5 Braided Hairstyles for Short Hair

Seeing long-haired beauties traipse across town might have you feeling a little envious of their length. After all, look at the styles they can create! Lucky for us, braids—you know, the trend that has turned into a staple for everyday wear—work on any length and cut for a seriously stylish ‘do. So, instead of wishing you were part of the #LongHairDontCare crew, just look in the mirror and follow one of our tutorials below!

1. Halo Braid

Feeling angelic? Give this full-circle braid a try! You’ll look positively heavenly.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold

Rat tail comb

Mini clear elastics

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create a side part. Using a rat tail comb, divide your hair so that one side is significantly larger than the other.

Step 2: Start on the larger side of hair. Starting at your part, create a French braid all the way down to the middle of the nape of your neck and braid that section hair to the ends. Tie it off with a clear mini elastic.

Step 3: Do the same thing on the other side. You want to make sure that your braids are nice and tight around your ears and the sides of your head for the most flattering look.

Step 4: Criss-cross your braids. Take both braids in your hands and cross them over each other. Tuck the ends under so that only braided sections are visible, then pin your look in place.

Step 5: Add volume. Using the tail end of your rat tail comb, gently pancake the front and back of your braids, making sure to leave the sides untouched. You want to add as much volume as possible without adding bulk to the sides of your head, which can make for a wide, unflattering appearance.

Step 6: Give it some hold. Your short hair looks stunning in this done-up look, so help it stay put all day with a strong hold hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold.

2. Messy Mini Ponytail Braid

If you have a bob or a lob, a ponytail is still totally up your alley. What’s more, it looks super-cute on your length—especially when you add a fun braid like the one below to the mix!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray

Rat tail comb

Hair tie

Bobby pins

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create waves. Messy ponytails look especially pretty when paired with ruffled waves, so when you hop out of the shower, spritz your hair with some of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray and let it air dry. Without the use of any heat you’ll be able to rock beautiful beachy tresses.

Step 2: Part your hair. Using a rat tail comb, create a side part to begin your style.

Step 3: Make your braid. Starting at your part, weave a French braid back towards the crown of your head on both sides.

Step 4: Tie your ponytail. Combine both sides into a mid-level ponytail. To conceal your hair tie, take a small section of hair and wrap it around the base of your pony. Either tuck the ends into the underside of the hair tie so it’s not showing, or use a bobby pin to secure them in place.

Step 5: Pancake your plait. To add volume to your ‘do, use the tail end of your rat tail comb to gently tug at your braid. All done!

3. Waterfall Braid

They say not to chase waterfalls, but when it comes to this look, we simply can’t help ourselves!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Blow Out Heat Spray

Wide-barrel curling iron

Bobby pins

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Curl your hair. Using a wide-barrel curling iron, create big bouncy curls all over your head. Before curling, make sure to protect your hair with a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Blow Out Heat Spray. Once you finish your look, shake out your curls for a more lived-in look.

Step 2: Start with a French braid. Waterfall braids start in French braid fashion and slowly transition into a more flowing look. So, start with three strands and make your first plait.

Step 3: Add in waterfall style. Moving from your part down toward your ear, with every weave that you make, you’ll want to have three sections of hair. Instead of continuously grabbing new sections of hair from all angles, with every chain of the braid weave the top section of hair into the lower two before dropping it and starting a fresh chain. With each new weave, pinch off a new section of hair from the top section.

Step 4: Pin your braid in place. Once you reach your ending point, simply pin your hair in place on an under section of hair so that a top layer can conceal the pin for a natural-looking effect.

4. Dutch Side Braid

This complicated-looking braid is known for its inverted style that instantly transforms your look into a work of art…or at the very least a picture to post on your social feed. Same thing, right?

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo

L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Ruffled Body Mousse

Rat tail comb

Bobby pins

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Start with freshly washed hair. To weave a shorthaired wonder, start off by washing your tresses. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner.

Step 2: Give your hair some body. Instead of reaching for your blow-dryer, use the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Ruffled Body Mousse and let your hair air dry instead.

Step 3: Part your hair. Using a rat tail comb or your fingers, create a deep side part.

Step 4: Weave your Dutch braid. Using the larger side of your hair, gather three sections of hair. Instead of weaving over, you’ll want to braid under for that signature inverted look.

Step 5: Pin in place. Once you reach the back of your head, pick up a top layer of hair and pin your braid in place so that the top layer can conceal the pin.

5. Half-Up Braids

Obsessed with the half-up hair revival from the ‘90s, but want to add a little modern day flair? Weave in a couple braids and you’ll have a look you love! All you have to do is create a traditional braid on each side of your head and tie them together with a clear mini elastic. Easy enough!

And you thought only long hair could rock seriously pretty looks. Think again!