Unlocking the secrets of styling short hair can be a challenge, but the art of plaiting offers a versatile solution to tame unruly locks and create stunning hairstyles for any occasion. Whether you have a bob, pixie, or layered cut, there are endless possibilities to explore when it comes to plaiting short hair. With a few simple techniques and a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of plaiting and elevate your short hair game to the next level.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of plaiting short hair, providing step-by-step instructions and expert tips for achieving flawless plaits. From classic three-strand braids to intricate fishtail and French plaits, we’ll unveil the secrets to creating a variety of stunning hairstyles that will turn heads. Embrace the versatility of your short hair and let your creativity soar as we embark on a journey of plaiting perfection.
To begin, let’s dispel the myth that short hair cannot be plaited. With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can achieve beautiful plaits even on the shortest of hair. The key is to adapt the plaiting techniques to suit the length of your hair. By experimenting with different plaiting styles and incorporating accessories such as hair grips and ribbons, you’ll discover a world of possibilities for styling your short hair with plaits.
Sectioning and Preparation
Sectioning the Hair
Step 1: Determine the desired braid style and part the hair accordingly.
* For a single braid, part the hair down the center.
* For two or three braids, divide the hair into equal sections horizontally or vertically.
* Use a comb or brush to create clean and precise partings.
Step 2: Dampen the hair. Slightly dampen the hair with water or a hairspray to make it more pliable and easier to braid.
Step 3: Apply a mousse or gel. This will help to hold the braid in place and prevent flyaways.
Step 4: Detangle the hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to gently remove any knots or tangles. This will ensure a smooth and even braid.
Step 5: Pin back any loose hair. If you are plaiting only a section of hair, pin back the rest to keep it out of the way.
Step 6: Choose the right braiding tool. For short hair, a fine-toothed comb or a bobby pin can be used to separate and hold the strands.
Additional Tips for Sectioning Short Hair
1. Use a mirror to guide your hands and ensure precision.
2. Hold the sectioning tool perpendicular to the partings for straight, clean lines.
3. Practice on a mannequin or a friend to gain confidence in your sectioning skills.
| Section | Parting |
|---|---|
| Single Braid | Center |
| Two Braids | Horizontal or Vertical |
| Three Braids | Horizontal or Diagonal |
Dutch Braid Variation
Start by separating the front section of your hair from ear to ear. Secure the top section with a hair clip.
Take a small section of hair from the left side of the bottom section and cross it over the middle section. Then, take a small section of hair from the right side and cross it over the middle section, going under the left section.
Step 3: Repeat Steps 2 and 3
Continue repeating steps 2 and 3, alternating between left and right sides, until you reach the nape of your neck.
Step 4: Secure the Braid
Once you reach the nape of your neck, secure the braid with a small elastic band.
Step 5: Release the Top Section
Unclip the top section of your hair and tie it into a ponytail at the crown of your head. This will help to hide the elastic band and create a more polished look.
Step 6: Finish the Braid
Continue braiding the ponytail using the same technique as before. Once you reach the end of the ponytail, secure it with a small elastic band.
Step 7: Pancaking the Braid
Gently pull apart the sides of the braid to make it wider and flatter. This will create a more voluminous and stylish look.
Fishtail Braid Technique
The fishtail braid is a beautiful and intricate braid that is perfect for short hair. It can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile style for any occasion. Here are the steps on how to plait short hair in a fishtail braid:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. If your hair is dry, apply a small amount of hairspray to help hold the braid in place. Then, divide your hair into two equal sections.
Step 2: Start Braiding
Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over the top of the left section. Then, take a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and cross it over the top of the right section. Continue alternating sides, crossing the hair over the top of each section until you reach the end of your hair.
Step 3: Finishing the Braid
To finish the braid, take the two remaining sections of hair and cross them over each other, securing them with a bobby pin. You can then fluff up the braid slightly to give it more volume. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of Step 3:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take a small section of hair from the outside edge of the left section and cross it over the top of the left section. |
| 2 | Take a small section of hair from the outside edge of the right section and cross it over the top of the right section. |
| 3 | Repeat steps 1 and 2, alternating sides and crossing the hair over the top of each section. |
| 4 | When you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a bobby pin. |
| 5 | Fluff up the braid slightly to give it more volume. |
Rope Braid Simplicity
Step 1: Part your hair into two equal sections.
