Braids for Men with Short Hair: 33 Buzzing Looks Featuring Short Braids

If you’re currently hit a plateau with your existing hairdo, then this is your sign to chop it off significantly and rock a look with short hair! And if you’d like your next look to be something that will forever remain iconic in pop culture, consider wearing braids with your short hair! 

Braids initially came into existence to protect the hair from dust, and residue, and enable the strands to grow gracefully. However, as their popularity grew and more variants came out, braids became a staple in men’s fashion all over the world.

While the look isn’t necessarily hold up well at a regular 9 to 5, braids are excellent for adventurers and fashion moguls. There are tons of ways in which one can rock braids, even with short hair. And if you’re intrigued, stay tuned until the end of this article!

33 Staggering Braids For Men With Short Hair In 2023!

Although difficult to install, wearing braids can be more beneficial than harmful on most occasions. They’re not just designs that display just how elegant hairstyles can be if formed with care, but they also sweep hair enthusiasts away with the number of options they carry.

When shorter, braids often look cleaner, and are more cooperative with intricate designs and structures, offering variants with tons of volume and elegance. Make sure you skim through the recommended list of braids for men with short hair!

Box Braids with Coil

A look that is easy to manipulate onto the hair and even easier to manage is box braids with coils. When created on short hair, the look stays in place at all times.

With the help of box braids, the coils aren’t just supplied with more mobility but are also provided with more volume. If your hair is relatively thin, applying gel can be sufficient for enabling the strands to reprise tons of presentability, and render them eligible for high-end events. 

Viking Braids

If you desire to look as masculine as possible, incorporating healthy-looking Viking braids can be a good idea. They run high in volume, which can often be enhanced using highlights.

Viking braids also create less tension between the scalp and the cuticles, shielding the wearer from hair loss. More often than not, the units involved in the process of Viking braids are quite sophisticated, enabling them to stand out under any circumstance.

Accessorized Box Braids

Having fine hair should be sufficient if you’re hoping to install braids since it can qualify for these braids containing beads around the tips of each unit.

The braids require tons of sectioning and tugging, which can have side effects if your scalp isn’t clean beforehand. To add to the sharpness of the layers on top, incorporating a high fade could be effective. Additionally, if you want your hairline to look more prominent, ask for a natural shape-up.

4-stitch braids

Experimenting with 4-stitch braids can also be a great notion to throw into the mix, as it can often be created with flashy and vibrant designs. A good option among 4-stitch braids is this multi-patterned look, involving a zig-zag pattern underneath the primary units of hair.

Apart from having a complex procedure, this braided look is heavy on the scalp, decreasing its shelf life as a result. Keeping it in place also requires tons of hair gel, which can increase the amount of crust if not monitored properly.

Three-piece fishtail braids

As opposed to other braided options, fishtail braids are more compact and contain tons of likable components. When divided into three separate units, fishtail braids can also be created with tons of presentable patterns.

Three-piece fishtail braids are often underrated when pitted against a majority of renowned braided hairdos, but they tend to have the upper hand in this scenario. Showcasing it alongside a skin fade can work for those looking to increase the fullness, while blends are often more favourable for a natural effect.

Soft Dutch braids

No matter how old you are, you should never give up on your dream of wearing braids, even if you’re past your prime.

Additionally, if you feel that rocking braids is impossible once you’re past your 50s, try finding hope in this soft yet neatly put Dutch-braided hairstyle.

The braids are neatly parted down the middle, relieving tons of tension from the hair. The layers around the sides not only stay in place but also come together to showcase a healthy and desirable look!

Multi-patterned Fulani Braids with Low Fade

With enough effort and short, coarse hair, you can also replicate this braided look, involving Fulani braids with multiple components around the base.

Fulani braids are definitely one of the loudest protective hairstyles out there. Although they embrace suits and office wear with open arms, Fulani braids are mostly suitable for those with a knack for streetwear.

Fulani braids come in various forms, all of which can be mimicked with the help of a hairdresser. However, pairing each one with a low fade is advised, as the modification typically makes the look less heavy to wear.

