As the winter chill sets in, it’s time to embrace cozy fashion and hairstyles that complement the season’s charm. Short hair doesn’t have to limit your styling options. Braids, in particular, offer a versatile way to elevate your winter look, adding texture, warmth, and a touch of elegance. Whether you prefer a classic French braid, a trendy Dutch braid, or intricate cornrows, there’s a braided style for every short-haired individual. This article delves into 20 inspiring winter braid ideas for short hair, incorporating the latest color trends and design styles from both the US and Europe.
Dutch Braid Crown with Face-Framing Highlights
Embrace regal elegance with a Dutch braid crown. This style involves braiding two Dutch braids along the hairline and pinning them together at the back, creating a crown-like effect. To enhance the winter vibe, incorporate face-framing highlights in warm tones like honey blonde or caramel brown against a darker base color like chocolate brown or deep auburn. This creates dimension and adds a touch of sun-kissed warmth to your winter look. This style is trending in both the US and Europe, seen on celebrities and fashion influencers alike.
Side-Swept Fishtail Braid with Icy Silver Streaks
Add a touch of edgy coolness to your winter look with a side-swept fishtail braid. The intricate texture of the fishtail braid adds visual interest, while the side-swept placement creates a soft and romantic feel. Incorporate icy silver streaks throughout your hair for a frosty, winter-inspired look. This trend is particularly popular in Europe, reflecting a preference for bolder and more avant-garde styles. Pair this braid with dark, winter clothing for a striking contrast.
Mini French Braid Pigtails with Burgundy and Rose Gold Accents
Channel your inner child with playful mini French braid pigtails. This youthful style is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your winter wardrobe. Incorporate burgundy and rose gold hair accessories, like ribbons or clips, to complement the rich jewel tones often associated with the winter season. This color combination is trending in both the US and EU, offering a sophisticated yet playful aesthetic. Consider adding subtle waves to the loose hair for added texture.
Hidden Braid with Jewel-Toned Underlights
Add a touch of mystery and intrigue to your short hair with a hidden braid. This involves braiding a small section of hair underneath the top layer, creating a subtle yet impactful detail. To further enhance this style, incorporate jewel-toned underlights in shades like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red. These vibrant hues peek out from beneath the top layer of hair, adding a pop of color and reflecting the festive spirit of the winter season. This trend is popular amongst younger demographics in both the US and the EU.
Braided Headband with Chunky Knit Texture
Embrace the cozy vibes of winter with a braided headband. This style involves braiding a section of hair across the forehead, mimicking a headband. To enhance the winter feel, create a chunky knit texture in the braid by gently pulling apart the strands. Pair this hairstyle with warm-toned highlights, like golden blonde or copper, to complement the cozy aesthetic. This look is particularly popular in the US, often seen paired with casual winter attire.
Double Dutch Braid Bun with Pearl Embellishments
Elevate your winter style with a sophisticated double Dutch braid bun. Create two Dutch braids, one on each side of the head, and then twist them together into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Add pearl embellishments to the bun for a touch of elegance and glamour, reflecting the festive season. This classic and timeless hairstyle is trending in both the US and Europe, suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
Waterfall Braid with Ash Blonde and Platinum Highlights
Create a cascading effect with a waterfall braid. This style involves braiding a section of hair along the side of the head, allowing strands to fall loosely, resembling a waterfall. Incorporate ash blonde and platinum highlights to create a frosty, winter-inspired color palette. This cool-toned look is particularly popular in European countries, reflecting a preference for minimalist and chic styles.
Braided Space Buns with Pastel Pink and Lavender Streaks
Embrace a playful and futuristic vibe with braided space buns. Create two high buns on either side of the head and incorporate small braids within each bun for added texture. Add pastel pink and lavender streaks for a whimsical touch, softening the edginess of the style. This trend is emerging in both the US and EU, appealing to those who embrace unique and expressive hairstyles.
Cornrow Accents with Metallic Gold Thread
Add a touch of intricate detail to your short hair with cornrow accents. Braid small cornrows along the hairline or incorporate them into a larger braided style. Weave metallic gold thread into the cornrows for a glamorous and festive touch. This style blends cultural influences with modern trends and is gaining popularity in both the US and Europe.
Reverse French Braid Ponytail with Deep Emerald Green Highlights
Create a bold and dramatic look with a reverse French braid ponytail. Braid a section of hair from the nape of the neck upwards, creating a raised braid that leads into a high ponytail. Incorporate deep emerald green highlights to add a rich and luxurious touch, reflecting the deep colors of the winter season. This style is popular in both the US and EU, often seen on fashion runways and red carpets.
Side Swept Cornrows with Copper and Bronze Accessories
Embrace a bold and edgy look with side-swept cornrows. Braid multiple cornrows close to the scalp, directing them towards one side of the head. Accessorize with copper and bronze hair cuffs or rings to complement the warm tones of the season. This style is gaining popularity in the US, influenced by both urban and bohemian fashion trends.
Halo Braid with Silver and Blue Hair Extensions
Create an ethereal and whimsical look with a halo braid. This style involves braiding a section of hair around the head, creating a halo-like effect. Incorporate silver and blue hair extensions to add a touch of fantasy and winter magic. This style is popular amongst festival-goers and those who embrace bohemian fashion in both the US and EU.
Fishtail Braid Accent with Burgundy and Black Ombre
Add a touch of subtle detail with a fishtail braid accent. Incorporate this intricate braid into a larger hairstyle, such as a half-updo or a low ponytail. Complement the braid with a burgundy and black ombre hair color, creating a dramatic and mysterious look. This style is trending in Europe, reflecting a preference for intricate and detailed hairstyles.
Mini Dutch Braid Crown with Face Framing Layers
Create a delicate and feminine look with a mini Dutch braid crown. Braid two small Dutch braids along the hairline and pin them together at the back. Frame the face with soft layers to soften the look and add a touch of romance. This style is popular in both the US and EU, suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Braided Top Knot with Icy Blonde Highlights
Create a chic and effortless look with a braided top knot. Gather your hair into a high bun and incorporate a small braid into the base of the bun for added texture. Add icy blonde highlights to create a bright and contrasting look against the darker base color. This style is popular in both the US and EU, particularly amongst younger demographics.
French Braid Pigtail with Deep Plum and Violet Streaks
Embrace a playful and vibrant look with a French braid pigtail. Braid a single French braid down the center of the back of the head and secure it with an elastic. Incorporate deep plum and violet streaks to add a touch of richness and depth to the hair. This style is popular in the EU, particularly during the winter months.
Pull-Through Braid with Chocolate Brown and Caramel Balayage
Create a voluminous and textured look with a pull-through braid. This braid creates the illusion of a thicker and fuller braid by pulling sections of hair through loops. Complement the braid with a chocolate brown and caramel balayage for a warm and dimensional look. This style is gaining popularity in the US, particularly among those with fine or thin hair.
Milkmaid Braid with Rose Gold Accessories
Embrace a romantic and bohemian look with a milkmaid braid. This style involves braiding two sections of hair and pinning them across the top of the head, creating a crown-like effect. Accessorize with rose gold hairpins or clips to add a touch of femininity and elegance. This style is popular in both the US and EU, particularly during the spring and summer months but can be adapted for winter with darker hair colors.
Four Strand Braid with Silver and Black Ombre
Challenge your braiding skills with a four-strand braid. This intricate braid adds a unique and visually appealing texture to the hair. Pair the braid with a silver and black ombre for a bold and edgy look. This style is popular amongst those who embrace alternative fashion in both the US and EU.
