40 Quick and Easy Short Hair Buns to Try

Often it may seem that those having short hair are not awarded the same styling options as those blessed with healthy longer locks. There is a host of ponytails, braids and buns that are designed solely with a long-haired girl in mind. However, what if you have short hair and want to rock one of those chic styles? Well, the answer lies in the pictures below.

Pros of Short Hair Buns

In some cases it may be more of a struggle (depending on length), but despite that, there are cute and stylish ways to create a bun even when you have short hair. Buns for short hair run the gamut from modern and edgy to classic and chic, it all depends on the style you want to achieve.

One of the best things about opting to wear a bun is that it is a great alternative to wearing a ponytail. With a bun for a short length, you don’t have to worry if you have enough hair to fill it out like you would with a ponytail. So sit back, and check out some of the best short bun hairstyles online!

#1: Wispy Bun-Like Updo

Adding a welcome touch of elegant romance, this wispy hair bun is perfectly pretty. Some drama and a sexy feel are enhanced by the wisps of hair escaping each side. This low updo can be done in a matter of minutes by skilled hands.

#2: Curly Bun with Hair Flowers

It’s pretty fascinating what the right hair accessory can do for a hairstyle. Buns for short hair often need a little something extra to make them standout, and a single white floral accessory is the perfect compliment to a bun.

Instagram / @foxanddoll

#3: Small Low Bun with a Bouffant

Cute, polished and sweet are the words that best describe this miniature bun for short hair. With a voluminous crown and a tucked-twisted bun, this is as neat as it gets.

#4: Swirl Bun

Getting creative with the actual styling of your short hair buns is a way to stand out from the rest. Perhaps you should try out this swirl design, which is a definite conversation starter thanks to its intricacies.

#5: Fancy Twisted Updo

If braids and traditional buns aren’t your thing, perhaps twisting your hair into a bun-like updo will do the trick. Short hair needs to be styled loosely to give the body to your updo, and at the same time every lock has to be pinned skillfully for your whole hairstyle to hold. That’s a job for a professional, of course.

#6: Gathered Loose Bun

Hair buns are often associated with slick, tight and high-atop-the-head rigid ballerina updos. However, today’s buns, like the one seen here, are looser and more romantic. Best of all, they work for short hair, too!

#7: Short Updo

While certain hair types will mold more easily into the bun form, length no longer has anything to do with nailing a gorgeous updo. This short and simple bun involves gathering hair straight back and securing it into a roll with hair pins.

#8: Ice Princess Bun

Let it all go with this casual bun style inspired by that popular Disney princess. It’s easy to steal Elsa’s style, even if your hair is much shorter.

#9: Volumized Short Hair Bun

Teasing the under layer of hair while allowing a curled tendril or two to hang loose will create the illusion of hair that’s longer than it really is. If you love the look of a hair bun but aren’t so sure how to pull it off, try this style on for size.

#10: Short Showcase of Color

One of the great things about short hair is that your hair coloring appointments get much more affordable. However, you can still show off your gorgeous, creative color with a side bun and braid combo that’s sure to shine.

#11: Bun with Bangs

Since so many short hairstyles depend upon bangs to keep the face from looking too strict, this updo is a perfect compromise. Skip the comb for this one – gathering the hair up with your hands and securing with an elastic will provide a fun, casual messy look as shown.

Instagram/ @daphnenarcy

#12: Formal Short Hair Bun

While this won’t work on very short hair, if your strands reach your shoulders you should be able to pull off this style. Bun hair doesn’t always have to be just for the gym or a hot summer day – this fancy twist on the classic chignon is perfect for a big night out.

#13: Short Hair Bun Accessorizing

Even super straight strands can be pulled back into a casual low bun that’s made a bit fancier with a hair embellishment. Best of all, while you’re accessorizing, you’re also helping to hold flyaways in place.

#14: Wedding Day Bun

Cute bun hairstyles can be appropriate for all occasions, including the most special day of your life. If you want your short hair to appear longer and more feminine, take this style over to the salon for a test run before your wedding day.

#15: Short Swoops and Curls

Wavy and lovely, this short hair bun receives a boost from some properly used styling product and a teased under layer. To create the bun itself, gather hair into a mid-height ponytail and then curl the sections with a small to medium barrel iron. Secure with hair pins and you’re done.

Instagram/ @maxwellmathson

#16: Rainbow Bun

In the age of 90s throwback and Bronies fanning all over the Internet, you can transform your short hair into a whimsical pony inspired style with a few stripes of bold color.

#17: Quick Short Hair Bun

There’s no need to worry about perfection when it comes to this style. Easy buns are a welcome addition to a busy morning routine, and hair still leaves the house looking fabulous.

Instagram/ @georgesmattarofficial

#18: Queen of the Bun

Look royal and modern simultaneously with this style that reigns over all other buns for short hair. A fun, creative color or two can make the look even more creative and Alice-inspired.

#19: The Lowest Short Hair Bun Ever

For the shortest of hair comes the smallest of buns. This is the winner of cute buns with its subtle simplicity and ability to hang in there despite fly away strands.