Twintail Braids with Temp Fade

If you want your braids to have more personality with a dash of quirkiness, siding with twin-tail braids can be a remarkable decision. The structure often comprises two sides; one that focuses on texture and another that focuses on volume.

The two stitch braids in the frontal region can be a bit tricky to replicate at home, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Once the ends of each unit form a choppy bun, finish the look off with a temp fade to add to the body of the braids.

Mohawk Braids

Although frowned upon, mohawks will forever be perceived as iconic staples in the fashion scene. While the edginess of their variants is the main reason behind their success, a close second is their versatility, which can be utilized by forming mohawk braids!

As long as the sides are compromised with a close shave, wearing mohawk braids should be quite easy. Moreover, if you do have thin hair, don’t shave an unnecessary amount of bulk from the top.

Zig Zag Braids

Zig-zag braids are the perfect way to showcase the development of your shaft in style, pairing well with mostly flashy outfits and bold uniforms. The procedure of this look is pretty time-consuming, requiring multiple bobby pins to maintain a solid structure.

Although this braided look is a feast for the eyes to fathom, the hold of this look is quite tight, making the cuticles prone to damage. Worry not, however, as hydrating oils are known for being an immediate remedy in that case.

Freestyle Braids with Temple Fade

Featuring a spontaneous pattern with various components, freestyle braids can also be a great look to try out with short hair. The look involves thick units of hair that are either wrapped together or across one another, bringing forward jarring visuals.

Based on their layout, freestyle braids often fit well in casual settings and pair admirably with bold outfits. To make the strands more appealing, a temple fade is often paired with this braided look!

Natural Flat Top with Spiral Braids

As stated earlier, wearing braids is for everyone, regardless of hair length and hair type. Additionally, if you believe your afro-textured hair is too short in size for manipulation, try taking notes from this look featuring spiral braids.

Detangling the strands using an afro comb is mandatory for this look, especially for creating the braids on each side. To make the braids look more lively, using beads is advised.

Mid-part Braids with Shape Up

Using a tail comb can be effective when creating braids, mainly if you’re hoping to wear a mid-part alongside the protective hairstyle. With the help of a high skin fade or a mid-fade, the visuals of the braids can be taken to another level.

The braids on this look are quite thin, but are packed with density and thickness. They often have no problem staying in place, but have a hectic undoing process that many can’t comprehend.

Braided Low-bun

Although braids are often considered lone wolves, they’re quite comfortable with joining forces with other compelling designs. One of the many variants featuring a joint venture is this braided low bun, which can be fun to wear during weekend getaways.

Once the Dutch braids are formed, take the ends of the braid and secure it into a hair tie. You may also braid the bun itself to make the variant more desirable.

Glossy Spider Braids

If you fancy complex patterns, a set of glossy spider braids is exactly what you need! It might take time to install, sure, but the braids are known for being highly effective in amping up one’s social life! 

Since the look requires tons of sectioning and buckets of gel, it’s often best to allow a professional to install them. The look should also be taken out after 2 weeks, as it causes tons of tugging and pulling on the scalp.

Laced Finger Coil Box Braids

The immense resilience of braids isn’t just reliable when fighting against unfavorable weather conditions, but it can also be utilized to display bold looks every now and then. And if you’re searching for something that is high-spirited, these laced finger coil box braids will surely leave you in awe.

Twisting and turning is a crucial part of bringing this look into existence, which should be left in the hands of experts. However, if you have enough faith in your abilities, you can even create the finger coils at home.

Man Bun with Side Braids

Braids contain tons of flair which often stand out best during summer. And while braids look exceptional when done on coarse hair, they offer tons of options that can easily be implemented on fine hair, such as side braids.

In addition to being easy to wear, side braids are also quite temporary. Once you get tired of wearing them, know that you can take them out in seconds!

