Short hair is synonymous with a bold, stylish, and low-maintenance look. However, styling short hair doesn’t have to be as simple as just washing and going. Accessories, such as barrettes, can add an extra dimension of style, personality, and flair to even the shortest of haircuts. Whether you have a pixie cut, bob, or a trendy lob, barrettes can be used to enhance your short hairstyle in countless ways.
Barrettes are versatile, fun, and can be styled in various ways depending on your desired look. They’re not only for long hair—short hair can benefit from the right barrette placements to add texture, volume, or simply a touch of elegance. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated, polished style or something a bit more playful, barrettes can help you achieve it.
In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to style short hair with barrettes, the types of barrettes that work best, and how you can elevate your look for any occasion, all while keeping things simple and chic.
Why Choose Barrettes for Short Hair?
Before diving into the styling tips, let’s take a look at why barrettes are an excellent accessory for short hair.
1. Quick and Easy Styling
Barrettes offer a simple way to elevate your look with minimal effort. Whether you’re in a rush or want to give your hair a little boost, these accessories are an easy solution for achieving an on-trend hairstyle.
2. Add a Pop of Personality
With so many designs, colors, and shapes available, barrettes can express your personal style in a fun way. From simple, classic designs to bold, statement-making pieces, they can reflect your mood or complement your outfit.
3. Versatile and Functional
While barrettes add style, they are also practical. They can help keep your hair in place, especially with short bangs or flyaways. They work well for different occasions, whether you want a polished look for a meeting or a playful vibe for a casual day out.
4. Perfect for Short Haircuts
Though typically associated with longer hair, barrettes are perfect for short cuts. They can add texture, structure, or volume to short hairstyles. Whether you want to tame an unruly pixie cut or enhance the layers of a bob, barrettes can help shape your look.
5. Create a Stylish Contrast
Barrettes create a striking contrast when paired with short haircuts, highlighting the shape and structure of the cut. They give short hairstyles a sophisticated or playful twist that adds depth to your overall look.
Types of Barrettes for Short Hair
Not all barrettes are created equal. Choosing the right barrette for your short hair can make a big difference in your final look. Here are some of the most popular types of barrettes and how they work best with short hair:
1. Classic Snap Barrettes
Snap barrettes are simple and sleek, often used for a functional purpose. They can be used to keep bangs in place or secure sections of your hair for a more structured look. Snap barrettes are perfect for everyday wear and come in various sizes, so they work with both very short and slightly longer short hairstyles.
2. Claw Clips
Claw clips are great for adding volume to short hair. For pixie cuts or lob haircuts, they can be used to pull back a section of hair on one side or at the nape of your neck. Claw clips give a slightly retro vibe and can create an effortlessly chic look. They work well for both sleek styles or messy looks.
3. Bow Barrettes
Bow barrettes are playful and feminine. They add a soft touch to short hairstyles and are perfect for creating a cute, polished look. Whether you have a pixie cut or a bob, a bow barrette can add a touch of whimsy and charm to your style.
4. Decorative Barrettes
Decorative barrettes come in various shapes, sizes, and embellishments like pearls, rhinestones, or beads. These statement pieces can dress up a simple short haircut for a night out or special occasion. If you’re looking to turn heads with your accessories, a decorative barrette is the way to go.
5. Bobby Pins (With Flair)
While not technically a barrette, bobby pins can also be used to style short hair and hold it in place. You can use bobby pins as decorative pieces or for a practical reason, such as pinning down flyaways or creating volume. Consider using bobby pins with embellishments like crystals or beads for a chic look.
6. Metal Barrettes
Metal barrettes, particularly those made from brass or gold, give a modern, edgy feel to short hair. They work especially well with pixie cuts and sleek bobs. The metallic finish adds a sophisticated and stylish contrast to the natural texture of short hair.
7. Hairbands with Barrettes
Hairbands that incorporate barrettes are another great option. These pieces often combine a headband with decorative elements like barrettes, adding a fun yet functional element to your look. Hairbands with barrettes work well for all short styles, especially pixie cuts and cropped bobs, and can help you manage your bangs or hairlines.
How to Style Short Hair with Barrettes
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of barrettes, let’s explore how you can style short hair using them. Here are step-by-step instructions for some of the most popular looks.
1. The Sleek Side Sweep with a Barrette
This is a simple yet elegant look that works great for any short hairstyle, including pixie cuts, bobs, and lobs.
Step-by-Step:
- Start by washing and drying your hair, or use a flat iron to smooth your hair into place if it’s already dry.
- Create a deep side part. You can use a comb to ensure a clean, defined line.
- Gently smooth your hair with your hands or a brush to lay flat.
- Take a small section of hair from the front on one side of your part, just above your ear.
- Use a decorative or metal barrette to secure this section back, making sure to place it slightly behind the ear for a sleek effect.
- Finish with a bit of hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.
This look works for both formal occasions and casual outings. It’s a sophisticated style that can be enhanced by choosing a statement barrette with embellishments like pearls or rhinestones.
2. Playful Pin-Up with a Bow Barrette
For a cute, vintage-inspired style, try using a bow barrette to give your short hair a playful flair.
Step-by-Step:
- Begin by styling your short hair into soft waves or curls. You can use a curling iron or a flat iron to achieve gentle curls for a more retro vibe.
- Once your curls are set, lightly brush them out to soften the waves.
- Take a section of hair from the front or the side of your head.
- Gather the section of hair into a loose roll, creating a pin-up-style twist or tuck.
- Secure it in place with a large bow barrette. Position the bow just above your ear or at the back of your head for a vintage look.
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep your curls and barrette in place.
This style is perfect for casual events or a day out, giving you a fresh, youthful look with minimal effort.
3. The Messy Chic Look with a Claw Clip
If you’re going for a relaxed, effortless style, a claw clip can help create a messy yet chic look for short hair.
Step-by-Step:
- Start by scrunching your hair with your fingers or using a sea salt spray to create texture.
- Once your hair has a bit of natural volume, pull back a section of hair from the front of your head (usually from the sides or the crown).
- Secure the section in place using a claw clip, letting some strands fall out for a messy, tousled effect.
- