How to Do Updos for Short Hair

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: May 20, 2020 References

Updos are the perfect way to look polished and put together for a special occasion. However, it can be difficult to find an updo that works for short hair. Luckily, with some creativity and bobby pins, you can do a beautiful, classy updo. For an even more interesting look, you can add accessories, like headbands and clips.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating a Classy Look

1
Create a faux French twist for a classic style. Pull your hair back like you would to put it in a ponytail, but don’t secure it. Then, twist the ponytail downward into a bun, and pin it in place. Tuck the “tail” of the bun under it, and pin any loose hair at the nape of your neck underneath the bun.^{[1]
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- For an edgier look, you can twist the bun upward into an upside-down twist, and pin the hair around the bun.
2
Pin one side back for a polished look. If your hair is very short, use gel to push it back off of your face, and then twist one side of your hair behind your ear. Use bobby pins to secure the piece in place, and spray the hair with hairspray to prevent flyaways and frizz.^{[2]
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- If your pins are visible, try lining them up or creating an X-shape or triangle with them for a bolder statement. You can also use bobby pins that match your hair color so that they will blend in.
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3
Curl your hair and pin the ends under for a romantic bob. For longer short hair, use a curling wand to add waviness to your hair and spray with hairspray to hold the curls. Then, gather the hair at the back of your head and pin it up and under your hair to create the effect of a clean, blunt bob.^{[3]
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- Keep the hair at the front and side of your head loose for a classy, flowy look.
4
Roll your hair into a sleek, low chignon if you want an easy updo. Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, and then roll the hair upward into a small bun. Secure the bun with pins, and spray the top and sides of your hair to prevent frizz and flyaways, keeping the look smooth.^{[4]
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Tip: You can also roll the hair downward to conceal the bun and pins for a more professional, polished look.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Doing a Casual Updo

1
Braid the sides of your hair and pin them back for a bohemian look. Use a comb to part your hair to the side or down the middle. Starting at the front of your hair, do a French braid down either side of your head toward your ears. Continue braiding until you reach the back of your head or run out of hair long enough to braid. Then, pin the braids together at the back of your head, or tuck them behind your ears.^{[5]
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- Don’t worry if your hair doesn’t reach the back of your head. Simply pin the braids wherever you can.
2
Pull your hair into a half bun for a quick, cool style. Separate the hair on the top part of your head into one section, and twist it into a bun on the top of your head. Secure it with bobby pins or an elastic hairband. Leave the bottom half of your hair down to cover your ears and neck. Leave your hair messy for a super casual look, or comb it to tame flyaways and frizz.^{[6]
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- If you have bangs, leave them out of the bun if they aren't long enough to reach the top of your head, or push them back and secure them with hair gel.
3
Gather your hair into tiny twists for a faux-updo. Separate your hair into tiny sections all over your head, and then twist the pieces into mini buns all over your head. Secure them with bobby pins and spritz your hair with hairspray to keep the buns in place. Don't worry about visible pins, since they add to the casual look!^{[7]
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- You can make this look as personalized as you want. If your hair in certain places is too short to twist, you can leave it down.
4
Secure your hair in 2 buns for a funky, sporty style. Divide your hair into 2 sections on either side of your head, and pull each section into a messy bun on the top of your head. Pull a couple of pieces down on the sides to add to the messy look, and pin the buns down if they're sticking up too high.^{[8]
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- This fun look is perfect for working out or heading to a concert where you don't want your hair in the way!
Tip: Sprinkle some glitter onto to your part to add some sparkle to the look!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Accessorizing Your Updo

1
Wear a headband to keep your hair out of your face. If your hair is too short to pull back but falls into your face, put on a headband. For even more interest, choose a colorful headband, or one with embellishments. If you have thick or coarse hair, try wearing multiple headbands at once.^{[9]
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- For thicker hair, and elastic hair band may work better than a regular plastic headband, which may slip forward.
If you’re using an elastic headband, try wrapping your hair around the back of the band to conceal it.
2
Wrap a silk scarf around your hair to add interest to your look. If you have visible pins that you want to hide, fold a silk scarf into a thin rectangle. Then, wrap the scarf around your hair at the nape of your neck and over your ears like a headband. Tie the scarf at your part or at the nape of your neck.^{[10]
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- For a cutesy look, you can tie the scarf into a bow at the top of your head!
- If you have bangs, leave them out of the scarf so they cover your forehead.
3
Secure your hair with colorful clips and pin for a subtle statement. Pick up colorful, shiny, or embellished clips and bobby pins. When you’re securing your hair, use a few sparkly clips in addition to pins that blend in with your hair color. Place them strategically at the most interesting point of your updo, like near the bun or at the end of a braid.^{[11]
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- Remember to use sparkly clips sparingly, since too many can make a look seem childish.
4
Use a hair chain to dress up a pixie cut. For strands that are too short to curl, a hair chain can be the perfect solution. Fasten one of the small clips on either side of your head, and drape the chain over your hair. Tuck the clips under your hair to conceal them, and make sure the chain is laying flat on your hair.^{[12]
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- You can wear the chain at the back of your head or over the top of your head across your part. Decide which works best with your cut and style!
- Search online if you cannot find a hair chain in a store.