13 Braids for Short Hair We Can’t Get Enough Of

The only braids for short hair, you will ever need!

Thought braided styles only worked for longer tresses? Think again, as braids for short hair are not only totally possible but incredibly stylish – and we can prove it!

So, whether you are looking for a fresh new way to jazz up a short style or simply want to keep your shorter strands at bay while you workout, we have a selection of stunning and practical looks in our inspiration gallery.

Braided hairstyles for short hair: The styles you need to try

1. Dutch braid pigtails

Festival hair anyone? Credit: Instagram.com/lifewithjazz

This is the perfect style for those with shoulder-length hair, as it’ll keep your tresses neatly styled up (where it can’t bother you).

Knowing how to do Dutch braids for short hair might seem like a huge task, but it couldn’t be easier! However, if you’re a plaiting novice and struggle to do a Dutch braid, fret not: just take a look at our step-by-step tutorial and you’ll have it mastered in no time! Credit: @lifewithjazz

2. Headband braid

Who said short hair couldn’t get in on the braided fun? Not us! Credit: Instagram.com/emilyandersonstyling

Headband braids are a style staple for all hair lengths as they make for a stylish way to keep bangs or shorter strands away from the face without having to use hair slides or clips. So, if you are seeking cute braids for short hair, we suggest making this your next look! Credit: @emilyandersonstyling

Why stick to stereotypes? Try diagonal braids for a unique twist. Credit: Instagram.com/jannahmae_x

Looking for braids for short hair that have the ability to handle anything that’s thrown at it? Well, cornrows have become a firm favourite with all the gym bunnies because of their durability and have been taking the fashion world by storm with runway shows and A-listers spotted showcasing the style. Practical and pretty. Credit: @jannahmae_x

4. Half-up, half-down ‘do

Peekaboo braids are a great addition to shorter tresses. Credit: Instagram.com/braidsbyallie

What’s the best thing about short hairstyles with braids? It’s that you can add your own unique stamp on the style!

Take this half-up, half-down hairstyle for example, with a peekaboo braid at the back, it’s totally unexpected, original and cute. Credit: @braidsbyallie

5. U-turn braids

Get creative with your short hair by adding fun braids. Credit: Instagram.com/alex_haircraft

In search of an unusual take on braids for short hair? Take a leaf out of this Instagramer’s book and show off your plaiting skills with u-turn braids. Credit: @alex_haircraft

This is the perfect summer style for short tresses. Credit: Instagram.com/xandervintage

While ponytails may seem like an easy option for shorter hair, they do have a tendency to easily come loose. To overcome this problem, why not learn to side-braid your short hair instead? Credit: @xandervintage

Hair hack: To make your plait appear fuller, simply ‘pancake’ it by gently tugging at the braid with your thumb and forefinger, to create a bigger braid.

7. Half crown braid

Romantic pinned braids look amazing for a wedding – just saying! Credit: Instagram.com/vokalphotography

While your tresses may be too short for full crown braids, you can most certainly style your tresses in a half-crown. Simply create two braids at the front, bring them back, and secure them with pins.

PS: If you have the length, try braiding to the ends and styling in a bun. Credit: @vokalphotography

8. Faux Dutch braid

Pancaked braids will make hair look fuller and thicker. Credit: Instagram.com/kayla.hairstylist

Trying to replicate Sienna Miller’s off-duty look and the Olsen twins’ undone hair is actually a little tricker than it seems, but this is where short-haired ladies have the advantage!

When styling your short hair in this faux Dutch braid, you can let any shorter strands fall freely for a truly relaxed finish. And if you want to master this ingenious pull-through braid, you can learn how to create the look with our tutorial. Credit: @kayla.hairstylist

9. Double Dutch pancake braids

Centre braids are a win-win look. Credit: Instagram.com/thirtythreehair

When it comes to pancakes, two helpings are always better than one, and the same can be said about pancaked braids! So, double up your braided fun with two pretty Dutch braids.

Not only do you get to show off the length of your tresses but if you add cute floral accessories, pearls or hair rings to the style, you’ll earn further style points. Credit: @thirtythreehair

10. Short box braids

Elegant and timeless braids for short hair. Credit: Instagram.com/pureblisshairstudio

If you’re looking for an easy and elegant hairstyle for short hair, look no further. Fishtail braids look effortlessly stylish and can be worn on many occasions.

12. Coloured braids

Spice up your short braids with some colour. You can go as tame or as crazy as you want, like in the photo. You can choose to stick to one shade or really go for the full rainbow!

Find out more braided fun, right this way!