Winter’s chill brings the desire for cozy textures and warm hues, and your hair is no exception. Even with short hair, braids can add intricate detail and a touch of elegance to your winter look. From classic French braids to edgy cornrows, the possibilities for winter braids on short hair are vast and versatile. This article explores 20 unique braid designs, incorporating trending color combinations and styles from both the US and EU to inspire your winter hair journey.
Double Dutch Braids with Silver Highlights
Double Dutch braids are a timeless classic, offering a sporty yet chic vibe. For a winter update, incorporate thin silver highlights throughout your hair before braiding. This adds a frosty shimmer that complements the season’s cool tones. In the US, this style is often paired with chunky knitwear and beanies for a casual look, while in the EU, it’s frequently seen with more tailored outerwear and berets for a touch of Parisian flair. Consider adding small silver cuffs or rings to the braids for an extra touch of sparkle.
Side Swept Fishtail Braid with Deep Burgundy Accents
A fishtail braid adds a touch of bohemian romance to any hairstyle. For short hair, try a side-swept fishtail braid, incorporating deep burgundy or wine-colored extensions for a pop of rich color that’s trending in both the US and EU. This style beautifully complements darker hair colors and adds dimension. Consider leaving a few face-framing tendrils loose and curled for a softer, more romantic look. This braid can be dressed up with elegant hairpins or worn casually with a cozy scarf.
Halo Braid with Pearl Embellishments
A halo braid creates an ethereal and angelic look, perfect for holiday festivities. For a winter twist, weave small pearls or crystal beads into the braid for a touch of shimmer and glamour. This style is particularly popular in the EU, where minimalist elegance is highly valued. To achieve this look with shorter hair, consider using hair padding or extensions to create the necessary volume for the braid. This style pairs beautifully with velvet or lace outfits.
Mini Cornrows with Gold Thread
Cornrows offer a versatile and edgy look. For short hair, try creating several mini cornrows along the scalp, and intricately weave gold thread through them. This adds a touch of opulence and reflects the current trend of metallic accents in hair accessories, seen in both US and EU fashion scenes. This style works well with both natural hair textures and relaxed hair. Finish with a shine spray for a polished look.
Waterfall Braid with Icy Blue Streaks
A waterfall braid adds a touch of whimsical charm. For a wintery feel, incorporate temporary icy blue streaks into your hair before braiding. This adds a frosty touch that’s reminiscent of winter landscapes and aligns with the pastel hair color trend popular in the EU. This style is particularly flattering on lighter hair colors, allowing the blue streaks to truly pop. Curl the remaining hair for a romantic, flowing look.
Braided Headband with Emerald Green Ribbon
Create a braided headband across the forehead, incorporating an emerald green ribbon into the braid. This rich jewel tone is a popular winter color in both the US and EU, adding a touch of sophistication and holiday cheer. This style works well with various hair textures and can be adapted to suit both casual and formal occasions. Pair it with a bold lip color for a dramatic effect.
French Braid Pigtails with Copper Accents
French braid pigtails offer a youthful and playful look. For a winter update, incorporate copper-toned hair extensions or temporary color sprays. Copper is a trending warm metallic hue in both the US and EU, adding a touch of warmth and vibrancy to the cooler winter months. This style is easy to achieve and can be dressed up or down with different accessories.
Pull-Through Braid with Ash Blonde Highlights
A pull-through braid creates a voluminous and textured look. Incorporate ash blonde highlights for a cool-toned dimension that complements the winter season. Ash blonde is a consistently popular shade in both the US and EU, offering a sophisticated and modern look. This braid works well on both straight and wavy hair, and can be secured with a decorative hair tie or barrette.
Dutch Crown Braid with Silver Beads
A Dutch crown braid adds a regal and elegant touch. Weave small silver beads throughout the braid for a touch of sparkle and winter magic. This style evokes a sense of fairytale charm and is particularly popular for holiday events in the EU. For shorter hair, use hair padding to create the necessary volume for the crown braid.
Reverse French Braid Bun with Burgundy Velvet Ribbon
A reverse French braid leading into a low bun offers a classic and sophisticated look. Incorporate a burgundy velvet ribbon into the braid for a luxurious touch that complements the rich winter color palettes popular in both the US and EU. This style is perfect for formal occasions and can be adorned with decorative hairpins for added elegance.
Side Fishtail with Face-Framing Braids and Pastel Pink Streaks
Combine a side fishtail braid with thin face-framing braids incorporating pastel pink streaks. This playful and romantic look incorporates the pastel hair trend popular in the EU while offering a unique twist on a classic braid. Curl the remaining hair for added volume and texture.
Half-Updo with Braided Crown and Gold Leaf Accents
Create a half-updo with a braided crown and delicately place gold leaf accents along the braid. This bohemian-inspired style is perfect for winter festivals and incorporates the metallic accent trend seen in both US and EU fashion. This hairstyle complements flowing, wavy hair and can be paired with natural makeup for a whimsical look.
Twisted Rope Braid Ponytail with Silver Hair Cuff
A twisted rope braid ponytail offers a sleek and modern look. Secure the ponytail with a silver hair cuff for a touch of edgy glamour. Silver accessories are a staple in winter fashion, making this style both trendy and timeless. This look works well with straight hair and can be adapted for both casual and formal occasions.
Four-Strand Braid with Deep Purple Highlights
A four-strand braid adds intricate texture and visual interest. Incorporate deep purple highlights for a touch of rich color that complements the darker tones of winter. Deep purple is a popular shade in both the US and EU, offering a dramatic and sophisticated look. This braid can be worn as a single braid or incorporated into more complex hairstyles.
Milkmaid Braids with Baby’s Breath Flowers
Milkmaid braids offer a classic and romantic look. Weave small baby’s breath flowers into the braids for a touch of delicate beauty that complements the winter season’s ethereal aesthetic. This style is particularly popular for winter weddings and formal events in the EU. This hairstyle pairs well with flowing dresses and soft makeup.
Braided Space Buns with Glitter Spray
Braided space buns offer a playful and youthful look. Add a touch of sparkle with glitter hairspray for a festive winter touch. Glitter is a popular holiday trend in both the US and EU, adding a touch of whimsy and fun to any hairstyle. This look works well with various hair textures and can be adapted to suit different personal styles.
Zigzag Braid with Icy Blue Hair Chalk
A zigzag braid adds a unique and playful element to any hairstyle. Use temporary icy blue hair chalk to add streaks of color along the braid, creating a frosty winter effect. Hair chalk is a popular trend allowing for temporary color experimentation without commitment, making it a great option for trying out bolder winter hues. This style is perfect for casual outings and winter-themed parties.
Ladder Braid with Pearl Hairpins
A ladder braid creates a visually stunning and intricate look. Adorn the braid with pearl hairpins for a touch of classic elegance and winter shimmer. Pearls are a timeless accessory that adds a touch of sophistication to any hairstyle, making this look perfect for formal occasions. This braid works best on straight hair and requires a bit of practice to master.
Fishbone Braid with Silver Tinsel
A fishbone braid is a unique and intricate braid that adds texture and visual interest. Weave silver tinsel into the braid for a sparkling, festive touch that embodies the spirit of winter. Tinsel is a playful and fun accessory popular during the holiday season in both the US and EU, adding a touch of whimsy to any hairstyle. This braid can be worn as a single braid or incorporated into more complex updos.
