Updo Hairstyles for Short Hair at Prom That Don’t Need Explaining

Think short hair limits your prom options? Not even close. While long-haired girls are struggling with curling irons, extensions, and heavy buns, you’ll be dancing freely with updo styles that are lightweight, secure, and striking.

From pixie-length braids to bold faux hawks, these stunning short hair updos prove that you don’t need extra length to make a major impression on prom night. Each one is simple enough to DIY, elegant enough to photograph beautifully, and bold enough to stand out in a crowd.

Let’s explore the 18 best prom updos for short hair that speak for themselves—no explanations needed.

1. Twisted Side Sweep With Bobby Pin Details

Why It Works:
This elegant twist turns shorter strands into a soft, romantic silhouette. Decorative pins act like jewelry for your hair—subtle, sparkly, and striking.

How to Style It:

• Create a deep side part.
• Twist sections from the front, pulling them diagonally backward.
• Secure with gold, pearl, or jeweled pins.
• Finish with a light mist of shine spray.

Best For: Bob cuts and chin-length layers.
Time to Style: ~10 minutes
Style Tip: Use pins that complement your dress or earrings.

2. Textured Low Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

Why It Works:
This low bun brings structure to short hair while keeping things soft and chic with loose strands near the face.

How to Style It:

• Use a texturizing spray and curl face-framing pieces with a small barrel iron.
• Gather the rest into a low bun at the nape.
• Pin loosely for an undone, romantic look.

Best For: Collarbone-length bobs
Time to Style: ~12 minutes
Style Tip: Pull strands out slightly after pinning for effortless volume.

3. Braided Crown for Pixie Cuts

Why It Works:
Who says a pixie can’t do updos? This style proves that braids aren’t just for long hair.

How to Style It:

• Create small Dutch braids starting at the hairline and wrapping around the head.
• Add pearl or floral accents.
• Tease the crown for height.

Best For: Pixie cuts or cropped layers
Time to Style: ~15 minutes
Style Tip: Use clear elastics and stronghold hairspray to maintain the shape.

4. Faux Hawk With Sleek Sides

Why It Works:
Bold, edgy, and totally unexpected, this look gives your short cut runway energy on prom night.

How to Style It:

• Tease the center strip for volume.
• Smooth sides with strong-hold gel.
• Pin the center vertically to form the faux hawk.
• Lock everything in with firm-hold hairspray.

Best For: Pixie or very short bobs
Time to Style: ~15 minutes
Style Tip: Add a little shimmer serum to the center for added drama.

5. Vintage Pin Curl Updo

Why It Works:
Old Hollywood glamour never fails. This updo channels red carpet sophistication.

How to Style It:

• Dampen hair and twist small sections into coils.
• Pin flat to the head and let set overnight or use a hood dryer.
• Sculpt and pin curls strategically around the crown.

Best For: Short bobs and layered pixie cuts
Time to Style: ~20–30 minutes
Style Tip: Use gloss spray for a glamorous finish that photographs beautifully.

6. Asymmetrical Twisted Chignon

Why It Works:
The off-center chignon adds a modern twist to a classic style—and works wonders for short hair.

How to Style It:

• Twist sections on one side toward the nape.
• Secure into a low side bun.
• Loosen a few strands around the face.

Best For: Short bobs
Time to Style: ~12 minutes
Style Tip: Pair with bold earrings for balance.

7. Braided Side Part With Tucked Ends

Why It Works:
This creates a length illusion while keeping strands out of your face for dancing.

How to Style It:

• Part hair deep on one side.
• Braid along the hairline, Dutch or fishtail style.
• Tuck and pin ends beneath the back layers.

Best For: Bob-length hair
Time to Style: ~10–15 minutes
Style Tip: Add volumizing powder to roots before braiding for grip.

8. Voluminous Top Knot

Why It Works:
Creates drama and height, even for short hair, with major red carpet energy.

How to Style It:

• Tease crown area generously.
• Pull hair into a loose high knot.
• Pin ends strategically for a rounded look.

Best For: Chin-length or longer bobs
Time to Style: ~10 minutes
Style Tip: Use dry shampoo beforehand to build volume.

