4 Easy Short Hairstyles with Step-by-Step Instructions

You may think that there’s not much you can do to style short hair—but that could be because you’ve been looking for inspiration in the wrong place this whole time. With the help of some hair spray and hair gel, you can style short hair into everything from a chic, twisted chignon to an edgy faux-hawk that screams rock ’n roll. Oh, and did we mention that these short hairstyles take only a few minutes to create and are super-easy to boot? Get a dose of hair inspo with these four easy short hairstyles with step-by-step instructions. 

short hairstyle #1: TWISTED CHIGNON

Is there any hairstyle chicer than a chignon? And contrary to popular belief, buns aren’t just reserved for long hair. This twisted variety looks great on short hair!

What you’ll need:

Rat tail comb

Bobby pins

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps: 

Step 1: Spritz on a little texturizing spray to dry hair. Oftentimes, short hairstyles like this one are easier to create on dirty hair, since that can help give you more grip. So, if you don’t have time to shower, this one’s for you! 

Step 2: Lift your hair at the crown and gently tease it from behind with a rat tail comb to add extra volume. Then, sweep your hair back. 

Step 3: To create the chignon, start with your top layers. Twist and pin the sections of your hair to form a chignon at the back of your head. While doing this, make sure the twists are tight before you secure them so they don’t become undone later on.

Step 4: Continue to twist and pin individual pieces of hair until all of it is up. 

Step 5: Mist your twisted chignon generously with hair spray.

short hairstyle #2: WINDSWEPT POMPADOUR

Want to go for a super-edgy vibe? Then this short hairstyle is the one for you!

What you’ll need:

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo

Fine tooth comb

Bobby pin

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

Hair spray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Again, this short hairstyle works best on slightly dirty hair, so there’s no need to wash your hair beforehand. Just lightly spray a dry shampoo onto oily roots and work it through the rest of your hair.

Step 2: Now that your hair is ready to be styled, lift it with one hand and start the teasing process. Section off your hair and use a fine tooth comb to gently build volume.

Step 3: Gently smooth your hair back over and pin it into a pompadour. Secure it at the crown of your head and then slightly bump it forward to add more shape. 

Step 4: Create twisted pieces with the rest of your hair and pin them to create a messy chignon. 

Step 5: Smooth down the sides of your hair using a dime-sized amount of hair gel. Use your comb to run the hair gel over your hair for a nice, neat look. 

Step 6: Complete your windswept pompadour by spraying it with hair spray to help secure it in place and get long-lasting hold.

short hairstyle #3: MESSY PIXIE

Muss up your super-short hair for a stylish bedhead look. 

What you’ll need:

L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Messy hair is in—and you can get the “I-just-woke-up-like-this” look in seconds. All you need is hair pomade and your hands. Take a small amount of hair pomade in your hands and start working it through the tops and sides of your hair. Once you’ve done that, muss your hair around.

Step 2: Use your fingers to twist individual sections of your hair and the shape them as you like. 

short hairstyle #4: FAUX HALF-HAWK

It’s time to go bold or go home! This short hairstyle gives off a serious rocker vibe. 

What you’ll need:

Comb

Bobby pins

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create a deep side part, then comb your hair to create the base of your short hairstyle.

Step 2: On the smaller side of your hair, make a tight French braid all the way back to the nape of your head. Once the braid is created, secure it with bobby pins.

Step 3: Twist a few pieces of your hair horizontally and then pin then back one by one so that all of your hair is on that side. 

Step 4: Finish off with a couple mists of hair spray. There you have it!

Next up: 10 Gorgeous Wedding Hairstyles for Short Hair.