15 Fancy Hairstyles for Short Hair You Want this Year (2024)

Nothing compares to the tummy flurry we get every time we get an invite to a dressed-up occasion. Sure, we’re super excited, but the mini-panic attacks these things induce are also a very real thing, particularly when actual glam is involved. So much so that we put together a compendium of fancy hairstyles for short hair to help out with this conundrum (because, you know, getting creative with fiveinches of hair is not exactly the easiest thing!).

Whether it’s for a wedding, swanky brunch, or hot date, there’s no reason to not think out of the box with your short hair every now and again. Read on for a roundup of some romantic updos for short hair that we can see you slaying—yes, even you there with the cute pixie cut:

15 Fancy Updos for Short Hair

If you’re looking for fancy updos you can wear on short hair, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

1. The Side-Braid

Perhaps one of the easiest elegant updos for short hair, a small side braid doesn’t require much length to build into a regular boys’ cut. Simply create a side part and start a regular three-strand braid from the hairline downwards towards one ear. Secure this look with some carefully placed bobby pins, affix a sparkly barrette to hide any seams and you’re all set!

2. The Low Chignon

Elevated low buns are a definite go-to for nights that call for fancy hair. For short hair like bobs or lobs, this look entails first gathering hair into a low ponytail then twisting it around itself to form a chignon. Secure any loose tendrils on the sides with some pins, and employ the help of some firm-hold (yet non-sticky) hairspray, like TRESemmé TRES TWO Extra Firm Hold Hairspray, for insurance.

3. The Accented Pony

Need something that’s kicky enough for an outdoor fête (barbecue season is around the corner, yaaas!), but don’t want to look like you tried too hard? Go witha braided ponytail. Section off the top half of your hair and start a skinny accent braid down the center, then incorporate it into the rest of your hair into a mid-height pony.

4. The Pixie Pomp

There’s always a way to dress up any hair length, and pixie cuts are no exception. Backcomb the hairline and crown area with a fine-toothed comb, and gently smooth it back over with the help of some cream (we like Bed Head by TIGI Manipulator for this look). You can choose to slick down the sides, or affix them to your scalp with a couple of bobby pins and a volumizing hairsprayfor true staying power. Achievement unlocked!

5. The Double-Braided Bun

What’s better than one braid, you ask? Making it a double. Pinch two strips on opposite sides of your head and create a skinny accent braid with each (helps with cowlick issues as well!). Secure with pins at the end, or if you have enough length, directly incorporate them all into a low bun at your nape.

6. The Half-Pony

Upgrade this no-brainer with a runway-approved wet finish. Use a dime-sized amount of shiny gel, like TRESemmé TRES TWO Mega Firm Control Gel, and rake it through the top half of your head using your fingers (très chic when a bit undone!). Affix in a half-ponytail with an unobtrusive hair tie or minimalistic barrette.

7. The Fluffy High Pony

For ladies with natural texture, a puffy ponytail is a super-cute way to wear your locks if they fall chin-length or thereabouts. Comb hair up into a refined high pony and allow your curls to naturally spread over your crown. A firm-hold gel, like Emerge Style Goals Gel, helps smooth down any halo frizz, pesky flyaways, and loose tendrils at the nape area.

8. The Faux-Braid

A charming throwback to the ’80s (you know it’s party-approved!), this twisted half-updo is also quite easy to master. Just twist sections from either side of your head inwards and tie off. Continue for however many rows you like—or as many as your hair allows—and you’re on with your day.

9. The Inverted Rollup

For those truly in need of a wowing look, a turn-of-the-century-inspired roll is something to get in on. Essentially an exaggerated flip, this requires the help of some bobby pins and a little bit of patience.

10. Loose Waves

With short hair, creating a loose wave style leaves a big impact and is so quick to create. Make sure to only curl halfway up the length of each section to ensure the waves start toward the middle of your style. Don’t keep the curler in for more than 15 seconds, you want it to be a loose and effortless finish!

11. Chic Chignon

One of the easiest of fancy hairstyles for short hair! This is the lazy girl’s style that always looks chic and cool. Leave out some layers and emphasize the mess by scrunching the chignon with your fingers and loosening the look.

12. The Half-Bun

You can also coil wavy or texturized hair into a fun little half-top knot. This looks better without any visible elastics, so try to secure with bobby pins or a hair-colored hair tie looped at the very base. This hairstyle looks more interesting when done on rougher, more matte strands, so use a texture spray, like Suave Dry Texture Finishing Spray, to help createadded texture to your short hair.

13. The Twisted Fringe

In the mood for love—and some quick romantic updos for short hair? Never underestimate the power of a twisted look, especially for date night. It’s a polished way of updating your regular pixie or bob, but with almost zero effort (and a whole lotta cuteness). All it takes is a literal flick of the wrist while you’re smoothing back your fringe, and voilà. Affix with a bobby pin and flirt the night away.

14. Slicked Back

A slick style is such an easy fancy hairstyle for short hair to create! Simply run a light gel through your style and set it with a hairspray. We highly recommend both products we mentioned before, they are great for this simple yet sophisticated style.

15. Pearl Accents

This is the ultimate look when it comes to fancy hairstyles for short hair. Playing around with baby hairs to create elegant and unique patterns is attention-grabbing and stunning. Use a gel to place your baby hairs how you want and add in a fun accent piece like pearls or crystals for even more glam. Pro tip: You can stick the accent pieces to your style with a little eyelash glue!

Whether you try out unique pearl accents or a half-updo, there are many fancy hairstyles for short hair that will make your strands shine!