Step 2: Cross the right strand over the left strand, then cross the left strand back over the right strand.
Step 3: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach the end of your hair.
Step 4: To add volume to your braid, gently pull on the outer strands as you braid. This will create a more textured and voluminous look.
Step 5: Secure the end of your braid with a hair elastic or bobby pins.
Here are some tips for plaiting short hair:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a strong hairspray | This will help to keep your braid in place and prevent it from falling out. |
| Use small sections of hair | This will create a more intricate and polished braid. |
| Practice makes perfect | The more you practice, the better you will become at plaiting short hair. |
Waterfall Braid Elegance
Waterfall braids create an ethereal and cascading effect that adds movement and interest to short hair. Follow these steps to master this stunning hairstyle:
- Section the Hair: Part your hair in the center or slightly off-center. Create a small section at the front of the head.
- Start the Braid: Divide the front section into three strands and begin braiding as you would with a regular French braid.
- Release the Bottom Strand: After crossing the first strand over the middle strand, release the bottom strand and let it fall down the side of your head.
- Add Hair: Pick up a small section of hair from the side and add it to the middle strand.
- Continue the Waterfall Effect: Repeat steps 3-4 to create the waterfall effect. The released strands will cascade down, giving the illusion of a flowing waterfall.
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With a little practice, you’ll be able to create this elegant and eye-catching hairstyle on your own short locks.
Braiding with Hair Extensions
Incorporating hair extensions into your braids can add volume, length, and versatility to your short hair. Here’s how:
1. Prepare Your Extensions
Choose extensions that match your hair color and texture. Clip them into sections and mist them with water to make them easier to work with.
2. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into two to three sections, depending on the desired braid style.
3. Create a Base Braid
Start braiding one of the sections, using the three-strand method. When you reach the end of your natural hair, add an extension clip and continue braiding.
4. Incorporate Additional Extensions
As you braid along, add additional extension clips as needed to create the desired length and fullness.
5. Secure the Braid
Once the braid is complete, secure it with an elastic band or bobby pins.
6. Shape and Style
Gently loosen the braid to create a more voluminous look. Use bobby pins to secure any loose strands or create intricate designs. Additional styling options include:
| Style | Technique |
|---|---|
| French Braid | Incorporate extensions by placing them underneath the previous strand before crossing it over. |
| Dutch Braid | Place extensions on top of the previous strand before crossing it underneath. |
| Fishtail Braid | Create two sections of hair and take small pieces from the outside of each section, crossing them over. |
Crown Braid for Short Hair
A crown braid is a beautiful and elegant hairstyle that can be worn on any occasion. It is perfect for short hair because it keeps it out of your face and adds a touch of femininity.
To create a crown braid, you will need:
- A brush or comb
- A hair elastic
- Bobby pins (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brush or comb your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Divide your hair into three equal sections: left, middle, and right.
3. Cross the left section over the middle section.
4. Cross the right section over the new middle section (which was previously the left section).
5. Continue crossing the sections over each other until you reach the end of your hair.
6. Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic.
7. To give your crown braid a more voluminous look, you can gently pull on the loops of the braid to loosen them up. You can also use bobby pins to secure any loose strands of hair.
French Braid Revolution
The French braid, also known as the three-strand braid, is a classic hairstyle that can be worn by people of all ages and hair lengths. While it may seem like a complex style to master, it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to French braid short hair:
1. Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. Brush out any tangles or knots, and if your hair is particularly fine or slippery, apply a little texturizing spray or mousse to give it some grip.
2. Section Off the Top
Take the top section of your hair, about two inches wide, and secure the rest of your hair in a ponytail or clip.
3. Divide into Three Strands
Divide the top section into three even strands. You’ll call these the left strand, the middle strand, and the right strand.
4. Cross Left Over Middle
Take the left strand and cross it over the middle strand, so that it becomes the new middle strand.
5. Cross Right Over New Middle
Take the right strand and cross it over the new middle strand, so that it becomes the new middle strand.
6. Add New Hair
Take a small section of hair from the left side of your head and add it to the left strand. Then, cross the left strand over the middle strand, as before.
7. Repeat on the Right Side
Take a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to the right strand. Then, cross the right strand over the middle strand.
8. Continue Braiding
Continue alternating steps 6 and 7, adding new hair from the sides as you go. Keep the braid tight and close to your head, and be sure to cross the strands over each other evenly.
