Prom is an especially exciting night that calls for a glamorous hairstyle. However, with short natural hair, styling options can seem limited. Not to worry – braids are one of the most versatile and beautiful styles for prom that work great with short locks. From intricate patterns to embellished accents, braids can be woven in dozens of ways to create a one-of-a-kind updo perfect for your special evening.
This guide features 60 braided prom hairstyles specially designed for short hair, with step-by-step tutorials and photos covering options from classic braids to threaded buns – giving you plenty of gorgeous inspiration to feel confident and celebrate your natural beauty at prom.
African Braids
African braids are a classic hairstyle for prom with short natural hair. Thin braids can be woven throughout the hair creating intricate patterns and designs unique to African culture. Braids hug and accentuate the shape of the head. Beads, threads or yarn may be added at the end of individual braids for extra visual pop.
Bantu Circle Braids
Bantu circle braids are a striking African-inspired style featuring braids wound into geometric shapes on the head. Sections of hair are braided and coiled into tight circular formations, often alongside extensions, giving volume at the crown. Circle braids can be large or small for bold texture.
Beaded Braids
Beaded braids add glamour and culture to any short hairstyle. Individual braids are embellished with beads in varied patterns and colors threaded onto the strands. The beads click and catch the light with each movement. Beaded braids strike the perfect balance of boldness and tradition.
Blonde Curly Braids
Blonde curly braids showcase both texture and tone for a versatile prom look. Natural loose curls are divided and braided close to the head, allowing waves to peek through. The light hue bounces brilliance off braided knots. Down does not dread in this breezy updo. Free-spirited femininity finds form through fusion of pale pigment and coiled construction.
Blue Wavy Braids
Blue wavy braids dye a vivid picture for prom night magic. Shades from robin’s egg to cerulean caress textured twists wrapped round the head. Whether scattered strands or saturated weaves, illustrious cobalt dominates the scene. Oceanic elegance emerges from each twist and turn.
Bob Braid Bun
The bob braid bun tames short hair into a refined updo. Sections of hair are French braided on each side and wound into a low circular bun at the nape. Sleek and sophisticated, this polished style pairs retro vibes with modern minimalism. Messiness is shelved in favor of precision and poise.
Bob Bulb Braids
Bob bulb braids pop playfulness into a short cut. Thin braids sprout from the head like antennae, each bulbous tip flouncing free. Whimsical yet textured, this style swings joyous whimsy without weight or worry. Carefree charm comes wrapped in ropes of spirited coils coyly curving this way and that.
Bob Cut Box Braids
bob cut box braids square a clean-cut shape into strands woven taut. Geometric patterns griddle over the scalp in straight lines of thick braids. Neat nicks notch strands cropped choppy and cheek. Pre-cut coils court control and clip precise vibes for a prim prom hive. Structure statutes smart style through squared sections and strapped strands trimmed trim for the evening light.
Bob Style Box Braids
Bob style box braids marry structure with flirty fun. Straight-edged strands stitch snug sets aligned arrow-straight around the head. A cropped crown of boxed coils courts a prim yet playful presence. Prom night sparks standout shine and swing through a boxy build so dapper yet daring for dancing until dawn’s first light.
Boho Bob Braids
Boho bob braids infuse carefree spirit into a cropped cut. Piece-y parts frame wispy woven strands swaying freely like flowers in the wind. Earthy eclecticism emeralds from the fringe and float of fraying locks. Wavy tends tangle tendrils taper in a tussle of loose grandeur gone wild.
Boho Curly Braids
Boho curly braids curl whimsical short strands into windblown wonder. Wavy sections twist and twine as if danced in by fairies on wild wisps of woodland air. Earthy elegance rises from root to tip of each wistful lock floating freely in its Bohemian way. Spirit flows through the texture like stream water over stones, a carefree fringe framing the fresh romantic face beneath.
