Table of Contents
The length of your locks should not dominate your style. In fact, one of the perks of having short or shoulder-length hair is that it’s easy to manage and maintain. From buns to ponytails to braids to top knots – the world is your oyster! However, the one hair trend that will never go out of style is the updo. Keep it messy, keep it low, keep it to one side – it’s up to you how you want to play the hairstylist.
Another thing about updos is that some women like to go minimal with the accessories and some take the trend to a whole new level. Depending on which team you’re rooting for, here’s a visual treat for your eyes!
Updo Hairstyles For Short Hair For A Quick Makeover
The best part is that all 50 of these easy updos for short hair only take minutes to recreate. Prepare to get inspired!
1. The Sexy Sleek Low Bun
I think Deepika’s favourite hairstyle is the sleek low updo bun. In most of her pictures on Instagram, she’s seen sporting this hair trend. To create a bun like this one, you’ve got to first brush the front to prevent any bumps or odd spaces. Once that’s done, spray a bit of hairspray and pull all the hair to the back. Make a tight bun and secure it with a rubber band and bobby pins. Feel free to use a little more hair spray if you spot any loose strands.
2. Pineapple Buns Be The Cutest
All my ladies who have curly hair, this updo hairstyles for short hair is perfect for you! It’s the best hairstyle to wear when you’re running late and it’s a style that’s perfect for shoulder length and short hair too. All you have to do is bend forward, gather all your curls to the top of your head, slip in a hair tie slightly above your crown area and there you have it! A tiny tip to make those curls stay in place – Scrunch your hair with mousse before tying your hair. It will add shine, weight and definition to your curls.
POPxo Recommends: L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Volum’Max Volumizing Mousse (Rs 599)
Shoulder Length Hairstyles For Women
3. A Trip To The 90s
Janhvi Kapoor’s hairstyle reminds me of the way Jennifer Love Hewit used to style her updo in the 90s. A neat bun at the back and two very neat and thin strands pulled at the front. It’s classy and elegant and looks fantabulous when teamed with a chunky pair of baubles.
4. How To Nail An Interview 101
This updo looks smart and makes your features instantly stand out. In this case, the updo rests just above the neck. Radhika Apte has short hair and if your length is similar to hers, I would suggest that you give this hairstyle a try. You can wear it to an interview, to a romantic dinner or even to brunch with your ladies.
5. Romance Is In The Air
This party season, you deserve to feel like a movie star. This romantic updo is your golden ticket to making that dream come true. You can even add a touch of glam to your updo by adding faux pearl bobby pins.
POPxo Recommends: Zoylink 4PCS Hair Clip Faux Pearl Decor Assorted Types Hair Barrette Bobby Pin (Rs 700)
6. Tease Me, Baby!
Alia’s teased bun is a rather bold way to wear an updo. It’s raw, it’s artsy and so sexy! It’s a delicate hairstyle to pull off because if your makeup and outfit aren’t put together well, you may look shabby and dull. To create this hairstyle, brush your hair towards the roots to create volume. Then, sweep your hair pack and tie a low ponytail. Your final step would be to tie a ponytail and coil it into a bun.
7. Bow Lovers Forever
Just a tiny accessory is all you need to make your updo stand out. In this case, a very pretty bow. Tie a high topknot with a bow elastic band. Yep, that’s literally all you have to do to look like a doll!
POPxo Recommends: Ribbed Bow Decor Hair Tie 3pack (Rs 345)
8. Flowers, My Lady?
Kareena is a huge fan of sleek hairstyles. She usually keeps her hair open or sometimes sports a sleek low ponytail. However, her most iconic hairstyle is an updo. The one that’s caught my eye is this flower bun. It’s so pretty that it does not even require accessorising!
9. Just How The French Would Do It
Do you know that the French twist and classic updo isn’t just meant for women who have long hair? Women who have short hair can pull this off too. It looks complicated, but in real life, it isn’t. This video tutorial will make life super easy.
10. In Full Bloom!
A pretty hairstyle to wear to a friend’s wedding. It’s a basic updo that has flowers pinned all over it. Depending on what you prefer, you can either opt for fresh flowers or artificial. Since you have short hair, the flowers will give the illusion of a bigger bun.