Spiral Feed-In Braids

Giving a go at wearing feed-in braids could be perfect for you if you’re an adventurer and a laid-back guy by nature. Feed-in braids are quite free-flowy, giving them the ability to create jarring and lavish looks like these complex braids.

The procedure of this is quite lengthy, which shouldn’t be a cause of concern if you clear your schedule ahead of time. A high skin fade is the best companion to these braids, as it often provides the units with brighter visuals.

Two-tone Braided Bun with High Skin Fade

Bright shades of colour often pair quite well with braids, as both components are known for being a feast for the eyes. However, if you want your braids to look as good as possible, try installing a braided bun containing a pair of flashy yet complementary colours.

While the tones should align with your preferences, be sure to side with pastel shades of colour to prevent the look from becoming too overwhelming to look at.

Two Stitch Crown Braid with Zig Zag Mid-part

Crown braids could be difficult for short hair to adjust to. However, with enough patience and expertise, a crown braid with multiple personalities can be brought into existence.

By sectioning the hair down the middle, you can replicate the visuals of this look quite easily. The two stitch strands might be great for some volume, but they can also be effective in bringing more attention to the zig-zag middle part at the top.

3-stitch Braids with Voluminous Top Knot

3-stitch braids are specialists in being compatible, which is probably the reason behind this variant’s existence.

Featuring 3-stitch braids that lead up to a voluminous top-knot, this pair is known for constantly taking up the spotlight. The thin units of braids look quite alluring with the help of the shape-up, while the voluminous top knot puts the cherry on the cake.

Fishbone Braids with Low Taper Fade

A design that attracts the eyes of everyone at all times is this option right here, featuring matte-based fishbone braids. The design may look easy to replicate, but typically takes around 5 hours to replicate to the fullest.

Fishbone braids are ideal for having more control over coarse pieces of hair, which they manage by dividing them into multiple sections. The braided look can be an inconvenience for fine or thin hair to adjust to due to the amount of friction it causes, which can be mitigated using a taper fade.

Polished Thin Braids with Blends

If your hair is long enough to be perceived as a Caesar cut, one of the handfuls of options you can wear is this braided look, comprising narrow-shaped braids sealed with hair gel.

The strands might require tons of hair product to stay afloat, offering a duration of a couple of weeks if installed properly. Wearing blends can give the overall visuals a natural effect, but shaving the sides to form a bald fade could be crucial for adding density.

Dishevelled Braids with Beads

Keeping it messy sometimes shouldn’t be a bad idea, especially if you happen to be experimenting with braids. In fact, while your hair is still short, an excellent look that you can wear for a while is this set of dishevelled braids, featuring beads and accessories.

This can be a fun way of wearing beads, as the strands don’t necessarily need to stay firm at all times. The loose feel of the braids can also be a bonus point, as it prevents traction alopecia and hair loss.

Cornrow Stitch Jumbo Braids with Custom Pattern

If there’s enough density on your hair, you can always try out a look with extravagant components and dense pieces, similar to these cornrow stitch jumbo braids. Additionally, if you want the look to look immensely appealing, add a fade with emblems around the side.

To maintain this look, visiting the hairdresser is advised. However, if you know how to install shapes into the strands using a razor blade, you can even preserve the visuals at home.

Tight Straight Braids with Wavy Edges

If you’re big on trends that peaked in the early 2000s, a braided look that’ll help you reach nirvana is this entry, containing tight straight braids. The braids are typically curated with tons of shine, preferably using hair gel.

By using a toothbrush, you can further add to the visuals of this look by bringing sharp edges into the mix. However, if you want your edges to look sharp and silky, invest in an edge brush.

Polished Braids with Disconnected Fade

If you’re afraid of wearing braids simply because your strands lack volume and fullness, a look you can tackle the former issues with is this entry, featuring polished braids.

While the braids themselves are formed in a loose manner to offer something that is full of volume, a component that further adds to the thickness of these braids is a disconnected fade, which can also help if you happen to be rocking a beard.