Braided Curls
Braided curls bring forth beauty in bounty from cropped locks. Gentle waves wind into woven knots cascading down in ringlets that catch the light on their coil. Whether french or fishtail fashioned, each twist unfurls into a fat flourish befitting the fairest of balls. Rope strands twirl tight then tease out tendrils to tempt from every captivating angle.
Bulb Braids
Bulb braids blossom whimsy from short strands artfully arranged. Individual sections swell and burst from the scalp like blooms on a bough, each nodding tuft curled or coiled at the candid crown. Playful pom-poms float and flock around a beaming bright face below, bouncing with every beat and step of the dance floor sway.
Butterfly Locs Braids
Butterfly locs braids spread colorful wings across a cropped landscape. Thin strands splice and spin intricate patterns like delicate creatures alighting. Whether in pairs or puffed alone, each twisted twist flutters free from the head in delicate deviation. Culturally rich styling flows with natural ease around a face framed lovely within textured tendrils.
Coily Knotless Braids
Coily knotless braids cultivate tight ringlets from root to tip. Spiral strands shape shift from straight sewing to curving corkscrews crowning the head in woven waves. Natural kinks flaunt their flex and bounce with freewheeling frolic. Pride permeates each buoyant loop lovingly handcrafted to celebrate the richness of each raised coil.
Colored Twisted Braids
Colored twisted braids rainbow strands across short locks. Individual sections splice and spin in interchanging hues, twisting together in curling combinations. Whether ombre or high contrast, vivid dyes dazzle the eye amongst woven knots knotted bold and bright. Cultural tapestries take texture form through tinted torqued twists trimmed tight.
Cornrows Bob Braids
Cornrows bob braids etch elegance into an edgy edge. Parallel parts slice in slim lines across the close-cut crop, each corded column collaring the knotted knots with care. Sculpted strands stitch structure but sizzle with spirit that sees past surface to substance within. Prom prowess presents pride in precise portrayal through rows ruled right for the radiant rebel within.
Cornrows Braid
Cornrows braid heritage and edginess into strands threaded precise. Parallel plaits partition and wrap the scalp in sleek symmetry, coils catching light as they curve the crown. Whether loosed or locked, each laid line flaunts flavor within its form alone. Cultural craftsmanship catches eyes that pause to ponder the portrait portrayed through prowess with plaited pride.
Cornrows Black Braids
Cornrows Black braids celebrate culture in coiled crowns of crafted care. Ebon strands stitch sleek symmetry as rows rule right round the head. Precision plaiting presents portraits within just the finest details—a braiding brilliance known well by any bearing braids so bold. Prom royalty emerges from mastery with each movement melodic.
Crown Braid
The crown braid sits like a wreath wrapped round, a circlet of woven strands fitting close to the contours of the crown. Intricate patterns intersect in an aesthetic alliance atop the head, geometric braiding gifting grace to the graceful form it frames. Regal in its simplicity, queenly attributes emerge through confident coils clasped with care.
Curly Coliy Braids
Curly coily braids celebrate cultural crowns of soft spirals. Natural kinks and knots twist tight in woven waves styled to honor Indigenous textures. Whether in bantu knots or braided bunchings, each coiled section springs free to bounce with freewheeling flair. Pride permeates as tight ringlets radiate their rich roots from root to tip on top.
Faux Hawk Braids
Faux hawk braids flaunt a fusion of edgy and elegant styles. Short strands stitch upward into asymmetric angles, sculpting spikes and shapes around a crowned face. Precise plaits present a portrait of punk with a polished side, painting with braids rather than bleach or dye. Cultural confidence combines with creative combativeness to form a statement silhouette.
Four Strands Braid
Four strands braid brings balance and beauty in woven lines. Discrete divisions of hair intertwine in a elegant entanglement, each plait a study in symmetry and style. Polished precision presents itself in the intricate patterns made as threads interconnect in diverse directions.