POPxo Recommends: Raaya Flower Bob Pin Bobby Pins Hair Grip Clip (Rs 449)
11. Let’s Get Twisting!
The updo looks minimal but is gorgeous beyond compare! It’s just a basic twisted updo with a tiny pearl strip as an accessory. If you don’t fancy pearls, perhaps, you can go for flowers, gems and leaf motifs.
POPxo Recommends: Pearl Hair Clips Set Headwear (Rs 665)
12. Loose & Wavy From One End
Hair kept loose and wavy from one end and tight bun tied at the back. This updo helps to strike a balance between flirty and elegance. Put on a pair of jhumkas and you’re bound to grab eyeballs.
13. Messy Is The New Sexy
Leave the hairspray and the bobby pins at home. Just gather your hair up, just the way it is, and tie a topknot. The strands that did not make it to the bun, well, you can let them be how they are. Just how Taapsee Pannu is rockin’ her look!
14. All To The Top
It doesn’t matter how messy or neat your bun is. However, what does matter is that not a single loose strand of hair should pop out. For that to happen, you must have an army of bobby pins and a good quality hairspray.
POPxo Recommends: Gatsby Set And Keep Ultra Hard Hair Spray (Rs 249)
15. Bangs For The Win!
Have your bangs started to grow out? If so, then this is the perfect hairstyle to try. Make a half-up middle parting and then team that with a topknot. I bet you’ll look as vintage and glamourous as Priyanka Chopra.
16. Feeling Adventurous, Are We?
If you need a little hair inspiration, Kriti Sanon’s triple stack bun is the bomb! It’s a rare hairstyle and there only a handful of tutorials out, hence, I want you to watch this one.
17. Corkscrew Curls Be So Pretty
This hairstyle won’t work if your mane is greasy or unwashed. You need a clean scalp and strands so your curls look glossy and bouncy. Pick a shampoo and conditioner that has jojoba oil, aloe vera extract and argan oil. Our fabulous combo will make your locks silky, smooth and soft!
18. That Braided Chignon
I can’t stress on how pretty chignons look when they’re teamed up with a braid! This one is like a proper wedding hairstyle and it’s perfect for the bride who has shoulder-length hair.
19. Keep It Clean & Simple
Ladies who have wavy hair should bookmark this updo hairstyle. It’s clean, the bun looks voluminous and it’s like the perfect hairstyle to wear to a work event or an interview. Team the hairstyle with a bold makeup look and you’re bound to turn heads wherever you go.
20. Like A Fairytale
You’re aware that Soha Ali Khan has shoulder-length hair, right? That doesn’t stop the actress from doing an updo. She’s done a side parting and instead of a topknot, she’s stuck to a messy low bun. A hairstyle like this one will complement all your ethnic clothing.
21. The Upside Down World
Need an upgrade from your iconic everyday topknot? Why don’t you try the upside-down French braid? I can tell you that it’s easier to do than it looks. Bend forward and slowly begin to braid the middle section of hair from the nape of your neck all the way to the top. You can either secure the braid by opting for a topknot or a doughnut bun.
22. The Famous Fishtail Braided Updo
An updo is the best type of hairstyle to save you from the heat. This fishtail braided one will make you look adorable and help you stay cool at the same time!
23. Curly Gone Poke Straight
Kangana has naturally curly hair. However, over here, she’s managed to straighten them out and tame her hair by tying it into a tight, neat bun. To keep all the strands in place, you can’t do it without hairspray.
POPxo Recommends: Wella Professionals EIMI Mistify Me Strong Spray (Rs 600)
24. Talk French To ME
This one is a classy hairstyle if you know how to do it well! It’s pretty easy to ace this updo. Start by making a regular French braid and once that’s done, instead of tying the braid with a rubber band, create a bun. Simple, right?
25. Soft Twists Create An Illusion For Volume
This updo is made by using bundles of hair, twisting them and using bobby pins to secure them. Also, please note that the soft twists help to create an illusion that there’s lots of hair.
26. Zapped By A Bolt of Lightning
Remember the French twist updo? Yep, that was minimal and basic. Try clipping on some shimmery lightning bolts and get ready to fetch plenty of compliments.
POPxo Recommends: Lightning bolt hair clip (Rs 707)
27. Keeping It Soft & Hella Practical
Just because your hair is short, it doesn’t mean that you can’t pull off a chignon. While you’re at it, don’t forget to add a pretty hair broch.
