Gather hair at the nape and twist upward, tucking ends under to form a loose chignon. Secure with bobby pins placed vertically for maximum hold.
Pull out gentle wisps around your face and neck for romantic softness. This style balances sophistication with the carefree appeal of deliberately undone hair.
7: Twisted Crown Bun
Create height and dimension by twisting short hair into a crown-like bun. This style works particularly well with layered bobs that have longer top sections.
Part hair down the middle and twist each side upward toward the crown of your head. Join the twisted sections together and pin into a small bun at the top.
Gently pull at the twisted sections to create fullness and texture. This style creates the illusion of longer hair while showcasing your face beautifully.
8: Textured Pixie Bun
Even super-short pixie cuts can achieve a messy bun effect with the right approach. This style focuses on creating a bun-like shape with minimal length.
Apply texturizing paste to your longer top section and twist it back toward the crown of your head. Secure with small pins, creating the suggestion of a bun.
Add hairspray for hold while maintaining the piece-y, textured effect. This “micro bun” celebrates super-short hair while offering the aesthetic of an updo.
9: Side-Swept Messy Bun
Position your short-hair bun to one side for an asymmetrical, fashion-forward look. This positioning works wonderfully for angled bobs with longer front sections.
Create a deep side part and gather hair toward the opposite side, twisting into a loose bun positioned just behind your ear. Secure with bobby pins in a star pattern.
Pull out face-framing pieces on the heavier side of your part. This asymmetrical style adds interest while working with (not against) shorter hair lengths.
10: Knotted Double Bun
Create two small, knotted buns positioned horizontally for a playful take on the traditional messy bun. This style works well with bob and lob lengths.
Divide your hair horizontally from ear to ear, creating two sections. Twist each section into a small bun, positioning them one above the other at the back of your head.
Gently loosen both buns for texture and volume. This double-bun approach distributes your shorter hair more effectively than attempting one larger bun.
11: Bandana-Wrapped Bun
Add a colorful bandana or scarf to elevate your short-hair bun while providing practical help in keeping shorter pieces contained. This style adds instant personality.
Gather your hair into a small, messy bun at your preferred position. Fold your bandana into a narrow strip and wrap it around the base of your bun, tying at the bottom.
Allow the ends of the bandana to hang loose for added style. This accessorized approach helps secure shorter strands while adding a pop of color and pattern.
12: Bubble Messy Bun
Create the illusion of a fuller bun by using the “bubble” technique to add volume to shorter hair. This approach works wonderfully for fine or thin short hair.
Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Add additional elastics every inch down the ponytail, gently pulling the sections between to create “bubbles.”
Wrap the bubbled ponytail around its base to form a bun and secure with pins. This technique creates a larger-looking bun with even the shortest ponytail-able hair.
13: Braided Halo with Mini Bun
Combine a braided halo with a small messy bun for a bohemian-inspired look that works beautifully with shorter lengths.
This style offers security and romance.
Create a Dutch braid along your hairline from one temple to the other.
Gather the remaining hair with the end of the braid into a small, messy bun at the back.
Pull wisps loose around your face for softness. This combined technique keeps shorter front pieces contained while creating a beautiful, dimensional updo effect.
14: Twisted Faux Hawk Bun
Transform your short hair into an edgy faux hawk that ends in a messy bun.
This style works wonderfully for undercut styles or pixies with longer top sections.
Twist hair upward from both sides toward the center of your head, creating a mohawk-like shape. Twist the gathered hair into a small bun at the crown.
Apply texturizing spray for definition and hold. This edgy style plays with proportion while keeping your short hair stylishly contained and vertically oriented.