French Curls Braid
The French curls braid gifts softness within structure, a blend of beauty and balance. Strands stitch symmetry then spill into spiraled swoops, woven waves waltzing wild yet wise. Finger-fashioned fare flows free from roots to tips, winding wonder woven with care. Cultural craft radiates from this clever coif cut to frame the face with flirty finesse.
Front Dutch Braid
The front Dutch braid adds artistry above the brow with its braided beauty. Intricate intertwining imprints geometric grace upon the forehead, stitches sleek symmetry where strands subdivide and splice. Smooth skill and steady hands have styled this statement piece, a portrait wrought by practice in specialized styling.
Front Twister Braid
The front twister braid spins subtle elegance across the brow. Strands twist and tangle in Medusan mayhem turned meticulous art, a frenzied fashion formed by gifted hands. Geometric grace gifts the gaze a glimpse beyond surface strands to a creative soul within. Cultural confidence combines with skill to craft a striking silhouette, prom material for this artistic hair aficionado.
Ghana Short Braids
Ghana short braids gift a glimpse into hair heritage. Neat knots nestle close against the crown in tight coils as colorful strands add cultural context to the cut. Whether stark or stitched with vibrant beads, each twist tells of tales from tradition to be treasured. Pride permeates in plaiting that pops from every angle while paying homage to history in hair.
Green Rope Braids
These braids use thin strands of green rope instead of hair. The ropes are braided together tightly all over the head. The strands crisscross each other as they go around the scalp. When finished, the green ropes form intricate braided patterns across the head. These rope braids are a fun and different prom hairstyle option for someone with short hair.
Half Up Braids
This style involves braiding half of the hair and securing it in an updo. The rest is left down in loose waves. Thin braids are woven around the head above the ears. These are then connected into a small braided bun at the back. A few strands are left out to frame the face for a relaxed yet polished look. This versatile half-updo works well for many short hair prom styles.
Headband Braids
With this look, a headband provides the base for braids. Thin sections of hair are braided close to the scalp extending from above each ear. The braids pass through the headband, crisscrossing each other. They continue braiding down the length of hair below the headband. This creates a simple yet stylish braided style that is perfect for short hair at prom.
Kinky Twists
This protective style involves twisting small strands of synthetic or real hair around sections of natural hair. The twists are tightly coiled resembling kinky curly locks. They are done all over the head and can be worn down or partly up. Kinky twists can achieve various looks from casual to formal and are a creative short hairstyle option for prom.
Large Box Braids
This style features chunky braids woven all over the head. Thick sections of hair are braided backwards and forwards in a square pattern creating sizeable braids. The large box braids have handsome weight and movement. When done neatly, they make a bold statement perfect for short hair at prom in a classic yet trendy look.
Layers Braids
This braided look features multiple layers of braids along the head and hairline. Thin sections of hair on the top layer are french braided close to the scalp before being secured. Another layer of braids is woven below it, partly covering the earlier braids. More braids may be added below in descending layers for depth and dimension.
Medium Box Braid Ponytail
For this style, medium sized box braids are woven all over the head using moderate thickness hair sections. These braids are then gathered together and secured at the back in a high or low ponytail. A few braids may frame the face while the rest flow freely in the ponytail. This versatile ponytail option offers the look of long hair using box braids perfect for prom for those with short hair.
Micro Braids Curls
Very thin sections of hair are micro braided close to the scalp all over the head. After braiding, each braid is curled with a heated curling tool or rods. This creates tight ringlets along each braid strand. When dried, the style results in a head of defined micro braids shaped into bouncy curls. It makes for a glamorous updo suitable for prom that highlights short hair.
Mohawk Braid Updo
This edgy style involves closely braiding the hair on both sides of the head like a mohawk. The rest of the hair is left out and secured at the back in an updo. Thin braids starting from above the ears are woven towards the crown and joined together at the nape. This creates a striking braided mohawk shape perfect for short hair prom looks with an urban twist.
