20 Braids for Short Hair That Are Perfect for Summer

Add texture and a dose of playfulness to your look with these easy braids for short hair.

All Things Hair Team | March 8, 2022

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If you think you can’t do much with bobs, lobs, or pixie cuts, then these braids for short hair are proof that you can experiment with different hairstyles with chopped tresses just as much as you can with long hair. Braids also never go out of style. Aside from looking pretty, braids can also help you feel presko, especially during summer.

With so many kinds of braids to choose from, it might be overwhelming to pick which ones are the best for you. Don’t worry, because we handpicked these easy braids for short hair to give you tons of choices. Check them out now!

20 Easy Braids for Short Hair

1. Side French Braid

Closeup shot of a Vietnamese woman with short dark hair — Braids for short hair? Totally possible and totally chic. Credit: Shutterstock

This braid is best for you ladies on the go. Simply do a side part and do a small French braid by gathering your hair on one side. Once you reach four to five inches worth of braids, stop and secure with a bobby pin. This instantly creates a no-fuss look that’s neat, pretty, and understated—perfect for any event, even for a job interview or a presentation!

2. Micro Braids

Closeup shot of an Asian woman with short black hair with micro braids looking to the side — Tiny side braids make for an edgy short hairstyle. Try this ‘look now.

These micro braids are perfect if you’re about to paint the town red. They keep the side of your hair away from your face, while letting the other side dangle, thus giving your hairstyle bounce and movement. If you’ve ever thought of getting an undercut but weren’t sure if you’re ready for the big change, then this style might just be your key to the transition.

Dove

Dove Keratin Repair 1 Minute Serum Conditioner

Editor’s tip: Tight hairstyles like braids can damage your hair, so make sure to repair and protect your tresses by using Dove Keratin Repair 1 Minute Serum Conditioner. It has keratin-infused serum capsules that go deep into your hair to repair damage from within. With regular use, it leaves your hair recovered, beautiful, and resilient in just one minute.

3. Crown Braid for Short Hair

Closeup shot of an Asian woman with short black hair in crown braid — Make your hair your very own crown by creating this braid.

Yup, this too is one of the easy braids for short hair! If you grew up reading fairy tales and fantasized of being a princess, then a crown braid brings you a step closer to looking more like your favorite heroines. Simply gather hair from the top of your crown and start doing a loose plait on each side. Secure with a bobby pin and voila! Cinderella, is that you?

4. Dutch Lace Half-Up Braid

Girl with purple short hair in Dutch lace half braid — Chic and laidback, this hairstyle also jazzes up colored hair. Credit: Shutterstock

This is probably the next best thing to a half-ponytail, since it still lets you show off your hair’s length, while adding oomph with an accent braid. Looks even more amazing if you’ve got highlights that peek through the plaits.

5. Twin Fishtail Braid

Summer braid: Closeup shot of an Asian woman with medium-length dark hair in two braids smiling outdoors — Even medium-length hair can be braided. Try the twin fishtail braid. Credit: Hariono Halim

You can put short to medium-length hair in a twin fishtail braid to feel presko on a hot, scorching day. When you’re growing out your bob or lob, this hairstyle can save your look during that awkward phase.

Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Hair Fall Defiance Ultra Conditioner

Editor’s tip: Fortify your strands to avoid hair fall by using Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Hair Fall Defiance Ultra Conditioner. It has revolutionary fiber actives that work up to a cellular level to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage.

6. Half-Up Fishtail Braid Ponytail

Back shot of an Asian woman with short hair in a half-up fishtail braid — This intricate-looking braid makes for an exciting half up hairstyle. Credit: Natashal Estelle

If you want a more dainty hairstyle, go for a half up fishtail braid ponytail. The braiding itself seems delicate, but it’s definitely a doable hairstyle. Style your hair this way when going for coffee dates with your friends or attending simple gatherings.

7. Twin Half-Up Fishtail Braids

Back shot of an Asian woman with half-up fishtail braid for short hair — Scrunch the rest of your hair to add texture and movement to your hairstyle. Credit: Natasha Estelle

This is another take on a half-up fishtail braid for short hair. To create this ‘do, get a section of hair on one side of your head and put it in a fishtail braid. Continue until the braid reaches your crown and secure it with an elastic. Do the same on the other side of your head. When both braids have been secured, combine both ends of the braid by tying them with an elastic, and you’re done!

8. Bob With Baby Braids

Asian woman with braided short hair with bangs — These tiny braids won’t take you long to create. Credit: Shutterstock

Give your chin-length or medium bob a summer vibe by braiding a small section of hair on each side. As you braid these sections, add more hair as you go along so the braids stay put when done. This is also a good hairstyle to go with layered bangs.

9. Braided Bangs

Asian woman with a braid for short hair — Grow out your bangs in style by braiding them. Credit: Dennie Ramon

Growing out your fringe? Braid it so it won’t poke your eyes. Just part your hair deeply on one side and create a braid along your hairline starting from your part up to your ears on the opposite side of your head. Add more hair to your braid as you go along and secure the tips with an elastic. Then, hide the ends of your braid behind your ear for a more polished look.

