French Braid for Short Hair: 19+ Elegant Variations
Let short hair shine in a new light – from playful baby braids to elegant braided crowns. Dive into the world of braiding art and discover inspiring ways to transform your hairstyle.
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Side French Braid
Looking for a playful twist in your daily styling routine? Then give the side French braid a try! Even with short hair, you can create a wonderfully feminine accent with this method. The key is to ensure your hair is thoroughly brushed. Start by taking a small section at the hairline and divide it into three strands. Begin braiding as usual, adding a thin strand with each pass. The trick is to braid the hair consistently to the side so it beautifully follows the shape of your head. With a bit of practice and finesse, you'll quickly craft a charming hairstyle that you can wear both in everyday life and for special occasions. One more tip: To make your hair easier to handle, apply some styling cream before braiding – this will help your French braid hold better!
Waterfall Braid
Let yourself be enchanted by the waterfall braid! This magical braiding charm adds a touch of romance to even short hair and makes you shine in no time. First, straighten your mane carefully because we don't want any pesky knots in the way. Start at the part and braid small strands artfully in and out to create the beautiful waterfall effect. One strand always falls gently out—like the drops of a waterfall. With each new strand you skillfully add, the magic grows on your head. And the best part? In the end, an invisible hair tie keeps everything in place. So simple, so charming—try it out and let your hair flow like a gentle stream!
Braided Crown
No longer dream of a romantic princess hairstyle—the braided crown makes it possible, even with short hair! Create this enchanting look for your next special occasion. Even with chin-length tresses, an adorable braided crown can be crafted with a few skillful touches. Use fine threads as little helpers to securely fix shorter strands. With some practice, patience, and good heat protection for styling, you will achieve a durable, voluminous crown from your own hair. Add a personal touch with elegant hairpins or playful flowers—and your fairy-tale appearance is guaranteed!
Baby Braids
Let yourself be enchanted by the charm of baby braids! These adorable mini braids are not only a feast for the eyes on Instagram but also a stylish way to keep your short hair looking fresh and lively. They're super easy to braid, even if you don’t have much length. A little tip: use a texturizing spray to give the braids extra hold and a playful look. Whether for the office, the next festival, or just to shake up your routine – baby braids are perfect for any occasion and add a touch of 90s nostalgia. Give it a try and feel playful, youthful, and stylish – all in one!
Optimal Preparation: Care for Textured Braid Hair
Before you start braiding, you should optimally prepare your hair so that it's textured and the French braid holds well. Begin with a shampoo that's suited to your hair type. To give your hair extra texture and hold, you can work in a volume powder or a light styling mousse. Allow the products to absorb well and then dry your hair completely. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove knots and tangles. If necessary, a heat protectant can be used and the hair can be lightly straightened to create a smooth working surface for braiding. Remember not to wash your hair immediately before braiding, as clean hair is often too slippery, making braiding difficult.
Mastering Braiding Techniques for Short Hair
Braiding short hair requires patience, as strands slip out more easily than with long hair. Start by learning simple braiding techniques like the three-strand braid. Once you've mastered this, you can attempt more complex braids like the French braid. A useful technique for short hair is 'Dutch Braiding,' also known as the 'reverse French braid.' In this method, the strands are braided under instead of over each other, which offers an advantage because it lies closer to the scalp and strands are less likely to escape. Additionally, you can pull the braids tighter to ensure a secure hold. Practice regularly to improve your skills and experiment with various braiding patterns and directions.
Helpful Accessories for Perfect Hold
For short hair, specific accessories can be very helpful in securing a French braid and ensuring perfect hold. Hairpins and invisible bobby pins are essential, as they can reliably secure small, flyaway hairs and the braid's end. Choose hair clips that match your hair color so that they remain inconspicuous. A small-sized hairspray or texturizing spray is also handy for making the hair ready to braid more manageable and for securing the finished braid. Additionally, decorative hair accessories like thin hairbands or fabric flowers can not only help the braid stay in place but also add a personal touch to it. However, don't forget not to overdo it with the braid to keep it looking natural and maintain the simplicity of the hairstyle.