How to Create a Milkmaid Braid for Short Hair + Other Must-Try Braids

Want to pull off a pigtail-like braid but with more sophistication and polish? The milkmaid braid might just be your next favorite braided hairstyle, especially with how versatile it can be when it comes to how you can match it with different outfits. If you have short hair, don’t worry. We’re showing you an easy and quick way on how you can create a milkmaid braid for short hair.

Steps in Creating a Milkmaid Braid for Short Hair

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Prep hair

Before anything else, prep your hair by using products that can help strengthen your hair strands to prevent breakage. This is especially important if you’re doing braids and subsequently using other products such as hairspray or gel. We recommend using the powerful combination of TRESemmé Total Salon Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. This can repair up to two years’ worth of damage, as well as protect it against future damage.

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Clip your hair

To start, create a middle parting using the tip of the tail of your comb. Clip one side of your hair to make it easier for you to start braiding.

#HairHack: Spritz some hairspray on your hair to give it a better grip. We recommend using TRESemmé Salon Finish Extra Hold Hairspray to also help your braided hairstyle last longer throughout the day.

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Start braiding

Divide one side of your hair into three smaller parts to create a Dutch braid from your hairline going down. To do this, cross the left section under the middle, then the right under the new middle section. Simply add more hair to your braid as you go along. When you reach the tips, secure your braid with an elastic.

 

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Do it again

Repeat the same process to the other side of your hair. Don’t worry if your braids aren’t perfect. Just continue until you create two cute Dutch braids. 

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Pin and polish

Now on to the finishing touches for your milkmaid braid for short hair! Use bobby pins to clip together the tips of your braid to the rest of your hair. Do it in such a way that the pins are hidden, and the tail ends of your braids are intertwined with your hair as well and not protruding from it. Spray on a bit more hairspray or hair polish if need be in order to keep the strands in place.

Other Braids to Try

Still looking for more braided hairstyles to try? Check out these stylish braids and try them right now!

1. Headband braid

Want to add some (literal) twist to your hair? Create a headband braid for an instant look upgrade that you can wear from day to night! You can also wear this ‘do even if you have short or medium-length hair.

2. Half up half down fishtail braid

Do away with the regular braided half ponytail and go for a fishtail braid half updo. Just tie the upper section of your bob or lob into a half ponytail and form a fishtail braid. It’s easy and it looks unique, too!

3. French rope braid updo

If you need a more elegant and regal look, then this French rope braid updo may just be exactly what you need. You can wear with a pretty, flowy dress during a daytime gathering or together with your LBD for a fancy dinner or cocktail party.

4. Crown braid for short hair

Another braided hairstyle that reminds us of royalty is the crown braid. As its name suggests, the braid perfectly frames the top of your head to create this dainty and feminine look.

5. Waterfall braid

If you’re not too keen on putting your hair in an updo or in a ponytail, then we recommend trying out this sleek and chic waterfall braid. What’s great about this braided hairstyle is that even girls with short to medium-length hair can pull it off in just a few easy steps.

Now there’s no excuse for you to get bored of your hair regardless of its length. With the milkmaid braid for short hair and other braided hairstyle, you’ll be able to nail a versatile look that you can wear for different occasions and purposes.

Next read: Check out more braids for short hair that you can do even if you have a packed schedule!