9. Sleek Finger Wave Style

Why It Works:
This vintage look is polished, precise, and perfectly prom-ready.

How to Style It:

• Apply firm gel to damp hair.
• Mold waves using a fine-tooth comb and fingers.
• Clip to hold shape while drying.
• Mist with strong-hold spray.

Best For: Pixie cuts and very short bobs
Time to Style: ~25–30 minutes
Style Tip: Go bold with makeup to balance the softness of the waves.

10. Double Twisted Back Roll

Why It Works:
A timeless twist that flatters all short hair types.

How to Style It:

• Part hair in the center.
• Twist each side back toward the crown.
• Secure with pins and roll the ends inward.

Best For: Short bobs
Time to Style: ~15 minutes
Style Tip: Add pearl or rhinestone pins to elevate the look.

11. Textured Pompadour With Side Tuck

Why It Works:
Vintage meets edgy in this lifted, modern twist.

How to Style It:

• Backcomb crown to create volume.
• Smooth sides with gel or wax.
• Twist one side and pin behind the ear.

Best For: Short bobs and pixies
Time to Style: ~15 minutes
Style Tip: Use shine serum for extra polish.

12. Mini French Twist

Why It Works:
Classic French twist elegance scaled down for shorter hair.

How to Style It:

• Backcomb crown for volume.
• Gather hair and roll upward toward the nape.
• Secure with U-pins and mist with hairspray.

Best For: Chin-length hair
Time to Style: ~10–12 minutes
Style Tip: Add a sparkly comb or barrette for drama.

13. Braided Headband With Pinned Back Sections

Why It Works:
This goddess-inspired style adds softness and texture to short hair.

How to Style It:

• Create a braid from ear to ear along the hairline.
• Pin remaining strands back into a soft twist.

Best For: Pixie and bob styles
Time to Style: ~15 minutes
Style Tip: Secure with hair-colored pins for an invisible finish.

14. Layered Twist and Pin Design

Why It Works:
Visual interest and texture make this a go-to style for unique prom looks.

How to Style It:

• Section hair horizontally into three layers.
• Twist each section backward and pin behind the ears.
• Tease the crown for volume.

Best For: Chin to collarbone length
Time to Style: ~12 minutes
Style Tip: Use a matte texturizing paste for grip.

15. Retro Victory Roll Inspired Look

Why It Works:
Iconic 1940s glam with a modern prom twist.

How to Style It:

• Create large curls and roll them forward from the temples.
• Pin into place and finish with a low tucked bun.

Best For: Bob-length hair
Time to Style: ~20 minutes
Style Tip: Add red lipstick to complete the vintage vibe.

16. Curled and Pinned Romantic Updo

Why It Works:
Soft curls + delicate pinning = fairytale perfection.

How to Style It:

• Curl hair loosely with a medium barrel iron.
• Pin curls at the crown.
• Let some face-framing tendrils fall loose.

Best For: Short-to-medium bobs
Time to Style: ~15 minutes
Style Tip: Use flexible-hold spray for movement.

17. Modern Quiff With Smooth Back

Why It Works:
Confidence, edge, and cool all rolled into one look.

How to Style It:

• Tease the front section into a high quiff.
• Slick the rest back with gel.
• Pin or clip at the nape.

Best For: Pixie cuts
Time to Style: ~10–12 minutes
Style Tip: Pair with a smoky eye or bold liner.

18. Accessorized Low Gathered Style

Why It Works:
This is where elegance meets effortlessness.

How to Style It:

• Twist hair into a low chignon or tuck at the nape.
• Use decorative pins, clips, or a crystal comb to finish.

Best For: Bob cuts
Time to Style: ~10 minutes
Style Tip: Use gold or metallic pieces to enhance dark hair.

Final Thoughts: Short Hair. Big Prom Energy.

Prom isn’t about how long your hair is—it’s about how you wear it. These 18 updos prove that short styles have just as much glamour, edge, and versatility as long ones. Whether you’re feeling edgy, romantic, or timeless, there’s a perfect prom updo here for you.