
Loose messy curls are a go-to for many women, and they look really chic in a faux updo. The secret behind the look lies in pulling the curled hair to one center and hiding the ends with bobby pins, making the hairstyle look like twisted formal updo.
@knotandveil
A bob with curls instantly looks more ‘done’. This one’s cute and easy! Curls and braids create a Princess-like look even for short hair. Make the ends of the braid melt into the curls, and this hairstyle can work well for any fancy event.
@knotandveil
This example is inspired by a bouffant but featuring a less elevated crown, which makes the style look modern. Super smooth and clean looking, it’s a perfect choice to sport for any formal occasion. A nice trick for the sleek finish is to comb baby hairs using a toothbrush that has hairspray on it.
@jenkeenahair
Wear your straight pixie bob in one of the most popular blowout hairstyles for short hair and spice it up with a loose braid. Shadow roots provide depth and contrast to silver lengths. The side-swept bangs frame the face nicely.
@pkhairzone
Here is another short hair updo worth your attention: pull the strands back, looping and pinning the curled ends in the nape area. This updo is a classier low bun updo rendition. Style for volume in the root area to step up the look for a formal event.
@wecarelifestylesalon
A French braid that feeds into a curly bun is ideal for shorter hair. If you are all about volume, a teased crown moves your updo to the next level. You can even style it for any formal occasion!
@updosforidos
Inspired by the 40s fashion, this twisted and pinned updo is an alternative of a bun for hair that lacks length. It’s a pretty look that is both simple and messy, but still very visually captivating.
@kellgrace
This updo is one of the most requested hairstyles for special occasions nowadays, and you can easily see why. Let this step-by-step transformation convince you that a skilled stylist can achieve it even with short fine hair.
@jeny.stylist
Give your short hair a twist and wear it in a cute half up half down hairdo. The short wavy locks with a messy fishtail ooze a cool girl edge. The balayage highlights enhance it effortlessly.
@chloenbrown
You don’t have to experiment dramatically with your haircut or hair color to come up with a fabulous hairstyle for your very short hair. This neat, cute updo can turn your regular straight bob into an incredibly fascinating ‘do.
@alexandralederer.brautstyling
If you have naturally wavy or curly hair that loses definition and gets frizzy a few days after the wash day, a bun is a perfect way to wear it. For short hair, a low bun is the easiest option. Don’t worry about flyaways – that’s the idea of this purposely disheveled.
@danaraiabridal
A simple updo like this is a romantic option for your short wavy hair. Gather your waves at the nape into a bun, pin in place and leave a few loose tendrils. The ‘do will add a feminine touch to your look.
@styles_by_reneemarie
This simple and casual updo is quick and easy DIY hairstyle for brunch or a date. It’s one of the updos for short hair which prove it doesn’t take much to change things up and open up your face: some curls, a bit of hairspray and well-placed pins!
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
Loose waves and waterfall braids have this air about them that’s effortlessly chic. You may add leave out the front strands to create a loose braid and pin it above the waterfall braid to add whimsy to the style.
@goldplaited_
When you’re looking for a quick and simple hairstyle for short hair, grab the curling iron and hairspray, and get creative. Curl your tresses and pin them at the back, leaving a few locks in front. Even shoulder length hair can be styled into an updo!
@sarasterczewska.hairstylist
Sometimes women don’t like to wear updos because they don’t feel like themselves with their hair up. However, there are many cute hairstyles for short hair that aren’t too ‘done’. A chic undone updo is an ideal choice for bobs, as it suits shorter strands and turns a messy finish to your advantage.
@jasonhaiir
This hairstyle is casual and elegant all at once! To create such a style, you just need a hair brush, a few bobby pins, and maybe some hair styling product to keep the final result longer. If your natural hair color is spiced up with blonde highlights, the updo will look even more dimensional and beautiful.
@kimannesley.hair
Getting bob up like this takes much skill and a good texture and volume powder, but the result tapping into the Pamela Anderson updo trend is simply irresistable. Showy and elegant, it’s appropriate for formal occasions and weddings held in any season. It looks modern and effortless!
@kimberley_hairdressing
Oozing glamor, this loose curly updo is inspired by the roaring ’20s. Excellent for a themed party or any fancy party, the key to this beauty is creating tight curls in the lower half of your hair, and setting with spray.
@styles_by_reneemarie
Curly and wavy hair can be easily styled into a chic updo for short hair. Use bobby pins to lift the curls and style individual pieces into a woven pattern that adds volume and texture to even the finest hair. The golden blonde balayage with dark brown roots brings extra depth and richness.
