30 Stunning Wedding Updos For Short Hair To Look Beautiful
Gather your tresses up in the most elegant ways despite the lack of length.
Tuera A. Jacobs is a licensed cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience in makeup, wardrobe styling, branding, creative directing, and overall style coaching. She is also the owner of Studio Hush 4:14 Image Consulting Firm, Creative Director of Christina Michelle Branding Agency, Beauty Director of Columbia Fashion Week, mother of three, and grandmother of one.
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Experience: 4 yearsJyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.
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Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
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Experience: 3 yearsAparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.
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Your big day is fast approaching, and you have your eyes set on an updo you wanted to try, but in a twist of epic proportions. You have short hair, and all your friends have said that an updo is impossible. Prove them wrong with these elegant wedding updos for short hair!
Whether you are the bride, her mother, her bridesmaid, or one of the guests, these ever-so-romantic updos will leave your short hair looking surreal. So, scroll down and check them out!
Before You Get Started- Book your wedding hairstylist at least 6 months before D-day so you have enough time for hairstyle trials.
- Consider the neckline of your wedding attire while deciding on the updo.
- Try out at least 3-4 updos to finalize the one that’s perfect for you. Make sure to try out the head accessories you want while you are at it so you can get a clear idea of the final look.
- Take enough pictures of the updos tried during trials so you can decide easily later.
In This Article
How To Choose The Right Updo For Your Wedding Dress
Choosing the right updo for your wedding dress involves balancing the style of your gown with your personal preferences. Here are some tips to help you decide:
- Dress Style
Consider the neckline and silhouette of your dress. For a dress with a high neckline or intricate detailing on the bodice, an elegant updo can keep the focus on the gown. A low, soft chignon works well with strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses.
- Hair Texture And Length
A tousled bun can add softness and volume for those with finer or straight hair. Sleek, structured updos are perfect for thicker or curly hair that holds shape well.
- Face Shape
Your face shape plays a crucial role in finding the most flattering updo. Soft, face-framing tendrils can complement round or square faces, while a more sculpted updo can enhance the features of oval or heart-shaped faces.
- Wedding Theme
Match your hairstyle to the theme of your wedding. For a classic or formal event, a sophisticated updo is ideal. If your wedding is more relaxed, a loose, bohemian-inspired updo may be better suited.
By taking into account your dress and the overall wedding vibe, you can choose the perfect updo that enhances both your gown and your look.
Key Takeaways
- There are multiple ways to style your short hair into elegant updos. Just book your hairstylist several months in advance to discuss your preferences and learn of any limitations and possible solutions.
- Always try a couple of different hairstyles with your stylist before your wedding day to finalize the best one. They might have some interesting ideas and you might realize you like something else more than what you had initially visualized.
- Try your desired hairstyle with any hair, ear, and neck accessories you have picked for your wedding look. Your hairstyle must also match the neckline of your dress. So, make sure you go over the entire wedding look, several days in advance.
Wedding Updos For Short Hair – Top 30
1. Low Chignon Bun
Emily Blunt pulls off the classy chignon bun perfectly despite having neck-length hair. This look is ideal for short, layered hair. You can tie your hair in a low messy bun and let the front layers loosely fall on both sides, creating a soft and carefree look. This is one of the best hairstyles for the wedding season. It’s chic and sophisticated but screams fun at the same time. To create this look, you can use a strong-hold hairspray and a fine-toothed comb to smooth down any flyaways.
2. Short Braided Hair Bun
Create a boho hairdo for your wedding just like Emma Watson did. This hairstyle is perfect for shoulder-length hair. To recreate this look, you need to make multiple braids and twists and pin them at the back. You can finish the look with accessorized feathers to accentuate the boho-themed bridal ‘do or go for a gold feather clip, just like Emma.
3. Short Grecian Twisted Updo
If you want some inspiration for short hair updo, there’s no one else but Emma Stones to look at. She has been pulling off short-haired updos since her inception in movies – just like this side-twisted updo. All you need to do is lightly twist your hair from the front and pin it back, then make a low bun and secure it with U-pins or hair clips and there you go! It’s effortless and chic – perfect for weddings.
4. Sleek French Twist
Natalie Portman’s sleek French twist is an example of a classic, clean hairdo. This side-parted sleek updo is perfect for formal events, especially weddings. It is great for shoulder-length blunt lobs, as you just need to twist the hair into a bun and slick back and stray flyaways and loose hair strands. The best way to achieve this look is to apply hair spray and hair gel and use fine-toothed hair combs to keep everything in place.
