How To Braid Short Hair - 20 Fast And Easy Cute Hairstyles

Short hair is great because when it comes to maintenance, there is much less much to do compared to longer hair. However, it can sometimes get frustrating because it doesn't seem like there is much to do with short hair. You want to change your hair up, but you also want to do something easy, because isn't that why your hair is short in the first place? This is where braids come in. They are fast and easy hairstyles to add some pizzazz to your daily hairstyle that can work for men and women's hair.

Braids are a fast and easy short hairstyle to do when you are in a rush, want to change up your hair, or just don't want your hair touching your neck on a hot summer day. Whatever you want to try out braids for, they are definitely a fun and useful hairstyle. And there are just so many different kinds! We're talking french braid, dutch braid, fishtail braid, side braids, updos, and more. Trust me, these 20 easy and fast braids for short hair will not disappoint. They'll keep yourself, your girls, and your guys happy because you'll look and feel amazing with these new short braided styles.

These braids are a cute and fun way to style your short hair but keep it simple. This style is good for the gym or an everyday look. The first step is to brush your hair, making sure no knots or tangled strands are left. Next, part your hair down the middle, making sure it is a clean and even part. Keep one side together with a clip and leave it be while you work on the other side. Now, take a small section of your hair and create a three-strand braid backward. This means that instead of looping the strands over each other, you will be looping them under each other. This is the difference between a Dutch braid and a French braid. As you move down your hair, add another strand each time you loop your hair under. Keep adding hair until you reach the nape of your neck. Then continue braiding any leftover hair until you reach the bottom of your hair. Tie it off with an elastic. Switch to the other side and repeat. Pro tip: You can keep the braids tight or loosen them by lightly pulling the braided strands apart until you reach your desired look.

This is a great short braided style for more formal events, like Sunday brunch, church, or a lunch out. It's also great for pulling any hair off of your neck on a hot summer day. To do this braid, first, brush and part your hair. It doesn't matter if the part is perfectly clean, that's more up to you. Starting on your preferred side, take a section of hair and start a three strand braid. As you braid along your hairline, add more hair from the top of your part each time you loop the strands under each other. Remember, looping the strands under makes a dutch braid and over makes a French braid. Finish this braid by tying it off with an elastic. Remember to keep a section of hair loose at the bottom. Repeat the above instructions for the other side. Tie off your hair with an elastic and keep the bottom section of the hair on your head loose. Take that small loose left bit of hair and tie it into a small bun, securing it with an elastic. This part of your hair is left out of the braid to not draw it down too low. Now, take both braids in your hands and cross them over each other. Secure the braids together with bobby pins, making sure they stay in place. Spray with hairspray for extra hold. Tuck the small bun into the braids and secure that with a bobby pin, so it doesn't pop out as your day goes on. Add an extra dose of hairspray for safety and enjoy your day! Guys love this fun updo and you will too.

Get ready for another great short braided hairdo good for blonde hair, black hair, and everything in between. This style is similar to the double dutch braid pigtails but designed more as a messy updo. Great for lazy days and errand days when you just don't want to do your hair. And hey, this style works for men with longer hair as well. Brush and part your hair down the middle. The part doesn't have to be clean, but it might make separation of your hair a bit easier. Take the first section of hair and choose a smaller section at the top of your hairline by your part. Create a three-strand braid and loop each strand under each other. As you loop, take more hair in. Remember that these braids are intended to stay near the top of your head. Finish the braid and tie off the end with an elastic. Repeat the above instructions for the other side. Take both ends of your braids and tuck them into your hair, hiding the ends. Secure with bobby pins. You can now loosen your braids or keep them as is, depending on personal preference. Spray your head with hairspray or keep it natural, and get ready for your day.

This next braid for short styles doesn't involve all of your hair, only the peskiest part: your side bangs. Now, don't get me wrong, bangs are great. They add great style to your hair, but sometimes they just get in the way. Braid them back and let your short hair show itself off to all the girls and the guys in the room. For this braided style, gather your bangs together, making sure they are free of knots and tangles. Starting at the top of your hairline, separate your hair into three sections. Take these sections and loop them under each other, gathering more hair as you go. Braid until your desired stopping point. Remember, this braid shouldn't gather all the hair on one side of your hair. It should be small and simple. Pin it back and smile because you're done with your hair. Yay!

This braid for short styles is very similar to the double dutch braids, but different because now we are bringing in the french braids. This is also great for a lazy or errand-filled day. Brush and part your hair down the middle. The part doesn't have to be clean, but it can make separation of your hair more manageable. Take the first section of hair and choose a smaller section at the top of your hairline by your part. Create a three-strand braid and loop each strand over each other. As you loop, take more hair in. Remember that these braids are intended to stay near the top of your head. Finish the braid and tie off the end with an elastic. Repeat the above instructions for the other side. Take both ends of your braids and tuck them into your hair, hiding the ends. Secure with bobby pins. You can now loosen your braids or keep them as is, depending on personal preference. Go all natural or add some hairspray, and get ready to go on with your day. This is a style to impress all the men and women in your life.

