25 Short Hair Updos For Women

Think you need long locks for a stylish updo?

Think again! Short hair offers incredible versatility for pulled-back styles that are both elegant and effortless.

From pixies to bobs, your short cut can transform into sophisticated styles perfect for any occasion.

Check out these 25 short hair updos that will revolutionize your styling routine.

1: Twisted Crown Updo

Create a romantic look by twisting small sections of hair around your crown and securing with bobby pins.

This elegant style works for pixie cuts with longer tops and bobs alike.

You’ll need texturizing spray for grip and a few well-placed pins for security.

Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a soft, feminine finish that’s perfect for both casual brunches and formal events.

2: Mini French Twist

This classic updo gets a modern update for shorter lengths.

Gather your hair toward the back, twist upward, and secure with pins for a sophisticated style that takes minutes to create.

You’ll appreciate this look’s versatility—sleek for formal occasions or slightly messier for everyday wear.

Add a decorative pin or small accessory to elevate the style for special events.

3: Braided Pixie Updo

Even the shortest pixie cuts can achieve updo status with a few strategic braids.

Create small braids along one side of your head and pin back for an edgy yet polished look.

You can customize this style with tight French braids or looser Dutch braids.

This technique works particularly well for growing-out pixies when you need a stylish way to manage awkward lengths.

4: Faux Hawk Updo

Transform your short bob or lob into an edgy faux hawk by creating a series of mini ponytails down the center of your head.

Tease each section for height and texture.

You’ll turn heads with this bold yet surprisingly versatile style.

Sleek the sides for maximum contrast or leave them textured for a softer interpretation of this rock-inspired look.

5: Pinned Pompadour

Channel retro vibes with this voluminous style that sweeps hair up and back from your forehead.

Create height at the crown by backcombing, then smooth over and secure with pins.

You’ll need medium-hold hairspray to maintain the elevation.

This dramatic look works beautifully for evening events and adds several inches of height for those wanting a more elongated silhouette.

6: Double Twisted Updo

Create two twists starting at your temples and meeting at the back of your head for a Greek goddess-inspired look.

This style works surprisingly well for chin-length bobs.

You can keep the twists tight for a sleek appearance or pull them slightly loose for more texture.

Secure with crossed bobby pins at the back and add a small accessory for extra flair.

7: Bobby Pin Art Updo

Turn functional into fashionable by creating deliberate patterns with your bobby pins.

Slick back shorter sides and secure with pins arranged in geometric shapes or crosses.

You’ll elevate basic pins into statement accessories with this creative approach.

Use colored or metallic pins for added visual interest and customize the patterns to reflect your personal style.

8: Knotted Updo

Create small “knots” of hair throughout your crown and secure with pins for a textured, modern updo that works beautifully with bob-length cuts.

This technique adds impressive dimension to shorter styles.

You’ll need texturizing powder or dry shampoo for grip.

This contemporary style offers sophisticated texture without looking too “done,” perfect for both office settings and weekend outings.

9: Mini Top Knot

Even with shoulder-grazing locks, you can achieve a stylish top knot by gathering just the top section of hair.

This half-up style offers the aesthetic of an updo while working with shorter lengths.

You can position the knot centered or slightly off to one side for variation.

This practical style keeps hair off your face while maintaining a trendy appearance—perfect for casual days or active events.

10: Twisted Headband Tuck

Use a thin headband as the foundation for this clever updo.

Place the band around your head, then tuck and roll sections of hair up into it for a secure style that stays put all day.

You’ll find this technique particularly useful for growing-out pixies or very short bobs.

The headband provides both decoration and function, making this a practical option for busy days.

11: Vintage Pin Curls

Channel Old Hollywood glamour with this retro-inspired updo.

Create small, flat curls pinned against your head in a deliberate pattern for a sophisticated evening look that works beautifully with short hair.

You’ll need section clips and strong-hold spray for this precise style.

This elegant option offers timeless appeal for formal events and photographs beautifully from every angle.

12: Braided Crown for Short Hair

Create a halo effect by braiding thin sections around your hairline and pinning them in place.

This romantic style works even for chin-length hair with the right technique.

You may need to connect multiple small braids with pins for shorter lengths.

This bohemian-inspired look adds ethereal charm to your style and pairs beautifully with floral dresses and summer outfits.

13: Twisted Side Updo

Gather your short locks toward one side, create a series of twists, and secure with pins for an asymmetrical updo with modern appeal.

