8 Easy Hairstyles For Short Hair

Short hair is anything but limiting. Whether you’re wearing a modern bob, textured bixie, square bob or pixie cut, there are plenty of easy hairstyles for short hair that can transform your look in just a few minutes.

If you’ve ever wondered how to style short hair women without spending ages in front of the mirror, you’re in the right place. From polished updos to effortless waves and playful braids, these styles are perfect for everyday wear, special occasions or even rescuing a bad hair day.

Many of these looks also work brilliantly with today’s most popular cuts and colour trends, including lived-in blonde, balayage, glossed brunettes and face-framing money pieces, helping your colour and haircut stand out.

At Sleek and Chic Hair Design, our stylists regularly recommend these quick hairstyles for short hair to clients visiting our salon, as they’re simple to recreate at home while keeping your hair looking healthy and stylish.

Short hair trends that make styling even easier

Today’s short hairstyles are designed to be versatile. Cuts such as textured bobs, bixies and softly layered crops are intentionally created to work with natural movement, making them ideal if you’re looking for everyday hairstyles for short hair that require minimal effort.

Healthy hair also makes styling significantly easier. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks, professional glossing treatments and using quality styling products all help your chosen style hold its shape for longer.

Now, let’s look at eight simple styles you can recreate yourself.

1. HALF-UP TOP KNOT

This is a cute yet chic bun made up of only the top section of hair that’s twisted into a knot. It can be placed higher or lower depending on your personal style and works particularly well on textured bobs and longer pixie cuts.

Equipment

• Hairbrush

• Hair tie

• Bobby pins (optional)

Steps

1. Section the amount of hair you want.

2. Twist the hair and wrap it into a knot.

3. Secure the knot with a hair tie.

4. Add bobby pins for extra support or to tame flyaways.

Styling tip

If your hair feels flat, lightly spray Kerastase Style Ocean Waves before twisting your hair. It adds soft texture and natural movement without making hair stiff, giving the effortless “undone” finish that’s so popular.

This is one of the easiest cute hairstyles for short hair because it works with second-day hair and doesn’t need to look perfectly polished.

2. TWIST HAIRDO

This quick, no-fuss hairstyle involves twisting two sections of hair together before securing them at the back. It’s ideal for anyone wanting an elegant style in under five minutes.

Equipment

• Clear hair elastic

• Bobby pins

Steps

1. Take equal sections of hair from both sides of your head.

2. Twist each section in the same direction.

3. Bring both twists together at the back.

4. Secure with a clear elastic or bobby pin.

Why it works

This style suits almost every face shape and is particularly flattering on hairstyles for short fine hair, as the twists create the illusion of extra volume around the crown.

For additional hold, finish with Kerastase Style Freestyle Spray, which provides flexible hold while allowing your hair to move naturally.

3. LOOSE WAVES

Loose waves remain one of the most popular short hair styling ideas because they add texture, movement and body without looking overly styled.

They’re especially effective if you have fine hair or a blunt bob, helping create the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

Equipment

• Curling iron

• Heat protectant

• Hairbrush

• Hair clips

• Hairspray

Steps

1. Section the hair into bottom, middle and top layers.

2. Start with the bottom section.

3. Wrap small pieces around the curling iron, holding for only a few seconds.

4. Repeat throughout the hair.

5. Brush through the curls to soften into loose waves.

6. Finish with hairspray.

Top tip

Always use a heat protectant before styling. Kerastase Style Heat Protect Instant Blowout helps shield hair from heat damage while leaving it smooth and shiny.

Avoid curling every section in the same direction. Alternating directions creates a more natural finish that lasts longer.

4. THE BOUFFANT

The bouffant is all about creating lift and volume while maintaining a soft, modern finish. Today’s version is less structured than the classic style, making it ideal for contemporary short cuts.

Equipment

• Hairdryer

• Round brush

• Bobby pins

• Hairspray

Steps

1. Begin when hair is around 80% dry.

2. Section the top of your hair.

3. Starting from the back, use the round brush underneath each section while directing the dryer down the hair shaft.

4. Pin each section while it cools.

5. Remove the pins.

6. Gently smooth the top section backwards.

7. Secure with bobby pins and finish with hairspray.

Top tip

For long-lasting lift, use Kerastase Style Volume Powder at the roots before styling. It creates instant body without making the hair feel sticky.

