short hairstyles 21 Easy Updos for Short Hair

Bobs and lobs are two of the most popular haircuts at the moment. But while these ‘dos are super-stylish and on-trend, it can oftentimes be tricky to put your hair into an updo when you have a shorter cut. With long hair, it’s easy to throw your mane into a ponytail or braided bun and call it a day. But if you’ve recently made the chop and opted for a shorter haircut, you may be wondering if easy updos for short hair even exist. The good news is, it’s totally possible to rock cute updos for short hair, whether your strands are shoulder or chin-length. It’s all about finding the right bun (or another type of updo!) for your short haircut. Keep reading for 21 easy updos for short hair!

1. BRAIDED UPDO

What’s better than an updo? A braided updo, of course! Not only is this style easy to do, but the braids give it a textured touch that’s anything-but-boring. Plus, braids are a great style to try when you don’t have time to wash your hair. So, if you have plans and are running late, turn your attention to this simple style. Because who has to know you’re on second-day hair? We won’t tell!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Bobby pins

Clear elastics

Get the look:

STEP #1: START WITH DAY TWO HAIR

Beginning with second-day hair, part your hair down the middle.

STEP #2 APPLY HAIR GEL

Squeeze a bit of hair gel into your palms. Then, work the gel through your roots at the front of your head for extra grip.

STEP #3: BRAID

Take a three-inch section of hair at the front of your head and split it into three equally-sized strands. Use these strands to braid toward the back of your head. Secure with a clear elastic.

Repeat this process on the other side of your head.

STEP #4: PIN IT BACK

Bring your two braids to the back of your head so that the ends meet in the middle. Pin the overlapping ends into place with a few bobby pins.

STEP #5: BRAID SOME MORE

Split your remaining hair into two sections, then braid each section into a traditional three-strand braid.

STEP #6: TUCK YOUR BRAIDS

Take your first braid and cross it to the opposite side, tucking the end of the braid under your previous braids. Bobby pin it into place. Repeat on the opposite side with your remaining braid.

STEP #7: SEAL THE DEAL

Finish your style with a long-lasting hairspray to keep your strands in place all day and night!

2. CHIGNON

That classic, sophisticated updo you’ve come to know so well? It doesn’t require having long locks! Getting the look is actually quite simple, and the end look is oh-so-professional and chic.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold

Get the look:

Follow our step-by-step tutorial, How to Master a Chignon Hairstyle in 5 Easy Steps.

3. BALLERINA BUN

Slick your hair back into a sleek, polished ballerina bun. This is one of the best buns for short hair, and it’s suitable for more professional occasions like work or an interview.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

Hair spray

Get the look:

STEP #1: SMOOTH YOUR LOCKS

Apply a bit of hair pomade to your hair to smooth back your strands.

STEP #2: CREATE A PONYTAIL

Use a hair elastic to secure your hair into a ponytail, making sure no bumps are in sight!

STEP #3: MAKE YOUR BUN

Twist your ponytail into a sleek, smooth bun by wrapping the twisted section around the ponytail’s base. Pin the bun into place using bobby pins.

STEP #4 SEAL YOUR STYLE

Spritz your mane with some hair spray to keep your style in place.

4. HALF-UP SPACE BUNS

What’s easier than a regular updo for short hair? A half-up hairstyle!

What you’ll need:

Bobby pins

Hair spray

Get the look:

STEP #1: PART YOUR HAIR

Split your hair down the middle.

STEP #2: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Section off your hair by parting your mane from ear to ear, leaving you with a top and bottom section of hair.

STEP #3: CREATE YOUR BUNS

Split the top section into two equally-sized sections—one on each side of your part. Twist the first section into a small bun at the top of your head. Secure with bobby pins. Repeat with the remaining top section of hair.

STEP #4: GRAB SOME HAIRSPRAY

Spritz on some hairspray to keep your half-up space buns from budging.

5. TUCKED UPDO

Tuck your strands up and out of the way with a tucked updo.

What you’ll need:

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

STEP #1: CREATE A PONYTAIL

Bring your mane into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure with a hair elastic.

STEP #2: WRAP YOUR PONY

Use your fingers to create a hole in your hair just above where your hair elastic is. Then, wrap your ponytail around itself by pulling the ends through the top of said hole.

