32 Short Hair Updo Ideas for Wedding, Work, Casual Occasions, Prom with Braids, Curls, Bun and More

Whether you’re prepping for a formal occasion, for work, or simply want an easy casual look, short hair updos can be incredibly versatile and chic. Despite the shorter length, there are numerous ways to style an updo that suits any mood, occasion, or personal hairstyle preference. Below are 32 fabulous ideas for short hair updos that are not only stylish but also easy to create.

The Messy Bun for Short Hair

The messy bun is a go-to hairstyle that exudes a casual, laid-back vibe while still looking put together. This updo works great for those with short hair and can be styled for work, a weekend brunch, or even a relaxed day at the beach. To elevate this look for a formal occasion, try adding delicate hairpins or flowers for a wedding or prom event. Best suited for oval or heart-shaped faces, this bun frames the face and highlights natural beauty, making it perfect for all eye colors.

To achieve this easy bun, gather the hair at the crown and twist it into a loose knot, securing it with bobby pins. For added texture, curl the ends with a curling iron or use a texturizing spray for volume. A product like Ouai Wave Spray helps hold the texture in place, while a light hairspray keeps flyaways under control.

Sleek Side-Parted Low Bun

This classy and elegant hairstyle is ideal for a formal occasion or a day at the office. The sleek low bun with a side part offers a polished look that pairs well with bold makeup and statement earrings. It’s perfect for face shapes like square and round, where the side part helps to elongate the face. Whether you’re attending a wedding as a bridesmaid or going to a corporate party, this look is guaranteed to turn heads.

Start by creating a side part, then pull your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Use a smoothing serum like Moroccanoil to tame frizz, and secure the bun with bobby pins. Finish off with a medium-hold hairspray for long-lasting shine and hold.

Twisted Updo with Curls

For those with natural curls, a twisted updo is a funky yet elegant way to showcase your texture while keeping it controlled. This updo works wonders for a prom, graduation, or even Christmas dinner. It’s especially flattering for those with round faces and darker eye colors, as the twists and curls create beautiful contrast.

Divide your hair into sections and twist each one towards the crown. Secure each twist with bobby pins and leave some curls loose for a carefree finish. A curl-defining cream, like DevaCurl SuperCream, helps maintain the integrity of the curls, while a strong-hold hairspray ensures that the twists stay in place throughout the day.

The Edgy Faux Hawk Updo

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more edgy, the faux hawk updo is the perfect choice. This bold style is great for Halloween, a funky party, or even a casual hangout with friends. It’s ideal for those with a square or rectangular face shape, as it softens sharp angles while drawing attention to the eyes.

To create the look, start by sectioning your hair into three parts: top, middle, and bottom. Tease the middle section to create volume, then pin the sides tightly to create the “hawk” effect. Use a pomade or texturizing cream to give it that funky edge. Finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for volume and hold.

Fun Braided Crown Updo

A braided crown is a fun and playful updo that’s perfect for everything from a beach day to a more casual wedding or prom. It’s an excellent choice for diamond-shaped faces, as it helps balance the cheekbones and forehead. This hairstyle can also be made more formal with the addition of accessories like flowers or a delicate tiara.

To create this look, divide your hair into two sections and braid them along the hairline, wrapping each braid around the crown. Secure with bobby pins and a light spritz of hairspray. A leave-in conditioner, like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In, will add softness and manageability, making the braids easier to handle.

Classic Low Chignon

The low chignon is the epitome of a classy and elegant updo, perfect for a bride, prom, or any other formal occasion. This sleek and sophisticated style works well with oval or long face shapes and complements lighter eye colors beautifully. It’s an especially easy wedding look that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a tight bun, securing it with bobby pins. For a more polished look, use a serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease to smooth out any flyaways. You can also add a hairpiece or veil for special occasions.

Retro Victory Rolls

For a fun and nostalgic updo, try the victory rolls made famous in the 1940s. This style adds a vintage flair, making it a great choice for prom, Christmas, or themed party events. It flatters square and round faces, where the rolls add height and balance to the overall look.

To achieve this look, curl the front sections of your hair, then roll them inward towards your scalp and secure with pins. You can leave the rest of your hair down or tuck it into a bun. Finish with a retro-inspired red lipstick and a setting spray like Tresemmé Compressed Micro-Mist for long-lasting hold.

Side-Swept Braided Updo

For a bridesmaid or wedding guest, a side-swept braid adds a classy yet relaxed touch. This style is best suited for oval or heart-shaped faces and pairs beautifully with floral accents for an outdoor beach wedding. The braid softens facial features, creating an overall romantic mood.

To create this updo, start by braiding your hair to one side and pinning it at the back of your head. Leave a few strands loose to soften the look. A texturizing spray, such as Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, will give your braid extra volume and grip.

Elegant French Twist

The French twist is an elegant and timeless updo that’s perfect for any formal occasion, including work, graduation, or prom. It suits all face shapes and eye colors, making it a versatile option. This style exudes classy sophistication and is perfect for events where you want to impress.

To achieve a French twist, gather your hair at the back and twist it upwards, tucking the ends into the twist and securing with pins. A strong-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray will keep everything in place, ensuring that your look stays sleek all day.

Funky Space Buns

For a more funky and playful take on an updo, try space buns. This look is ideal for festivals, Halloween, or a fun night out with friends. It flatters round and heart-shaped faces, where the buns add height and fun to the overall look. This fun style also allows you to play with hair color or accessories.