@wb_upstyles
There’s a lot of height here, especially above the forehead, and the feathered locks throughout contribute to the sense of fullness. It’s an ideal updo for women with ultra-straight, fine hair.
@tonyastylist
Is there any updo more sophisticated than chignon? Don’t underestimate the length requirements for this hairdo — it’s doable for shorter hair, too! You don’t have to pull all the stands to one center; instead, make two or three twists one above another to give your hairstyle a look of a higher sitting chignon.
@hairmakeupolafson
Most fancy updos for short hair require curling your locks first, but once you are done with this step, creating a beautiful, messy updo will not take much effort. Looks really pretty, isn’t it?
@hair.so.boho
The creator of this hairstyle says she hears the phrase, “I would like my hair up, but I think it’s too short” all too often. While long hair is better for up styles, it doesn’t mean it can’t be done on short hair too! Anything is possible with the right products, tools and knowledge. The model in the example has collarbone-length hair.
@natasha.astylist
Nothing says formal better than a classic chignon updo. Add some easy side twists and tease the top just a bit to provide extra fullness and volume.
@gracestarbeauty
Adding a few clip-in extensions is great for women with short hair who want a classy updo for a formal event or gathering. Backcomb your hair on top a little bit and add some dry shampoo to the roots of your hair for better hold and extra volume. You can also release some face-framing tendrils and curl them with a curling iron to make this look more romantic.
@chantellemareehair
Finding cute hairstyles for short hair can be tricky, but creativity of hair enthusiasts knows no limits. This hairdo is a modern take on the braided Mohawk. When you don’t have enough length for a common Mohawk braid, make it from topsy tails. These don’t need long strands and can be linked together creating a cute voluminous braid that normally needs a decent length.
@hairbyelena
Who said you should struggle to updo your hair if you can have a splendid half-updo for short hair, which is just as elegant? It’s absolutely party-ready and creative.
@pinupbeautysalonllc
Easy updos for short hair, like soft curly updos, are tender and feminine! They’re a great idea if you’re looking for bridesmaids styles as they accommodate all sorts of textures, and would look really pretty shown together in a range of different hair colors.
@braids_by_sofie
Here, the strands are casually rolled into a beautiful messy undone updo, with a few pieces going their own way and falling out of the sides while looking careless. Such cute hairdos look adorable for any occasion.
@lauren.morrison
Some people wrongly believe updos are only for people with medium to long hair. But the truth is, you can style short hair into some of the most flattering updos in the blink of an eye! You can try doing this updo yourself, just curl and twist small locks of hair into the back of your head and pin them in place.
@carla.viljoen
Easy hairstyles for short hair can look classic and very fancy too! The famous loops by Kell Grace are fun and sweet take on the classic updo and they do not require curling your hair first. Just loop hair pieces around each other and pin in place hiding the ends.
@kellgrace
Think you can’t do an updo with short, fine hair? Think again! This clean low roll was created with a bit of hair padding to create more volume in the bun, a texturizing iron to create volume throughout the crown, loose texture powder for volume and grip, and, finally, a spray wax and strong hold hairspray to lock it in.
@lovelybylindsey
If you want to make something cute and creative, pay attention to half updos for short hair. For example, this braided updo with wavy locks and highlights can become a perfect match for your bridesmaid dress or prom outfit.
@inspiredartistrybymickeela
You can never gowrong with a fancy wavy updo. If you want to tackle the updo on your on, curl your tresses, gather your hair in a messy bun, and loop it with hairpins. Use some texturizing spray and be sure to follow the tips for long-lasting curls, as the hairstyle might lose its allure the texture is lost.
@mrs_updo
Skip heat styling and go the textured route with hairdos for short hair. Use natural texture or sea salt spray on damp hair to develop soft beach waves. This pretty updo is appropriate for semi-formal events — particularly the ones during warm seasons.
@cherry_blossom_belle
It can be quite challenging to create an updo out of short fine hair. However, this photo proves you can make a fantastic updo even on straight short hair. This idea will look great on older women who want to pull off an elegant ‘do.
@kellgrace
This is a quick and exciting updo with a lot of character for short hair. Girls with a bob length can definitely pull it off. Play with twists trying to achieve an undone feel.
@rachaelharris_hairmakeupbeauty
This fancy updo is an excellent compromise between a classy bun and a voluminous textured hairstyle. Your stylist will use a generous amount of hair spray to add grip to the locks and set them in place – mind this if you don’t like this feeling.
@emi.styles.hair
For this creative and cute look, you need to use a texturizing product and a lot of strong hold spray that will keep the messy knots from unraveling. The result is totally worth it though!
@hairby.miasmart
Sarah Livesey, the stylist behind this bridal hairstyle for short hair, is convinced that with the right techniques and styling, short hair can be transformed into a soft glam and a secure updo, which will last all your big day. We cannot agree more!
