This Hair Hack Let's You Braid Short Locks Easily

The bob is all over the place these days, but just because going short is in doesn't meant you have to give up your favorite hairstyles. Lucy Hale wore a braided updo for the People's Choice Awards, and it turns out it's pretty easy to recreate! If you're wondering how to braid short hair, Hale's stylist, Kristen Ess shared one hair hack with Allure that will definitely make your life easier.

The secret to getting an effortless braided hairstyle with short hair? "Pin and pray," according to Kristen Ess's Instagram. That advice, plus a little bit of product, is the secret behind the Pretty Little Liars star's gorgeous People's Choice hairstyle. She explained to Allure that instead of braiding in one continual strand like you would with long hair, you want to separate short hair into two different sections and then pin the heck out of everything to keep it in place.

"The key is you can't deal with it all as one big continual updo or crown braid, like you can with longer hair. You have to separate the top and the bottom," Ess told Allure. "My favorite way to get the little pieces at the nape of the neck to stay in the updo is to shake a little texture powder on the short hairs before pinning them up."

Clearly Ess, who was also the expert behind Lauren Conrad's red locks, knows a thing or two about how to get fabulous hair.

It doesn't get more classic than this. The "super-textured-romantic-Victorian-inspired-braidy-updo," as Ess calls it on Instagram, is disheveled glam at its very best.

I never would've guessed that the bottom of her hair was twisted rather than pinned.

If you're looking to braid your own short hair into an updo, you're in luck. These tutorials give a step by step example of just how easy it is to give your bob a little oomph. Get your bobby pins ready, because you'll want to try out these looks right away!

1. Bohemian Braids

Who knew three braids could come together for such a cohesive look?

2. Faux French

If you're lacking the hair to get a full french braid, then this faux braid is the one for you.

3. Braided Mix & Match

The messier the better with this braided updo. The more styles of braids you incorporate, the more intricate it'll look.

4. Halo Hair

This "around the world" braid is perfect for every occasion and looks way more complicated than it actually is.

5. Dutch Braid

It doesn't get easier than this. Just braid and tuck for a tight and secure 'do.

6. Braided Crown

You probably thought it was impossible to get a braided crown with short hair, but you, my friend, were very wrong.

7. Classic French

Turns out that the key to french braiding short hair is all in the way you position things.

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