When you commit to short hair, you commit to a look. If you have hair that falls above the ears, you have fewer styling options than someone with waves cascading down their back. That's just a fact. But just because your strands are short doesn't mean your hair routine has to be one note. You can get in on cool styles — like braids — even when it's tough to put your hair into a ponytail.
Of course, some of the most viral braided looks we double tap on Instagram are done with long hair. But for those whose strands sit shoulder-length and above, there are still cute options. Ahead, we rounded up some plaited looks that are easy to master on short hair, but be forewarned, these looks — and the fact that you won't have to spend an hour blowdrying and styling every morning — might make you reconsider growing out your bob.
A blunt bob is good on its own, but there's something about this chunky French braid along the hairline that makes it so much better.
You may be thinking — how the hell can I braid my hair if it's that short? Well, you can phone a friend, meaning grab some extra braiding hair. You can feed extensions into your natural hair to create a chunky accent braid that blends with your short haircut. And if the front part of your pixie is longer, you might be able to pull off a similar look without the extra hair.
If your braids aren't long enough to dangle down your back, tie the ends of them into baby buns.
Box braids that cascade down your back are fun, but they're equally cool when they fall right above the shoulders. If your hair is already shoulder length, you can DIY the look with your natural strands. For a thicker braid, add a few packs of braiding hair into the mix.
Chad Wood braided Ana Mulvoy Ten's bob into messy, straight-back plaits and pinned them down at the nape of her neck. The best part? You can copy this look whether your hair is short or long.
People with tapered cuts can get really creative by utilising the longer pieces of hair around the crown and hairline, like Felicia Leatherwood did for Sonequa Martin-Green. Leatherwood braided the actress' curls into angular cornrows, which added some edge to her super-cool cut.
So what if your hair can't be pulled into a ponytail? Play around with accessories, like this velvet ribbon Lacy Redway used on Lucy Hale, to add texture and excitement to your braids.
Incorporating a chunky braid into your half-up hairstyle will instantly make your cropped cut look Pinterest worthy. This style by Riawna Capri could easily take you to a music festival or a wedding.
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