15 Short Hair Braids Plus a Handy Tutorial
Got short hair? We've got braids! Add all of these short hairstyles with braids combos to your hair style arsenal this season.
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Looking for a way to mix up your short hair? We love the way stunning short hair braids can liven up your cropped locks with minimal effort. Plus, who says you need more hair in order to create an eye-catching style? This is where braids come in to save the day.
No matter the length of your hair, with a few under-over weaving motions you’ll be rocking an array of short hairstyles with braids.
Short Hair Braids: 10 Easy and Stylish Looks to Try
So keep scrolling to check out a braid tutorial for short hair and some of our favorite ways to wear braided hairstyles.
1. Loose Accent Braid
We’re suckers for braids for short hair that evoke some serious Bohemian vibes and this loosely woven braid will do just the trick. To bring this look to life add a texturizing product, like TRESemmé Pro Pure Volume Invisible Styler, to damp hair. Once your hair is prepped, simply loosely weave a braid and tug it apart for a thicker look. In order to keep up with carefree boho vibes either use a clear mini elastic and wrap a thin strand of hair to conceal it, or simply let your braid hang naturally.
2. Braided Headband
We know we’re not the only ones who hate that mid-day headache that’s pretty much inevitable with a typical plastic or metal headband. And that’s exactly why we’re huge advocates of short hair braids like this braided headband. All you’ll need is a pack of bobby pins and a little hairspray—we recommend Dove Style+Extra Hold Hairspray to lock this style in place.
3. Braided Messy Bun
Some days you just want to whip your short hair back into a messy bun and go on without a care in the world. We’re all about lazy day braided hairstyles for short hair but we’re specifically into styles that are easy to create with minimal additions. And what better way to make a messy bun more eye-catching than with a couple of accent braids wrapped around the hair tie? Easy peasy.
4. Thick Braided Cornrows
Cornrows have a rich history in natural hair and are the perfect everyday look. To keep your rows extra nourished, be sure to use hair oil, like Suave Professional Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil, which will provide your hair with extra moisture and shine.
5. Braided Bangs
Braided bangs are the ultimate in easy pretty braids for short hair. They are so great because your hair really only needs to be a few inches long to do it. Bonus: they are awesome for second or third-day hair. Just spritz TRESemmé Clean Pro Pure Dry Shampoo to help refresh your hair. Then, once your hair is prepped, follow our braided hair tutorial to help you to create braided bangs.
TRESemmé
TRESemmé Clean Pro Pure Dry Shampoo
6. Twisted
This twisted braid means business. It’s got that extra polished look that regular braids can sometimes miss. We like French twisted braids for short hair because they look sweet but, mature at the same time. They are perfect! They do tend to be a little slippery though, especially with straight hair. To make sure your hair will stick in this perfectly twisted style all day, prep it with Bed Head by TIGI Wax Stick. It’s got enough hold to make a difference without making your hair stiff.
Then, just like our first braid you’ll part your hair and choose a small section from the front. Then, instead of doing three strands, you’ll do two. Twist the strands, then add a small section of hair, and twist again. Keep on going till you reach your ears then secure with a bobby pin. Quickie style, big effect.
7. Messy Braided Bangs
The one thing that can get tough with braiding styles for short hair, is that they are hard to shake up! What can you do that is dramatically different than a braid or a twist? Well, you can always mess it up. It’s like a model off-duty hair, but with a little more effort. To get this look, follow our short hair braid tutorial.
8. Skinny Accent Braid
If you’re looking for cute braids for short hair, try out this totally sweet accent braid. And yes, you can get it to look this neat, too. This simple three-strand short hair braid creates a cute and subtle statement in your hair. Pro tip: After creating your accent braid, finish up with a hearty spray of TRESemmé TRES Two Freeze Hold Hairspray to set.
9. Multiple Twists
Go for an entire head of twists for a 90s throwback style. This look is super simple ad can last you a few days!
10. Crown Short Hair Braid
Want to go for the regal effect? Create a crown braid for an intricate switch-up in style. We love this braid because it can add spice to a simple everyday outfit or pair perfectly for a special occasion, like a wedding.
11.Double French Short Hair Braids
This style came back into popularity about four years ago and it’s stuck around ever since. The great thing about this style is that it can be worn on lob hair lengths and does a great job of pulling your hair out of your face.
12. Bob Twists
This twisted lob is a classic look that’ll never go out of style. If you have natural hair and you want to try a twisted look, opt for a middle part bob; it’s chic and will be perfect for any occasion.
13. Dutch Headband Short Hair Braids
One reason we love braided headband styles so much? This braided look is amazing for almost any hair length. That’s right, even ladies sporting micro bobs.
14. Micro Bob Twists
Looking for a protective style that’ll suit your micro bob? Try out these twists! This style can be done on almost any length of hair. Plus, if your short hair braids of choice usually box braids, it’s a nice change.
15. Lob Box Braids
Try out a trendy length of hair while protecting your strands with this box braid lob. This is a great go-to style if you’re unsure of what protective style to try.
Tutorial: Easy Headband Braid for Short Hair
Start with clean, dry hair.
Before starting your short hair braid, it’s best to work on dry hair that’s been thoroughly detangled. For a quick refresher in between washes, we like to use a dry shampoo, such as Dove Refresh+Care Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo.
Part your hair and braid.
Create a part where you want your braid to be (Ed’s note: No need to create a perfectly sharp part; you want things to look effortless.). In that case, if you don’t have a comb, opt for using your fingers. Once you’re done, begin French-braiding your fringe area all the way down to the ends.
Secure with a bobby pin.
Secure the ends of your braid onto your scalp with a pin. If you happen to end up with a braid that feels too neat (or stiff), open up the stitch by pancaking them, or gently tugging the chain links apart.
Finish with hairspray.
You can opt to add curls to the rest of your braids for short hair for a fun twist, or just leave hair straight. Finish off with a hairspray that seals in your style, like TRESemmé TRES Two Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
Wanna jazz up your look for a night out? Try adding in some fun hair accessories, like this embellished pin, to give your look some sparkle.
Whether you’re a braiding pro and just need some inspo, or you’re learning how to do short hair braids for the very first time, there are so many ways you can incorporate braids into your cropped style.