@ribblevalleybridalhair
Like the three-bun twist, this hairstyle has the same idea, but takes things a bit more casual. Divide the hair into three low ponytails and then twist each section and pin it in place, forming a shape of a bun. Then spray with setting spray.
This is how the ideal formal updo looks. Elegant, delicate, captivating – what else can you ask for? Plus, that gorgeous blend of brown and caramel highlights looks so charming people won’t be able to take their eyes off you.
@california_hair_and_beauty
Ou la la! Take a French twist up a notch by varying the direction of sections on each side. This ‘do is extra remarkable on hair that is multi-toned, with highlights or balayage being displayed phenomenally.
@jaclynnicolesalon
Lovely and intricate, this hairstyle takes a bit of practice but looks really gorgeous as an updo for formal occasions. Use appropriate products for greater control and ease of style. Decorate it with stylish hair accessories to make your hairdo even more eye-catching.
@ashleyswaincreative
This hairdo, inspired by the popular boho style, is easy to do and its very popular among young girls. To make this half updo, you should twist two strands of hair on the sides and pin them with a clip or a hairpin. Getting soft waves will immediately step up the look.
@hair.so.boho
Start by styling your straight short bob into soft curls, using a curling iron. Sweep hair into a deep side part and then grab random sections and pin into place at the nape of the neck. Don’t worry it some wisps or strands fell out – just curl them to look deliberate.
When edgy and feminine come together – you may get a truly stylish look just like this eye-catching hairstyle. It gives your locks tons of texture and dimension thanks to messy styling and blonde highlights.
@beautybashbychristly
A pretty way to style lob-length hair is in a curly faux chignon. Focus on curling only the ends of the strands and tease the roots for a full, fancy look.
@pure.salon
Using the tricks of backcombing and tucking, this ‘do makes hair seem much thicker and longer than it really is. Add in a few curls with an iron to soften up the look.
This is one of the easiest hairstyles for short hair, which comes out as one of the most nice-looking evening styles. To achieve this look, ask your hair stylist to curl your straight tresses and add a hair accessory to spice up this elegant medium short hair updo.
@irene.fast_brautstyling
Just check the before-after picture of this gorgeous modern hairstyle for short hair! Elegant and stunning! If you’re looking for some inspiration for your elegant prom updo, this might be exactly what you need.
@maria_s_hairlooks
With this gracious and sophisticated French twist, you will definitely be noticed wherever you go! Ask your hair stylist to decorate this style with pearls to add elegance and grace to your look.
@wavesandveil
Everything about this hairstyle is bold and artful! Even if you do not consider bright coloring, steal this idea of maximizing hair length in your pony by braiding hair upside down and getting these fancy cornrow twists on the sides.
@alex_haircraft
Half updo hairstyles are wonderful for short wavy hair for multiple reasons. They are very low-maintenance, easy to style, and add fantastic volume and texture to the locks. Connect two twisted strands taken from each side in the middle, and voilà – your magnificent half-up hairstyle is ready!
@xxchellsixx
This is a good example of a stunning half-up style for the ladies who don’t have the length for a full bun but want to bring more texture to their hair. To create such updos for short hair, you need to take pieces of hair on each side and pin them on the opposite side to create some kind of a loop. Add side bangs to make your hairdo softer and more elegant.
@sararobertshair
Easy hairstyles for short hair can be simple and striking at the same time. Play up an asymmetrical bob with two side braids featuring precise parts. A chameleon style like this can be your saviour to events where you’re unsure about how casual or formal the dress code is.
@alex_haircraft
You don’t need too intricate ways to style your hair to look spectacular. Sometimes twists and a bun can do the trick! Lived in highlights add dimension to this look and visually emphasize the diversity of aptly blended hues.
@hairbytashariebot
Most people believe that an updo for short thin hair is the biggest challenge, but creating an updo for thick and layered hair is not less challenging. The key to aceing this look is gathering and pinning layers of the same length at their own level rather than bringing them to one point.
@ribblevalleybridal
We hope these ideas have been good proof that you don’t have to grow out your hair to sport one of those elegant updos! Women with shoulder-length and even shorter hair can style a wide variety of updos that look lovely and glam, just show one of these inspiration images to your stylist or get down to experiments yourself.
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Wearing shorter hair up can be a challenge, and if you are wondering whether it would work or not, there’s a simple answer. If the shortest hair at the nape of your neck is at least 4-5 inches long, you can try to have an updo. If you are styling your own hair, use small elastic bands to keep shorter strands together. Twist them and pin, tucking the hair bands under the bun.”