With the holidays around the corner, it almost feels like updos are a hairstyle requirement. Ladies with short hairstyles (think shoulder-length or above) often feel left out of the conversation, however. Don’t give up on being part of the #shorthairdontcare squad just yet because there are a ton of cool, creative updos for short hair for you to rock. Keep clicking for…
35 Gorgeous Updos for Short Hair
-
Hair Halo
Sleek clips, like those seen on Isabel Lucas, will effortlessly hold shorter hair in place.
Image: Getty
-
Accessorized Elegance
A touch of tinsel, as Emmy Rossum shows, can amp up more traditional ‘dos.
Image: Getty
-
Bouncy Rings
Transform your updo with gorgeous pinup-style curls, like Moonlight supporting starlet Janelle Monáe.
Image: Getty
-
Twist and Turns
Twist your buns in every direction imaginable a la Elizabeth Banks for a highly artistic effect.
Image: Getty
-
Fauxhawk
Lady Victoria Hervey nails it with this easy to replicate fauxhawk.
Image: Getty
-
Half Up, Half Shaved
Formal doesn’t have to lack funk. Rosamund Pike’s undercut makes a stunning statement.
Image: Getty
-
Braided Topknot
Miley Cyrus is never afraid to make a major hair statement. Her take on the half up-half down braided knot is right on trend.
Image: Getty
-
The Side Swoop
She may not be rocking makeup anymore, but Alicia Keys’ tall sweeping fringe elongates her facial features in the best way possible.
Image: Getty
-
Platinum Wave
Pink looks lovely in this platinum blond sculptural ‘do guaranteed to turn some heads.
Image: Getty
-
French Twist
We love Natalie Portman’s modern take on the classic French roll. To mimic, loosely pin your hair into a graceful twist.
Image: Getty
-
Pinned and Sleek
Pull back your mane in a romantic updo to reveal a youthful glow, just like Cate Blanchett.
Image: Getty
-
Knotty by Nature
Alice Isaaz’s intricate knotted bun will subtly enhance an already fabulous look.
Image: Getty
-
Dutch Bun
Can’t decide on a Dutch braid or a bun? Why choose when you can stun equally in both? La La Anthony didn’t.
Image: Getty
-
Crowning Glory
Bold braids look great on shorter styles. We love Adriana Ugarte’s glam take.
Image: Getty
-
Chic Chignon
Keep shorter sides in check with well-placed bobby pins. Use Araya A. Hargate as an example of how to put the “chic” in chignon.
Image: Getty
-
Carefree Twist
Updos don’t have to be perfect. Victoria Beckham’s undone teased take is 100 percent gala-worthy.
Image: Getty
-
Bun Fun
Maria Menounos’ multiple mini buns channel Princess Leia without feeling too costumey.
Image: Getty
-
Low Knot
Actress Jennifer Lawrence proves that low-key can still look luxe.
Image: Getty
-
Half-Shaved 'Do
Shaved temples? No problem, you can still rock a slaying lavender style like Kelly Osbourne.
Image: Getty
-
Pristine Plait
We appreciate Amber Valletta’s braided black tie as an alternative to the everyday updo.
Image: Getty
-
Beautifully Bejeweled
Emma Watson’s subtle sprinkling of hair jewels will perk up any glamorous ‘do.
Image: Getty
-
Fierce Florals
Adding a few statement jeweled flowers to an updo can bring a bit of sass to more formal styles.
Image: @wildchildfabrications
-
A Magenta Twist
Take a traditional style to the next level by dyeing your strands a notice-me vibrant hue.
Image: @thefrenchtwistsalon
-
Psychedelic Rings
Dutch braids and space buns are out of this world, especially with the addition of these colorful hair piercings.
Image: @locks_by_ness
-
Naturally Knotty
This flat twist-turned-bun puts the “e” in edgy.
Image: @tjluvsbeingnatural
-
Bumped Up
A voluminous bump paired with a halo braid adds major style to a simple bun.
Image: @katiecotton_mua
-
Curled Away
Adding a wraparound braid to loose curls provides a soft, ethereal effect.
Image: @maricruzhairstyles
-
Pretty in Pink
Sometimes all you need is a cool bandana and a hot hair hue.
Image: @lordgracee
-
Heavenly Halo
This messy braid will have you and everyone else #hairobsessed.
Image: @christiesalon
-
Super Buns
We love this sleek, unusual take on a braided bun.
Image: @sarkkupallohair
-
Face Forward
Something as simple as shifting your curls to the front of your face instantly amps up the sex appeal factor.
Image: @angiedivina
-
Grecian Goddess
Achieve instant perfection with chunky braids paired with delicate gold leaf pins.
Image: @nashwhitecherry
-
Haute Hues
This twisted frohawk is not only wild, but it’s also stunning.
Image: @pink_nouveau
-
Take a Bow
The sugary sweet, girly accessory gets grown up.
Image: @tama_hairmake
-
Nature's Calling
Get romanced by a delicate touch of foliage for your big day.
Image: @sy.union_hair
-
Modern Rapunzel
Elevate your low bun by tying the loose ends of your Dutch braid into a messy chignon.
Image: @__vanessam__
-
The Tousled Effect
Deliberately teased strands will create a well-styled updo.
Image: @glamby_julianicole
-
Braided Brilliance
This style shows that braids are a great addition to any updo.
Image: @lisavirgo
-
#Instabraid
This tucked-in tail is the fastest way to up your Instagram likes.
Image: @tracymeltonartistry
-
Going Dutch
This braid is more than a trend — it's a short style stunner.
Image: @denitamaebrown
-
Wound Up
This tangled up style knocks all the others out of the park.
Image: @hairline_stoneridge
-
Tousled Locks
Fake the look of an undercut with a contrast hair color, like plum on blond strands.
Image: @abacheglenelg
-
Flowers and Knots
This twisted bun is utterly breathtaking and spring-like.
Image: @many.new
