34 Lovely Braids for Short Hair
Braids for short hair are styles made by weaving sections of hair on cuts that reach from the neck to the shoulders. Adding these creative braids is a fun way to make your short hair look more stylish and unique!
Pop stars like Indya Moore, Zoë Kravitz, Miley Cyrus, and Lorde have shown off unique braided hairstyles. Their creative looks add a special touch to their style and make them stand out even more!
There are many fun ways to style your hair with braids. Tennessee hairstylist and braid expert Alex Pelerossi creates all kinds of braids on short hair. Alex also uses different hair colors that look amazing and eye-catching!
Try side braids or braided ponytails for a relaxed or sporty style. For special moments when you want to feel extra confident, choose halo braids or braided buns. These braids add a fun twist to your hair and help you stand out any day!
Brighten up your style! Check out these cute and stylish braid patterns perfect for short hair below!
#1: Dutch Braids
What I love most about this style is the added hair texture and the playful braid. This hairstyle is very flexible. You can make it fancy or casual based on your plans. Be sure to set aside extra time for styling. Short hair isn’t always easier to manage. It depends on your hair type, texture, and thickness!
We used a flat iron to create waves and curls all over the hair. To keep your style looking great at home, use the right hair products. We began with Redken’s Hot Sets 22 heat protector. Then, we added Redken’s Wind Blown hairspray, Kenra’s texturizing spray, and Puff Me texture powder to help the loose braid stay in place.
#2: Box Braids for African Americans
Say goodbye to long hairstyles and enjoy the benefits of easy-to-manage hair with these beautiful looks. You will stand out without spending much time or effort!
#3: Side Braids on Lilac Straight Bob
A simple, straight lilac hairstyle can look amazing with some small side braids. These braids add texture and make a short, straight hairstyle more stylish. To keep the soft lilac shade bright, use purple shampoo regularly.
#4: Braids for Short Hair on Black Girls
These box braids on a young black girl with short hair give a fresh take on “simple.” Decorated with pretty beaded hair accessories, these braids keep kids picture-ready at all times.
#5: Messy Blonde Boho Braid
A loose, messy blonde boho braid is perfect for a bride or a bridesmaid style. Braids help pull some of your hair back while keeping it stylish. Leave a few strands loose in the front to frame your face and create a softer look.
#6: Bohemian Braid
This boho braid gives a fun and fresh twist to the usual half-up, half-down style. Bohemian braids for short hair are very flexible. They look good on most hair lengths, but they may not work well with very thin hair. To make your braid look fuller, add some texture.
#7: Braids for Thin Short Hair
To master boho-chic style, try a bold hairstyle like these edgy Dutch braids for thin, short hair. Add a few hair accessories, and your blonde balayage and ombre hair will stand out from the crowd, even if your hair is fine and thin.
#8: Cute Dutch Braids
Looking for a beautiful half-up braided hairstyle for a special wedding day? These pretty Dutch braids work great on short hair and will catch everyone’s eye! Pair them with dark blonde balayage and add beach waves to the ends. Even at a boho-themed event, you’ll stand out as a trendsetter.
#9: Tribal Box Braids For Black Girls
These stylish tribal box braids for short hair will help you stand out from other black women with bob haircuts. Plus, these box braids mixed with faux locs protect your hair and look great.
#10: Braids for Short Black Hair
Who wouldn’t love these braids for short black hair? Each braid is carefully woven and twisted, making it easy for black girls and women to look amazing without any effort.
#11: For Short Hair African American
Adding tiny, tight braids to a bob hairstyle for Black women is a smart way to make it stand out. This look gives short hair a stylish and beautiful makeover for African-American girls. The golden highlights add an extra touch of charm to the style.
#12: Unique Braids
Looking for a bold style? Pin-track braids on short hair are super cool. These special braids add an edgy, side-swept look you’ll love to try.
#13: Braids for Curly Short Hair
Short undercut hair with natural curls also deserves a fun braid style. This is one of the best braids for short curly hair that every confident woman should try from time to time.
#14: For Toddlers
You don’t have to be a junior bridesmaid to try this style. These braids work great on toddlers with short, thin hair. They look cute and are easy to do for a simple, everyday look.
#15: With Beads
These short hair braids with beads give off strong Queen Cleo vibes! The golden beads woven into the braids highlight your beautiful bronzed chocolate skin and make the style even more stunning.