STEP #3: TUCK AND PIN

Tuck the ends of your hair into that same hole, pinning them into place so that the bobby pins aren’t visible. So chic!

6. FRENCH TWIST

Another classic, sophisticated updo, you can’t go wrong with a French twist.

What you’ll need:

Hair spray

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

Get the look:

Master this hairstyle staple with help from our tutorial, How to Create a Classic French Twist.

7. MESSY BUN

Not all updos have to be posh and polished, of course. Sometimes, the messier, the better! Messy buns for short hair are a classic look, and they’re perfect for running errands or heading to class.

What you’ll need:

Hair brush

Texturizing spray

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Get the look:

Need to brush up on how to do this easy updo for short hair? Here’s How to Create a Messy Bun.

8. VOLUMINOUS BUN

Just because you have short hair doesn’t mean you can’t create a voluminous bun! It’s all about using the right hair accessories to get the look.

What you’ll need:

Hair cream

Banana clip

Bobby pins

Hair spray

Get the look:

STEP #1: SMOOTH YOUR MANE

Use a bit of hair cream to smooth your locks before creating your bun.

STEP #2: CLIP YOUR HAIR UP

Create a high ponytail, securing your hair into place with your banana clip.

STEP #3: PIN YOUR STRANDS

Pin your ends so that they cover your banana clip, creating a voluminous bun. Be sure to pin them securely and try to disguise the pins. Hello, volume!

STEP #4: SET YOUR STYLE

Spritz on a little hair spray to keep your style in place.

9. SLEEK PONY

Who says that long hair corners the market on sleek ponytails? You can actually create this timeless and versatile style with your short strands.

What you’ll need:

Hair gel

Hair elastic

Hair spray

Bobby pins

Hair brush

Get the look:

Step #1: DETANGLE YOUR HAIR

Use a hair brush to smooth out any tangles or knots taking over your strands.

Step #2: SMOOTH YOUR MANE

Apply a dime-sized amount of hair gel to the roots of your hair and brush it back toward the nape of the neck. Gather your strands and secure with a hair elastic.

STEP #3: FINISHING SPRAY

Once your ponytail is in place, spritz strong-hold hairspray evenly over your mane to seal the deal. If there are any short pieces that don’t make it into your pony, you can leave them out as face-framing strands or pin them back. Easy!

10. FAUX HAWK

The mohawk hairstyle is making a comeback—but you don’t have to commit to chopping your locks. Instead, try a faux hawk hairstyle for a short updo that evokes total rocker vibes.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Conditioner

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse

Clear elastics

Texturizing spray

Curling wand

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray

Fine-tooth comb

Bobby pins

Hair gel

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold

Get the look:

Go super edgy with help from our article, How to Rock a Faux Hawk Hairstyle.

11. BRAIDED HEADBAND

Remember when we mentioned our love for a braid-meets-updo combo? Well, here’s another cute updo for short hair that falls into the category.

What you’ll need:

Bobby pins

Hair texturizer

Hairspray

Get the look:

Click through to find out How to Get a Braided Headband Hairstyle.

12. LOW BUN

Slick your hair into a low bun for a super easy, very simple updo.

What you’ll need:

Hair gel

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP #1: SMOOTH YOUR MANE

With a dollop of hair gel, slick your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then secure with a hair elastic.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR BUN

Twist your ponytail into a low bun, wrapping it around the base of the pony. Secure with bobby pins.

13. MESSY UPDO

Looking for a messy, undone romantic updo? We’ve got heart eyes for this one!

What you’ll need:

Heat protectant

Curling iron

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume

Get the look:

STEP #1: CURL YOUR HAIR

Spritz your locks with a heat protectant before creating loose, effortless curls. For a more dimensional updo, vary the sizes of your curls.

STEP #2: PIN AWAY

Take sections of hair at random and pin them up as you see fit. The fun part about this updo is that you have full creative control! Your curls will look gorgeous no matter where you put them—promise!

STEP #3: SEAL YOUR STYLE

After you’ve finished pinning, spray your mane with a weather-proof hair spray for an updo that can withstand the elements.

