5 Cute Braided Hairstyles for Short Hair

Seeing long-haired beauties traipse across town might have you experiencing a little hair envy. After all, look at all of the amazing hairstyles they can create! But you shouldn’t assume that having short hair means you automatically get the short end of the hairstyle stick. Why? Braids are a major hairstyle trend that can be worn regardless of how long your hair is. So, instead of wishing you were part of the #LongHairDontCare crew, create one of these cute short hairstyles and you’ll see there’s no reason to be green with envy.

CUTE SHORT HAIRSTYLE #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

Bobby pins

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 has significantly more hair than the other.

Step 2: Braid the larger section of hair

Use the larger section to create a French braid that goes to the middle of the nape of your neck. Once you reach that point, tie off the braid with a small clear elastic.

Step 3: Do the same thing on the other side

Move right along to creating a braid 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 the braided sections of your hair are visible, then pin in place.

Step 5: Add volume

Using the pointed 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.

Step 6: Lock in your look

Your short hair looks stunning in this done-up look, so help it stay put with a few spritzes of strong hold hairspray.

CUTE SHORT HAIRSTYLE #2: MESSY MINI PONYTAIL BRAID

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

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. Enhance your hair’s natural texture with a wave spray—no heat required.

Step 2: Part your hair

Using a rat tail comb, create a side part.

Step 3: Create your braid

Starting at your part, weave a French braid towards the back of your head on both sides.

Step 4: Pony up

Combine both braids 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. Tuck the ends into the underside of the hair tie or use a bobby pin to secure them in place.

Step 5: Pancake your plait

To add volume to your ‘do, use your fingers to gently tug at your braid. All done!

CUTE SHORT HAIRSTYLE #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 BLOW DRY IT Thermal Smoother Cream

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. Once you finish your look, shake out your curls for a more lived-in look.

Step 2: Start with a French braid

Waterfall braids actually start as French braids and slowly transition into a more flowing look. So, start with three strands and make your first plait.

Step 3: Switch to a waterfall weave

For every weave that you make, you’ll need to have three sections of hair. Moving from your part down toward your ear, 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. To conceal the pin, rearrange the length of your hair to cover it. 

CUTE SHORT HAIRSTYLE #4: DUTCH SIDE BRAID

This complicated-looking braid is known for its inverted style, which instantly transforms your look into a work of art…or at the very least a picture to post on your Instagram. 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 Boost It Air-Blown Texture Mist

Rat tail comb

Bobby pins

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Start with freshly washed hair

To weave a short-haired wonder, start off by washing your tresses.

Step 2: Give your hair some body

Instead of reaching for your blow-dryer, use a texture spray to add texture and volume to your locks.

Step 3: Part your hair

Using a rat tail comb or your fingers, create a deep side part.

Step 4: Weave your Dutch braid

Working on the side with more hair, gather three smaller sections of hair. Instead of weaving over—as you do with a French braid—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 hides the pin.

CUTE SHORT HAIRSTYLE #5: HALF-UP BRAIDS

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

Want more cute short hairstyles to try? Check out our article, 11 Gorgeous Wedding Hairstyles for Short Hair.