This style works beautifully on layered bobs and square bobs where added height complements the clean shape of the haircut.

5. LOW MESSY BUN

The low messy bun remains one of the chicest easy updos for short hair. Relaxed yet elegant, it’s suitable for everything from work meetings to weddings.

Equipment

• Hairbrush

• Hair tie

• Bobby pins

Steps

1. Detangle your hair.

2. Choose a centre or side parting.

3. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck.

4. Twist into a loose bun.

5. Secure with a hair tie.

6. Use bobby pins where needed.

Styling tip

Rather than pulling every strand tightly back, leave a few soft face-framing pieces loose for a more modern finish.

Apply Kerastase Style Smooth Operator before styling to reduce frizz and help keep the style looking polished throughout the day.

6. BLOW OUT

The classic blowout has become a staple once again thanks to its soft volume and glossy finish. It’s perfect if you prefer wearing your hair down while still achieving a salon-quality look.

Equipment

• Round brush

• Hairdryer

• Hairspray

Steps

1. Start with damp hair.

2. Section into bottom, middle and top layers.

3. Beginning at the bottom, wrap each section over the brush.

4. Lift at the roots while directing airflow downwards.

5. Curl the ends slightly around the brush.

6. Continue until all sections are dry.

7. Finish with hairspray.

Pro tip

Don’t rush the drying process. Hair that isn’t completely dry is much more likely to lose volume quickly.

Using Kerastase Style Thick Trick before blow-drying can help create fuller-looking hair, especially if you have finer textures.

7. SIDE BRAID

This playful braid across the front section of your hair instantly changes your look while allowing the rest of your hair to remain loose.

It’s one of our favourite hairstyles for short hair women because it works with bobs, lobs and even longer pixie cuts.

Equipment

• Hairbrush

• Hair tie

• Bobby pins

Steps

1. Section a small piece of hair above one ear.

2. Create a simple three-strand braid.

3. Secure with a small elastic.

4. Pin the braid across to the opposite side.

Extra styling advice

Gently pull apart the braid after securing it to create a fuller, softer appearance without making it messy.

8. FRENCH BRAIDS

French braids aren’t just for long hair. With a little practice, they’re one of the most practical hairstyles for short hair step by step, keeping shorter layers neatly in place throughout the day.

Equipment

• Hairbrush

• Hair ties

Steps

1. Section your hair into one or two sections.

2. Begin French braiding from the hairline.

3. Continue until reaching the nape of your neck.

4. Finish with a standard braid.

5. Secure with a hair tie.

Styling tip

If shorter layers keep slipping out, lightly mist your hair with Kerastase Style Dry Texture Spray before braiding. Added grip makes the braid much easier to create.

How to make short hairstyles last longer

No matter which look you choose, a few simple habits can help your style stay looking fresh:

• Start with clean but not overly soft hair.

• Always use heat protection before styling.

• Finish with a lightweight finishing spray rather than applying too much product.

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.

• Refresh volume the following day with dry shampoo if needed.

If you’re unsure which short haircut best suits your face shape or lifestyle, our stylists offer personalised advice during every appointment. We also provide complimentary colour consultations if you’re considering balayage, glossing or another colour refresh alongside your haircut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the easiest hairstyles for short hair?

The easiest hairstyles for short hair include half-up top knots, loose waves, twist hairstyles, messy buns and side braids. Most take less than 10 minutes to recreate.

How can I style short fine hair to look thicker?

Adding loose waves, root volume products and textured styles helps create the appearance of fuller hair. Layered cuts and volumising products also make a noticeable difference for hairstyles for short fine hair.

What products help short hairstyles last all day?

A good heat protectant, texture spray and flexible hairspray are usually enough. Products from the Kerastase Style range are designed to provide hold while keeping hair touchable and healthy.

Can I create easy updos with short hair?

Absolutely. Styles such as the low messy bun, half-up knot and twisted updo are all excellent easy updos for short hair, even if your hair sits above the shoulders.

How often should short hair be trimmed?

Most short hairstyles benefit from a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain their shape. Keeping the haircut fresh also makes styling much easier.

Visit Sleek and Chic Hair Design

At Sleek and Chic Hair Design, we are a group of hairdressers who want to break the mould. As Lifestyle Salon, we harness the power of plants and botanicals to improve the condition of your hair and avoid any harsh and damaging chemicals.

If you’re interested in experiencing the very best of hairdressing, book your appointment with us today.