45 Cute & Easy Updos For Short Hair (2026 Guide)

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Many women mistakenly believe that by making the switch to a short haircut, updos will be out of the question. This is absolutely not the case, and there are many different types of updos for short hair that can be flirty, fun, elegant, glamorous, or even sexy.

Easy updos for short hair are less difficult than you think. Learning more about the options available, and which updos work best with different hair lengths, is important for choosing the style that suits your personality. With practice and the right products you can find easy updos for short hair to do yourself.

Easy Updos For Short Hair

Top Knot

The top knot is one of the best simple updos for short hair. This style is a very easy updo for short hair to do yourself as there is no wrong way to finish off this hairstyle. Whether you want a tight and formal top knot, or a messy and loose top knot, they are all adorable and a perfect go to.

Short Hair Top Knot

Short Hair Top Knot Updo With Bobby Pins

Messy Top Knot Hairstyle

Half Updo With Short Hair

If you do not want to have all of your hair pulled back, you can always go with the half updo. Many hairstyles for short hair revolve around a half updo style. This is one that you can accomplish even if you have an extremely short or pixie cut.

Top Knot Half Updo For Short Hair

Colorful Half Updo For Short Hair

Braided Half Updo

Cute Updos For Short Hair

Updo hairstyles for short hair come in many different forms, and of these, the cute and fun options are some of the most popular. There are many to choose from. Whether you’re looking for updos for short hair wedding-style or something you can wear on a daily basis, consider the following:

Tousled Updo With A Braided Headband

This is best if your hair is cut into a short bob, and if you have natural waves, that’s even better. Just French-braid a section that runs from your side part all the way to the other side, and then pin it into place with bobby pins or a cute barrette. Then, using your favorite pomade, create some texture at the back, feeling free to use a large curling iron to create texture and volume, if necessary.

Short Hair Fishtail Side Braid

Short Braided Headband

Low Bun With A Side Braid

Again, like most braided updos for short hair, this works better with a bob or with hair that is at least chin-length at the crown. To start, create a French-braid that starts at your side part and works back to about the middle of your head. Then, add some curls or waves to the ends of your hair, pull it into a low bun, and secure the end of your braid at the top of the bun.

Braided Short Hair Updo + Low Bun

A Nape Knot

If you’re looking for easy updos for short hair, it doesn’t get much simpler than this. Just comb your hair back and tuck it into a knot, and you’re all set. You can use a large curling iron to add a little volume, and you can even add a few tousled waves at the sides for a softer, flirtier ‘do.

Nape Knot For Short Hair

Best Products For Short Hair Updos

When creating your short hair updo you will want to make sure and use the correct products to make your hairstyle will last. By using a sea salt spray, like Aquage Seal Salt Spray, you will be able to add texture to your hair to braid easily. Also, with short hair especially, you will always need safety pins and a great hairspray to hold your updo all day long.

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Bold Updos For Short Hair

Soft and cute is all the rage, but what if your personality calls for something a little bolder? There are numerous updos to choose from, including the two below.

Braided Mohawk

Start by straightening your chin-length bob, then create a French braid on both sides, leaving a two- or three-inch section on the very top of your head unbraided. Pin both of the braids at the back center, then grab a comb and tease the center section high. Spray it all with hairspray, and you’ll have one of the edgiest updos of them all.

Braided Mohawk Updo

Messy Braided Mohawk Short Hair Updo

Cute Short Hair Braided Mohawk

Gorgeous Braided Mohawk

Short Hair Half Updo Braided Mohawk

Messy Knots

This is one of many short updos that works well with a variety of lengths, and it’s also one of the easiest to do yourself. Just pull your hair back toward the center of your head in sections and use bobby pins to secure it. You’ll want to make it deliberately messy, so there’s no need to spend a lot of time on perfecting it. Feel free to pull out a few face-framing strands, too. If you’re looking for updos for short curly hair, this one is one of the best.

Low Messy Knots For Short Hair

Messy Knots With Braid

Messy Knots

Formal Updos For Short Hair

Finally, if you’re looking for updos for short hair suitable for a wedding, prom, or other formal event, the options are limitless. Sleek, straight styles are often viewed as formal, as are updos that incorporate a slight bouffant or a gorgeous hairpiece. Options include:

The Slight Chignon and Bouffant

The chignon is one of the most sophisticated updos for short hair of them all. If your hair isn’t long enough to create the classic chignon, you can use pins to create a compound twist that looks completely pulled-together. Tease your hair along the top and use a little hairspray to create the bouffant effect, and you’ll have one of the best and trendiest prom updos for short hair.

Chignon Updo For Short Hair

Very Simple Chignon

Adorable Chignon For Short Hair

Wedding Updo For Short Hair

Rolled French Twist

The French twist is one of the classiest, most well-known updos for short hair of them all. To create it, you’ll need at least a little length, and the goal is to pull your hair back into the classic French twist, give it a little roll on top, then pin it with a pretty hairpiece.

French Twist Updo

French Twist For Short Hair

Loose French Twist

Wrap Around French Twist

Low Rolled Updo

If you are looking for the elegant, simple wedding updo for short hair or just an elegant touch to your look, the rolled updo is perfect. For this look create a low ponytail and split the hair above the tie. Pull pony up and through the slit. Continue to twist and roll until you get all of your hair into the roll.

Elegant Rolled Updo

Twisted Low Rolled Updo

Braided Crown

Finally, if you want to add a little romance to your formal look, the braided crowns are cute updos for short hair of various lengths. All you have to do is create a crown of French braids and secure them at the back of your head with bobby pins. The best part is that it works for any hair type, and since it’s pinned in place, you can dance the night away without fear.

Half Updo Braided Crown

Braided Crown Updos For Short Hair Wedding

Short Hair Braided Crown

More Adorable And Easy Updos For Short Hair

These are not the only options if you have short hair. Whether you are looking for prom updos for short hair, simple and easy updos, or just your everyday go to, there are endless options for short hair updos. Look below for even more short hair updo inspirations.