28. Smooth & Silky Is The Way
To achieve this level of smoothness, you must first prep your hair by using volume mouse and salt spray. Blow-dry it after and then use a volumising spray and a tiny bit of dry wax spray to give your mane that glossy finish.
POPxo Recommends: Toni&Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray (Rs 2,158)
29. Textured Bun With A Hint of Bling
This textured bun is probably a great hairstyle to sport if you’re at the beach or a concert. For the bling effect, don’t forget to wear a metallic headband.
POPxo Recommends: Metallic leaf elastic headband (Rs 179)
30. The Messier, The Better
This is the kind of hairstyle you want to show to your hairstylist when you feel rather adventurous. All jokes aside though, a messy hairdo like this one looks uber cool when teamed with a denim jacket and a pair of leather boots.
31. Scarf It Up!
Another way add an interesting touch to your short updo is to wear a scarf. Here, the focus shifts from the bobby pins and loose strands to the scarf.
POPxo Recommends: Red Scarf (Rs 349)
32. Sexy Martian Alert!
The cool starter pack is here – Winged eyeliner, bold lips and space buns! It’s a fun hairstyle for short hair and it’s bound to make you feel like the centre of attention.
33. So What If You Have A Bob?
Just because you have an asymmetrical bob, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do an updo. This one here is proof that anything is possible. Show this to your hairstylist, will you?
34. Works Like A Charm For The Lob Too
An updo needn’t be only a topknot or a bun, it involves making sure that your hairstyle is pointing up. The same rule applies to a bob and of course now, your lob too.
35. Wear A Larger-Than-Life-Accessory
You’ll love this hairstyle because it’s simple, aesthetic and elegant. It’s perfect to wear to a wedding or a family dinner. You may want to use hairspray to make sure that your hair stays put and neat.
36. Mother of Pearls
This updo is one of my favourites from this list. You can go with flower pins, but for a dressier occasion, opt for chunky pearls.
POPxo Recommends: Foreign holics White Pearl with Golden Side Flower Jewelry Bridal Hair Pin (Rs 310)
37. Braid Me Pretty
Don’t play it safe by opting for a basic topknot, try something different. Something like this braided topknot. To make the updo stand out, even more, you can sprinkle some glitter in between the spaces! Magic, right?
38. Topknot Undercuts Make You Look Like A Rockstar
Topknot undercuts aren’t just a guy’s hairstyle, they’re for women too. Provided if you know how to carry off one. A little bit of confidence is all you need to carry this topknot undercut with swag.
39. Stacked Chignon For Special Occassions
One of the prettiest hairstyles you should try this party season is the stacked chignons. You can either use elastic bands to secure them or oversized clips – whichever works best for you.
40. Think Out Of The Box
Maybe not as many, but definitely try Bantu knots. While the hairstyle is super easy updos for short hair, but it does require a lot of time. However, the final result is worth all the effort.
41. Elegant Beauty
Imagine teaming this hairstyle with a lavender mesh gown, white satin pumps and fresh makeup? You’ll look like a stunner.
42. Born A Flower Goddess
Does this updo even need an introduction? It’s like the epitome of perfection!
43. Loose & Wavy Like
Lovin’ the undone wavy texture here, and that leaf motif pin with embellished pins. A great hairstyle idea for date night. *Wink*
44. A Knotty Affair
One way to do this hairstyle is to split your mane into three sections. Twist each section and knot them before pinning.
45. The Future Is Pink
Ever thought about colouring your hair pink? You should totally give this textured pink half-up updo a shot!
46. Sweet Like A Rose
This rose bun makes a good hair bun for daytime activities. You can show it off while you’re grabbing lunch with your favourite girls.
47. For The Love Of Hairpins
First, just make a regular bun and then, pick a side and clip on some pretty hairpins. Easy, quick and super fashionable!
POPxo Recommends: Fancy Golden Maple Leaf Hair Clips for Girls (Rs 360)
48. It’s Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas
How will you style your hair for Christmas? Why not do a mistletoe updo like this one!
49. Go Glam or Go Home
Dear bride, if you’re tying the knot soon, why don’t you go for a hairstyle like this one?
50. Waves Of Glory
This hairstyle should not be your everyday hairstyle. It deserves to be noticed, flaunted and appreciated.
I’m curious, which updo hairstyles for short hair will you try out first? Do tell!
Also Read: Shoulder length hairstyles
POPxo is now available in six languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Bangla.