Mohawk Braids
Similar to a mohawk hairstyle, two sections of hair are tightly braided from the front hairline to the back. The braids follow the shape of a mohawk on each side of the head. The rest in between is left out softly flowing down or secured in a bun or ponytail at the back. This creative take on a mohawk using tight braids on the sides makes for an edgy prom hairstyle for short hair.
Naija Braids
This West African inspired braided style begins with sectioning the hair into squares. Thin strands of hair are tightly braided from within each square piece towards the scalp. The crisscrossing braids cover the head with a woven pattern. Naija braids have cultural significance and create a unique textured look perfect for prom when wanting to celebrate short natural hair.
Neat Knotless Braid
This braided hairdo uses the knotless braiding technique where the extensions are fused seamlessly with natural hair strands. Thin sections of real or synthetic hair are woven smoothly around strands close to the scalp without any knots. When done neatly, it results in sleek braids that lie flat and close to the head.
Nubian Twist Braids
Taking inspiration from African styles, this look involves twisting sections of hair around each other to form cords like twists along the head. As each twist is made, it resembles a Nubian hairstyle. The twisted braids travel vertically along the scalp creating texture. These culturally influenced twist braids add flair and dimension ideal for short hair at prom events.
One Sided Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid is sectioned out on one side of the head while leaving the other side down. Thin pieces of hair on the braided side are woven in an overlapping fishtail pattern from the top of the head looping behind the ear. This asymmetrical style balances an intricate braid with loose hair flowing freely on the other half for an interesting prom look suited for short hair.
Rainbow Spiral Braids
For this colorful style, sections of hair are braided closely to the scalp following the shape of a spiral down one side of the head. Each braid strand uses thread or hair extensions in different colors of the rainbow. The spiralingbraids curl outwards creating a vivid rainbow effect.
Short Bob Braids
This braided updo works well for short bob haircuts. Small sections are tightly braided all around the head framing the face. The braids come together at the crown and are woven into a little braided knot or braids-wrapped bun. Loose strands can be left out in front for a put-together look. These accurate braids neatly style short bobs into a chic prom hairstyle.
Short Braids With Beads
This petite braided style involves sectioning hair into thin strands and tightly braiding them close to the scalp. Colorful beads are threaded onto the braids at intervals adding vivid pops of color. When the braids are complete, beads dot along their length. This sweet take on short braids provides dimension and flair well-suited for accentuating short natural hair at prom events.
Short Coilery Braids
Thin strands of hair are tightly coiled and braided close to the scalp all over the head. Each braid results in short, coiled ringlets resembling springs. Together they create lush volume. When done neatly, the bouncy coilery braids frame the face beautifully. This eye-catching style adds fullness and bounce, ideal for showing off short natural hair at prom.
Short Curly Braids
Small sections of hair are separated and loosely braided close to the scalp. After braiding, each braid strand is curled using flexi rods or rollers creating defined ringlets. When dried, short curly braids cover the head framing the face in soft curled cords. This playful take on braids adds vivacious curls and movement, perfect for flaunting short haircuts at prom.
Short Jumbo Braids
Thicker sections of hair are tightly braided from the crown back for this style. Each braid is short yet distinctively jumbo-sized creating sturdy cords along the head. When done meticulously, the chunky braids neatly frame the face and hairline. This bold twist on short braids provides weighty texture well-suited for making short natural hair pop at prom.
Short Lace Braids
For this look, sections of natural hair are braided close to the scalp while incorporating short lace fronts. The braids seamlessly fuse the lace pieces with real hair strands. When complete, they result in textured braids with a delicate lace accent at the hairline. These creative short lace braids add flair and femininity perfect for Prom when wanting to show off short natural hair.
Short Rope Braids
Thin strands of hair are tightly twisted together to create short braids resembling thin rope. The rope-like braids cover the head in a woven pattern while still allowing peeks of scalp. This intricate take on braids appears lush yet keeps braids short and styles tightly controlled. Perfect for prom, these short rope braids add visual interest when working with short natural hair.
