10 Crazy-Pretty Braids You Can Easily Do on Short Hair (2024)

PSA: Just because you have short hair, doesn't mean you can't play in the braid pool like your longer-haired friends. Seriously, whether you've been dying to try that super-pretty crown braid for your wedding reception or that cool, piece-y waterfall braid for happy hour, there's no reason why you should feel limited in the style department (or, like, feel pressured to get waist-length extensions). Nope, all you need is a little product (see: thickening mousse or dry shampoo—both of which leave hair with a bit of grit needed to hold a braid), and one of these easy-to-follow YouTube tutorials of the absolute best braids for short hair.

Braids for Short Hair #1 ✨ The Waterfall

Everything about this waterfall braid is cool AF (it's kinda the perfect middle ground between super refined and woke up like this, IMHO). Kick things off by blasting your roots with dry shampoo for texture and grit, then part your hair to the side and get braiding (don't worry, YouTuber Milabu makes it super easy for you). A few of my personal fave dry shampoos, below:

Braids for Short Hair #2 ✨ The Double Dutch

Fact: If you can French braid, this double-Dutch hairstyle for short hair will feel like a walk in the park (a Dutch braid is basically an inside-out French braid). If you're going for a looser look with plenty of volume, make sure you start with a root powder (like Drybar Southern Belle Volume Boosting Powder or Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder). Then, after you've secured your braid with a hair tie, gently separate your hair to loosen it up a bit.

Braids for Short Hair #3 ✨ The Double Puff

Perfect for putting off wash day a liiiiittle longer, this hairstyle for short hair leaves you with the cutest combination of braids. Before you queue up the tutorial, make sure you've got a rat-tail comb for separating each section, a handful of clips, and a spray bottle with water. Beads are optional but 100 percent encouraged (I mean, how pretty is YouTuber Olive Chels' finished look?).

Braids for Short Hair #4 ✨ The Infinity

Pro tip: The easiest way to make sure your infinity braid (or any braid, for that matter) has shape and definition is by working with dirty hair. Two- or three-day-old hair is ideal, since you'll have way more texture than you would with freshly washed hair, and can load up on the dry shampoo for even more grit. Got it? Good. Now prepare to make your friends very jealous with this cute lil short-hair braid.

Braids for Short Hair #5 ✨ The Half-Up Half-Down

It's no secret that half-up hairstyles are a staple for anyone with short hair, so why not take yours to the next level with this braided style? A sleek braid around your hairline will add a little extra ~something~ to any average half-up look, and this YouTube tutorial is proof. Is this the 2020 version of the crown braid? I hope so.

Braids for Short Hair #6 ✨ The Headband

I won’t lie, this isn’t the easiest style if you're a newb—but the final result is worth a bit of trial and error. The only tools you need for this one are a rat-tail comb, hair clamps and a little dry shampoo for added texture. Oh, and some patience.

Braids for Short Hair #7 ✨ The Side Braid

While vlogger Franchelli Rodriguez's hair isn’t super short, her method for side braids is a great solve for thicker, shorter textures. The side braid still allows you to get in on the trend without worrying about dealing with, you know, all of your hair.

Braids for Short Hair #8 ✨ The Fishtail

Try this look when you want to extend the life of a wavy bob, hide greasy roots, or, honestly, when you’re feeling lazy as hell. Comb a small dab of texture cream or paste through the section you’re about to braid (this will give it extra hold), then rake through the rest of your hair for a sexy, piece-y effect.

Braids for Short Hair #9 ✨ The French Braid

The best things about braids on curly hair is that they actually help stretch and elongate individual coils. To really "lock" in the braid, try styling it fresh out the shower on damp hair, massaging a dab of edge control gel along your edges to make sure they stay smooth while styling.

Braids for Short Hair #10 ✨ The Remixed Cornrow

If this style looks familiar, it's probably because it is: Issa Rae has rocked a similar braided look on her hit HBO show, Insecure, and it's consistently gorgeous. Protective styles, especially cornrows, are a savior for curls, kinks, and coils, since they help lock in moisture.

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