25 Short Hair Up-dos For Women

Think short hair limits your styling options?

Think again! Short hair offers incredible versatility when it comes to up-dos, often requiring less time and fewer products than longer styles.

With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can transform your short locks into stunning updos perfect for any occasion – from casual brunches to formal events.

Ready to elevate your short hair game? Explore these 25 gorgeous updo options that will make you fall in love with your short hair all over again!

1: Mini French Twist

The classic French twist gets a short-hair makeover with this compact version. You’ll need just a few bobby pins and hairspray to secure this elegant style.

Create volume at the crown before twisting the hair upward from the nape. This style works particularly well with bob-length cuts.

Tuck any loose ends underneath the twist for a clean finish, or leave a few face-framing pieces out for a softer look.

2: Pixie Pompadour

Transform your pixie cut into a statement style by creating height and volume at the front. Use a strong-hold pomade to sweep the front section backward.

Secure with hairspray and a few strategically placed bobby pins. This edgy yet sophisticated look works beautifully for evening events.

The contrast between the sleek sides and voluminous top creates a striking silhouette that showcases your facial features.

3: Braided Crown for Short Hair

Even with shorter locks, you can create a beautiful braided crown. Start with two small braids on each side of your head and wrap them around.

Secure with bobby pins and add texturizing spray for grip and hold. Pull a few strands loose around your face for a soft, romantic effect.

This style works best on hair that’s at least bob-length, allowing enough length to create the wraparound effect.

4: Faux Hawk Up-do

Create edgy elegance with this faux hawk inspired up-do. Slick the sides of your hair close to your head using a strong-hold gel.

Use bobby pins to secure small sections of your top hair upright, creating height and texture. Finish with hairspray to maintain the dramatic shape.

This bold style makes a statement while still maintaining a touch of sophistication perfect for creative events.

5: Twisted Headband Tuck

Start by placing a thin headband around your head. Then twist small sections of hair and tuck them into the headband.

Continue around your entire head, adjusting the tightness for your desired look. This style works wonderfully for pixie cuts that are growing out.

Leave a few pieces free at the front to soften the look and frame your face beautifully.

6: Mini Top Knot

Create a half-up style by gathering just the top section of your hair into a small, playful knot. This gives the illusion of an updo while working with shorter lengths.

Secure with bobby pins and tease the knot gently for added volume. This versatile style works for both casual and dressier occasions.

For added interest, braid the section before wrapping it into a knot, creating texture and dimension.

7: Twisted Sister Up-do

Create several small twists throughout your short hair, directing them toward the crown of your head. Secure each twist with bobby pins.

The result is a textured, interesting up-do that works beautifully with layered short cuts. Add small decorative pins for special occasions.

This style particularly flatters oval and heart-shaped faces, drawing attention upward and creating height.

8: Vintage Pin Curls

Channel old Hollywood glamour with pin curls. Create small curls throughout your hair and pin them flat against your head until set.

Release the pins and gently separate the curls with your fingers. Sweep to one side for a dramatic asymmetrical updo effect.

This timeless style brings sophistication to any look and works wonderfully for special events and evening occasions.

9: Short Hair Gibson Tuck

Adapt the classic Gibson tuck for shorter hair by creating a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Tease the ponytail for volume.

Create a space above the elastic and tuck the ends through and under. Pin securely and pull gently to adjust the shape.

This elegant style works well for shoulder-grazing bobs and lobs, creating the illusion of a sophisticated updo.

10: Messy Bobby Pin Art

Turn functional into fashionable by using colorful or decorative bobby pins to create patterns while securing your hair. Twist random sections upward and secure.

The result is a playful, artistic updo that showcases your personality. Mix metals or colors for an eye-catching effect.

This style works beautifully for very short cuts where traditional updos might seem impossible.

11: Twisted Fauxhawk

Create a series of twisted sections from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Secure each section with pins, creating height at the center.

Keep the sides sleek for a dramatic contrast. This edgy yet elegant style works wonderfully for evening events.

Add a bit of hair wax or pomade to the ends for definition and texture throughout the twisted sections.

12: Twisted Side Bun

Gather your short hair to one side and twist it into a small, neat bun. Secure with bobby pins and hairspray for hold.

This asymmetrical style creates an elegant silhouette perfect for both professional settings and special occasions. Works best with bob-length hair.

Leave a few pieces loose on the opposite side for a soft, romantic finish that balances the structured bun.