5. Messy Chignon
Who else but our Queen “B” from Gossip Girl can get classy and messy just right? Actor Leighton Meester adds a subtle hint of messiness to this chic chignon bun, and if your style lands between easygoing and classic, this messy chignon is perfect for your wedding day.
6. Wrap Bun With Curtain Bangs
Rock your curtain bangs on your wedding day and pull off a stylish and charming look inspired by Emily Ratajkowski. You just have to wrap the different hair sections in a low or high bun or twist the hair and style the bangs with flipped ends. This will frame your face and add softness and femininity to the overall look.
7. Low-Tucked Messy Bun
Get inspired by this boho-chic messy updo sported by Lucy Hale. She has braided her hair a little far from the hairline so that the long, loose bangs can fall loosely on the sides. The hair is teased so that the messy bun appears voluminous. You can use U-pins or elastic hair ties to secure the bun and curl the hair and bangs to add texture and movement. Try this messy hairdo for your picture-perfect day.
8. Sleek Low Bun
Sleek, middle-parted hair never goes out of style, just like Lauren Conrad’s elegant updo. If your dress and makeup are heavy and you don’t want an overwhelming hairdo, this simple yet elegant nape bun should be your choice. This clean style does not take attention away from your face or dress and balances the whole look.
9. Wavy Updo
The American actress Venessa Hudgen looks effortlessly glamorous in her wavy updo. You need to curl your hair in waves to achieve this look. You can style the waves inward, away from your face, or a mix of both to create more texture and volume. Tease the hair at the crown before you pin everything back to create a bun.
10. Side Twists
Get a chic look like Carey Mulligan’s side twist updo. This hairstyle is perfect if your wedding gown is sleek, as it perfectly aligns with the straight lines of the dress and creates a fuller look. To achieve this simple yet elegant hairdo, all you need to it, make a side part and twist the hair to the back while creating a puffy look. Then pin the twisted hair and grab all the hair to make a low bun.
11. Curly Top Knot With Cornrows
Don’t hide away your amazing coils; let them shine and bounce on your wedding day. Get inspired by how Yara Sahidi rocked her coily hair. To achieve this look, weave two side-swept cornrows on one side. As you move toward the back of the head, gather the ends of the cornrows and the rest of the hair in a top knot. Let your bangs loose to cup one side of the forehead softly. Now, there you go—you get a perfect updo for your coily hair on your perfect day!
12. Layered Twisted Updo
Lily Collins knows her way of getting the best updos for her short hair. Notice how the hair has been twisted all the way to the back. She has kept it a little messy and let a few hair strands out to get a flowy, carefree look. This could be your ideal hairdo if your wedding theme is boho, casual, or anything outdoors.
13. Vintage Bohemian Bun
Tie your hair in this chic yet boho hair bun. Take inspiration from Margot Robbie, who has tucked her hair in a low bun at the nape, leaving loose hair strands out in the front to create a soft look while framing the face. On your wedding day, style your hair to create an effortless, romantic look.
14. Messy Top Knot
Zendaya elegantly pulls off this updo in her short hair. If you happen to have wavy hair, this hairstyle can make your day. To create an updo, all you would need to do is gather your hair on the crown, make a messy bun, and pin it down with multiple bobby pins. You can take out a few hair strands from the front and gently pull the bun for a voluminous look. This hairstyle is best for a fun outdoor or backyard wedding.
15. Low Bun With French Braids
Get the wedding-ready hairdo like Sienna Miller with this glam French braid low bun. This hairstyle is great for outdoor weddings and will not budge even after long dancing sessions. To make this updo, you need to part your hair from the middle and make two french braids. Secure their ends with elastics, wrap them in a small bun, and use U-pins to keep the bun intact.
16. Vintage Waves Updo
Look at this glamorous low bun Naomi Watts has pulled off. If you love retro-chic styles, this updo is for you. Create this glamorous look with vintage waves and a low-side bun. This is perfect for short, neck-length hair. You have to create S-waves and set them with mousse and hair spray and tuck the hair into a bun just above your nape.
17. Tousled Updo
Give your wedding look an edgy twist with this tousled updo. If you have a short pixie hairstyle with smaller sides and longer layers at the crown, this is the perfect hairstyle. To achieve this look, tease the hair on the crown to create a puffy look, style them into loose curls and lastly, use hairspray to make it stay. Comb the side hairs back and apply hair gel for a sleek look.
18. Multiple Side Braids
Who said wedding looks should be only chic and classic? Get your edgy inner style to show on your perfect day. Take inspiration from Gwen Stefani and create these edgy multiple side braids. To create this look, you need to take out two small sections of hair from the right parting and make two braids, then, on the other side, make another braid. You can either pin the braids behind or gather them together with the rest of the hair to make a small tucked bun.