#16: Twist Braids for Short Natural Hair
Twist braids on short natural hair are very stylish. Today, there are many new methods and extensions that make natural hair even more special. Protect your hair with this braid style, which works well for shorter hair.
#17: Crown Braid
This crown braid on short hair gives a stylish, boho-chic look you can wear any day. The highlights add depth and make the braid stand out with a textured feel. Soft, loose curls complete the hairstyle. It’s perfect for special events like prom or a night out, but also works well for everyday wear.
To get this simple braided short hairstyle, start by applying a heat protectant and a volumizer. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray. Gently pull on the braid to make it look relaxed and textured. For the loose curls, wrap one-inch sections around a Babyliss curling wand. Allow the curls to cool fully before loosening them with your fingers.
#18: Mohawk Braid for Very Short Hair
This mohawk braid style gives very short hair a bold and playful look.
This hairstyle is perfect for women who are playful and carefree! When I arrive at a bridal party, I never know exactly what to expect. She had some length on top and wanted a braid. I chose a pull-through braid because it holds well with elastics. This style helps her hair stay neat in the heat and last for many hours.
Her hair color made everything even more exciting!
#19: Headband Braid
This braided headband has a fun, boho vibe. It works well for weddings or parties. The best part about these braids on short hair is you can make them look fancy or casual. The fishtail braid gives your hair lots of texture and depth, so you don’t need many accessories. Also, think about your hair color and texture. Braids usually stand out more on blonde hair than on brunette hair.
#20: Half-up French Braid
This style is easy to create and works well for a date night or as a bridesmaid. I love how simple it is—just loose beach waves with two basic French braids crossed over. It’s a simple, classic look that anyone can wear!
This easy style gets a boost from texture sprays like R+Co Balloon and Trophy, plus dry shampoo such as R+Co Death Valley. It works great on hair that’s a little dirty and needs a fun, sassy touch!
This short lob has great texture, a lovely blonde color, and thick volume. If you want a fun, bold style and have short to medium-thick hair, this look is perfect. Since your hair is above your shoulders, there aren’t many special occasion styles. This cut is a great choice if you don’t want a full updo but still want something stylish.
#21: Braids for Short Hair with Bangs
Try a boho-chic updo that is simple yet stylish. These easy braids for short hair create a playful, dreamy look. The style is soft but also has detailed, pretty braids. It works well for both casual days and special events. Before trying this hairstyle, think about your hair type—fine, medium, or thick—to choose the right products. Also, consider your face shape to make sure the style suits you best. For this alluring braided updo, use Aveda products. Apply dry shampoo to add texture and grip, so the braids hold better and don’t slip.
#22: For Little Girls
This flexible braided hairstyle mixes Dutch lace braids in the first and third rows, classic Dutch braids in the middle rows, and rope twists. It works great for young girls with short or shoulder-length hair.
You can add different elastics to match any outfit. For a more grown-up style, gather these short hair braids into a half-up ponytail and twist it into a bun. This hairstyle works well for school, sports, or special events!
Set aside about 30 to 45 minutes for styling because braiding takes some time. First, dampen the hair. Then, apply Herbal Essences Set Me Up Spray gel to the strands before braiding. This helps control flyaways and has a pleasant scent!
#23: Lovely Crown Braids for Short Hair
Style your hair in this beautiful updo that looks fit for a queen. It is easy to create, looks classy, and works well for both fancy and everyday occasions.
#24: Double Dutch Braids
If you want your hair to look beautiful in just a few minutes, try this cute hairstyle. It is great for the gym or jogging. This classic style keeps your hair away from your face and makes you look lovely. Braiding short hair may take some work, but it is worth the effort.
#25: Lovely Waterfall Braid
This simple waterfall braid style is easy to do and works with most hair lengths. It’s a great choice for weddings or a fun date night!
#26: Short Braided Ponytail
A simple braided ponytail is perfect for daily wear. I like that it suits both kids and adults. You can leave it down for a relaxed look or make it fancy by twisting it into a bun. Add a pretty flower or hair jewelry to dress it up.
This braided ponytail is great for busy women who don’t want to style their hair every day. It’s easy to care for—just wake up and go. If you recently cut your hair short, this style helps protect it and supports new growth. Want to stand out? Add some bright colors to your braids. You only need a few products, like a little oil sheen, to keep it shiny and fresh. Whether you work full-time or stay at home, this ponytail suits your daily routine. Cute braided styles like this for short hair are simple to maintain.