#20: Bold Colored Bun

Get inspired by the vibrant greens of the rainforest with this unique look. If you’re hoping for bun ideas that veer off the popular path, then your answer is found in a vibrant color job.

#21: Bun with Braids

If your hair is still short enough to deal with the drama of stubborn strands, work some braids into the style. This quick bun is added at the end of two smooth, tight mini French braids. This might just be the leader of styles involving cute buns.

#22: Short and Wise

Granny hair is very trendy right now, so age no longer determines the hair color you choose. If you want a bun, that looks both stylish and wise, then go for the full out granny look with a modern twist. Add in some long bangs to soften the style.

#23: Sheared Nape and Bun

Keep things creative with a shaved under layer of hair. You can choose an undercut with some carved lines that display beautifully against the nape of the neck when the long hair is pulled into a bun. If you know how to make a bun with short hair but want something a bit more eye catching, you can try this edgier choice.

#24: Braid and Bun

What do you get when you combine a bun, braid, and some seriously vibrant color? A messy bun for short hair that is both creative and ultra-feminine. Best of all, they’ll be so caught up by your hair hue that it won’t matter much how perfect your braid and bun are. This playful style is great for both casual and formal occasions.

#25: Romantic Braid Bun Crown

If buns grow too boring but you love their functionality, try to fancy your bun up with a classically romantic braid crown. Wisps of strands can fly free, or you can go for a tighter and more pulled together crown. This style will work best on shorter hair that’s around shoulder length – it can be a bit too demanding when it comes to shorter cuts.

Instagram/ @daphnenarcy

#26: Messy Bun with a Side Braid

There is also something to be said for what the addition of a well-placed braid or two can do for an ordinary hairstyle. Bun hairstyles are generally understated, but if you want to inject them with a little pizzazz, perhaps you should try rocking the effortless side braid seen in this photo.

#27: Voluminous Bun with Teased Bang

A little teasing goes a long way, as seen with this cute and sassy bun. While there are many ways to style buns for short hair, the expertly teased bangs on this look are top-notch.

#28: Iridescent Half Bun

What’s a girl to do when she simply can’t decide to wear a full bun or a half bun? Well, she tries out a stylish half and half style of course. This half bun is the perfect mix of color and texture, so go for unicorn tresses the next time you visit the salon!

#29: Tight Casual Bun

Since a bun for short hair has less hair to work with, one of the biggest challenges is making sure it stays put together. This tight bun looks sleek and secure thanks to the chopsticks accessory going through the middle of the bun.

#30: Sleek Side Bun

Sure, bun hairstyles that rest at the nape of the neck are the most popular, but the side bun is just as flattering, even for short hair. This one is polished, making it ideal for the office.

Instagram/ @salonxvi

#31: Triple Bun Updo

What can be better than a bun? Multiple buns for short hair! In this creative style, the hair is teased at the crown and three mini buns are placed in the back at a slight angle.

#32: Low Bun with Face Framing Locks

If you are in search of formal and elegant hairstyle, we recommend you to consider this one. Slight volume in the crown area, neat low bun, loose strands, which perfectly frame the face… What else can a bride, a bridesmaid or a graduate dream of?

#33: Messy Twisted Bun

If you want to add a little edge to your bun hairstyle, the messy look is the way to go. Here, the crown is teased, the ends of the hair are twisted and pinned at the nape of the neck with occasional strands pulled out to stick out carelessly.

#34: Side Twist and Bun

Pair a cute ballerina bun with a side twist. A loosely twisted side and a carefully constructed bun are all the components you need to achieve this look. Let it be slightly undone.

#35: Loose French Knot

When polished and messy meet, the result is this chic messy bun for short hair. While the actual knot is neat and expertly created, the messiness is in the form of the long pieces of hair that are gracefully escaping at the sides.

#36: Double Flower and Sleek Chignon

Wearing a single flower in your hair is lovely, but wearing two at a time is even better. This cute chignon for short hair is almost too pretty to be real.

#37: Interlocking Braids, Compact Bun and Undercut

Braided hairstyles are an intricate way to take your locks from blah to bombshell. The interlocking braids seen on this bun for short hair add both depth and dimension to the overall edgy look.

#38: Turquoise Buns for Shorter Hair

A hair color often goes quite a long way, especially if it’s in an extreme shade such as the neon turquoise. Here, Minnie Mouse buns look absolutely effortless, plus they`re highlighted by the extraordinary blue-green hair color that is sure to turn heads.

#39: Simple DIY Bun

This sleek, tight, effortless bun is a beautiful and easy way to wear your short strands in an updo. The hair accessory in this look is placed right in the middle of the bun, which is sure to catch the eye.

#40: Bun Updo with Braided Back

This slightly messy casual bun for short hair features a few details to keep it looking chic. Here’s a braided back and a top knot wrapped into a bandana – an easy and creative idea for a casual updo with a fun twist.

After looking through these creative and inspiring photos, hopefully you’ve found your answer to the question “how to make a bun with short hair?” Whether you try twists, regular braids, a French braid, a chignon or secure your bun with a sock, there are so many different ways to create short hair buns that are both fun and innovative, so get out there and give them a try!