19. Pineapple Bun
If you have thick curly shoulder-length hair and have been looking for easy bridal hairstyles for curly hair, then this style can be an ideal choice for your wedding day! Take a look at Skai Jackson and how she has pulled this pineapple updo. You can gather all of your hair and tie it at the top while leaving the ends loose that goes over your forehead. You can accentuate this detailed updo using a bandana or a laced ribbon to match the theme of your wedding.
20. Dutch Braid Updo
A Dutch braid updo is one of the most ethereal hairstyles. It creates that romantic essence most women want for their weddings. Look at this image above of Scarlett Johansson to see how she has braided her short hair. If you want to add a boho-casual touch, loosen up your braid and let a few strands loose in the front and sides. This hairdo is perfect for weddings; once done, it will not budge even if you dance all evening.
21. Queen Braid Crown
Who says short-haired girls can’t adopt braided crowns? Perfect for brides with short hair, to copy this Hayden Panettiere’s regal crown, start with a Dutch braid from the outer corner of your eyebrow, and work your way around your face and behind your ear. Once you’re there, pin any loose ends to perfect the shape. Sprinkle some volumizing spray in your braid to fatten it up, just like The Nashville star has done.
22. Fairytale Braid
English actress Keira Knightley is our wedding hair inspiration for short hair. Ideal for curled up hair, the actress has paired her tousled, romantic up’do with natural looking makeup – dewy skin, nude lips, subtle eyes, peachy cheeks – for a chic finishing touch. For extra impact, use pretty and feminine headband to glam up a simple wedding hairstyle.
23. Sleek Low Knotted Bun
Glee actress Dianna Agron is effortlessly glamorous with her classic, low knotted bun.
We love how her blonde locks have been tucked and rolled at the nape of her neck to form a classic and feminine hairstyle. If you feel this hairstyle is too plain for your wedding, you can ornate it by adding a sparkly hair accessory or tuck a flower behind your ear.
24. Pompadour
Hottie Julianna Hough looks flawless with her hair-raising pompadour. Perfect for a stylish and confident bride, the dancer transformed her blond bob into a lovely voluminous style with a pouf and slicked-back sides. She completed the bold look with a pair of pretty tear-drop earrings and natural, dewy makeup. Now that’s gorgeous, isn’t it!
Fun Fact25. Intricate Updo
Hottie Julianna Hough looks flawless with her hair-raising pompadour. Perfect for a stylish and confident bride, the dancer transformed her blond bob into a lovely voluminous style with a pouf and slicked-back sides. She completed the bold look with a pair of pretty tear-drop earrings and natural, dewy makeup. Now that’s gorgeous, isn’t it!
Licensed cosmetologist, Tuera Jacobs opines, “The messy braids are what makes this look so regal. Therefore, do not waste time on perfecting the braids.”
26. Braided Bun With A Headband
Actress Emmy Rossum looks magical with her flawless braided chignon and dressy headband. The sleekness of this look keeps it more elegant and contemporary, whereas softer and fuller styles make tiara look more wedding-day ‘do. To copy this whimsical hairstyle à la Emmy, take a deep mid-section, secure in a tight braided chignon and finish off the look with an embellished headband.
27. Braided Bun With Bangs
Actress and singer Lea Michele looks Grecian glamorous with her signature long bangs and dark hair done up in a braided bun. If you’re looking for chic and sexy short wedding updo hairstyles, take inspiration from Michele and wear your short, luscious locks in a thin braided ‘do that will flatter your face shape.
28. Wildflower
Actress Kirsten Dunst sports a romantic braided bun with wispy, side bangs that frame her face. We love how her graduated hair color makes her braids look even more interesting with contrasting high-and low-lights. The actress gives the classic hairstyle a modern twist with a string of tiny gold and a headband made of flowers, making it a perfect ‘do for an intimate outdoor wedding.
“This look is perfect for a bride that would not be caught outside without her tiara,” comments Tuera Jacobs.
29. Rolled Updo
Zoe Saldana looks divine with her delicate lowkey look styled with a twisted and rolled short updo. Recreate this gorgeous hairstyle by rolling and twisting the larger section of hair to one side. Remember, before rolling your hair into an updo, pump it full of volume and tease it slightly for extra body. Secure your strands with a few bobby hairpins. Add several sparkly barrettes outlining the roll to create a glamorous wedding hairstyle.
