Braided hairstyles seem to be ever-evolving, but a classic look that always remains a favorite of mine are short braids. These braids are nothing short of perfect as they are super manageable, don’t take forever to install, and are great for hot summer days when you don’t want long hair getting in your face.
Short hairstyles are also good for women who don’t want to be burdened with the excess weight of hair extensions. If you have an active lifestyle or you swim often, you probably don’t want a hairstyle that weighs down your neck when it gets wet.
Just like any short hair, short braided hairstyles are easier to style and maintain.
The best thing about short braids is that they can be incorporated into multiple different protective hairstyles. From knotless braids to goddess braids, twists, and even locs, the styling possibilities are endless when it comes to short braids.
In this post, I’ve put together some seriously stunning short braids hairstyles that will inspire your next hairstyle.
How Long Do Short Braided Hairstyles Last?
Short braided hairstyles can last anywhere from 4-8 weeks. However, this will depend on how well you take care of the braids during this time.
Do Short Braids Grow Your Hair?
Just like any other protective style, short braids keep your natural hair tucked in and protected from breakage, which will, in turn, help you retain length and lead to hair growth. However, this can only happen with the right maintenance routine and making sure your braids aren’t installed too tight.
If you want to optimize your hair growth with short braids, you’ll need to moisturize the hair 1-2 times a week with a conditioning hair spritz and also apply a growth oil to your scalp.
You also need to make sure your hair is covered with silk or satin bonnet before going to bed to prevent unnecessary friction, which could result in breakage and make your style look frizzy.
What Braids Are Best For Short Hair?
If you have short hair, there is a wide range of braided styles you can do with your hair. Some of the best braids for short hair include cornrows, bob braids, micro braids, and cornrows. You can also play around with more options if you incorporate braiding hair extensions into your hair.
That way, you can pretty much try any style you like. From goddess braids to knotless box braids, there’s really nothing you can’t do with short hair.
Can I Wear Short braids if I Have Long Hair?
Yes, you can absolutely wear short braids if you have long hair. There are different ways you can rock short braids if you have long hair and no none of them require cutting your precious hair.
First, you can opt for a crotchet style where your real hair would be put into cornrows, and then the braid extensions will be woven into your roots using a crotchet hook, or your stylist can fold your natural hair into the desired length you want and then start braiding.
You can also begin the braids with the zip braiding method and then proceed to braid the regular way as you move further down the length of each braid. This technique will tuck your long natural hair into the short braids, as done in this video.
What Hair Do I Need For a Short Braided Hairstyle?
You can use any braiding hair extensions to achieve this look. To save on hair and eliminate waste, you can cut the hair into multiple parts, depending on how long the hair is and the length you’re going for. This way, you won’t have to cut excess hair, which will lead to a waste of money.
To achieve the short look, you will cut the ends of your hair to the desired length. And to prevent your hair from loosening, you can burn the ends of the hair extensions, making sure you don’t burn your own hair. You can also go the safer way, which is to secure the ends of your hair with rubber bands. If you want to hide the rubber band, you can add braid rings to each braid.
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These pictures are all sourced online. To be credited for your personal picture, please contact me with the exact picture, and I’ll be sure to credit you. I’ve also included some affiliate links in the post which means that I make a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a purchase with my link.
Fall in Love With These Short Braided Hairstyles!
1. Dark Brown Bob Braids With Accessories
This style is all about bold accessories, so if you’re someone who wants a simple look you can still wear on a glam day, this is the perfect style for you.
2. Bob Goddes Braids
If you’re looking for a cute look to pair with fancy outfits on a special occasion, this is a great style to try.
What you’ll need: freetreess wavy hairand pre-stretched braiding hair
3. Box Box Braids With Blue Highlights
Want to add a fun and dramatic flair to your look? Try this blue and black short braids combo.
What you’ll need: Black braiding hair and Blue prestretched braiding hair
4. Jumbo Shoulder Length Marley Twists
This style is perfect if you want to elevate your regular two-strand twists but still want something that looks natural.
What you’ll need: Marley hair
5. Shoulder Length Goddess Faux Locs
If you’re a fan of locs and want to wear them in an elegant look that can be dressed down or glammed up, this look is perfect for you.
What you’ll need: crotchet butterfly locs
6. Asymmetrical Bob Braids With Side Cornrows
Want a unique look that enhances your face shape? a style like this is the ideal look to go for.
What you’ll need: color 30 braiding hair
7. Side Parted Short Braids
If you need a simple braid style you can easily wear to work or school without much maintenance, a side-parted look like this is perfect for that.
What you’ll need: braiding hair
8. Full Shoulder length Goddess Braids
If you’re a fan of having thick hair, goddess braids are the perfect way to achieve that volume.
What you’ll need: braiding hair freetress water wave hair
9. Half-up Half-down Twists And Stitch Cornrows
Don’t want your braids getting in the way of things? Try these elegant and unique half twists, half stitch braids combo. You can either use regular braiding hair extensions or Marley hair for the single twists. But for the cornrows part, regular braiding hair will be needed.
10. Distressed Faux Locs
Locs can sometimes look flat and shorten the face, and if you’re not a fan of that, these distressed faux locs are the perfect way to add a bit more fluff and style to your look. You can either use crochet faux locs or wrap your hair with braiding hair extensions.
11. Shoulder Length Bob Box Braids
This style is perfect if you want your braids to look full and sleek. If you have longer hair and don’t want to fold your hair, you can choose this hairstyle.
