cosmetic? Check. Full costume? Check. hair? Not so much. Finding the perfect holiday hairstyle for short hair can be a daunting task. With intricate updos, long waves, and extra-long ponytails seeming to dominate the internet, inspiration for short hair vacation looks is thin on the ground. Don't worry, though—that's what YouTube tutorials (and a few of Bustle's leading experts) are for.
No matter your hair type or bob length, there's a holiday look that's perfect for you. Whether braiding, incorporating accessories into your look (recommends celebrity hairstylist and brand owner Kim Kimble), or twisting your lengths into a messy-but-chic short updo (like Nine Zero One hairstylist Sierra Ken As Na suggested), there are no shortage of methods. Cool (and easy) short holiday hair styles.
If you want some inspiration and how-tos, check out these 11 super cute, easy holiday hairstyles for short hair that will have you looking your best this season...even if you're just attending a Zoom party.
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1. A huge imitation eagle
For those trying to avoid too much hot styling, YouTuber Alyssa Marie's faux-hawk look is perfect. Alyssa revealed her own take on the pineapple technique, which involves tying her hair into a high pony to look like a pineapple.
To get her prettier look, Alyssa started by spritzing on some Kinky Curly Curl Cream and applying it to all the edges of her hair, including the back. She then tied her curls into a high ponytail and placed a large ponytail holder loosely around it to give the top more volume. She then pulled down pieces of hair and gave herself a bang, which she said gave her "a really edgy faux-hawk look."
Kinky-Curly Original Curly Hair CustardTarget
2. Creative accessories
YouTuber AseaMae has a great example of a short hair vacation style that celebrity hairstylist ( Beyoncé's hairstylist, FYI) Kim Kimble recommends if you're on the short side this holiday season. What's her opinion? It’s all about the accessories.
Kimble tells Bustle they're a great option if you have short hair, and recommends adding some hair with an emphasis on adding definition and shine to complete the look. "Apply product to your hair to give it definition and shine," she advises. "Then add some sparkly clips, rhinestone barrettes or a fun metallic headband."
That's exactly what Asea does in her video. But instead of the usual accessories, she had the genius idea of gluing holiday trinkets (like gifts, garlands, and bows) to hairpins and using them as holiday decorations, which is exactly what Kimble suggested — and you'll Be creative with what you use.
Patented knotted headband with ChainKitsch
3. Side comb
YouTuber DisIsReyRey kept her short hair looking festive with gold accents and a side slick. To achieve the look, she preps her hair with a homemade blend of water, conditioner and oil to infuse strands with moisture and add extra shine. Next, she used a comb to create a side part, then cut out a square area. She then created five small braids and connected them together before adding gold rings. Finally, she inserted a comb to hold the hair in place. On the other side, she took a strand of hair, twisted it away from her face, and secured it with a gold bobby pin to match the other side.
Scunci extra long hair clip Target
4. Braided bun
YouTuber Milabu offers three short holiday hairstyles in this video, but her braided bun might be the most interesting. To achieve the look, she used a donut (yes, straight out of a '90s dance class) and the base of her hair to create a bun at the base of her neck. Next, she let down the top half of her hair and cut two remaining pieces in the front. She then began by braiding a Dutch braid that extended from her face into a low bun and secured it with a clear ponytail holder. Then she repeated the same thing to the other side.
Once she was done, she began to carefully pull the braids apart to give the style a fuller look. Finally, she tucked the ends of the braid under her bun, and voila, it was a simple updo for short hair.
Conair Bun Maker Kit for all hair types Target
5. Braided Crown
For those looking for a simpler braided look, YouTuber Kayley Melissa has created a perfect headband style. She first curled her hair, then grabbed a section of hair above and behind her ears, braided it all the way, and secured it with bobby pins. Once it was in place, she pulled it apart to add volume.
