12 Stylish Short Hair Updos for Every Occasion: Easy & Chic Hairstyles to Try

Amy M Clifton

Short hair doesn’t limit style—it opens up a world of chic possibilities. From casual outings to elegant events short hair updos offer a perfect way to switch up your look and showcase your personality. These styles balance polish with a relaxed vibe making them ideal for any occasion.

Updos for short hair have evolved far beyond simple half-ponytails or leaving hair loose. With creative twists messy buns and soft waves you can craft stunning looks that highlight your features and add flair.

Whether you’re heading to a wedding a date or a casual day out there’s an updo that fits your style and mood.

These hairstyles prove short hair can be just as glamorous and dynamic as longer locks—ready to inspire your next look.

1. Elegant Half-Up Twisted Knot

Elegant Half-Up Twisted Knot

Create volume by twisting small sections of hair from both sides toward the back. Secure these twists with bobby pins, forming a subtle knot at the crown. Allow loose waves to cascade freely, adding softness and movement.

This half-up style balances sophistication and effortlessness, making it perfect for weddings, dates, or formal events. It enhances short hair’s natural texture while keeping the look polished and versatile.

2. Voluminous Half-Up Bouffant

Voluminous Half-Up Bouffant

Create volume by teasing the crown section gently. Secure the top half with a small elastic or clip, forming a bouffant shape. Leave the rest of the hair loose with soft waves to add texture and movement.

This style combines elegance and ease, enhancing short hair with fullness. Ideal for weddings or formal events, it balances sophistication and natural charm effortlessly.

3. Casual Half-Up Twist

Casual Half-Up Twist

She starts by taking two small sections from each side of the head. Twist each section loosely and bring them to meet at the back.

Secure the twists together with a bobby pin or small clip. Let the rest of the hair fall naturally for a relaxed, effortless look.

This style is perfect for everyday wear, combining simplicity with subtle elegance. It works well with natural waves and adds a soft, polished touch without much effort.

4. Bohemian Half-Up Braided Crown

Bohemian Half-Up Braided Crown

She creates a whimsical look by braiding the front sections or bangs loosely, forming a crown around the head. Then she secures the braids with clear elastics or bobby pins, leaving the rest of the hair down in natural waves.

This style suits festivals, casual outings, and adds an effortless boho flair to short hair. Its airy texture enhances volume, making it ideal for those wanting a romantic yet practical updo.

5. Double Dutch Braided Updo

Double Dutch Braided Updo

Start by parting the hair down the middle. Create two Dutch braids on each side by crossing the strands under instead of over, adding hair as you braid.

Secure the ends with elastics. Then, wrap each braid into a low bun at the nape and pin them in place. This updo keeps short hair neatly off the neck while offering a chic and practical look, perfect for active days or warm weather.

6. Elegant Low Twisted Bun

Elegant Low Twisted Bun

They create an elegant low twisted bun by gently teasing the crown for volume. Next, they twist hair strands from each side toward the nape, securing them with pins.

They gather remaining hair into a soft bun at the nape, allowing delicate tendrils to frame the face. This updo suits various hair textures and occasions, offering a polished yet effortless look ideal for weddings or formal events.

7. Textured Braided Updo

Textured Braided Updo

Create a textured braided updo by combining loose braids and twists for volume and dimension. Start by loosely braiding sections from both sides, then gently pull on the braid edges to add fullness.

Twist the braids toward the back and secure them into a soft bun or chignon using pins. Finish with light hairspray to hold the style without stiffness. This updo suits both casual and formal occasions, adding a playful yet elegant touch to short hair.

8. Messy Low Chignon

Messy Low Chignon

Create a relaxed, romantic look by loosely gathering hair at the nape into a low chignon. Start by curling small sections for soft waves, then twist and pin strands unevenly to form a slightly undone bun.

Leave a few face-framing pieces out to enhance the effortless vibe. This versatile style suits weddings, casual outings, or any event needing a soft, polished finish.

9. Braided Side Sweep

 Braided Side Sweep

Create a chic braided side sweep by starting a loose braid at one temple, gradually adding hair while sweeping it across the head. Secure the braid with pins behind the opposite ear.

Let the remaining hair fall in soft waves to enhance texture. This updo adds an edgy, sophisticated twist to short hair, perfect for casual outings or bohemian-inspired events. It works well on both fine and thick hair, offering a stylish, effortless look with minimal effort.

10. Elegant Low Twist Bun

Elegant Low Twist Bun

Create volume by gently teasing the crown. Twist sections from each side toward the nape, securing them with pins. Gather the remaining hair into a soft, low bun and pin in place.

Leave delicate tendrils to frame the face for softness. This polished style suits various hair textures and formal occasions, providing a chic yet effortless look that’s perfect for weddings or elegant events.

11. Twisted Half-Up Waves

Twisted Half-Up Waves

Create twisted half-up waves by taking two small sections from each side near the temples. Twist each section gently and bring them toward the back of the head.

Secure the twists together with a bobby pin or small clip at the crown. Leave the rest of the hair loose with natural waves flowing freely.

This style perfectly balances relaxed elegance and effortless charm, making it ideal for both casual outings and semi-formal events.

12. Messy Low Ponytail

Messy Low Ponytail

Create a relaxed vibe by loosely gathering hair at the nape into a low ponytail. Leave face-framing strands out for softness and loosen some strands around the head for texture.

Secure with a hair tie and gently tug at sections to enhance the messy look. Perfect for casual outings or low-key events, this style offers effortless charm while keeping short hair stylish and easy to manage.

Photo of author

Amy M Clifton

My approach to hairstyling is deeply personalized. Before every session, I consider each client's lifestyle, skin tone, face, and body shape. Inspired by childhood memories of my mother leaving the salon glowing with confidence, I knew this was my calling. Now, I send my own clients out the door—feeling confident and looking fantastic. I'm located upstairs at Willow's Dream Salon, 210 Merrimon Ave, Asheville. Many clients call me afterward, thrilled by the compliments they receive—that’s the best endorsement! Specialties: Every guest receives a thoughtful consultation before we begin. LinkedIn

Leave a Comment