To create the look, part your hair down the middle and twist each section into a bun on top of your head. Secure with bobby pins, and add some glitter or fun hair clips for an extra playful vibe. A light-hold gel like Eco Styler Gel will help keep flyaways at bay while allowing you to maintain the style’s fun, carefree feel.

Half-Up Top Knot

The half-up top knot is a fun and trendy updo that adds an effortless touch to any casual day or even a work meeting. It’s perfect for round or oval faces, as it elongates the features while keeping things playful. This look is ideal for a party, beach, or school event, making it versatile and easy to style for any occasion.

To achieve this style, section off the top half of your hair and twist it into a knot at the crown. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray. For a more polished look, use a texturizing spray to add volume to the lower half of your hair, and you’re ready to go.

Braided Low Ponytail

A braided low ponytail is a great option for an easy casual day or a relaxed work environment. This style works particularly well for heart-shaped faces, as the braid adds dimension and frames the face nicely. Whether you’re headed to a graduation or just need an easy tutorial for a day out, this hairstyle is both practical and chic.

Start by creating a simple braid down the back and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure it with an elastic and finish with a texturizing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast for added fullness and texture. This style is also low-maintenance, making it ideal for daily wear.

Sleek High Ponytail

The sleek high ponytail is a classy and elegant look that’s perfect for formal occasions, such as a prom, bridesmaid, or wedding. It’s best suited for oval or diamond-shaped faces, as the height of the ponytail accentuates facial structure. This hairstyle is an easy choice when you want a polished, fun look for any occasion.

To create the sleek look, gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a strong elastic. Smooth down any flyaways with a pomade or gel like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, and finish with a high-hold hairspray for long-lasting control. You can also add hair extensions for extra volume.

Low Braided Bun

The low braided bun is an ideal updo for both casual and formal occasions, from a Christmas party to a bride’s special day. This style works well for square or oval faces, as it softens the jawline and adds elegance to your look. It’s a classy yet easy style to create, making it perfect for work or a formal occasion like a wedding.

Start by braiding your hair and wrapping it into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins, and use a smoothing serum to keep frizz at bay. A light-hold hairspray will give your bun the polished look you’re aiming for, while a texturizing spray can add volume if desired.

Cornrowed Updo

For a natural and protective style, the cornrowed updo is both stylish and practical. Perfect for school, graduation, or even a wedding, this look works well for oval or heart-shaped faces. The cornrows give the style a neat and defined appearance, making it a great option for both casual and formal occasions.

To create this look, braid sections of your hair into tight cornrows leading to the back of your head, then twist the remaining hair into a bun or a knot. A scalp oil, such as Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, can help keep your scalp moisturized and your braids looking fresh.

Side Braided Updo with Hair Extensions

A side braided updo paired with hair extensions can add volume and glam to a short hairstyle, making it perfect for a bridesmaid look or a prom event. This style is especially flattering for oval and square faces, as it frames the features while adding length and fullness. The added waves or braids create a dramatic, feminine effect that can elevate any outfit.

Begin by incorporating clip-in hair extensions, then braid your hair to one side and twist it into an updo, securing it with bobby pins. To add volume, use a volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17. Finish off with a light mist of hairspray to lock in the look.

Fun Space Buns with Cornrows

The fun space buns with cornrows are the perfect playful and funky look for festivals, Halloween, or themed party events. This style works best for those with round or square face shapes, as it creates height and definition. It’s an ideal look for someone who loves to experiment with funky hairstyles.

Start by creating two cornrows along the sides of your head, and then twist the remaining hair into two buns on top of your head. Secure the buns with pins, and add glitter or hair accessories for a fun and creative touch. A curl-defining cream will also help to maintain texture throughout the day.

Low Twist Updo with Side Part

The low twist updo with a side part is an elegant style perfect for prom, formal occasions, or even a beach wedding. This look complements oval or heart-shaped faces, as the side part helps frame the face beautifully. It’s a classy yet effortless updo that can be worn for a variety of occasions.

To achieve this look, create a deep side part and gather your hair into a low twist at the nape of your neck. Secure with pins, and finish with a shine serum like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold. This updo is simple yet polished and works well for both day and night events.

Classy French Braided Ponytail

The French braided ponytail is a classy option that works well for both work and party settings. This updo adds texture to short hair while keeping it neat and controlled. It’s a great choice for diamond-shaped faces, where the braid softens the edges and adds a touch of elegance to the overall look.

To create this look, start by French braiding the top section of your hair and secure it with an elastic into a ponytail. Add a texturizing spray to the ponytail for volume, and finish with a medium-hold hairspray like Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play for long-lasting style.

Elegant Rolled Updo

For a sophisticated look, try the elegant rolled updo. This timeless style is perfect for formal occasions like prom, graduation, or a wedding. It’s best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the rolled texture adds dimension and softens facial features.

To create this updo, roll sections of your hair from the sides towards the back of your head and pin them in place. Use a volumizing spray to add texture and lift, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the look intact all day long. This style is simple yet sophisticated, making it a great choice for any formal occasion.

Incorporating a short hair updo into your styling routine offers endless possibilities, from easy casual looks to formal occasion-worthy styles. Share your own favorite updo techniques or let us know which ones you’re excited to try! Let’s start a conversation in the comments below!