Braided Hairstyles for Short Hair

If you have short hair you may have the impression that braided hairstyles are out of reach. Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are so many wonderful ways to braid short hair, with almost no style of braid off limits. From the classic Dutch and French braid to the more adventurous fishtail and basket-weave braid, there is sure to be a braided hairstyle that will suit your short hair. So, get all the style inspiration you need and check out our favourite braided hairstyles for short hair.

Even the shortest of hairstyles can incorporate braids in one way or another. The lengths of this pixie crop have been plaited into a chunky French Braid and pinned into place. The weaving of the stunning holographic-effect hair is slightly off centre, giving the style a great asymmetry

A Dutch braid is the reverse of the classic French braid. It has the same technique except for the stands of hair are woven under the centre strand, which makes the braid sit on top of the head. These double dutch braids are stunning and really highlight the different tones of pink in the hair, from the rich magenta at the roots to the lighter pastel shade on the lengths. The pigtails securing the braids is a cute, yet edgy touch.

Don’t have a headband? No problem, create one using your own hair by Dutch braiding two sections of hair either side of the hairline and secure to the scalp. Cover the ends of the braids with some loose tendrils and your braided look is complete. This is a style that will work on the shortest of hair as the braids are kept close to the head.

Why not combine a few different types of braids into the same hairstyle like this beautiful pixie crop. The icy grey tone has been wonderfully braided into Dutch and twisted rope braids, leaving the hair from the crown to the ape of the neck loose and textured. A really interesting style.

A braid in short hair can really make a beautiful dye job to shine. The contrast in this caramel to bright blonde ombre is so vibrant in this lob thanks to a chunky Dutch braid which is secured in a neat bun. Very cool.

How cool are these multiple boxer braids? They start right at the hairline and hug the head all the way around with the free ends braided as close to the tips of the hair as possible. Boxer braids have been trending on the likes of Instagram for the past year, and it is not hard to see why. They are fresh and youthful, and have a great urban vibe.

Slightly undone Dutch braids in short hair have an effortless chicness to them. So if a few strands of your short hair come loose, don’t worry about it. Leave a few loose strands around the hairline to complete your messy double Dutch braids.

If you have grown out bangs that are at an awkward length a great way to style them is in a half-crown French Braid. It will keep them out of your face as look so effortlessly chic. Adding a subtle wave through this shoulder-length bob adds to the relaxed feel and gives emphasis to the multiple tones of ash blonde.

This asymmetry of this bob has been accentuated by the attention of some cornrow-style braids on the shorter side. A great braided style for thick hair for taking some of the weight out and creating a little bit of extra visual interest.

This grown out pixie cut looks so cool and contemporary with some mini Dutch braids that feen into a top knot. The style has some edge with black roots and a platinum and honey blonde highlights. The lighter strands of hair really emphasise the stunning shape of the plaits, making them stand out against the dark roots.

This super cute and sleek pixie cut has been given some extra sharpness by braiding the ends of the bangs. It creates such an interesting effect and can be created on side-swept bangs in hair of any length.

A waterfall braid always looks ethereal, particularly so in this multi-tonal platinum bob with feminine curls. The way this waterfall braid has been plaited around the head almost creates a halo effect, making it the perfect braided hairstyle for prom, weddings, or other special occasions.

This undercut bob has been given some asymmetry with a French braid that starts at the temple and weaves right around the head. The lighter ends of the ash blonde hair give the plait extra definition, really helping it to stand out.

To create this faux hawk style braid, the key is to build up some texture in the roots before plaiting to give some volume. Backcomb the section of hair you intend to braid and then loosely French plait so it stands up off the head nicely. Add a fine mist of firm hold hairspray and secure in a ponytail at the crown of the head.