This next short braid style is great for workouts like boxing or weight training. It's also a badass style for everyday life. This ponytail looks awesome on people with blonde hair, black hair, and everything in between. Start by separating your hair into three different sections. Take each section one by one and gather three strands to create a braid. As you braid, add new hair while looping the strands over each other. Braid tightly until you reach the middle of your head. Tie off the braid with an elastic. Repeat instructions for each section, tying off each section. Gather the remaining hair into a ponytail that you can keep straight, wavy, curly, or whatever is natural to you. Have a great day and enjoy this short braided style!

Like the dutch braid meant only for your bangs, this braid only takes a certain section of your hair into the braid. This is a great look for everyday events that will make all the guys and gals in your world wishing they had your hair. First, brush and part your hair. Style it whatever way you want (straight, curled, or wavy). Gather a small section of hair up near your part. Braid into a three section braid. As you loop the strands over one another tightly, gather new strands of hair. Finish in the middle side of your head and secure with a bobby pin. Make sure the rest of your hair still looks great and get ready to go about your day. This is a great style for any type or color of hair, from black to blonde, from curly to straight. Pro tip: Since this is the small side french braid, you can even turn it into a double braid if you so desire. Just repeat all the above steps.

This braid for short styles is basically the same as the one right above it, but it creates a slightly larger braid that looks great with short hair. This is a great look for everyday events, like just hanging out with all the great men and women in your life. First, brush and part your short hair. Style it whatever way you want (straight, curled, wavy). Gather a larger section of hair by up near your part. Braid into a three section braid. As you loop the strands over one another, gather new strands of hair. Finish in the middle side of your head and secure with a bobby pin or two. Make sure the rest of your hair still looks great and get ready to go about your day. Enjoy this awesome style for those with short black hair, short brown hair, and short blonde hair!

This braid is for anyone with a short style who doesn't know how to do a dutch or french braid, or just doesn't want to take the time. It is similar to the two side braids above, but a lot simpler of a braid. Remember, this style also looks great on all hair types, from short blonde to short black hair, from curly to straight. Brush, part, and style your hair. Gather a section of hair and separate into three sections. Braid these sections together either under or over (whichever way is more comfortable for you!). Finish braid and use a bobby pin to secure. This can either be over your hair or under it depending on the look you are going for. Add some hairspray for a more secure look, or let it hang loose and go natural. You can also do a double braid to add more style, either on the other side of your head or beneath the first braid. All the guys and girls in your life will love this double braided short style.

Okay, we are getting jazzy again with the side braids. This adds an extra spark to a daily do that all the guys and girls you hang with will love. Brush and part your hair. Gather a section of your hair on the side of your head. Divide the section into two equal parts. Grab a small section of the part on the right and cross it over, combining it with the left side. Now, take a small strand from the left side, cross it over, and combine it with the right side. Pull hair two sections of hair tight and repeat the process until finished. Secure your fishtail braid with a bobby pin. You can finish here, or you can repeat the process on the other side or below to create double the interesting and fun short braided look. Your short hair looks great, now have an awesome day!

This next short braid is an easy way to get your short hair out of your face but look great at the same time. This is a great style for black hair, brown hair, and blonde hair. Basically, it can look great on anybody. Brush your hair and gather up the top section. To make it easier, tie a clear elastic band around your hair to keep it in place, but you don't have to. Divide this section of your hair into two equal parts. Grab a small section of the part on the right and cross it over, combining it with the left side. Now, take a small strand from the left side, cross it over, and combine it with the right side. Pull hair two sections of hair tight and repeat the process until finished. When the fishtail is done, tie it off with an elastic. If you chose to use the clear elastic at the top, you can leave it in or cut it out (carefully! You don't want to accidentally cut any of your hair). No clear elastic can create a more natural and ready to go look.

Again, this is a great braid for those with short black, brown, red, blonde and really any color of short hair. Similar to the braid above, this braid is a cute and easy way to pull your short hair back. Brush your hair and gather up the top section. Starting at the top back part of your head, separate your hair into three equal sections. Braid together by looping each strand either under or over each other (staying consistent). Finish your braid and tie the end with an elastic, then you are all set. This braid looks great, and so do you!

This is a cute braided hairstyle that adds some extra flair to your short hair. Start by separating a section from the front of your hair. Clip the rest of your hair back, getting it out of the way so it is easier to braid. Near the part, divide the leftover section into three parts. Take the far right strand and loop it under the middle strand, and then the far left strand also under the middle strand. As you keep braiding, add strands in, similar to a french or dutch braid. Make sure the braid stays along your hairline. Continue the braid until you reach the top of your ear. Secure the braid with a bobby pin or two. Let down the clipped back hair and get ready for a great day with some great braided hair that you, your friends, and your guys will love.