13: Knotted Up-do

Create a series of small knots throughout your hair, securing each one with bobby pins. This creates an intricate-looking up-do that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.

The textured appearance adds volume and interest to shorter styles. This works best with hair that’s at least chin-length.

Add small decorative pins or fresh flowers between the knots for special occasions.

14: Rolled Retro Up-do

Channel 1940s glamour by rolling sections of your short hair upward from the ends toward the roots. Secure each roll with bobby pins.

Create several rolls around your head for a complete up-do effect. This structured style brings vintage charm to any outfit.

This technique works particularly well for one-length bobs, creating a uniform rolled effect throughout.

15: Double Dutch Braids

Create two Dutch braids (reverse French braids) starting at your forehead and working backward. Tuck the ends under and secure with pins.

This sporty yet stylish updo keeps all hair off your face while creating attractive texture. Works for hair that’s at least chin-length.

For a more formal look, wrap the ends of the braids into small buns at the nape of your neck.

16: Short Hair Chignon

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist upward, tucking the ends under to create a small, neat chignon. Secure with plenty of bobby pins.

This timeless style offers elegance for formal events. Add a decorative comb or fresh flowers for special occasions.

For shorter bobs, use small clear elastics to create tiny ponytails before combining them into the chignon shape.

17: Twisted Crown Up-do

Create a series of twists around the crown of your head, pinning each one securely. This creates a crown-like effect perfect for special occasions.

This romantic style elevates your look instantly. Add small pearl pins or delicate flowers between the twists for weddings or formal events.

Even with very short hair, you can create small twists at the top to achieve a similar effect.

18: Faux Braided Up-do

Create the illusion of a braided up-do by twisting two sections of hair and pinning them to resemble a braid. Especially effective with highlighted or ballaragged hair.

The dimensional color creates depth that enhances the braided appearance. This clever technique works even with chin-length hair.

Add texture spray before styling to help the twisted sections grip together better.

19: Scarf Wrap Up-do

Incorporate a colorful scarf into your up-do by twisting your hair around it. This adds color, texture, and helps secure shorter pieces that might fall out.

The scarf provides structure for the up-do while adding a fashionable accent. Choose silk for elegant occasions or cotton for casual looks.

This technique works particularly well for pixie cuts or very short bobs that need extra help staying in an up-do.

20: Twisted Pompadour

Create height at the front by teasing the crown section and twisting it backward. Secure with bobby pins and finish with hairspray.

Keep the sides sleek for a dramatic contrast that draws attention upward. This style creates the illusion of length while keeping hair up.

This versatile look transitions perfectly from office to evening events with just a few strategic touches of hairspray.

21: Rosette Up-do

Twist small sections of hair into tiny rosette shapes, securing each with a bobby pin in the center. Create several throughout your hair for a garden-inspired up-do.

This romantic style works beautifully for special occasions and looks more complex than it actually is. Perfect for bob-length hair.

Add small pearl pins at the center of each rosette for wedding-appropriate elegance.

22: Faux Undercut Up-do

Create the edgy look of an undercut without the commitment by slicking one side close to the head with strong-hold gel. Pin securely.

Style the remaining hair into a voluminous wave or twist on the opposite side. This asymmetrical style makes a bold statement.

This versatile look works for both creative workplace environments and evening events.

23: Twisted Mohawk

Create a series of small twisted buns down the center of your head, from forehead to nape. Slick the sides close to your head.

This creates a mohawk-inspired silhouette without requiring extreme length. Add texturizing powder for grip and volume.

This edgy yet elegant style makes a statement at creative events or artistic gatherings.

24: Victory Rolls for Short Hair

Adapt the classic 1940s victory rolls for shorter hair by creating two small rolls at the front hairline. Secure with bobby pins and plenty of hairspray.

Keep the back smooth or add pin curls for a complete vintage look. This retro style brings playful elegance to any outfit.

For the most authentic look, use a rat (hair donut) inside each roll to create the perfect shape.

25: Woven Up-do

Create the illusion of woven hair by strategically crisscrossing and pinning small sections. The result looks intricate but requires just basic pinning techniques.

This textured style creates depth and dimension even with shorter hair. Works best with layered cuts that provide varied lengths to work with.

Add a bit of texturizing spray before styling to help the sections grip together and maintain the woven appearance.

Conclusion

From elegant twists to edgy faux hawks, these 25 up-dos prove that short hair offers endless styling possibilities.

Experiment with these looks to discover your new favorite way to wear your short locks up!