Gorgeous Updos for Short Hair

Topsy Tail
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/@KAYLEYMELISSA

There’s never been a better time to go for a short haircut. Short hair is trendy and easy to style, but there’s one drawback that can stop people from going short—some cuts are too short to put up. If that’s the only thing stopping you from doing a big chop, here are the best updos to ease your mind. With these easy updos, you don’t have to worry about missing that ponytail. Whether you need a dressy updo for a wedding or holiday party, or you just need assurance that you can still rock an easy ponytail during the day, these are the best updo hairstyles for short hair. If you thought updos for short hair didn’t exist, we’re here to show you they do—and they’re beautiful. Because short hair doesn’t require as much time to put up, these updos for short hair are even easier than they would be on long hair. These updos for short hair prove you don’t need long strands for a stunning updo.

01of 10

Topsy Tail

Topsy Tail
INSTAGRAM/@KAYLEYMELISSA

Beauty vlogger and hairstylist Kayley Melissa calls this low braided pony the topsy tail! Watch her tutorial for how to do it yourself here. 

02of 10

Low Bun with Headband

Low Bun with Headband
INSTAGRAM/@HAIRBYLINDAL

For a dressy look, loosely wrap your hair around a headband and secure it in a chic low bun and the base of your neck like hairstylist Linda Lehto did here. 

03of 10

Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch Braids
INSTAGRAM/@NINEZEROONE

You don’t have to have long hair to rock double braids, as hairstylist Joey Perrotti proved here. This is a great hairstyle for the gym or hot summer days to keep your hair off your neck and out of your face.

04of 10

Messy Pony with Scarf

Messy Pony with Scarf
INSTAGRAM/@CHRISJONES_HAIR

Hairstylist Chris Jones showcased three ways to style this lob, including a relaxed ponytail made festive with the addition of a colorful scarf. 

05of 10

Twisted Pony

Twisted Pony
INSTAGRAM/@KAYLEYMELISSA

You don’t need any intricate braiding skills to pull off this criss-crossed low ponytail by vlogger and hairstylist Kayley Melissa. Learn how to do it yourself with her tutorial video here. 

06of 10

Laidback Clip Updo

Laidback Clip Updo
INSTAGRAM/@LOS_PASTEL

When in doubt (and in a rush), let the accessories do the talking, like with this simple, cool-girl look. We don’t know if you’ve heard that ’80s banana clips are back, so grab yours and hit the town. 

07of 10

Messy Bun with Face-Framing Fringe

Messy Bun with Face-Framing Fringe
INSTAGRAM/@HAIRBYLINDAL

When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a messy bun. Even with short hair, you can make one work like hairstylist Linda Lehto, who left some fringe up front for a face-framing effect in this cute but casual look. 

08of 10

5-Minute Ponytail

5-Minute Ponytail
INSTAGRAM/@KAYLEYMELISSA

Even though this simple ponytail looks professional, hairstylist and vlogger Kayley Melissa has a method to get it done in just five minutes. Watch her tutorial here. 

09of 10

Low Braided Ponytail with Scarf

Low Braided Ponytail with Scarf
INSTAGRAM/@KAYLEYMELISSA

Whether you decide to add in a side braid like vlogger and hairstylist Kayley Melissa did here, or you opt for a plain ponytail, adding a silk scarf to the mix instantly ups the glam on a laid back hairstyle. 

10of 10

Messy Side Braid

Messy Side Braid
INSTAGRAM/@NINEZEROONE

We know, we know: This technically isn’t a full updo. But if your hair is too short for one, something like this side braid by hairstylist Riawna Capri is a fun way to dress things up a bit.