20 Braids Ideas for Short Hair That Add Texture and Dimension (2024)

By

Reviewed by

Hairstylist

• Lacy Redway is a celebrityhairstylist based in New York.
• Niani B. is a master braider and natural hair stylist at Naturalicious Salon in Canton, MI.

Crown Braid

Crown braids hold a special place in our hearts and these short hair braids
on Kerry Washington are no exception. Niani notes that this look can be done on all hair types using extensions that best match your hair texture. "To achieve this classic look, braid or mold your short hair down using a gel (we love the Naturalicious Dramatic Definition Gel, $33)," she says. "Use a braid extension hair to create braids, then pin them in place to secure the braid in a headband look and camouflage your hair."

French Side Braid

In the middle of growing out a pixie? Go for a loose French side braid, seen here on Shailene Woodley. It's equal parts boho and fresh and instantly masks uneven hair growth. Niani notes that this works best on naturally straight, wavy, or blow-dried textured hair. And if you need to fake the volume, we love John Frieda's Volume Lift Air-Whipped Foam Mousse ($8).

Classic Cornrows

Yara Shahidi's classic cornrows are our forever inspiration for Black hair. "Start by sectioning the hair into 1 1/2-inch sections withHarry Josh Pro ToolsCarbon Tail Comb($20)," says Redway. "Use a bit of water on eachsection to add grip on your curl pattern, along withR+CoMotorcycle Flexible Hair Gel ($29) to make sure the braid would won't unravel or loosen."

Braided Bob

Achieving box braids can be a lengthy process, but they're so worth it when they turn out like Amandla Stenberg's. Begin by installing medium-sized box braids with faux braiding hair. "Leave out the front corner section for larger cornrows to give the style some added flair," notes Niani. Then, secure the ends of the braids with these Small Mini Hair Elastics ($3) and cut the hair to your desired length.

Classic French Braid

Ruby Rose stuns in this braided number that proves it is possible to French braid short hair. Ideal for naturally straight or wavy hair types, get the look by first running a pomade through the hair to create grip. Then, make a tight off-centered French braid and secure with bobby pins.

Shoulder Length Box Braids

If you love box braids but don't want to pay/spend 12 hours of your day getting them done, take inspiration from FKA Twigs. Her shoulder-length box braids are also braided with some reddish-copper color that adds some extra dimension. To keep your roots flyaway free, use Eco Style Professional Olive Oil Gel ($3).

Layered Rock and Roll

We're all for an edgy look, but this one takes the cake for being wildly rock and roll. Give your mane a deep side part and create one braid straight back on one side of the head. Pin the end under the rest of the hair to secure. Leave hair straight for a sleeker 'do or add a light bend like Ashley Benson for messy definition.

Updo Cornrows

Issa Rae can do no wrong in our eyes—the constant switch-up of her hair keeps us on our toes, itching to see what trend-setting 'do she dons next. To DIY this elegant updo, part your hair ear to ear, then part the top half into three sections and the under half into two sections. "Braid three cornrows on each side section in the front, then create two braids with your back section, adding the ends from the three front sections into the two back braids," explains Niani. Finish by pinning them up, smoothing out edges with the Eden Coconut Shea Control Edge Gel ($10), and loosely rolling and pinning the front middle section into a pompadour.

Double Bang Braid

Whether it's for a daytime outing or a nighttime affair, these braided bangs are simple enough for even the braid-challenged. Niani says to create one large, center section at the top of your hair. Then, part that section in the middle to create two center sections. "Create one flat twist on each section, leaving the ends loose, and secure the twist with an elastic band, hair pin, or hair clip," says Niani. Spritz in some of Maria Nila's Ocean Spray ($30) for a lived-in look.

Half-Up Braids

Give the standard half-up hairstyle a cool upgrade with this half-up braided topknot. Not only is Kristen Stewart's spellbinding topknot braided but so too are the strands sitting on either side of her pulled-back part. For the perfect dose of roughed-up texture, we recommend a quick hit of texturizing spray à la Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($49).

Shaved Sides With Top Braid

Bold has never looked better. This edgy 'do is trend-worthy but shockingly easy to achieve. According to Niani, Jill Scott's two-strand twists can be achieved with or without extensions on textured hair. Here's a step-by-step: "First, shave the sides of your hair or cut the sides very short, then take two small strands of hair and twist them around each other. Repeat all over the hair. Then loosely gather all the twists and tuck and pin into place to achieve a pompadour look."

Fishtail Updo

Fishtail braids are a no-fuss style for short hair that can fake length. Emma Stone's beautiful fishtail braid updo has that perfectly undone vibe that looks great for both a formal occasion (wedding vibes, for sure!) or a casual day at the office.

Short Braided Side Ponytail

There is just something so chic about a short, side ponytail. To get actress Yara Shahidi's look, brush your ponytail straight up using a smoothing brush like the Wet Brush Custom Care Smoothing Brush ($15) and secure with a ponytail holder.

Boho Bun

Exposed bobby pins have been all the rage among celebs and supermodels alike, and here they play a huge part in making sure Nicole Richie's minimalistic braided bun stays that way. Get the look by making two braids at the side of the head, as messy or tight as you want them. Collect the ends of the braid with the rest of your hair and pull into a low bun.

Braided Sides

One of the easiest ways to take a hairstyle from basic to glam is to braid the temples and style the rest in a chic updo, like Danai Gurira. If you want to make sure the braids stay sleek for a few days, use Pattern's Edge Control ($12) and Edge Tool ($12) .

Chic Braided Updo

On those days when you really can't be bothered with your hair but you need to look put together in 5 minutes flat, take inspiration from Scarlett Johannson's fub braided up do. If you want to give it a 90s twist, take out some face-framing tendrils as well.

Messy Fishtail Updo

Rita Ora's boho-chic updo is an amazing wedding day (or any day, really) style. Her pearl headband gives the whole look a bridal vibe, but you can switch it up with a cute floral headband—or opt to let the braids shine on their own.

Braided Side Bun

There is something so elegant and timeless about a side bun—this picture of Charlize Theron is from almost a decade ago and still looks like it could be on the red carpet today.

Braided Top Bun

Take your half-up, half-down style up a notch and get inspired by Hailey Bieber's fun braided top bun. To keep the frizz at bay, use a handy flyaway stick like the BedHead Hair Wax Stick ($27).

Corn Rose

Putting flowers in your hair will always be a vibe—just ask Tessa Thompson and her corn "rose". Redway designed this showstopping style for the actress for the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. It's really as simple as braiding sleek cornrows and adding in fresh or fake flowers to the ends.