With the holidays around the corner, it almost feels like updos are a hairstyle requirement. Ladies with short hairstyles (think shoulder-length or above) often feel left out of the conversation, however. Don’t give up on being part of the #shorthairdontcare squad just yet because there are a ton of cool, creative updos for short hair for you to rock. Keep clicking for 36 braided, wrapped and pinned updos for short hair that will have all eyes on you — for all the right reasons, of course!
[ Next: 21 Cool Braid Ideas for Short Hair ]
35 Gorgeous Updos for Short Hair
-
Hair Halo
Sleek clips, like those seen on Isabel Lucas, will effortlessly hold shorter hair in place.
Image: Getty
-
Accessorized Elegance
A touch of tinsel, as Emmy Rossum shows, can amp up more traditional ‘dos.
Image: Getty
-
Bouncy Rings
Transform your updo with gorgeous pinup-style curls, like Moonlight supporting starlet Janelle Monáe.
Image: Getty
-
Twist and Turns
Twist your buns in every direction imaginable a la Elizabeth Banks for a highly artistic effect.
Image: Getty
-
Fauxhawk
Lady Victoria Hervey nails it with this easy to replicate fauxhawk.
Image: Getty
-
Half Up, Half Shaved
Formal doesn’t have to lack funk. Rosamund Pike’s undercut makes a stunning statement.
Image: Getty
-
Braided Topknot
Miley Cyrus is never afraid to make a major hair statement. Her take on the half up-half down braided knot is right on trend.
Image: Getty
-
The Side Swoop
She may not be rocking makeup anymore, but Alicia Keys’ tall sweeping fringe elongates her facial features in the best way possible.
Image: Getty
-
Platinum Wave
Pink looks lovely in this platinum blond sculptural ‘do guaranteed to turn some heads.
Image: Getty
-
French Twist
We love Natalie Portman’s modern take on the classic French roll. To mimic, loosely pin your hair into a graceful twist.
Image: Getty
-
Pinned and Sleek
Pull back your mane in a romantic updo to reveal a youthful glow, just like Cate Blanchett.
Image: Getty
-
Knotty by Nature
Alice Isaaz’s intricate knotted bun will subtly enhance an already fabulous look.
Image: Getty
-
Dutch Bun
Can’t decide on a Dutch braid or a bun? Why choose when you can stun equally in both? La La Anthony didn’t.
Image: Getty
-
Crowning Glory
Bold braids look great on shorter styles. We love Adriana Ugarte’s glam take.
Image: Getty
-
Chic Chignon
Keep shorter sides in check with well-placed bobby pins. Use Araya A. Hargate as an example of how to put the “chic” in chignon.
Image: Getty
-
Carefree Twist
Updos don’t have to be perfect. Victoria Beckham’s undone teased take is 100 percent gala-worthy.
Image: Getty
-
Bun Fun
Maria Menounos’ multiple mini buns channel Princess Leia without feeling too costumey.
Image: Getty
-
Low Knot
Actress Jennifer Lawrence proves that low-key can still look luxe.
Image: Getty
-
Half-Shaved 'Do
Shaved temples? No problem, you can still rock a slaying lavender style like Kelly Osbourne.
Image: Getty
-
Pristine Plait
We appreciate Amber Valletta’s braided black tie as an alternative to the everyday updo.
Image: Getty
-
Beautifully Bejeweled
Emma Watson’s subtle sprinkling of hair jewels will perk up any glamorous ‘do.
Image: Getty
-
Fierce Florals
Adding a few statement jeweled flowers to an updo can bring a bit of sass to more formal styles.
Image: @wildchildfabrications
-
A Magenta Twist
Take a traditional style to the next level by dyeing your strands a notice-me vibrant hue.
Image: @thefrenchtwistsalon
-
Psychedelic Rings
Dutch braids and space buns are out of this world, especially with the addition of these colorful hair piercings.
Image: @locks_by_ness
-
Naturally Knotty
This flat twist-turned-bun puts the “e” in edgy.
Image: @tjluvsbeingnatural
-
Bumped Up
A voluminous bump paired with a halo braid adds major style to a simple bun.
Image: @katiecotton_mua
-
Curled Away
Adding a wraparound braid to loose curls provides a soft, ethereal effect.
Image: @maricruzhairstyles
-
Pretty in Pink
Sometimes all you need is a cool bandana and a hot hair hue.
Image: @lordgracee
-
Heavenly Halo
This messy braid will have you and everyone else #hairobsessed.
Image: @christiesalon
-
Super Buns
We love this sleek, unusual take on a braided bun.
Image: @sarkkupallohair
-
Face Forward
Something as simple as shifting your curls to the front of your face instantly amps up the sex appeal factor.
Image: @angiedivina
-
Grecian Goddess
Achieve instant perfection with chunky braids paired with delicate gold leaf pins.
Image: @nashwhitecherry
-
Haute Hues
This twisted frohawk is not only wild, but it’s also stunning.
Image: @pink_nouveau
-
Take a Bow
The sugary sweet, girly accessory gets grown up.
Image: @tama_hairmake
-
Nature's Calling
Get romanced by a delicate touch of foliage for your big day.
Image: @sy.union_hair
-
Modern Rapunzel
Elevate your low bun by tying the loose ends of your Dutch braid into a messy chignon.
Image: @__vanessam__
-
The Tousled Effect
Deliberately teased strands will create a well-styled updo.
Image: @glamby_julianicole
-
Braided Brilliance
This style shows that braids are a great addition to any updo.
Image: @lisavirgo
-
#Instabraid
This tucked-in tail is the fastest way to up your Instagram likes.
Image: @tracymeltonartistry
-
Going Dutch
This braid is more than a trend — it's a short style stunner.
Image: @denitamaebrown
-
Wound Up
This tangled up style knocks all the others out of the park.
Image: @hairline_stoneridge
-
Tousled Locks
Fake the look of an undercut with a contrast hair color, like plum on blond strands.
Image: @abacheglenelg
-
Flowers and Knots
This twisted bun is utterly breathtaking and spring-like.
Image: @many.new