4 Stitch Zig Zag Cornrow Braids with Frosted Bun

To really have the time of your life with braids, it’s important to do as much as you can while they’re still there. Similarly, if you want a look that carries that mantra, these 4-stitch zig zag cornrows should be sufficient.

On one corner of this look is a frosted bun, which, too, is tied with braids. The braided bun does look good on its own, but it can also be enhanced using baby lights.

Dookie Braids with Beads

A braided hairdo that often fits like a glove with fine hair is dookie braids, the next entry on our list. Since the braided pieces are often left around the edges to hang, the strands tend to feel lighter and easier to carry.

Dookie braids are excellent in hiding signs of thinning hair, and even better at eliminating bald patches. By using braids, rings, and other accessories, these dookie braids can easily be upgraded.

3-stitch Checkered Braids

Braids often work constantly to give the ends of the hair more presentability. However, if you’d like an option that focuses on the roots just as much, this set of 3-stitch checkered braids shouldn’t be dismissed.

The checkered pattern is often formed using an edge brush and sealed off using a tail comb. The braids, on the other hand, are typically knotted into a tight unit to serve the hair for a long time.

Wavy Cornrow Stitch Braids

When the strands are short, wearing braids that are high in quantity is better than opting for a variant that contains fewer pieces with tons of volume. And if you don’t believe us, try giving these cornrow braids a chance.

The strands are typically wired using a tail comb, before being sealed into multiple braids. To make the visuals a bit more appealing, try incorporating a criss-cross pattern into the braids.

Tri-tone French Braid with High Bun

Due to being easy to create, French braids are typically the go-to option for most beginners. And while most side with them due to the convenient procedure they offer, many don’t know how versatile French braids can be.

With the right hair dye, French braids can stand out better than any other protective hairstyle. Moreover, when the braids are draped in vibrant shades, they look unbeatable!

Jumbo Knotless Dookie Braids with High Edge-Up

A braided look that you can render yourself eligible for with 3c to 4c hair is the final entry on this list, which showcases the brilliant aura of jumbo knotless braids. The strands are often high in hold and texture, which stand out exceptionally when the layout features a sharp shape-up.

Experimenting with alluring colours can also be a good way to make the most of this look. Many turn to the colour red, which can be altered to meet the preferences of the wearer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Since relieving the uncertainty of our readers is a priority, here are some basic questions and answers that will allow you to gain more scoop on braids for men with short hair!

Q: What should I consider before wearing short braids?

Ans: In addition to examining the density of the hair, the facial structure of the wearer, stylistic preferences, and the length of the hair should also be considered before picking a design. 

On another note, to learn more about face shapes and the role they play in shaping one’s hair, consider skimming through this guide of ours!

Q: How long does it take to create braids on short hair?

Ans: On average, it may take around 4 to 5 hours to create braids on short hair. However, the duration mostly depends on the pattern, as complex patterns tend to take a significantly higher amount of time. 

Q: How long do braids last on short hair?

Ans: The duration of a braided look depends on the structure of the look. Simple braided hairdos such as French braids can be worn for around 6 weeks, while tighter, more complex patterns should be taken out after 2 to 4 weeks. 

Q: Can I wash my short braids without ruining them?

Ans: Contrary to popular belief, braids can, and should be washed on a daily basis to avoid the growth of residue on the scalp. Although shampooing every 2 weeks should be sufficient, one should condition their hair more often to reprise the braids without any signs of flakiness. 

Conclusion

Where there is a will, there’s a way. Similarly, if you’d like to wear braids on your hair, know that there are plenty of options that are currently brewing up a storm, most of which cater to short hair.

Braids on short hair have been a popular trend in men’s fashion, and will continue to be so for the next couple of years. This is because, in addition to providing the layers with protection, braids can be formed to look flashy, sophisticated, and organized, that too at the same time. 

With the help of the list above, we hope you’re able to find a braided hairdo that not only goes with the shortness of your strands, but also fits like a glove with your personality and facial structure. Additionally, if your braids end up looking thinner than expected, consider installing a vibrant hair dye!