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17 Easy Updos for Short Hair

These celeb looks prove sometimes less (hair) is more when it comes to creating a chic short hair updo
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Let's be honest, finding updos for short hair isn't exactly the easiest task. Whether you're rocking a pixie, midi length or are in the awkward stages of growing out your strands, you and your short hair are often forgotten in the gorgeous hair how-tos. Why? Because there's this silly little belief that short hair updos simply cannot be done — and we're here to set the record straight.

While you may not be able to rock an impossibly long side braid or voluminous ponytail, there are actually plenty of stunning updos for short hair. (Yes, even if you have a pixie — we found styles for you to try, too.)

To end your frustrating search, we rounded up 17 gorgeous looks ranging from everyday updos to more formal looks for that upcoming special occasion. So chill out, relax and pour yourself a glass of wine. We've done all the work for you. Here, 17 celeb-approved updos for short hair.

Image via Imaxtree

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Jennifer Lawrence's Crown Braid
J Law slays braids in her infamous role as Katniss, and chic-ly brought the heroine's signature style to the red carpet — but with a twist. At the time, Lawrence was rocking a platinum bob, and fooled onlookers into thinking she had longer tresses with this elegant crown braid for short hair. To get her look:

1. Start with second-day hair or spritz a texturizing spray like IGK Down & Out Dirty Spray, $29, into dry strands.

2. Start at the front and middle of the hairline, and begin to craft a reverse French braid down the side of the head. (FYI: reverse means braid over instead of under.)

3. Once the braid is just below the ear, gather the remaining hair and twist it into a messy bun at the nape of the neck. Secure with bobby pins.

4. For a laidback look, release a few pieces of hair at the front of the face.

Image via Getty

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Olivia Holt's Triple Ballerina Buns
The trick with short hair updos is not to overthink it. In this case, Olivia Holt fakes fullness (and therefore length), by simply stacking three ballerina buns at the back of her head. The result? Triple the elegance. To steal the look, created by celeb stylist Riawna Capri:

1. Start by creating three separate ponytails at the back of your head. One at the crown, the middle and the base of the neck.

2. Twist each ponytail, and wrap it around itself to the right. Secure each of the buns with bobby pins and a spritz of hairspray.

3. You can keep the look causal and pluck out a few stray pieces here and there, or tuck everything in for a more polished look.

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Emma Stone's Rolled Updo
When Stone debuted her short bob with side-swept bangs, she also gave us a new updo idea for short hair. The actress left her bangs loose, and the rest of her hair was rolled at the nape of the neck and tucked under, which is incredibly easy to recreate.

1. Apply a blowout cream to damp strands (we like Garnier Blow Dry Perfector Straightening Balm, $4.29, and blow-dry hair smooth and straight.

2. Once dry, create a deep side part, and flat iron bangs (if you have them).

3. Grab the hair just above your ears, and gather the hair by twisting it towards the head, and continue to twist until you reach the nape of the neck. Do this for both sides of the head.

4. Take the remaining hair at the back of the head and tuck it into itself at the nape of the neck -- creating a messy bun. Use bobby pins and firm-hold hairspray to lock the twisted, short hair updo in place.

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Ruby Rose's Double Dutch Braids
So you can't exactly rock true boxer braids when you're sporting ultra-short hair, but (no surprise) Ruby Rose has her own short hair spin on the badass style. To get the look:

1. If you have short layers, start with second day hair or apply a styling cream like Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, $12.99, to give hair better grip, and create a center part.

2. Craft two Dutch braids on either side of your part, and secure the plaits with bobby pins.

3. To get that sexy, sleek look Ruby Rose is known for, reach for a gel like Matrix Style Link Super Fixer, $18, and smooth down the entire style.

BY MARISSA DESANTIS | JUN 27, 2017 | SHARES
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