Short Twisted Braids
Small sections of hair are separated and firmly twisted instead of traditionally braided close to the scalp. Once completed, short twisted cords shape the hairline. This gives bounce and flair to braids while keeping them stubby in length. Neatly styled, these lively twisted braids frame the face beautifully for prom and accentuate short natural hair.
Stitch Braid Updo
Mini sections of hair are tightly braided all over then woven together at the crown resembling thread in stitches. The interwoven braids are twisted and pinned into a messy bun. Strands frame the face while the dimensional stitch-like braids create texture throughout this carefree style. Perfect for showing off short natural hair in an effortlessly chic prom updo.
Topknot Braids
Sections of hair around the head are tightly braided close to the scalp. The braids are then spun and wrapped into a high topknot secured with pins. Loose pieces shape the face while the knot adds height and flair. For a sleek take on an updo, this braided topknot keeps short natural hair polished yet interesting for prom in a modern way.
Triangle Braids With Curls
Thin triangles of hair are tightly braided close to the hairline, with the points meeting in the center. Each braid is curled using flexi rods or rollers, resulting in defined ringlets along their length. Together the triangular braids with curly accents frame the face beautifully. Perfect for showing off short natural hair in a style playful yet polished for prom.
Tribal Braids
Thin sections of hair are tightly braided and woven together in an intricate pattern resembling tribal designs. The interwoven braids create geometric shapes across the head and down the neck. Inspired by ancient cultures, this complex braided style adds cultural flair to short natural hair perfect for standing out at prom in a unique way.
Twisted Bob Braids
Small strands of a short bob haircut are tightly twisted close to the head rather than traditionally braided. The resulting twists wrap the bob in textured corkscrew-like cords. Neatly framing the face, this twist on braids brings movement and bounce to short hair. Perfect for prom, it dresses up a bob in an unconventional style that is sure to impress.
Twist Out Braids
Sections of hair are tightly braided close to the scalp before being allowed to set overnight. In the morning, the braids are taken down to reveal curled, coily strands with defined elongation. Together they create buoyant volume around the face and head for a natural, frizz-free twist out look. Ideal for showing off short, coily hair texture in an effortless style that works for prom.
Two Strands Braids
Just two thin sections of hair per braid are tightly twisted together from root to tip for this simple style. Done over the whole head, the multitude of minuscule two-stranded braids cloak it in a woven texture. Neat and delicate up close, together they frame the face beautifully from afar. Perfect for flaunting short hair at prom in an understated yet striking manner.
Two Strands Dutch Braid
A Dutch braiding technique is used to cross two thin strands of hair underneath and incorporate hair into the braid as it progresses. This creates a fuller yet still delicate braid along the head and down the sides. When complete, the layered two-strand Dutch braids add sophisticated texture to short styles. Ideal for subtly yet stylishly dressing up short natural hair for prom.
Undercut Braids
Sections of hair are tightly braided close to the scalp, while the sides and back remain shaved short in an edgy undercut. The braids frame the face and contrast starkly with the faded hair. This modern twist injects intrigue into a braided style by blending feminine ropes with a moody undercut beneath. Perfect for standing out from the crowd at prom in short natural hair.
Waterfall French Braid
A French braid is tightly woven from the top of the head, gradually loosening as it cascades down like a waterfall. Sections frame the face while the base freely flows. This intricate braiding technique seamlessly blends short layers with longer strands at the ends. Ideal for elegantly displaying versatility in short natural hair for prom in a memorable way.
Conclusion
The array of braided styles showcase just how versatile and innovative short natural hair can be. From delicate single strand twists to elaborate interwoven patterns, braids allow ladies with short cuts to flaunt vibrant texture and cultural pride. Whether worn down, half-up or piled high, braids frame the face beautifully and support any short ‘do.
For prom, braids dress up casual cuts with occasion-worthy flair in ways that are fun, protective and full of personal expression. Exploring these numerous braided options makes short natural hair truly shine as brightly as the big night itself.