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Looking for beginner braids for short hair? If so, you’re not alone. These are one of the easiest and best ways to keep your hair in place throughout the day. We’ll show you 15 unique styles, why we love each, and much more.
Beginner Braids for Short Hair: A Summary
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Looking for the main steps to take to braid your short hair? Read on. If you want your hair to remain neat and tangle-free, braiding is a great idea as well as brushing, shampooing, and conditioning your hair regularly.
Below, I’ll explain how you can braid a short hairstyle and discuss the 15 best beginner braids for short hair, including:
- The waterfall braid
- The double puff hairstyle
- The double dutch braid
- Pull-through half-up bun
- The infinity braid
- The headband hairstyle
- The half-up half-down style
- The side braid
- The French braid
- The fishtail braid
- The remixed cornrow
- Accent braid ponytail
- Twisted bun
- Braided bridal hairstyle
- Double braids
How to Braid Your Short Hair
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The first step to braid short hair is to use a comb to part your hair at the center. Then take a section of hair (about three inches) on the right side. Now, divide that section into three equal parts and keep these sections between your fingers.
Begin braiding the three sections of hair, crossing the left and right portions over the middle section. Keep braiding until you’ve reached the length you prefer. Lastly, pin the braid in place and tie it together with a hair elastic.
15 Beginner Braids for Short Hair
In the sections below, I will outline some great beginner braids for short hair and how to get your braid to look awesome. Now, let’s get started!
1. The Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid looks amazing and you’ll get tons of compliments when you’re out and about. This braid covers the back of your head in a horizontal line while leaving the rest of your wavy hair falling like a waterfall.
You might first want to use some dry shampoo on your head before trying the waterfall braid. Now, part your hair on the side and start making the braid. You can watch the video above to learn how to make the perfect waterfall braid.
2. The Double Puff Hairstyle
The double puff hairstyle is a gorgeous and adorable combo of braids and hair puffs. The supplies you’ll need for the double puff hairstyle include a rat-tail comb, a spray bottle of water, and several hair clips.
You can add beads to your hair to complete the look. You can get this hairstyle by sectioning off the back of your head from the front using hair clips. You can make thin braids on both sides of your head. Then, you should make two puffs of hair in the front of your head on the left and right sides.
3. The Double Dutch Braid
A double Dutch braid should be easy enough to do if you have had experience making a French braid. Essentially, double Dutch pigtails look like an inside-out French braid.
The first step is to part your hair in the center. Then, split each side into three parts. The next steps are as follows:
- Put the inner portion under the middle part
- Put the outer strand under the middle part
- Include more small portions of hair to the strands and put them underneath again
- Continue the steps until you’re at the bottom
- Tie the hair in place using an elastic
- Repeat the steps above on the other side of your head
4. Pull-Through Half-Up Bun
If you aren’t quite sure how to braid your own short hair, then this hairstyle is a perfect choice. It looks just like a braid but is much easier to accomplish. The pull-through braid with a half-up bun doesn’t require plaiting but gives you a similar look to other pigtails.
To do a pull-through braid, start with a texturizing spray. Then, section off your hair by making a partial ponytail. Split the top ponytail into two equal portions and combine the divided portions downward.
5. The Infinity Braid
When making an infinity braid, make sure you don’t wash your hair for two or three days. This adds more texture to your hairstyle, unlike newly washed hair.
Further, you can add some dry shampoo to your head, which will give it even more texture. This unique braid will look incredible on your short hairstyle. All your friends will rave about how great you look!
6. The Headband Hairstyle
If you try the headband hairstyle, you’ll find it quite easy to complete. You might even think this braid is the easiest one to add to your repertoire. If you’re a beginner at braiding your own short hair, you’ll love the headband hairstyle.
To get the right look, you’ll need rat-tail combs, some dry shampoo to add more texture, and hair clamps or clips to section off your hair. After a few tries, you’ll ace this simple hairstyle.
7. The Half-Up Half-Down Style
Another great idea is to try the half-up and half-down hairstyle. Half-up hairstyles are perfect for women with short hair and adding a braid to the mix will kick it up a notch.
All you need to do is add a thin and eye-catching braid to the top of your hairline. This braid will make your half-up style look unique.
8. The Side Braid
If you have thick and short hair, the side braid is a great addition to your typical hairstyles. The best thing about the side braid is that you can use only a short amount of your hair to braid and leave the rest to flow downwards without having to fix it up much.
