The key factor in determining which braid styles work with which hair length is the length required to hold a piece of hair secure. Not all pieces of hair need reach to the end of the braid, but they must be long enough to reach from the side of the head to the braid,and twist once or twice into the braid to hold secure.
For example, shoulder-length hair is usually long enough to form into a French or Dutch braid down the back of the head. Chin-length hair may not be long enough, as the strands next to the ears will likely not have enough length to reach to the centre of the head and form a few twists of braid. However, making two French braids, one on each side of a centre parting, minimises the distance each strand of hair has to cover and therefore is suitable for chin-length hair.
In theory, this principle can be extended indefinitely – narrower and narrower braids can be made with shorter and shorter hair. In practice, trying to braid inch-long hair into twelve braids across the back of the head is impractical!
Types of Braids Which Work Well With Short Hair
Crown Braids
Crown braids give the illusion of long hair; carefully-constructed crown braid can look like a continuous braid around the head without beginning or end. A crown braid can be performed on chin-length hair, depending on thickness; hair which is long enough to be braided into double plaits can be successfully crown braided.
Horizontal Braids
One unique braid for hair that is approximately shoulder-length is a horizontal braid. Instead of braiding from the forehead down to the nape of the neck, the braider works the braid from one ear to the other. The short tail of the braid is then tucked underneath the braid, giving the hairdo a clean and close-fitting appearance.
S-Shaped or Zigzag Braids
For the experienced braider, braids which travels in zigzags or curves down the back of the head can incorporate short hair snugly. These braids take practice but look distinctive and accomplished. The short tails of the braids can be left loose or tucked under the braids to make an updo. The shorter the hair, the wider and shorter the curves or zigzags need to be.
Upside-Down Braids
Braiding up from the nape of the neck to the forehead is another cute and unusual braid style. For short hair, this works best with two braids, one on either side of a centre part. The remaining “stubs”of braid can then be tucked under the braid or curled around on the head to make cute Mickey Mouse ears!
How to Keep Braids Smooth With Short Hair
One of the frustrations of braiding short hair is the tendency of small pieces of hair to stick out the sides of the braids. This can be accentuated for a casual, messy look; but if the desired result is smooth glossy braids, short hair may need a little extra help. Smooth flyaways with a tiny dab of aloe vera gel or use a commercial fudge or mousse-type product to hold the braid together. Alternatively, wrap the braid around with ribbon to secure stray hairs, or for even better results try a hair taping technique.
