Finding the right wedding hairstyles for short hair may feel like a tricky task, but there are plenty of beautiful options for brides-to-be with a cropped coif. Whether you have a short pixie or chic bob, you can find a way to style your tresses to craft a beauty look that feels in line with your own style and the aesthetic of your wedding event. Even with less hair to work with, you can achieve a beauty look that feels modern, classic, romantic, or edgy.
To get the inside scoop on what short-haired brides are choosing for their wedding day dos and how to achieve these cropped wedding coifs, we chatted with Brittany Lo, founder of the NYC-based hair and makeup company Beautini and Beia Beauty. Read ahead to see 17 wedding hairstyles for short hair that you can pair with your bridal look—and tips to make them work at your nuptials.
1. Textured Beach Waves
“Textured beach waves bring volume and movement to short hair, creating a fuller, more styled look without the need for extensions,” says Lo. “The soft, tousled finish feels effortlessly elegant, perfect for brides seeking a romantic yet natural aesthetic. This style pairs beautifully with whimsical, coastal, or laid-back outdoor venues.”
2. Sleek Tight Bun
A low, sleek bun is a classic wedding look for hair of almost any length. “A sleek, tight bun offers a polished, minimalist look that elongates the neck and highlights facial features,” explains Lo. “Ideal for brides with short hair, it keeps strands secure and off the face throughout the day, perfect for dancing, photos, and unpredictable weather. This clean, foolproof style leans editorial and pairs well with structured gowns or modern venues.”
3. Pretty Pixie
If you have a short pixie cut, there’s no need to do extra styling to make it look chic on your wedding day. Just make sure your hair is hydrated, healthy, and combed into place.
4. Pixie With a Flower Crown
For an extra whimsical touch, consider topping your pixie with a flower crown. You can often work with your wedding floral designer to craft you one that coordinates with the other flowers used in your ceremony or reception design.
5. Straightened Pixie
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If your pixie cut is long enough to really style, consider straightening your locks down to create a romantic yet modern take on the crop. A fresh cut ahead of the wedding can help you ensure that the style will lay perfectly.
6. Vintage Finger Waves
Go deco with a vintage-inspired finger wave. This style can feel very classic on your wedding day. Not sure how to achieve the look? “Use setting lotion or gel and a fine-tooth comb to sculpt the waves, securing them with clips as they dry,” recommends Lo.
7. Pompadour
Give your hair volume with a coiffed pompadour. This short style is perfect to lend your hair an elegant, retro feel for the big day. Mousse or volume spray can help the look reach your desired height.
8. Sleek and Voluminous
Another great option for short hair is a sleek look that also doesn’t sacrifice volume. This style requires blow-drying the roots to create some height, then smoothing the hair back towards the nape of your neck.
9. Flipped Bob
If you wear a chin-length bob? Give it some movement with a retro flip at the ends. Use a curling iron to get your desired shape and maybe even add in rollers to help prolong the hold through your wedding day. Be sure to use plenty of hairspray to keep the shape intact.
10. Curled Under Bob
Instead of flipping your bob out, you also can create a softer, more romantic look by curling it under. You can achieve this look by blowing it out with a round brush and adding a soft curl from underneath.
11. Structured Pixie With an Embellished Headband
“Crisp and modern, a structured pixie cut paired with a statement headband creates instant bridal elegance,” says Lo. “This style shines with sleek, minimalist gowns, and the headband, whether satin, pearl, or metallic, it brings a refined, fashion-forward finish. Use pomade or wax to define and smooth the hair.”
12. Natural Curls
If you have waves in your hair, show them off on your wedding day. Make sure to hydrate your tresses and perfect your curly routine ahead of the celebration.
13. Loose Bob With a Headband
The right headband can really feel like a whimsical tiara on your wedding day. While you can pull everything off your face, we love the more relaxed feel of placing the headband at the crown of your head and letting the front pieces softly hang in front.
14. Wet, Slick Back
Make a modern statement with a sleek, slicked-back look that appears almost like your hair is wet. “Using gel or styling cream, comb the hair back evenly and finish with a shine spray for a sculptural effect,” advises Lo.
15. Parted, Wet Look
Another chic take on the wet look? Still use gel to pull your hair back, yet keep a part at the crown of your head. This style is perfect for a modern bob that wants definition and hold.
16. Short S-Wave Finger Curls
This NYC wedding was given a touch of vintage flair thanks to S-wave finger curls. “This soft, glamorous style brings retro flair to short bobs and pixie cuts,” says Lo. “Using a small barrel or wave iron, create S-shaped curls and tuck back one side with a vintage-style clip. It’s the perfect finishing touch for beaded gowns.”
17. French Twist
Take a cue from this ballerina bride and do your hair in a slightly undone French twist. “A soft, deconstructed take on the classic updo, this style often includes delicate pieces pulled from the twist for an effortlessly chic, dimensional look,” says Lo. “It’s perfect for those who want something elegant yet not overly traditional.”
Short Wedding Hairstyle FAQ
Not necessary, but it can be helpful. Says Lo, “I find that having a professional there on the wedding day allows the bride to enjoy her morning to the fullest without any stress of doing her own hair, but it comes down to personal preference!”
“Yes, absolutely—bridal updos are possible with short hair! While the options may be a bit different from those available for longer lengths, a skilled stylist can work wonders with short hair by using smart techniques like pinning, teasing, adding volume, or even incorporating subtle extensions or padding,” explains Lo.
“A short-hair bride can absolutely consider incorporating hair extensions—it all depends on her wedding style, desired look, and comfort level,” advises Lo. "If you re unsure, do a hair trial with and without extensions. That way you can see what feels most like you and compliments your dress and overall bridal aesthetic."
