Braided Hairstyles for Short Hair
If you have short hair you may have the impression that braided hairstyles are out of reach. Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are so many wonderful ways to braid short hair, with almost no style of braid off limits. From the classic Dutch and French braid to the more adventurous fishtail and basket-weave braid, there is sure to be a braided hairstyle that will suit your short hair.
So, get all the style inspiration you need and check out our favourite braided hairstyles for short hair.
1Pixie Cut with Loose French Braid
2Pink Chunky Dutch Braids with Pigtails
A Dutch braid is the reverse of the classic French braid. It has the same technique except for the stands of hair are woven under the centre strand, which makes the braid sit on top of the head. These double dutch braids are stunning and really highlight the different tones of pink in the hair, from the rich magenta at the roots to the lighter pastel shade on the lengths. The pigtails securing the braids is a cute, yet edgy touch.
3Braided Headband in Wavy Lob
Don’t have a headband? No problem, create one using your own hair by Dutch braiding two sections of hair either side of the hairline and secure to the scalp. Cover the ends of the braids with some loose tendrils and your braided look is complete. This is a style that will work on the shortest of hair as the braids are kept close to the head.
4Icy Grey Pixie Cut with Multiple Braids
5Half Dutch Braid and Bun
6Multiple Boxer Braids for Short Hair
How cool are these multiple boxer braids? They start right at the hairline and hug the head all the way around with the free ends braided as close to the tips of the hair as possible. Boxer braids have been trending on the likes of Instagram for the past year, and it is not hard to see why. They are fresh and youthful, and have a great urban vibe.
7Messy Double Dutch Braids
8Half-Crown French Braid with Waves
If you have grown out bangs that are at an awkward length a great way to style them is in a half-crown French Braid. It will keep them out of your face as look so effortlessly chic. Adding a subtle wave through this shoulder-length bob adds to the relaxed feel and gives emphasis to the multiple tones of ash blonde.
9Asymmetric Bob with Side Braids
10Mini Dutch Braids with Top Knot
This grown out pixie cut looks so cool and contemporary with some mini Dutch braids that feen into a top knot. The style has some edge with black roots and a platinum and honey blonde highlights. The lighter strands of hair really emphasise the stunning shape of the plaits, making them stand out against the dark roots.
11Pixie Cut with Braided Bangs
12Platinum Bob with Waterfall Braid and Waves
13Edgy Bob Cut with French Braid
14Braided Faux Hawk with Ponytail
To create this faux hawk style braid, the key is to build up some texture in the roots before plaiting to give some volume. Backcomb the section of hair you intend to braid and then loosely French plait so it stands up off the head nicely. Add a fine mist of firm hold hairspray and secure in a ponytail at the crown of the head.
15Fishtail Braid Crown on Short Hair
This lilac and silver hair has been given an extra touch of magic with a fishtail braid crown. Two front sections of hair have been braided in the fishtail style and then secured together at the back of the head, with a few bunches of baby’s breath flowers woven in. This would really make a wonderful festival look.
16Messy Lob with Dutch Braid
17Side-Parted Pink Bob with Dutch Braid
This blunt bob has been given some softness with a Dutch braid that has been braided behind the ear from the hairline and secured with an invisible hair tie. The braid stands out from the hair thanks to some dark roots, which help give some definition. The blorange base colour is so on trend this season too, which makes this braided style super contemporary.
18Inverted Bob with Twisted Rope Braid
If you find plaiting difficult, a rope braid is probably the easiest to do, but still looks awesome. Twist two sections of hair in opposite directions and then wind them around one another and pin into place. By twisting the hair in opposite directions creates frictions which prevent it from unwinding. So clever.
19Double Fishtail Braids with Buns
20Dutch Braided Parting
21Teal Dutch Braids with Space Buns and Glitter Parting
With the festive season upon us, you might be interested in trying out a braided hairstyle that is a little more seasonal. This teal hair colour has a real winter feel to it and the Dutch braids into the messy space buns is a fun style perfect for party season. An extra touch of sparkle has been given to the style with some silver glitter along the parting. Can you imagine how wonderful that will look under some disco lights?
22Relaxed Double Dutch Braids for Short Hair
There is something sporty and relaxed about these double Dutch braids in gorgeous ash blonde hair. The little pigtails securing the braids at the nape of the neck are super cute, yet also have a chicness about them. Loose hairs coming free from the braids just adds to the ‘undone’ appeal of the style.
23Long Pixie Cut with Half-head Dutch Braid
24Pull-Through Braid Faux Hawk
Even the pull-through braid can be done on short hair – it may look a little loose and messy, but it creates such cool almost faux hawk effect. There are a number of great tutorials on YouTube on how to create great pull-through braided styles on short hair.
25Four-Strand Braids and Space Buns
26Braided Halo Headband
27Reverse French Braid and Messy Bun