Braids in short hair – Short hairstyle tutorial

You can wear braids in short hair. Try this short hairstyle tutorial to create an updo in short hair.

Thanks to the fabulous Nella of Nail Polish Addicts Anonymous and Beaute Gazette for lending me her gorgeous bob.

Inspired by Nicole Richie’s hair here, we created this mixed braided updo. Nicole’s hair is longer so it’s not exactly the same but I wanted to show that you can do braids in short hair.

I love the rockabilly feel with the big quiff but you can style the top section any way you like. Try a messy side-swept fringe for a modern take on this look. The inspiration image of Nicole Richie is very styled and this version is more wearable.

Braids in short hair – Short hairstyle tutorial

What you need:

• Bobby pins
• Small hair elastics x 3 (optional)

Step-by-step tutorial

1. Start by sectioning your hair. Clip up the top section out of the way. At the back you want to dive your hair in thirds to create equal sized braids.
2. Start a Dutch lace braid on the left side. The first braid is a Dutch lace braid. A Dutch braid is the reverse of a French braid and the lace version is where you only add in hair from one side. You want to pull the hair tightly on the left so that the braid sits at the back of the head. Use a small clear elastic to secure the end of the braid or pin in place with bobby pins.
3. Next – the middle Dutch braid. Create a Dutch braid down the centre back of your head finishing at the nape of your next. Secure the end with a small elastic or just pin in place with bobby pins.
4. Complete the right Dutch lace braid. Repeating the same Dutch lace braid on the right side, making sure to pull the hair in tight from the right. Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic or just pin in place with bobby pins.
5. Stretch out the braids and arrange them. It’s hard to see at the back of your head and this style will need adjusting. As the two side braids are lace braids, you can gently stretch them out and pull them closer to the centre braid. Use styling powder if you need to make your hair look thicker. This product is amazing.
6. For the quiff – use more styling powder and gently backcomb your hair. When you have the height you want, gently comb over the top to smooth it down and curl it round your finger to set the shape. Set with some hairspray to help it stay all day.

Styling tips

• In the steps above I said it’s optional to use elastics and this totally depends on the length of your hair and the texture. Nella’s hair is really short and I like the messy ends poking out from the braid. If your hair keeps slipping, use a hair band to secure the braid and then pin through the band to hold it in place.
• Stetching out your braids is crucial for this style. Nella’s hair is fine to medium thickness but looks so much fuller with the braids stretched out.
• Use a good hairspray to help hold this style all day. You don’t want your quiff to fall flat!

Do you like this style? What’s your favourite way to style short hair?

PS. 17 ways to wear a lob, 9 ways to style a bob and more braids in short hair!