Think updos are only for those with cascading, long locks? Think again. If you’re rocking a short haircut, from a chic bob to a daring pixie, you might believe your styling options are limited. But the secret the beauty world is buzzing about is the short updo. Far from being impossible, styling short hair up is a masterclass in effortless cool, offering a surprising versatility that can take you from a casual day out to a black-tie event with sophistication and edge.
Gone are the days of feeling stuck with one look. A short updo is the ultimate expression of style—it’s playful, it’s elegant, and it showcases the beautiful structure of your cut. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn layers, fine hair, or just a lack of length, this guide is your new best friend. We’re diving deep into the art of the short updo, providing you with pro tips, easy-to-follow techniques, and the inspiration you need to rock this trendy look with confidence.
Why a Short Updo is Your Secret Weapon
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Embracing the short updo unlocks a new dimension of style. First and foremost, it’s a powerful way to highlight your facial features. By pulling your hair away from your face, you draw attention to your eyes, cheekbones, and jawline, creating an instantly lifting and brightening effect.
Secondly, it’s the epitome of effortless chic. While a long, intricate braided updo can sometimes look overly done, a short updo often appears casual, modern, and incredibly cool. It’s that “I woke up like this” vibe, but fashion-forward. It also solves a multitude of hair dilemmas. Having a bad hair day? Second-day hair that’s lost its volume? A short updo is your quickest and most stylish solution, transforming limp or unruly strands into a deliberate and trendy statement.
Essential Tools and Products for Short Updo Success
Having the right arsenal is half the battle won. Short hair can be rebellious, but these tools and products will help you tame and style it like a pro.
Texturizing Spray or Sea Salt Spray: This is non-negotiable. Slick, clean hair is hard to work with when short. A good texturizing spray adds grit, volume, and that all-important hold, giving your hair something to “grip” onto. It creates separation between strands, making your style look fuller and more lived-in.
Strong-Hold Hairspray: Look for a flexible-hold hairspray that locks your style in place without making it stiff or crunchy. You want movement and texture, not a helmet.
Bobby Pins: Invest in good quality bobby pins that match your hair color. For thicker hair, you might need the strong-hold kind. Don’t be shy about the quantity—short updos often require more pins than you think to secure all the little sections.
Small, Clear Elastics: Perfect for creating mini ponytails or securing small sections of hair without being visible. They are the invisible foundation of many short updo styles.
A Fine-Tooth Comb and Teasing Brush: Backcombing, or teasing, is a fantastic technique for adding volume at the roots, which is crucial for creating height and body in a short updo.
Dry Shampoo: Not just for absorbing oil, dry shampoo is a fantastic volumizing agent. A quick spritz at the roots on second-day hair provides the perfect texture and lift for styling.
Mastering the Basics: Prep Work for the Perfect Updo
A flawless short updo starts with the perfect canvas. Skipping the prep work is like building a house on sand—it just won’t hold. Start with hair that is not freshly washed. Day-old or even two-day-old hair has more natural texture and body, making it infinitely easier to style. If you must style clean hair, thoroughly work a texturizing spray or mousse through damp hair and blow-dry using your fingers to encourage volume and texture.
Once your hair is dry, the next step is to create a foundation of volume. Lightly tease the hair at the crown and the areas you plan to pin up. Don’t overdo it; you just want to create a little lift. Then, mist your hair all over with a texturizing spray, scrunching sections with your hands to break it up and create that piecey, effortless texture. This initial volume and grit are what will allow your updo to stay put and look full, rather than flat and sparse.
5 Trendy Short Updo Styles You Can Actually Do
Now for the fun part! Here are five achievable and incredibly trendy short updo styles, complete with simple steps.
The Textured Mini Bun (or “The Nub)
This isn’t your average ballerina bun. The “nub” is a small, perfectly imperfect bun that sits at the nape of your neck or at the crown. To create it, gather your hair into a very low ponytail, but don’t pull the hair all the way through on the last loop of the elastic—you’ll create a small loop. Fan out the loop and wrap the remaining tail around the base, securing it with bobby pins. The key is to pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen the sides for a soft, romantic effect.
The Twisted Crown
An ethereal and elegant style that works beautifully with shorter hair. Take a section of hair from the front of your head, above your temple. Twist it gently back away from your face, and secure it behind your ear with a bobby pin. Repeat on the other side. You can then join the two twists at the back with a clear elastic or simply pin them down, allowing the rest of your hair to flow freely. For a fuller crown, gently pull on the twists to loosen them and create more volume.
The Messy Pin-Up
This is the ultimate “I tried, but not too hard” look. It’s all about embracing the pieces and using pins as part of the aesthetic. After texturizing your hair, simply start pulling sections back and pinning them randomly and artfully. The goal is controlled chaos. Pull out as many wispy pieces as you like. Cross bobby pins for a cool, geometric look. There are no rules here, which is what makes it so accessible and fun.
The Half-Up Top Knot
If you have a pixie cut or a shaggy layered cut, this is your go-to. Isolate the top section of your hair, from about your temples back to the crown. Gather this section as if you’re making a ponytail on the top of your head, but again, don’t pull it all the way through the elastic on the last loop. Fluff the knot, pull it apart a bit, and use bobby pins to secure any loose ends. This style gives you incredible height and a fierce, fashion-forward edge.
The Elegant Sweep
Perfect for a formal event, this style is sleek and sophisticated. Apply a light-hold gel or smoothing cream to tame flyaways. Sweep all of your hair to one side, and use bobby pins to secure it diagonally across the back of your head, tucking the ends under. The result is a clean, dramatic line that is incredibly flattering. You can leave a soft wave or piece out in the front to frame your face.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting for Flawless Execution
Even with the best instructions, short hair has a mind of its own. Here’s how to handle common challenges.
Problem: Bobby pins won’t stay hidden or keep falling out.
Solution: Always insert bobby pins with the wavy side down against your scalp. This provides the best grip. To hide them, slide the pin into the style and then twist it slightly to weave it through more hair before closing it.
Problem: My updo looks flat and sparse.
Solution: Volume is your best friend. Tease the hair at the roots before you start pinning. After you’ve created the updo, gently pull at the sections to loosen them and create a fuller, more textured appearance. The goal is to create a shape, not a flat silhouette.
Problem: Short pieces in the front won’t stay put.
Solution: Don’t fight them! These pieces are a gift. Use a small amount of texturizing paste or wax to style these shorter layers into deliberate, face-framing pieces or sweep them back with a stylish pin or two. Embracing the pieces makes the style look intentional and modern.
Problem: The style feels too tight and severe.
Solution: After you’ve secured everything, take a step back and mess it up a little. Gently pull at the crown to create height, tug on the sides to loosen the grip, and pull out a few tiny wispy hairs around your hairline and neck. This instantly transforms a stiff updo into something soft and trendy.
Embrace Your Short Hair and Experiment
The most important tip of all is to have fun and experiment. The beauty of a short updo is that it’s low-commitment. If you don’t like it, take it down, shake it out, and try again. Your short hair is a bold choice in itself, so let your styling reflect that same fearless spirit. Play with accessories like statement clips, headbands, or decorative pins to add a personal touch to your creations.
Rocking a short updo is about confidence. It’s a declaration that style isn’t determined by length, but by creativity and attitude. So arm yourself with your texturizing spray, a handful of bobby pins, and a sense of adventure. Your next favorite hairstyle is waiting to be discovered.
