The 13 Best Braided Hair Styles to Transform Short Hair

Having short hair means different things to different people. For some people (like me), short hair means rocking a teeny weeny afro (a TWA for the curlfriends that know). Others look at ear and jaw-length bobs as short hair. There are also cropped styles like pixies and buzzcuts that classify as short hair, too. No matter what your definition of short hair is, it's important to note that short hair is versatile AF and can even be transformed into short hair braids.

What's there to not love about braids? They're a super cute, versatile, protective style that can keep your soft, silky strands safe from constant manipulation. Braids can be styled on short natural hair and can be worn for any occasion, too. There are some adorable styles that work well for prom or graduation, and other lewks that can be worn underneath your graduation cap. If you've been laying on the heat via curling wands and flat irons too frequently, switching into short hair braids is an easy way to protect your hair from heat damage.

Before you head to YouTube or your local braid shop, take note of some important key points about braids for short hair. Janelle Sands, licensed hairstylist and CURLS Senior Director of ECommerce & Digital, and Maya Smith, Licensed Cosmetologist and Founder/ CEO of The Doux answer some of the need-to-know questions about the best braided styles for short hair.

How short is too short for braids?

Choosing which braided hairstyle to rock with short hair depends on your natural hair length. While some of the best, most skilled braiders can grab and stitch styles together with only a couple of inches, Janelle Sands suggests waiting until your hair is between 1.5-2 inches long. Tension from braids can result in thinning hairlines, severe breakage, and in some cases, traction alopecia. When braids are between Sands's suggested length, it will provide thorough leverage for the "braids to sustain the style rather than relying on the strength of the tension applied to their hair." Maya Smith agrees. For braided styles with extensions, she suggests a minimum of four inches.

How to prepare short hair for braids?

Achieving flawless braids on short hair may seem like a tough task, but it's totally possible. The key to a flawless braid install is preparation. Cleansing, deep conditioning, and trimming get hair ready for the protective style. Sands recommends using a detoxifying cleanser to remove "previous product, dirt, and debris that could attract additional dirt or fungus to the hair and scalp." Following up with a deep conditioning treatment is just as important. Deep conditioning treatments nourish and hydrate hair to make sure that strands are moisturized and strong enough to hold braids for an extended period of time without breaking your hair. It's important to pay attention to the scalp, too. Products like Soothe & Cool Me Scalp Potion and Get Honey Hair and Scalp Serum nourish the scalp and prevent itching.

How do you maintain braids with short hair?

For daily maintenance, use edge control to restyle your edges and baby hairs. Leave-in conditioners and mousse can be reapplied directly onto the braids to further hydrate. In order to preserve your braids once they're installed, Smith recommends wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or a long bonnet to protect hair from frizz and unraveling.

What should I do when it's time to take out braids?

After rocking your short hair braids for a few weeks, it's only right that you get things extra clean right after the take-down process. Smith suggests using a pre-poo (pre-shampoo) to help detangle before cleansing. Sands recommends following up with a traditional conditioner and deep conditioning treatment.

Now that you're versed on everything there is to know about braids for short hair, let's get into the 13 best braided hairstyles for short hair.