Quick Tip30. Messy Updo
We love actress Jenna Dewan’s tresses – whether they’re long, short, brunette, or black– and we absolutely adore her classy side-swept updo! To recreate the look, work volume boosting mousse into damp hair before styling it with a curling iron. Finish off your hairstyle by securing it in a chignon at the side, and a strong hairspray to keep your hair in place. This wedding updo for short hair is perfect for the style-conscious bride – elegant, classic, and gorgeous.
Tuera Jacobs adds, “Emphasis on messy! The whimsical nature of your curls, lightly pinned and placed, is what makes this look beautiful and stress free.”
To achieve such beautiful hairstyles you need appropriate accessories. Scroll down to the next section to know what accessories do you need to keep handy.
Wedding Hair Accessories For Short Hair
A delicate, sparkling hair accessory can elevate your romantic bridal look. Here are some of them you can use.
A stone-studded comb.
- Hair vines.
- A headband.
- A simple circlet or crown.
Keeping your hair styling accessories in place can be challenging with fine, short hair. Here are a few quick tips to help you with it.
- Loop kirby grips or bobby grips through the metal combs.
- Use bobby pins to hold hairpins.
- Use texturizing dust to magically transform fine hair into thick hair to hold the comb.
- Adding a braiding elastic at the placement position will help to hold the comb or pin teeth.
Infographic: Pro Tips For Short Hair Wedding Updos
While updos are classic bridal hairstyle choices, they are not always easy to style and pull off. They undoubtedly look great in photographs, but updos need a lot of patience to sit through an entire day with the hair up in intricate coiffures. However, with a few precautionary tips, you can rest assured that your hair is picture-perfect all day. Check out the infographic below for our pro tips on short hair wedding updos. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
When you have short hair, you might think finding an elegant hairstyle for your wedding is a foregone thought. We hope this article proved that notion wrong! From the queen braid crown to a messy updo, there are quite a few options for you to style your short tresses in. And do not worry if you have extremely short hair. You can always consider adding trendy hair extensions and fashionable hairbands to your tresses to achieve intricate and surreal updo hairstyles meant for longer locks. If your nuptials are nearing, we advise you to try out all these wedding updos for short hair and see which one you love the best. You may also want to try out the hairstyle while trying on your gown to see if they go together with the overall outfit and veil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hair accessories for short hair updos?
The best hair accessories for short hair updos include decorative pins, headbands, and small combs that add elegance without overwhelming the hairstyle.
How can I add volume to my short hair for an updo?
You can add volume to short hair for an updo by using volumizing products, teasing the roots, and incorporating texture with curling or crimping techniques.
What styling products and tools are necessary for creating short hair wedding updos?
To create a beautiful and long-staying hair updo, you will need bobby pins, elastic hair ties, heat styling tools, heat protectant, hair gel, texture and finishing hairsprays, and hair accessories.
What are some simple yet elegant updos for short hair that are easy to do yourself for a wedding?
Low messy chignons and crown braids are easy-to-do hairstyles that you can construct yourself for weddings, without having to spend too much time or money.
Are there any specific face shapes or hair textures that work better with short hair updos for weddings?
Regardless of the texture of their hair, all face shapes can pull off a short hair updo. However, not every hairstyle may work for every face shape and hair color. Try getting a face-framing hairstyle that can emphasize your face structure if you have a round face. Try a twisty and braided updo if your hair is relatively short. To rock a killer short hair updo, you must choose the right hairstyle.
Can I incorporate braids or twists into my short hair updo for a wedding?
Short hair updos can be anything you want them to be! You can experiment with challenging and straightforward, informal and social short updos– perhaps something stylish, cool, and casual. This includes any curling, twisting, or braiding that suits you and enhances your appearance.
How can I make my short hair updo look more voluminous and textured for a wedding?
To make your hair appear more volumized, try using textured spray and tease it.
Can I add extensions to my short hair to create a fuller updo for my wedding?
Yes, you can instantly lengthen and volumize short hair with hair extensions. The clip-in extensions and hair extensions temporarily lengthen your hair while enabling the growth of your natural hair.
Can I add hair color or highlights to my short hair before styling it into an updo for my wedding?
You can color and highlight your hair however you like, which will enhance the wedding’s aesthetic and your lovely dress while also reflecting your unique personality.
How can I incorporate flowers or other natural elements into my short hair updo for a bohemian or rustic wedding?
Consider adding tiny flowers and feathery accents to the side of your updo or using them to cover your small bun.
How to fake an updo with short hair?
To create a fake updo with your short hair, you can try braiding it and tucking it in or twisting it.
Illustration: Stunning Wedding Updos For Short Hair To Look Beautiful
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Create a beautiful bridal updo in minutes with this video tutorial! Learn how to twist and pin your hair for a stunning look that’s perfect for any special occasion.
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