As a short haired girl, it can sometimes be difficult to create those fun, intricate braid hairstyles that long-haired girls easily can. While hair extensions are a great option to get long hair and achieve these styles, sometimes, you may just want to wear your hair short. After all, you made the chop for a reason.
This week, our short-haired friend Marta from Luxy Hair HQ has rounded up three interesting, eye-catching, and just a little out-of-the-box braid hairstyles for you to try on your short hair. We guarantee, these braid hairstyles for short hair will rival any of their longer counterparts!
View the tutorial video below or keep reading for step by step instructions on how to create these braid hairstyles.
Hairstyle 1: Pull-Through Braided Bun
Here's a little secret: this hairstyle requires zero braiding whatsoever. So if you're like Marta and haven't even mastered a French braid yet, this is the next best thing. This hairstyle features a pull-through braid, which is created using a series of hair pinning and tying.
Step 1
Section off the front of your hair into a small half ponytail, and keep it separate from the rest of your hair. The easiest way is to just toss the ponytail toward the front of your head.
Step 2
Take another section of hair about 1-2 inches down from the first ponytail, and tie it off into another half ponytail underneath the first one.
Step 3
Now it's time to create your first pull-through. Divide the first ponytail into two sections. Then, pull the second ponytail into the middle of the two sections and clip it in place with a small clip. Then, bring the two divided section to the back.
Step 4
Take another 1-2 inch section of hair including the hair you just released, and create a small ponytail at the back of your head. That's one loop and your first pull-through.
Step 5
Divide the section that's still clipped in front of your face into two, pull the ponytail you just created through the middle, and clip it in place. Then release the divided sections, and create another small ponytail at the back of your head.
Step 6
Continue steps 4 and 5 and until you're happy with the number of loops you've created. If you want the braid to look super intricate, take smaller sections of hair and create smaller ponytails and pull-throughs. Once you've reached your ears, continue this method at the back of your head until you reach the nape of your neck.
Step 7
Once you've finished your braid, tie off your hair into a ponytail. You can either leave your hair in this cool, modern ponytail or continue on to step 8.
Step 8
For you ladies that like your hair away from your face and neck, twist the hair into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
Hairstyle 2: Boho Inspired Braided Half-Updo
As we said, it's not just long-haired ladies that get to have all the fun. We love those boho inspired braided hairstyles, but if you have short hair, you need to get a bit creative to achieve that effortless bohemian vibe. We've got you covered with this next hairstyle, which incorporates two different types of braids.
Step 1
Start by creating two small three strand braids on each side of your head - a total of four. For added texture, pancake the braids by pulling them apart slightly. This will also make the braids softer and easier to manage in the next few steps.
Step 2
Now, you're going to incorporate these two small braids into a larger waterfall braid.
Section off the front of your hair into three portions. Then start to create a regular three strand braid toward the back. Take the section of hair closest to your face, and cross it over the middle section, then take the farthest section of hair and cross it over the middle. Now, drop the section closest to your face and set it free. This is the beginning of the waterfall.
Step 3
Take a new section of hair next to the one you just dropped and incorporate it into the braid, crossing it over the middle braid. Take the back strand and add a little bit of hair to it, then cross it over the middle.
Step 4
Repeat step 3 and continue making your waterfall braid until you reach the back of your head. Then, finish off the section with a regular three-strand braid.
Step 5
Repeat steps 2-4 on the other side of your head. The best part about this hairstyle is you can be as messy and imperfect as you want.
Step 6
Wrap each braid around the back of your head so they lay flat, and secure with bobby pins.
Step 7 (optional)
Curl the bottom layers of your hair for that extra boho vibe.
Hairstyle 3: Twisted Braid Half Updo
This hairstyle is so quick and easy to create, and most of all looks beautiful in short hair. It's perfect for a night out and incorporates a topsy tail for that extra level of intricacy.
Step 1
Create a small three-strand braid on each side of your head.
Step 2
Twist the hair on one side of your head toward the back, then repeat on the other side. If you're finding it difficult to twist the second side with one hand, you can bobby pin the first twist in place and work on the second twist.
Step 3
Once both twists meet the middle, join them into a ponytail, and pull on the hair a bit for volume and at the roots.
Step 4
You can either leave your hair as is or take it a step further. Add another small ponytail underneath the hair tie already there. Then, split the section into two, and flip the remaining bottom of your hair into the small hole you just created. As you can see, it instantly elevates the look!
As you can see, short-haired gals can have fun with braids too—all it takes is a bit of creativity and a few extra hair ties here and there. Give these styles a try and be sure to share your recreations with us on Instagram with the hashtag #luxyhair.
