10 Bold and Trendy Updos for Short Hair

If you’re thinking of cutting your hair short to avoid the heat this summer, get ready for the frustrating realization that your hairstyle options are going to seem pretty limited. When I have short hair, it’s usually thrown up in a messy bun that’s either constantly coming undone or scratching the back of my neck relentlessly. Short hair is difficult to work with, and if you have layers, you can forget about keeping it out of your face!

Although short hair might seem like a royal pain, its popularity is, nevertheless, on the rise. And if you’re considering cutting your hair short to keep cool, you’re in luck. In an attempt to not only keep cool this summer but also impress your friends and followers with some seriously bold and trendy hairstyles, be sure to give these ten updos a try!

1. Braids to Buns

This first short hairstyle is one of my personal favorites because you can rock this super cute updo literally anywhere: the beach, the gym, the mall, or your next festival! Simply part your hair down the middle and begin Dutch braiding one side. If your hair has many layers, I recommend braiding tightly at this step. Secure the braid at the base of your neck with an elastic, and repeat the process on the other side. Once you have the two Dutch braids, gently pull the individual sections of each braid apart to create that bubbly and voluminous look. Lastly, tease the remaining hair and create a bun on each side. You can secure the buns with bobby pins, as pictured below, or you can use hair ties for a messier look. That’s all there is to this ‘do!

2. The Modern Milkmaid

You’ve likely seen celebrities sporting this elegantly stylish updo that works perfectly with short hair and medium-length hair. This hairstyle is a bit fancier than the “braids to buns” look, so you’ll definitely want to be whipping this one up at your next job interview, your next wine tasting excursion, or even the next wedding you attend. While there are a variety of methods available for creating this look, here’s my personal shortcut: simply tease the first few layers around your whole head, create two tight French braids on either one side or both sides of your face and secure each with an elastic at the base of your neck, gently tug at each braided section to thicken the braids, and then use the same method described above to create a low bun. I recommend using a hair tie as well as bobby pins to secure any loose strands or flyaways. If you have bangs, use a curling iron or flat iron to style as desired. Lastly, lay the hairspray on thick to keep that volume maxed out!

3. The Top Knot

An international classic, the top knot is a hairstyle best executed with short hair. It’s relatively easy, trendy and, while it might take a couple tries to get just right, it looks effortlessly charming. No special instructions here—just start gathering some hair from your desired starting point and use any method you’d like to secure it in a tight bun, messy bun, or fun ponytail!

4. The Pompadour

The femme pompadour has been absolutely slayed by actress and dancer Julianne Hough on more than one occasion. And who can blame her?! This bold and unique updo is perfect for short hair because it’s original, classy, and flattering on just about every face shape. First, spritz an even coat of texturing spray on your whole head, then section and tie off the top portion that will eventually become the pouf. Second, create two twists on each side and secure them at the base of your neck with elastics. For extra security, use bobby pins as well. Third, tease one-inch sections of that middle portion starting from the very bottom layer and work your way upward to the tied-off top portion. Now, create the pouf by teasing and bobby-pinning that top portion to the middle of the top of your head. Next, begin at the top of your teased sections and cross each section over the next, working your way downward. Secure each crossed-over section with a bobby pin or two. Once you reach the very bottom, gather the remaining hair and pin it up beneath that whole portion. Lastly, tug on some of those sections for extra texture and pile on that hairspray! This one’s a challenge, so feel free to refer to this instructional video for a step-by-step tutorial.

5. Top Knot with a Twist

Here’s a slightly easier yet just as trendy follow-up to the pompadour: the braided top knot. This short hair half-up-half-down ‘do has all the ease and simplicity of the basic top knot as well as an adorable edge. Get creative with this concept and add as many or as few braids as you want! I recommend Dutch braiding all the way to the end of the piece(s) of hair and using the braid(s) to create a textured and voluminous bun. And, if you’re planning on trying this out at your next festival, lather up each braid with sculpting gel and sprinkle on some multicolored glitter to really stand out!

6. The Femme Fauxhawk

Don’t be intimidated by this one; it’s actually much easier than it looks, and yet it will leave your friends and followers wondering how you created such an elaborate hairstyle with just a few steps! First, pull a small section of hair to the very front of your head and secure with an elastic, then repeat this step with another small section directly beneath the first section. Second, separate the top section into two pieces and pull the second section through to create the illusion of a thick Dutch braid. Repeat the process until you reach the base of your neck. Gather the remaining hair and either pin it beneath the fauxhawk or create a small bun with an elastic and/or bobby pins. Lastly, pull out a few face-framing strands to complete this edgy look!

7. Scarf it Down

This style for short hair is perfect for casual outings and beach trips. Scarves and bandannas can be incorporated into almost any hairstyle to give you that stand-out factor. Be bold and match a bright-colored scarf to your favorite shade of lipstick!

8. Side Braid to Pony

Another elegant and classy hairstyle that works great with short hair, the side-braid-to-pony look can be rocked on just about any occasion. Simply side-part your hair at the desired depth, then French braid one or both sides and secure each braid with an elastic. If your hair is a frizzy mess, now is the perfect time to style the remaining hair with a curling iron, flat iron, or hairdryer. Tease the top few layers for extra volume, then pull all hair into a secure ponytail. At this point, I recommend removing the elastics from the individual braids and touching up any curls or straightened pieces. Add bobby pins and hairspray as needed.

9. The Chic Bouffant

Just like scarves and bandannas, headbands offer endless possibilities for short hair. Rock a retro bouffant like the model pictured here, or, if you have very short hair, simply pin the headband in place and tease a few sections on top to create an instantly bold and edgy look!

10. Space Buns

Another festival favorite, space buns can be worn many different ways, depending on how bold you want to be. Glitter sprinkled down the part is trending hard right now, so don’t be scared to add your own unique twist to this instant classic! If you’re planning on rocking this short hairstyle at an all-day event, don’t be shy on the hairspray and bobby pins!