You’ll love this trending style and your friends will definitely admire it too!
9. The French Braid
The French braid will make your curls much longer and stretch out those coils. Once you wash your hair in the shower, it’s time to make the French braid as long as your head is damp.
You can style it with some edge control gel to keep your hair smooth. If you’re a beginner, check out this tutorial to learn how to make the perfect French braid.
10. The Fishtail Braid
If you want a lazy and simple hairstyle, you can’t find an easier style than the fishtail braid. If you have a wavy bob or your roots are getting dirty, this is the perfect braid to make your head look great without much effort.
Make sure to use some texture cream on the part of your hair you’ll braid. Now, rake the cream through the rest of your head.
11. The Remixed Cornrow
The remixed cornrow hairstyle is also an amazing hairstyle for those with short hair. The remixed cornrow will also keep your hair safe, especially if you have lots of coils and curls.
It will help prevent your hair from tangling and breaking down. The way the remixed cornrow style protects your hair is by locking in moisture.
12. Accent Braid Ponytail
If you don’t have too much time to deal with your hair in the morning, then add an accent braid to a ponytail. This is a simple and quick hairstyle that is easy to do with short hair.
This works with either an updo ponytail or when you’re wearing your hair down. Making a small and thin braid in the front of your hairline is a great detail to add. You’ll look stylish with little effort.
13. Twisted Bun
The twisted bun is also a great addition if you’re a beginner looking for an easy style for your hair. This amazing hairstyle will take little time to complete and may even look like a professional did it in a salon.
All you need to do for this bun is twist two portions of your hair together and include more hair from the nearby edges when you twist. In the end, tie the braids together in a bun for a gorgeous updo.
14. Braided Bridal Hairstyle
You can use a hair curler to give yourself this wavy bridal hairstyle. This style looks gorgeous and you’ll love wearing it on your wedding day! All you need to do is have a single braid in the middle section of your head.
Once you’ve finished the braid, put the tips underneath the wavy parts of your hair and secure them in place. This romantic hairstyle is sure to turn plenty of heads.
Read Next: Wedding Guest Hairstyles
15. Double Braids
Another fun and cute style is the double-braids look. This is a really easy style for beginners to try out. This is perfect for those with short hair and takes only a few minutes to complete. You’ll find the double braids look quite elegant and impressive.
The two braids are side-by-side on the top of your head. You’ll look stylish and it’ll be perfect when you’re out on the town!
Things to Consider
- Before parting your hair, wash it and use a conditioner. Once it’s dry, it’s easier to work with.
- If your hair tangles easily and quickly, section it in small ponytails.
- Although you can part your hair with your fingers, if you have never braided your hair before it’s best to use a comb.
- Sectioning your hair with clips is a must when it comes to keeping your hair tight and separeted.
- Even if you’re fond of your hands to do all the work, getting the proper materials to help with your braids will make the process a lot easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of braid is best for short hair?
Luckily, tons of braids are great for short hair. For instance, you’ll look great with French braids, cornrows, Dutch braids, or accent braids. You’ll find that short hair is perfect for all types of small and unique braids. There is no one perfect braid for short hair.
How do you braid short hair?
There are tons of tutorials for unique braids to try out on short hair. However, for a simple and easy braid, you’ll need to start with parting your hair on each side with a comb.
Then, divide your hair into three sections on each side and braiding the three sections together downwards. Don’t forget to tie and secure your braids in place once you’re done.
What is the easiest braid to do?
The classic Dutch braid, the waterfall braid, and the fishtail braid are some of the easiest braids to do on short hair. Beginners should have few problems following the tutorials for these hairstyles.
Is braiding and plaiting the same thing?
Yes, you’ll see that braiding and plaiting are the same thing. Essentially, these two phrases are synonyms.
Is a French or a Dutch braid easier to do?
Neither type is easier than the other. With a French braid, you crosshair sections over one another while a Dutch braid crosses the hair sections underneath.
So, What Is the Best Braid for Short Hair?
So there you have it — the 15 best beginner braids for short hair. With so many options available, the best braid for short hair will depend greatly on your preferences.
Some like the twisted bun are easier to complete while the braided bridal hairstyle is more impressive and will turn heads. Whatever style you choose, these 15 options give you plenty of choices to improve your look.