22 Inspirational Short Hairstyles for All Occasions
Learn how to style short hair with our inspo pics and easy video tutorials!
Don’t get us wrong, we totally adore short hair, but when it comes to styling it, it really is rather annoying! And while many of us feel limited due to the cropped length, there are in fact a wealth of neat ways to rock short locks – you just have to think a little outside of the box.
But don’t worry if your creative juices have run dry because the All Things Hair team has created the ultimate guide on how to style short hair!
Half-Up Top Knot
If you ask us, the best thing about this pretty party hairstyle is that it looks good from every angle: we’re talking front, back, and sides.
Half-Up, Half-Down French Braid Bun
Thought braids were too difficult to achieve in short hair? Well, think again, because this half-up, half-down French braided hairstyle was practically made for short crops!
Half-Up Pony
For days when you want a quick and easy hairstyle, you can’t beat this Arianna Grande inspired half-up ponytail.
Slicked-Back Hair
Want a really firm way to keep your short locks in check? Then you need to try the ultra-chic wet-look hair trend, as seen on the heads of Khloe Kardashian and other A-list stars! To get this look at home, check out our step-by-step tutorial, here.
Classic Half-Up Half-Down
Half-up hairstyles look great with a bit of added texture, so try putting a few loose waves into your hair with a curling wand before styling.
TWA
Still not sure how best to work your short hair with your earrings? Then remember: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping your look simple – just look at this lovely lady as proof! Her TWA (AKA teeny weenie afro) gives off effortlessly chic vibes like no other, with her chosen accessories helping to emphasise the crop’s boldness. #Slay!
Editor’s tip: Want to make the most out of your short cut? Then why not try the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment as part of your hair care and styling routine? Not only can you use it to moisturise dry-prone afros, but it works a dream as a detangler for straight tresses, too!
Gorgeous Glitter
We think that adding glitter and gold is a great way to make your hair stand out from the crowd. It’s easy to apply, and great for getting your short mane party-ready.
Not glittery enough for you? Then why not take inspiration directly from the catwalks and use confetti? It’s also an ingenious way of concealing your grown-out roots.
Stacked Hairclips
Add some glitz to your short haircut by stacking your favourite hairclips on one side. This look is not only perfect for a formal occasion but it’ll be an instant hit on Instagram.
Beautiful Blooms
We didn’t think you could make afros any more awesome, but we’ve been well and truly proven wrong! Simply by inserting some delicate flowers into your mane, you’ll be able to mix the beauty of nature with natural hair!
It’s great inspiration for beautifying your TWA or afro for Coachella or Glasto. Credit: @spark.and.spunk
Half-Up Ponytail Braid
Looking for a fresh new way to style short hair? With our quick and easy half-up braid tutorial you’ll have the hottest celeb-approved look around.
Mini Space Buns
Miley Cyrus probably has a thing or two to do with the rising popularity of this look, giving a nod to the retro ’90s.
Dealing with second-day hair, but need a quick, cute hairstyle? Then mini space buns could save the hair day.
Pretty Headband
Styling short hair for formal events and occasions isn’t always the easiest thing to do.
Sure, you can slick back your quiff or polish your pixie, but sometimes it just feels like you’re a little underdressed. So, how can you take your look to the next level? Try an Alice band!
Headscarf
Not sure how to style short hair for casual socials, like brunches or summer jaunts in the park? Then draw some inspiration from vintage pin-ups and old Hollywood starlets, and use a colourful scarf to add a pretty, yet retro touch.
Tip: Worried about your natural strands? Then try using a silk scarf, instead! It’ll be softer on your hair and won’t absorb as much moisture!
The Glam Roll
Inspired by hairstyles from the ’40s, this retro-looking roll – which features tousled waves and a deep side parting – will make you look like a silver-screen starlet.
Pair this dazzling hairdo with some extravagant droplet earrings and a bold red lip, for a look that is practically red carpet-ready!
Beautiful Bun
If your short haircut is just long enough to wear up, you might want to consider pulling it into a pretty bun or ponytail!
We know, these styles may seem a little basic, but if the high fashion runways are anything to go by, they’re a hot-to-trot look for the season ahead.
And whether you’re wearing chandeliers, drops or hoops, these ‘dos pretty much work with all earring styles!
Accessorise With a Hat
Okay, this might be considered a little bit of a cheat, this look is both low-maintenance and time-efficient – giving you those extra minutes to show off your amazing style. And even if hat-hair incurs, just pass it off as bedhead texture and hold your head high!
Crown Braid on Short Hair
Thought that this festival-worthy crown braid was just for the girls with long hair? Think again, because this style’s not just for longer locks, this braid is also perfectly suited to bob-length, cropped tresses. The proof is in crown braid short hair tutorial.
Textured Pixie
We love perfectly polished pixies but we’re also in awe of this textured number. It just reeks off-duty cool.
Waterfall braid
Laura’s Little Locket shows us that waterfall braids look wonderful on shorter hair lengths. And they aren’t as difficult as you think!
Bouncy flexi-rod curls
Flexi rods on natural hair is one of the most underrated ways to create curl definition for black hair. It’s great for defined, long-lasting spirals without any heat.
Wonderful waves
Loose waves are the signature look of influencers and celebs. So, of course, we had to add it to our short hair styling list!
Sleek blowout
Regardless of whether you have short, medium or long hair, you can’t deny that a bouncy blowout looks beautiful when done right.