TRESemmé

TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Smooth Hold Hairspray

TRESemme Compressed Micro Mist Level 2 Smooth Hold

Editor’s tip: Give your hair a smooth finish after braiding by spritzing it with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Smooth Hold Hairspray. It gives your hair light coverage and an invisible hold that lasts all day, so your hairstyles stay smooth and sleek for hours.

10. Waterfall Braid for Short Hair

cute hairstyles for short hair — Cute hairstyle for short hair: a wavy waterfall braid.

You can also get creative when it comes to easy braids for short hair. The waterfall braid proves this. It’s a chic look to cop for dates and weddings — simple yet sweet.

11. Summer Festival Braid

Asian woman with a summer festival braid for short hair — Look chic while lounging around at the beach with this braid. Credit: Natash Estelle

Want a laidback look for the summer? Try this braid for short hair. And don’t worry if your braid ends up a bit loose or messy—it’s part of its boho-chic charm!

12. Twin Braided Bun

Asian woman with a double braided bun hairstyle — Feel the cool breeze brushing your neck when you put your hair in this braided updo. Credit: Dennie Ramon

This hairstyle pulls hair away completely from your face, letting your facial features claim the spotlight. Just create small braids on both sides of your hair and coil and tuck them at the back into small buns. Since the buns are high up your head, this hairstyle may work better on medium bobs and lobs.

13. ’90s Braids for Short Hair

Frizzy hairstyles: Closeup shot of a woman with short hair with braids wearing a printed dress outdoors — Complement your messy ‘do with chic side braids. Credit: indigitalimages.com

In the mood for a throwback? Relive one of the hairstyles that were popular in the ’90s by putting two small sections of your hair in messy braids. Then, simply scrunch the rest of your hair, and voila! You’re ready to face the day.

14. Chunk Dutch Braid

Asian woman with short hair in chunk Dutch braid wearing a denim jacket outdoors — Go around the city in style with a cute chunk Dutch braid. Credit: Hariono Halim

Wanna go big? Create a textured body for your short hair with a chunk dutch braid. This is especially great for Pinays with fine or thin hair.

15. Halo Braid for Short Hair

Short blonde hair: Closeup shot of a woman wearing beige top with blonde bob with bangs — A halo braid can add a bit of drama to your blonde bob. Credit: Shutterstock

Yes, you can also create a halo braid even if you have short hair. Instead of braiding your entire hair, just braid a section around your crown to form a halo. Then, seal with hairspray to keep your halo braid in place.

16. Milkmaid Braid for a Medium Bob

Back shot of an Asian woman with a milkmaid braid for short hair — Beat the heat with a stylish milkmaid braid. Credit: Natasha Estelle

This braid keeps your short hair from brushing your nape, making you feel presko on hot, summer days. To style your hair this way, part your hair at the center from your hairline all the way to your nape. Put each section of your hair in a Dutch braid, secure the ends with an elastic, make the tips meet at the back of your head, and put them in place using bobby pins.

17. Milkmaid Braid for a Pixie Cut

Caucasian woman with brown pixie cut in milkmaid hairstyle — A milkmaid braid on a pixie cut makes for a charming wedding hairstyle. Credit: Raquel Brust

Even a pixie cut can be braided! Style your short hair this way to make your regular pixie cut look fresh and new. You can also wear this hairstyle to parties and special events.

18. Half up French Braid

Back shot of an Asian woman with short hair in a half up French braid hairstyle — You can wear the classic French braid on short hair in a half updo. Credit: Hariono Halim

You’re not alone in being in love with French braids! Believe it or not, you can also cop this even with short hair. A half up French braid is a pretty way to tame your hairs especially on a busy day.

19. Headband Braid

Asian woman with short curly hair with a headband braid for short hair — This braid is a chic hairstyle for short, curly hair. Credit: Natasha Estelle

Something simple yet really chic? A headband braid it is! It’s one of the easy braids for short hair so you don’t have to worry about creating one.

TRESemmé

TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo

Bottle of Tresemme Detox & Nourish Shampoo

Editor’s tip: Keep your curls nourished with the help of TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo. It gently and deeply cleanses your hair, leaving it smooth, nourished, with a great clean feel, and with no residue. Complement this shampoo with TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Serum Conditioner to give your hair more nourishment without weighing it down.

20. Three French Braids

braid for short hair french braid style on model — Tight french braids can work for short hair. Credit: indigitalimages.com

If you’ve ever tried to pull your short hair back into a ponytail, you’d be familiar with the struggle of keeping short strands of hair from sticking out from all sides. So next time, opt for this french braided pony. Just do two to three small french braids and tie them all together at the ends.

Simple and sophisticated, braids are an effortless way to incorporate girlishness and spunk without requiring a lot of tools. It turns your hair into your very own best hair accessory! There’s no limit to the many combinations you can do for your tresses. Have fun and experiment!