9. Secure the Braid
Once you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a hair tie. If you want, you can leave the end of the braid loose or tuck it under the braid and secure it with bobby pins.
Half-Up Braided Bun
This chic style is perfect for short hair, as it keeps the front section out of your face while adding a touch of elegance. Begin by sectioning off the top half of your hair, from the forehead to the crown. Secure the bottom half with an elastic. Braid the top section of hair into a three-strand braid, starting at the forehead and working your way towards the crown.
Once you reach the crown, secure the braid with an elastic. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, securing it with bobby pins. For a more voluminous bun, gently tease the crown of your hair before wrapping the braid.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a Half-Up Braided Bun:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Section off the top half of your hair, from the forehead to the crown. |
| 2 | Secure the bottom half of your hair with an elastic. |
| 3 | Braid the top section of hair into a three-strand braid, starting at the forehead and working your way towards the crown. |
| 4 | Once you reach the crown, secure the braid with an elastic. |
| 5 | Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, securing it with bobby pins. |
| 6 | For a more voluminous bun, gently tease the crown of your hair before wrapping the braid. |
Braiding with Accessories
Incorporating accessories into your short hair braids can add a touch of glamour or a playful twist. Here are some ideas for braiding with accessories:
Ribbons: Braid a ribbon into the hair for a whimsical touch. Simply weave the ribbon into the braid as you go, securing the ends with a knot or bow.
Chains: Add a hint of edginess with a chain woven into the braid. Use a delicate chain for a subtle effect or a bolder chain for a more dramatic look.
Beads: Thread small beads onto the hair before braiding to create a sparkly effect. Use different colored beads or a variety of textures for a unique touch.
Braided Hair Clips: Braid the hair into a small section and secure it with a braided hair clip. This creates a stylish and functional accessory that can hold hair back or add a touch of elegance.
Bobby Pins: Use bobby pins to secure braids or create intricate designs. You can use bobby pins to add a pop of color or sparkle to your braid.
Hair Cuffs: Slip a hair cuff over the braid for a touch of glamour. Hair cuffs can be made from various materials, such as metal, plastic, or fabric.
Headbands: Braid a headband into the hair for a bohemian look. Use a wide headband for a dramatic effect or a narrow headband for a more subtle touch.
Scarves: Tie a scarf around the head to create a braided scarf braid. Wrap the scarf around the head and secure it at the back, then braid the scarf into the hair.
Braided Extensions: Add length and volume to your braids with braided extensions. These extensions can be braided into the hair or attached with clips.
Faux Locs: Create faux locs with braids for a unique and stylish look. Divide the hair into small sections and braid them, then add hair extensions or yarn to extend the length.
How To Plait Short Hair
Plaiting short hair can be a challenge, but it is definitely possible with a little practice. Here are a few tips on how to plait short hair:
1. Start with clean, dry hair. This will help to prevent the hair from slipping out of the plait.
2. If your hair is very short, you may need to use a little bit of hairspray or gel to help hold the plait in place.
3. Start by dividing your hair into three equal sections.
4. Cross the right section over the middle section.
5. Then, cross the left section over the new middle section.
6. Continue plaiting the hair in this way, alternating between crossing the right and left sections over the middle section.
7. Once you reach the end of the hair, secure the plait with a hair tie.
8. If desired, you can add some hairspray or gel to help hold the plait in place.
People Also Ask About How To Plait Short Hair
Can you braid hair that is 2 inches long?
Yes, you can braid hair that is 2 inches long. However, it may be difficult to keep the braid in place, so you may need to use some hairspray or gel to help hold it.
How do you braid short hair that is layered?
To braid short hair that is layered, you will need to start by dividing the hair into three equal sections. Then, you will need to cross the right section over the middle section and then the left section over the new middle section. Continue plaiting the hair in this way, alternating between crossing the right and left sections over the middle section. Once you reach the end of the hair, secure the braid with a hair tie.
How do you french braid short hair?
To french braid short hair, you will need to start by dividing the hair into three equal sections. Then, you will need to cross the right section over the middle section and then the left section over the new middle section. Continue plaiting the hair in this way, alternating between crossing the right and left sections over the middle section. As you plait, you will need to add small sections of hair from the sides of the head into the braid. Once you reach the end of the hair, secure the braid with a hair tie.
