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  5. Beautiful Braids for Short Hair

Beautiful Braids for Short Hair

Mary Shannon Hodes, Associate Digital Editor at Southern Living
By Mary Shannon Wells
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Half Dutch-Braided Crown
Credit: Luxy Hair Blog
Short hair is so trendy right now but, with the exception of the occasional bobby-pin look or half-up style, it can be difficult to style. You might not think your hair is long enough for braided hairstyles, but these cute looks for short hair will prove you wrong. From side braids to braided ponytails, these ideas will take your hairstyle game up a notch. Each of these styles has a tutorial, so you can easily pull off these braids on your own at home. Whether you have a long pixie that you want to pin back with a braid, or you're rocking a lob that you can braid into a ponytail, these twisted short hairstyles are the prettiest. Prepare to be inspired.
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Messy Braided Crown

Messy Braided Crown
Credit: Wonder Forest

This is an easy half-up style you can wear every day, and it can easily be pulled in a ponytail if you want your hair off your neck. Get the tutorial here from Wonder Forest.

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The Macramé Braid

The Macramé Braid
Credit: My Style Vita

This macramé braid is a fun update on the classic braid, and it’s ideal for getting long bangs out of your face. Get the tutorial here from My Style Vita.

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Double Fishtail

Double Fishtail
Credit: One Little Momma

If you have a long pixie or a short cut with long bangs, this style is for you. This is such a great way to add a little flair to your everyday look. Get the tutorial here from One Little Momma.

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Low Side Pull-Through Braid

Low Side Pull-Through Braid
Credit: Goldfish Kiss

The beauty of the pull-through “braid” is that it looks like a braid, but it’s easy to do with short lengths. Bonus: A low style like this looks great with a hat for beach days or second (or third?) day hair. Get the tutorial here from Goldfish Kiss.

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The Half-Up French Braid

The Half-Up French Braid
Credit: Luxy Hair Blog

If your hair is long enough, this simple style can also be pulled into a ponytail for the gym. Get the tutorial here from Luxy Hair Blog.

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The Balmain Braid

The Balmain Braid
Credit: The Chriselle Factor

Inspired by a Balmain editorial, this braid is for the strong and confident. Get the tutorial here from The Chriselle Factor.

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Double Dutch Pigtails

Double Dutch Pigtails
Credit: A Beautiful Mess

This fun style is perfect for the days you have to go straight from the gym to running errands. Get the tutorial here from A Beautiful Mess.

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The Goddess Braid

The Goddess Braid
Credit: The Everygirl

Add delicate pins to this look to dress it up for a wedding or holiday party. Get the tutorial here from The Everygirl.

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The Fishtail Knot Braid

The Fishtail Knot Braid
Credit: A Beautiful Mess

This boho look can be done with a classic braid if you don’t know how to fishtail. Get the tutorial here from A Beautiful Mess.

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Lauren Conrad’s Beachy Braid

Lauren Conrad’s Beachy Braid
Credit: Lauren Conrad

This cute style is about as easy as it gets for everyday wear, and it’s great for styling bangs you’re trying to grow out. Get the tutorial here from Lauren Conrad.

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The Braided Topknot

The Braided Topknot
Credit: Byrdie

This upgraded take on the ever-popular topknot can take you from day to night. Get the tutorial here from Byrdie.

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Half Dutch-Braided Crown

Half Dutch-Braided Crown
Credit: Luxy Hair Blog

If you have straight hair, you can easily dress this style up by curling it. Get the tutorial here from Luxy Hair Blog.

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Headband Braid

Headband Braid
Credit: POPSUGAR

For extra glam that’s perfect for the holidays, lightly dust your braid with gold pomade. Get the tutorial here from POPSUGAR.

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Rubber Band Braid

Rubber Band Braid
Credit: Whippy Cake

This is a totally new take on the braid, and it will stand out, especially with fun rubber band colors. Get the tutorial here from Whippy Cake.

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The Side French Braid Ponytail

The Side French Braid Ponytail
Credit: Luxy Hair Blog

If your everyday ponytail needs a little oomph, add an easy side French braid. Get the tutorial here from Luxy Hair Blog.

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Edgy Side Braid

Edgy Side Braid
Credit: Brit + Co

This five-minute style adds a little edge to any outfit, and it can be done on a long pixie. Get the tutorial here from Brit + Co.

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Headband Waterfall Braid

Headband Waterfall Braid
Credit: Refinery29

Even girls with long pixies can do this unique style that’s so much fun. Get the tutorial here from Refinery29.

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The Half-Up Fishtail

The Half-Up Fishtail
Credit: My Style Vita

You can rock this fishtail braid on one or both sides for a boho look that’s just the right amount of messy. Get the tutorial here from My Style Vita.

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The Knot French Braid

The Knot French Braid
Credit: Goldfish Kiss

This super easy style is like a French braid with knots, and it looks more intricate than it is to create. Get the tutorial here from Goldfish Kiss.

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The Simple Side Braid

The Simple Side Braid
Credit: Poor Little It Girl

Anyone can recreate this side braid that seamlessly blends with the rest of your hair without any chunky ponytail holders. Get the tutorial here from Poor Little It Girl.

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By Mary Shannon Wells

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    1 of 20 Messy Braided Crown
    2 of 20 The Macramé Braid
    3 of 20 Double Fishtail
    4 of 20 Low Side Pull-Through Braid
    5 of 20 The Half-Up French Braid
    6 of 20 The Balmain Braid
    7 of 20 Double Dutch Pigtails
    8 of 20 The Goddess Braid
    9 of 20 The Fishtail Knot Braid
    10 of 20 Lauren Conrad’s Beachy Braid
    11 of 20 The Braided Topknot
    12 of 20 Half Dutch-Braided Crown
    13 of 20 Headband Braid
    14 of 20 Rubber Band Braid
    15 of 20 The Side French Braid Ponytail
    16 of 20 Edgy Side Braid
    17 of 20 Headband Waterfall Braid
    18 of 20 The Half-Up Fishtail
    19 of 20 The Knot French Braid
    20 of 20 The Simple Side Braid

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