31 Short Hair Updo Ideas for Every Occasion

When it comes to elaborate updos, those with above-the-shoulder strands seem to have gotten the short end of the stick (literally). While their Rapunzel-esque counterparts can twist, bun, braid, and pin to their heart's content, short-haired girls face a much smaller pool of options.

For all our short-haired or above-the-shoulder sisters out there, know this: You, too, can partake in the updo game. While pixie-length hair is a bit tough to gather for an updo (we've still included quite a few for you, don't worry!), we've searched high and low for bob-to-shoulder-length updos that won't consume your entire morning. So grab some bobby pins, a scarf, and some hair ties, and get ready to transform your hair.

Keep scrolling for 31 cool bun, braid, and pinned-up ideas for short hair!

Messy Braided Bun

This style works best on shoulder-length hair, but those with shorter strands can re-create this by simply using more bobby pins. Here's the full tutorial!

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a super easy protective hairstyle for natural hair. Bonus: it looks very cool as an everyday style or for a special event. Check out this tutorial.

All Tied Up

Why not add some retro flair to your look with a sleek silk scarf and major volume? Plus, the scarf hides all your bobby pins, so feel free to pin with abandon. See the full instructions here.

Rolled Updo

Half roll, half braid, this might just be your new everyday hairstyle. Click over here for the instructions!

Half Bun

When all else fails, rock a cool-girl half-bun—so simple, yet so effective.

Looped Chignon

Loop your ponytail, and then twist it into a messy chignon. Your secret weapon: a braid and ponytail maker.

Braided Fauxhawk

A simple way to add a bit more dimension to short, natural texture is to braid the sides, creating a chic fauxhawk.

Messy Chignon

The short-haired girl's version of a chignon, this messy, yet polished 'do can be dressed up or down (tousled side fringe is encouraged).

Sporty Space Buns

Two high-placed buns can easily go straight from the gym to the office or to drinks with friends (just remember to freshen up first!). All you need are two hair elastics and a few bobby pins to secure the buns in place. For a full breakdown, check out this tutorial.

Pixie Cut With a Ribbon

Pixies have fun, too. A ribbon or a headband can give this edgy cut an unexpected touch.

Half Space Buns

Rock the space buns just on the top half of your hair. Loose face-framing bangs are a gorgeous touch.

Dutch Crown Braid

Hairstylist extraordinaire Jenny Cho does a crown braid on a cropped cut like no other.

Textured Pixie With a Metallic Headband

For another take on the pixie cut with a headband, look to Janelle Monae's iconic look for inspiration. A metallic headband gives her soft curls a little edge. We're getting major princess vibes here.

Side Dutch Braids on a Pixie

Side braids are totally possible on cuts as short as the pixie. This Dutch braid adds even more flair to an already edgy haircut.

Topknot Undercut

An undercut with a topknot is an unconventional and eye-catching look.

S-Shaped Pompadour

A wavy S-shaped pompadour turns a long pixie cut into brand new look.

Pinned Curls

When in doubt, curls are always elegant. Pin them in place to give them structure and hold.

Half-Up Stacked Twists

A textured half-up hairstyle is elevated with stacked twists.

Cropped Cut With Double French Braids

Super-short hair with double French braids is a striking look. To add some grit and hold, work in a texturizer like Bumble and Bumble Bb Texture Hair (Un) Dressing Creme before you start.

Half Up With a Bow

The legendary Jen Atkin said it best: "When in doubt, put a bow on it." This style comes courtesy of hairstylist Irinel de León.

Stacked Chignon

A pair of stacked messy chignons is a no-fuss hairstyle that translates well for special events.

Short Finger Waves

A pixie cut with finger waves is the ultimate throwback to 1920s glamour.

Low Ponytail With a Side-Part

This simple and sophisticated low ponytail with a side-part is flawless. Use Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Hair Oil to keep it sleek.

Slicked-Back Pixie

Simply sleeking back your pixie cut instantly creates a modern look and feel.

Tight, Sleek Ponytail

For an ultra-sleek look, slick hair back into a tight ponytail at the middle of the back of the head.

Cornrows

Classic cornrows are perfect for short lengths; not to mention, the wearable look serves as a protective style for natural hair.

Cornrows With Loose Tendrils

Here's another cool take on cornrows: loose tendrils at the back and sides, and baby hairs combed down at the hairline.

Mini-Braids

Mini-braids going across the head look effortlessly cool.

Pixie Cut With a Crown Braid

Crown braids aren't just for long hair. Here's how to rock one with a pixie cut.

Half-Up Topknot With Fringe

This bob with a half-up topknot and a thick fringe is super hip.

Messy Topknot

A mussed-up topnot with loose tendrils is our go-to everyday look.