This is a great braid for short and natural African American hair that will keep your hair cute, simple and sassy. To make hair more agreeable (and this goes for anyone with short, curly hair), prep natural and freshly washed curls with hair oil or a leave-in conditioner. It is also recommended that you apply a gel to control flyaways and use a comb to keep hair neat. Separate hair into two sections. Clip the first section away and get to work on the first. Take the free side and start at the nape of your neck. Split the hair into three sections. Cross the strands underneath each other for a dutch braid. Braid your hair up along the side of your hair, keeping it tight along the way. Finish the braid and tie an elastic at the end. Repeat the above instructions for the other side, except starting at the top of your head as opposed to the bottom. Remember to keep the braids tight! If there are parts of your braided hair left loose, put them toward the opposite side's braid and secure with a bobby pin, hiding the ends. Spray with hairspray and enjoy your short and beautiful hairstyle.

This braid is similar to the one above but creates a messy and fun look for your short hair. Start by separating hair into two sections. Clip the first section away and get to work braiding the first. Take the free side and start at the nape of your neck. Split the hair into three sections. Cross the strands underneath each other for a dutch braid. Braid your hair up along the side of your hair, keeping it mostly tight along the way. Finish the braid and tie an elastic at the end. Repeat the above instructions for the other side, except that you'll start the braid at the top of your head as opposed to the bottom. If there are parts of your hair left loose, put them toward the opposite side's braid and secure with a bobby pin, hiding the end. Now, loosen your braids and pull any shorter loose strands down to create a messy yet put-together look around your braid. This style is great for all hair colors and textures from blonde to black, and straight to curly.

This milkmaid braid for short hair is a little different than the traditional braid meant for longer hair. Brush your hair and part it cleanly. Next, split your hair into two sections and gather each into a pigtail. Leave a few strands in the front of your hair loose. Take each pigtail and braid them into normal, three-strand braids. Tie each braid off with an elastic. Cross the braids over each other to create a crown-like braid. Secure with bobby pins. Spray with some hairspray and smile because you and your braids look cute today!

This is a fun and unique braid that will make all your girls and guys admire you. It is great as an everyday style or for brunches and lunches. Brush your hair, then take the top section and separate it from the rest. Take this section of your hair and separate the front of it into three sections. Take these sections and loop them underneath each other as you braid until you reach the back of your head. Tie off the braid, leaving enough hair to pull into a bun. With this leftover hair, twist and turn into a bun, securing it with an elastic or bobby pins. Smooth out the rest of your hair and go about your day with your awesome new braid.

These are similar to both the braided pigtails and the bun, as it combines ideas from both braided styles. Brush and part your hair cleanly. Take two sections on the top of your head and separate them from the rest of your hair. Keep the sections separate from each other. Pin back one section and start the braid on the other. Divide this section into three strands and begin a french braid by adding more hair each time you loop the hair over each other strand. Keep braiding until you hit the back of your head. Tie off the braid and let it be. Repeat above instructions to braid the other side of your hair. Take each loose section and twist into a bun, as tight or as loose as you wish. Note: This can be done using only sections of your hair or all of your hair. It just depends on how you are feeling on that day.

This is a fun and different braid for anyone who is looking to mix things up. Brush and part your hair, favoring your usual side. Take a section of the thicker side of the part to begin your braid. Turn this section into three strands and then cross the back over the middle and then the right over the middle. Now, cross the back strand over the middle again, this time bringing in hair (much like a french braid). Repeat this braiding pattern with the front strand. Next, cross the back strand over the middle for a third time, again bringing in the extra hair. Okay, now instead of crossing the front strand back over the middle of the braid, drop it down and pick up a new strand from directly below it. Repeat the process of crossing the back strand over the middle with adding the extra hair and dropping the front strand until you reach the back of your head with the braid. Braid any remaining hair in a normal braid and secure it with a bobby pin to the back of your head. Take care to cover the pins with hair, so it looks more natural. Set with hairspray and you will be ready to go with your new and natural braid.

This is a great and creative braid for short hair that will keep you looking fresh and feeling sassy all day long. First, brush and part your hair. Next, grab a small section from the top of your hair and split it into three equal sections. Bring the bottom strand over the middle and then the top strand over the middle. Repeat this braid once. Now, take the bottom strand over the middle again, then pull a small piece of hair away from the bottom, keeping it separate from the rest. Move to the top, add more hair, and cross it over the middle section. Repeat this braided pattern until you reach the back of the head, then braid normally until you reach the tip of your hair. Tie off the braid with a hair tie. Now take all of the hair you left out and move it to the other side of your head. Taking a small portion of your hair on the other side, repeat the above steps for a new braid. Take the bottom over the middle, then take the top over the middle, adding new hair. However, this time, do not drop small sections of the bottom braid. Just braid like this until you reach the back of your head and then continue with a normal braid. Tie off your braid at the end with an elastic, and there you have it! You have a ladder braid. Pro tip: you can do this on two sides of your hair and then combine the ends together to create a fun half-up braided hairstyle.

These braids for short hair are going to be so fun and so creative, everyone will be jealous of your braided hair, wishing they had short hair for these braids as well. You're going to look great, and you're going to have so much fun trying out all of these new braids. Hope you have fun with these awesome braids.