Once she was done, she pulled the braid to the other side of her head and pinned it in place. She then moved her hair around where it had just been pinned, created a new braid, and wrapped it around the back of her head before pinning it in place. To complete the move, she braided a second braid on one side where she originally started the hairstyle, pulled it apart, and then wrapped it around the back to connect with another braid to create the illusion of a braided headpiece—which happens to be super chic, Festive.
T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Sticks Sephora
6. Half bow
YouTuber Alanna Durkovich may have one of the easiest short hair looks for the holiday season. She started with her hair already in messy curls, with a section of hair collected at the top of her head. She then combs the section with a comb to add volume. Next, she gathered a few pieces from the front to create a half-up, half-down ponytail look. For a festive (and totally adorable) element, she tied a bow on the elastic with a piece of red ribbon. Boom – This is the perfect look for short vacation hair.
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7. French twist
YouTuber Milabu's French twist, using Conair hair tools, is exactly the kind of short vacation look recommended by 901 hairstylist Sierra Kener. She calls her look "a model's off-duty look," and Kenner says to achieve it, start with dry hair and leave clean sections. If you want extra volume, she recommends using a curling iron to create some waves. Next, apply some texturizing spray (she recommends In Common's Magic Myst) to your hair. Then, gather your hair, roll it back, and tuck the ends in. Then, use bobby pins to secure the twist. Finally, pull out some ends to frame your face.
Verb Sea Texture Spray Sephora
8. High bun
YouTuber Jordan Lipscombe has created the perfect look for those who don't want to curl or permanently straighten their hair: a high bun. To achieve the look, Lipscomb first straightened her hair and then gathered it on top of her head. She started to create a high pony, but on the last loop of the retainer, only pulled about a third of her hair through to create a loop. Next, she loosened the loop to give it some texture and pulled back a small section of the side, tucking them under the ponytail holder. Finally, she used the remaining hair from the pony to wrap around the base of the bun and secure it in place.
GHD Classic 1" Styler Sephora
9. Side twist
Chev B offers a quick, easy style for curly short hair that includes a row of chic side twists. Start with freshly washed, wet hair as it's easier to work with. She recommends spraying your hair with leave-in conditioner before styling, followed by hair oil (she prefers avocado) to smoothen your hair. To prepare for the twist, she used a comb to create a section on the sides, then twisted a small section of hair from the front and mid-section at the back of her head. Tie the sections with a rubber band and tie them individually with about four twists on each side.
Then, apply water and curling cream to the top of your hair for easier styling. Add more flat twists to the front, then, once you've pulled it all into sections, apply oil all over your scalp to keep it moisturized. Once done, pull the top twist out and undo it the same way you did the twist. Use a wide-tooth comb to fluff these sections to add volume, then apply some hairspray if you're experiencing any frizz. Then you can start your short hair vacation.
Nourishing Avocado Leave-in Conditioner Natur-All
10. Low, messy pony
This might be the simplest short haircut yet: a low, intentionally messy pony. Although YouTuber Chloe Brown shows off a whopping 10 short hair styles in this video, a low ponytail is the lowest lift (but it's still super cute). If you prefer a certain texture, use a curling iron or straightener to create loose waves, then pull your hair back into a low ponytail using a headband or scrunchie (your choice). Pull out some hair on the sides of your face for a more undone look, but note that the idea is to look completely tousled, so no need to worry about whether you're doing it right (here's the best part about it) .
11. 60s Flip
If you're a novice DIY hairstylist, try YouTuber Charlie Sulewski's super-simple '60s-style flip, which is celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko's favorite vacation hairstyle. Everything you need to do? First, use a heat protectant (Polko likes Noughty's To The Rescue Serum) on your hair before using a straightener. Then, separate your hair into two sections (she recommends two-inch sections), straighten your hair with a straightener, and flip the ends inside out with a wand. Sulewski prefers to tuck her hair behind her ears for a more youthful look. Finally, spray some styling spray on the ends of your hair to lock it in place. If you want to add a little glamor, you can also add a headband to your look.
