When you have short hair, it can sometimes feel like your styling options are limited. But with a little creativity, there are plenty of quick and easy updos that can add a touch of chic to your look in minutes. Whether you’re headed to work, a special event, or just looking for a way to pull your hair back on a casual day, these styles are designed to be both stylish and simple.
Messy buns and other updos for short hair might seem challenging at first. However, with the right technique and a few strategic hair accessories, you can achieve a surprisingly versatile range of looks. From elegant to playful, there’s an updo for every occasion and every hair type. The key is to experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.
Remember, the beauty of these updos lies in their simplicity and ease. With practice, you’ll find that these styles can be completed in just a few minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute plans. Let’s explore some of the most fashionable yet easy updos for short hair that you can start trying today.
Messy Braid Half Up
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The messy braid half-up is a playful and easy style that brings a carefree vibe to any look. To achieve this look, start by adding loose waves to your hair using a curling wand or flat iron for a relaxed, beachy texture. Next, take a section of hair from the crown and loosely twist or braid it, securing it with bobby pins or small clear hair elastics at the back of your head.Allow a few face-framing strands to hang loose for an effortless, tousled appearance. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style while preserving its natural movement.
This style works exceptionally well for those days when you want to add a bit of texture and interest to your hair without spending too much time on it. It’s perfect for casual outings or even a relaxed office environment.
Elegant Half Up
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For a more polished look, the elegant half up is your go-to style. To achieve this look, start by creating soft waves with a curling iron for a bouncy texture. Next, take a section of hair from each side of your head, twist or braid them lightly, and secure them at the back with bobby pins or a fashionable hair clip. This creates a sleek, understated look that’s both professional and stylish.
The beauty of this style is in its versatility. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a decorative clip or barrette where the sections meet. This style works especially well for formal events or important meetings when you want to look your best with minimal effort.
French Twist
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The French twist is a classic updo that exudes sophistication and is surprisingly manageable with short hair. Start by gathering your hair as if you’re creating a low ponytail, then twist it upwards towards the crown of your head. Hold the twist in place and tuck the ends under, securing the style with pins along the twist.
This look can be adapted to suit your individual style by leaving a few loose strands around your face or by tightening the twist for a more polished appearance. It’s an excellent choice for formal occasions, offering a timeless elegance that never goes out of style.
Twisty Updo
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The twisty updo is an elegant hairstyle featuring a low twisted bun with soft, face-framing tendrils for a romantic and sophisticated look. To achieve this style, start by lightly curling your hair to add some texture and volume. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and divide it into two sections. Twist each section individually and then twist them around each other to form a loose and elegant bun. Secure the bun with hairpins, making sure to leave a few loose strands around the face for a soft, delicate touch. Finish with a lighthold hairspray to keep everything in place while maintaining the natural, effortless appearance.
This style is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for a range of occasions. Whether you’re running errands or attending a casual get-together, the twisty updo keeps your hair out of your face while adding a stylish twist to your overall look.
Braided Half Up
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Combining the charm of braids with the simplicity of a half-up style, the braided half-up is perfect for those who love a bit of texture. Simply take a small section of hair from each side of your head, braid them, and secure each braid at the back of your head with a small pin. The result is a look that’s both whimsical and put-together.
This style can be finished with a bun or ponytail at the back, depending on the length of your hair and your personal preference. It’s a fantastic choice for daytime outings or when you just want to add an extra touch of flair to your look.
Minimalist Low Bun
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This is a sleek and elegant hairstyle featuring a simple, polished low bun that exudes sophistication. To achieve this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles and create a smooth texture. Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a tight and neat bun, securing it with bobby pins or a hair tie. Ensure that the bun sits flat against your head for a minimalistic and streamlined appearance. Use a fine-toothed comb to smooth down any flyaways and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place, giving it a clean and polished finish ideal for formal occasions or professional settings.
This elegant updo is perfect for those days when you want a refined look with minimal fuss. It’s incredibly versatile, working equally well for a day at the office or a night out. Plus, it’s a great option for those learning to style short hair, as it requires few steps and little time to perfect.
Boho Half Up
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The boho half up hairstyle epitomizes effortless elegance, combining a relaxed bohemian vibe with chic sophistication. This style features soft, loose waves cascading down, with the top half of the hair gently twisted and secured at the back, creating a subtle knot or braid effect.
To achieve this look, start by curling your hair with a curling wand or flat iron to form gentle waves. Take sections from the front of your hair on both sides, twist them loosely, and bring them to the back, securing them with bobby pins or a small, clear elastic band. For added texture, lightly tug at the twists to create a fuller, more voluminous appearance. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place without compromising its relaxed, undone look.
Classy Roll
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This hairstyle exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. This updo features a sleek, smooth finish with the hair rolled and tucked neatly at the nape of the neck, creating a refined and polished look.
To achieve this style, start by brushing your hair to ensure it is smooth and free of tangles. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you were creating a low ponytail. Begin to roll the hair upward toward the base of your head, tucking the ends inward to form a tight roll. Secure the roll with bobby pins, ensuring they are hidden within the roll for a seamless appearance. For a neat and sleek finish, use a fine-tooth comb to smooth any flyaways and apply a light-hold hairspray. This style exudes elegance and is perfect for formal events or when you want to add a bit of class to your everyday look.
Low Ponytail
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The hairstyle showcased is an elegant, low, twisted ponytail that exudes sophistication with a touch of casual charm. It’s perfect for various occasions, from everyday wear to more formal events. To achieve this look, start by sectioning the hair into two parts from the top, focusing on creating volume. Pull the two sections back and twist them together, securing with a hair tie at the base of the ponytail. Gently tug at the twisted sections to create a slightly messy, voluminous effect, and allow a few loose strands to frame the face for a softer appearance. A bit of hairspray can be used to hold the style in place.
Twisted Side Updo
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This hairstyle is a classic and refined updo, perfect for formal events or professional settings where an elegant and sophisticated look is desired. To achieve this look, start with smooth, brushed hair. Gather the hair at the nape of the neck as if forming a low ponytail, but instead of securing it, twist the hair upward, so that it begins to coil itself vertically against the back of the head. Secure the twist in place with bobby pins tucked discreetly along the seam of the twist. Tuck the ends of the hair into the twist or under the secured portion to create a polished finish. For added hold and sleekness, apply a light mist of hairspray.
This timeless updo not only highlights the neck and shoulders but also proves that short hair can indeed be styled in numerous attractive ways.
Fishtail Braid
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This hairstyle is a romantic half-up fishtail braid that combines elements of both elegance and casual style, perfect for occasions ranging from outdoor weddings to relaxed weekends. To achieve this look, start with loose, softly curled hair for added texture and volume. Take a small section of hair and secure the rest out of the way. Divide this section into two and proceed to create your fishtail braid, incorporating small pieces from each side as you go along. Secure your braid with bobby pins. Gently tug on the braid loops to create a slightly fuller, more voluminous appearance, which gives it a softer and more laid-back look.
Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or just adding a bit of flair to your daily style, the fishtail braid is a versatile choice for short hair.