14. TOP KNOT

It wouldn’t be an updo roundup without mention of a top knot, now would it? This classic hairstyle can be worn to brunch, the grocery store, or the office.

What you’ll need:

Texturizing spray

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

Hair spray

Get the look:

Need to brush up on your top knot skills? Here’s How to Do the Perfect Top Knot.

15. CROWN BRAID

Looking for bohemian, romantic updos for short hair? We think this style is fit for a princess—or at the very least a night out.

What you’ll need:

Hair brush

Clear elastic

Bobby pins

Hair spray

Get the look:

Anyone can master this royal look with our tutorial, How to Create a Beautiful Crown Braid.

16. TRIPLE TWIST UPDO

If you want an easy updo that looks like it took a lot of time when in reality, it took no time at all, this is your guy!

What you’ll need:

Hair clips

Texturizing spray

Hair elastics

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Split your hair into three equal sections: a top, middle, and bottom. Clip away the middle and top sections for now.

STEP #2; CREATE YOUR FIRST TWIST

Spritz texture spray onto the bottom section of hair. Then, pull the bottom section into a low ponytail, securing it with a hair elastic. Next, twist the ponytail into a bun—it’s totally okay to be messy—and pin it into place with bobby pins.

STEP #3: REPEAT

Repeat step two on the middle and top sections of hair. Make sure that your twists line up and are of equal size. All done!

17. BANTU KNOTS

This popular updo for natural hair doubles as a protective hairstyle. Score!

What you’ll need:

Curl cream

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Grab a one-inch section of hair at your hairline.

STEP #2: APPLY SOME CREAM

Reach for your curl cream or gel and apply it to the section of hair.

STEP #3: TWIST AWAY

Twist the strand from root to tip. Then, twist the twist around itself, forming your knot. Pin the knot into place with a bobby pin or two.

STEP #4: REPEAT

Repeat this process all over the rest of your head. Once all of your hair is in knots, that’s a wrap!

18. LOW SPACE BUNS

When you have short hair, traditional space buns can be difficult to recreate, thanks to your lack of length. Besides half-up space buns, low space buns are another easy, cute alternative.

What you’ll need:

Hair elastics

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Part your hair down the middle and split it into two equally-sized sections.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR BUNS

Take your first section and secure it into a low ponytail with a hair elastic. Then, wrap the length of the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Secure into place with bobby pins.

STEP #3: REPEAT

Repeat step two on the remaining section of hair, making sure both buns are of equal height and size.

19. FULL COVERAGE

Put a trendy hair scarf to use with a full coverage updo! This is a great option if you’re trying to camouflage frizz, greasy hair, gray roots, or a multitude of other hair concerns.

What you’ll need:

Banana clip

Hair scarf

Get the look:

STEP #1: CLIP YOUR HAIR UP

Twist your hair at the back of your head, securing it with a banana clip.

STEP #2: GRAB YOUR HAIR SCARF

Reach for a square hair scarf and fold it in half, creating a triangle. Place the base of the triangle at the nape of your neck and pull the tip of the triangle forward so that it falls over your forehead. Bring the ends to the front of your head, tying them into a knot. Tuck the tip of the triangle into your knot, and you’ve mastered wrapping your hair with a scarf.

20. HALF-UP BUN

Sometimes, simple is best. Get your hair out of your face while still showing off your short length with a half-up bun for short hair.

What you’ll need:

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Create a section of hair at the top of your head from temple to temple. Pull this section into a high ponytail.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR BUN

Wrap your ponytail around itself to create your bun. Pin into place with bobby pins.

21. TWISTED BUNS

Last but not least, rock some twisted buns for an elegant updo!

What you’ll need:

Hair elastics

Bobby pins

Hair spray

Get the look:

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Split your hair into three equal sections: left, middle, and right.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR TWISTS

Secure the left section into a low ponytail at the base of your neck. Then, twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun. Pin into place with bobby pins—and feel free to make it messy and carefree! Repeat on the middle and right sections of hair, making sure your twisted buns are lined up along the nape of your neck.

STEP #3: SEAL THE DEAL

Seal in your style with the help of some hair spray. Gorgeous!

Next up: Use your hair color to switch up your short hairstyle even further. Here are 35 Short Hair Color Ideas That Will Transform Shorter Strands.