12. Pink and Yellow Bob Braids
If you’re looking for something fun and youthful, these double-colored bob braids are perfect. You can either re-create the hairstyle with the same hair colours or choose your own colours.
13. Purple Bob Braids With Accessories
This is another great hairstyle to opt for if you’re a fan of fun, colourful hair. Choose these purple hair extensions and make it feel more royal with gold hair accessories.
14. Shoulder Length Bob Box Braids
This layered look is a versatile hairstyle that you can wear anywhere, from work to a night out in town. This is a beautiful hairstyle for someone who wants to wear their braids shorter than usual, but not too short.
15. Brown Crotchet Box Braids
Don’t have the time to spend hours getting your braids done? Try a short crotchet style in a modest color like brownWhat you’ll need: hair cuffs, Brown crotchet hair
16. Short Braids With Tapered Ends
This style is perfect for moms who want something simple and cute.What you’ll need: silver hair cuffs, crotchet box braids
17. Side Parted Bob Braids
If you’re looking for a short style best suited for work, these side-parted bob braids are great to try. Add a single-coloured highlight braid in the back for a touch of color.
What you’ll need: pre-stretched braiding hair
18. Wine Color Bob Braids
This style is perfect for those who want to rock colorful hair in a modest and elegant way.
What you’ll need:Deep purple braiding hair
19. Shoulder Length Braids
if you want your braids to have a bit more structure and look full, this style would be perfect for you.
What you’ll need: Black braiding hair
20. Burgundy Bob Box Braids
These are another crotchet style short braids perfect for those on a busy schedule or people with long hair wanting to rock short braids.
What you’ll need: Purple braiding hair
21. Bob Braids With Shaved Sides
For an edgy look that stands out, this fade-cut style is the way to go.
What you’ll need: Dark Blonde braiding hair
22. Blonde Highlights Bob Box Braids
If you’re a fan of blonde hair but don’t want a style that is too bright, a mixed combo of blonde and black is the ideal compromise.
What you’ll need: black braiding hair and blonde braiding hair
23. Chunky Bob Braids With Frayed Ends
This style is perfect for students looking for something fun and low-maintenance to wear during the school year. Accessorize the ends with gold cuffs. What you’ll need: color 27 braiding hair
24. Back Neck-length Braids
If you want your short braids to be a bit long and easy to put into a bun, this back-length look is the perfect option for you.What you’ll need: black braiding hair and hair cuffs
25. Thick Neck-length Braids
This is another simple look you can wear on any occasion.
What you’ll need: Black braiding hair, and hair cuffs
26. Short Goddess Style Knotless Braids
If you want your braids to look natural and less bulky, this knotless look is a great option for you.
What you’ll need: xPressions braiding hair and freetress water wave.
27. Shoulder Length Bohemian Box Braids
If you’re all about volume and drama, these full goddess braids might just be what you need.
What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions, and freetress water wave.
28. Shoulder Length Box Braids With Beads
For a cute hairstyle both kids and adults can wear, mini braids like these ones with a fun addition of beads are perfect.
What you’ll need: colored beads and green lemon braiding hair
29. Shoulder Length Distressed Locs
If you want your short locs to have a dramatic flair, try this distressed loc style.
What you’ll need: distressed crotchet locs
30. Goddess Braids In Messy Bun
Cut and heat-sealed ends are given the royal treatment with braid cuffs and gold twine.
31. Jumbo Braids With Curled Ends
If you’re a fan of chunky braids and want to wear them to a special occasion, there’s no better way to do so than this look with curled ends.
What you’ll need: crotchet braids with curly ends
32. Half-up Half-down Goddess Braids
Low maintenance and elegant, this style is the perfect look to try if you want a look that draws attention to the face.
What you’ll need: black braiding hair, freetress water wave hair
33. Blue And Purple Short Braids
Just got your nails done and want the hair to match? This style will complete all your color coordination goals.
What you’ll need: ombre blue and purple braiding hair
34. Ombre Blonde Short Braids
If you’ve got dyed natural hair bright brown or honey blonde shade, this ombre style is a great way to blend your roots with bright colored extensions.
What you’ll need: blonde freetress curly hair, blonde braiding hair
35. Bright Blonde Neck-length Braids With Curls
Not up for dyeing your natural hair? This is a lovely way to rock goddess braids in a stunning blonde shade.
36. Mini Bob Goddess Braids
This style is the ideal glam hair to pair with nude makeup looks.
What you’ll need: pre-stretched braiding hair, freetress curly hair
37. Colored Goddess Locs
If you want a cute loc style with some texture and volume, this style is a great option if you love a pop of color.
What you’ll need: black Marley hair, dark green marley hair
38. Short Blonde Goddes Locs
These goddess locs are the perfect look to wear in the summer. They’re fluffy, bright, and pair nicely with any outfit.
What you’ll need: blonde marley hair
39. Short Boxy Braids With Sleek Edges
If you’ve got medium-length natural hair, you can try this sleek braided look if you don’t want to add extensions to your hair.
What you’ll need: wooden beads
40. Shoulder Length Locs
This style is great if you’re a fan of faux locs but don’t want them to be too heavy.
Conclusion
The bottom line here is that short braids are a low-maintenance and easy protective style anyone can pull off without much hassle. They are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit your favorite hairstyles. So no matter your hair length or style preference, short braids are the way to go if you’re looking for an easy and manageable braid look to rock in any season.