This technique creates the illusion of a side chignon with shorter lengths.

You can add volume at the crown with gentle teasing before creating the twists.

This elegant style draws attention to your neck and jawline while offering a contemporary alternative to centered updos.

14: Faux Undercut Updo

Create the edgy aesthetic of an undercut without the commitment by tightly braiding one side of your hair and pinning it flat against your head.

The contrast with the remaining styled hair creates visual interest.

You’ll achieve maximum impact by applying gel to the braided section for a sleek finish.

This bold style offers versatility—wear it for edgy evening events or creative workplace environments.

15: Twisted Rope Updo

Create the illusion of longer hair by dividing your short locks into sections and twisting them into “ropes” that you then pin in a circular pattern at the back of your head.

You’ll need texturizing spray for grip and plenty of pins for security.

This intricate-looking style actually comes together quickly and offers an elegant option for special occasions.

16: Modern Gibson Tuck

This updated take on a classic updo works surprisingly well for shorter lengths.

Roll the hair upward from the nape, tuck the ends underneath, and secure with pins for a vintage-inspired look.

You can leave the front sections looser for a more casual interpretation.

This adaptable style transitions seamlessly from office to evening and flatters virtually every face shape.

17: Textured Pixie Updo

Even the shortest pixie can achieve updo status with the right products and techniques.

Apply strong-hold pomade to create piece-y texture, then direct the longer top sections backward and upward.

You’ll create surprising height and direction with this approach.

This edgy yet sophisticated style offers a perfect solution for growing-out phases and adds contemporary flair to your look.

18: Twisted Bang Updo

Transform problematic bangs or front pieces into a stylish feature by twisting them back and securing with pins.

This practical style works with virtually any short haircut.

You can twist tightly for a sleek look or loosely for more textured volume.

This versatile technique helps manage growing-out bangs while adding interesting detail to your overall style.

19: Accessorized Mini Updo

Elevate a simple twisted or pinned style with strategic accessories.

Decorative pins, small clips, or delicate hair combs add visual interest and help secure shorter pieces that might otherwise escape.

You’ll transform a basic updo into something special with these decorative elements.

This customizable approach allows you to match accessories to your outfit or occasion for a coordinated look.

20: Knotted Half-Updo

Create the illusion of a fuller updo by knotting just the top sections of hair while leaving the lower portions loose.

This technique adds height and texture while working with shorter lengths.

You can create multiple knots or one central statement knot.

This contemporary style offers the perfect balance between sophisticated and casual, ideal for those in-between occasions.

21: Sleek Combed-Back Updo

Create a runway-ready look by applying gel or pomade and combing all your hair straight back for a sleek, editorial-inspired style.

This minimalist approach works beautifully for very short cuts.

You’ll need strong-hold product and a fine-tooth comb for the sleekest finish.

This fashion-forward option makes a bold statement for evening events and photographs beautifully with statement earrings.

22: Mini Dutch Braid Updo

Create visual interest by incorporating a small Dutch braid (reverse French braid) into your short style.

Start at the front hairline and work backward, pinning the end underneath remaining hair.

You can add a second parallel braid for more complexity if desired.

This intricate-looking style actually comes together quickly and adds beautiful texture to shorter cuts.

23: Twisted Halo Updo

Create the illusion of a halo by twisting small sections of hair around your entire head and securing with pins.

This romantic style works even with shoulder-length bobs.

You’ll need texturizing spray for grip and invisible pins for a seamless finish.

This ethereal look offers special-occasion elegance while working with the natural texture of your shorter cut.

24: Bobby Pin Cascade

Slick back your short hair with product, then create a deliberate pattern of cascading bobby pins down the back of your head.

This turns functional pins into a decorative element.

You can use colored pins or mix metallic finishes for added visual interest.

This creative approach transforms a simple slicked-back style into something special and conversation-worthy.

25: Twisted Top Knot with Undercut Display

If you have an undercut beneath your longer top sections, showcase this feature by twisting the longer hair into a top knot that reveals the shaved section underneath.

You’ll highlight the contrast between textures with this strategic styling.

This edgy yet sophisticated option offers the perfect way to display your undercut for special occasions or weekend outings.

Conclusion

Short hair offers incredible versatility for updo styling—from elegant twisted looks to edgy braided creations.

Embrace your length and experiment with these techniques to discover your perfect pulled-back style.