#27: Twist Braids for Natural Hair
This style features flat two-strand twists on top with single two-strand twists at the back. These crochet braids for short hair can last up to two weeks. You can also separate the back twists to create a new look. It is simple to care for—just wear a hair bonnet at night. To keep it shiny and moisturized, use a light oil or spray.
#28: Sporty Pixie Braid
I call this look a Pastel Unicorn 3D Braided Pixie. What makes it special is its one-of-a-kind style. It mixes soft pastel shades (Guy Tang #Mydentity Vibrant Pastels) with a bold, edgy haircut and braid.
This playful style works great for pixie cuts with super short undercuts. It’s perfect for the Christmas party season and will definitely get you noticed! Follow these steps to create this look:
1. Start with dry hair and spray on some texture spray. Divide your hair into three vertical sections—the middle one should be larger, and the two sides smaller. Clip the middle section out of the way. On the two side sections, apply a light hold paste. Then, make a small Dutch braid on each side. Secure the braids with elastics. Gently loosen the braids to add volume. If needed, spray more texture spray for extra hold.
2. For the middle section, use a curling iron to make barrel curls. Before curling, apply a heat protectant spray. After curling, spray a light hold styling spray and let the curls cool. Then, split each curl into two parts. Cross them over each other to look like a braid. Decide how high you want the braid, as it will make your face look longer. While making this fake braid, keep using a light hold styling spray.
3. Use bobby pins to tuck the elastics from the two smaller braids underneath the middle braid so they stay hidden.
4. Complete your look by using a maximum hold styling spray.
#29: Side French Braids for Short Hair
French braids on short hair look cute and relaxed. This style can make your whole outfit look nicer. The haircut is a short bob, which is easy to care for. If you don’t want French braids, try a simple three-strand braid. Gently pull it apart for a messy, stylish look that stands out.
#30: Easy Halo Braid
The best thing about the halo braid is how flexible it is. You can wear it with a fancy outfit or something casual. It looks great at a wedding or just for a day at the park. Tell your stylist which braid style you prefer. The nice part is you can choose any braid you like and still get the halo look. For example, instead of a simple three-strand braid, you might want a fishtail braid wrapped all around.
#31: Feed-In Braids for Black Hair
This hairstyle is known as box braids with a bob cut. It’s a favorite protective style for those with natural hair.
What I love about this style is that it never goes out of fashion. It works well for any look—professional, casual, or smart. People of all ages can wear it, and it highlights the face nicely. The braids also come in many colors, so everyone can find a shade they like.
If you are short on time to manage your natural hair, this protective style works well. It needs little upkeep—just spray your hair regularly with a mix of water and leave-in conditioner. If you plan to wear the braids for more than two weeks, clean your scalp using a cotton pad dipped in a mix of apple cider vinegar and water.
Before you start braiding, check the health of your hair. If your hair is thin, avoid tight or heavy braids. You can also leave out your baby hairs along the hairline to protect your edges. Use hair gel to smooth these baby hairs for a neat finish.
If you want a simple yet stylish hairstyle, this is perfect. Once you put it on, you won’t need to style it daily!
#32: Ghana Braids for Black Women
This hairstyle comes from Africa. Its beauty relies a lot on the skill and creativity of the braider or stylist. What I love most is that it needs very little upkeep. It’s my favorite quick style because I have a busy schedule. I don’t have to worry about combing my hair. It saves me money and time while still looking neat and pretty.
Wearing a wig is a great idea because you can get this style without spending hours on your hair. It saves money, protects your scalp from stress, and helps your natural hair last longer. Plus, it gives you a fresh, youthful look.
#33: Half Up Fishtail Braid
When I create braided styles, I focus on the shape and volume so the braid suits you well. You need a good product to control frizz but still keep your hair soft and easy to style. It should hold the hair lightly and add shine. My favorite product for this is Artego fingerprints. It is a smooth, shiny hair wax. Even after finishing the braid, you can adjust its volume. Plus, it smells wonderful.
#34: Simple Side Braid
This side braid on short hair was styled by a bridesmaid. I like how it stands out from the usual bridesmaid hairstyles. It’s fresh and unique! You can create this look on any hair length, but short hair adds extra style. The braid is simple to do, or you can try twists or side cornrows instead. Use a thin straightener to make loose waves and add volume. Once you spray it with hairspray, it will hold all night with little upkeep!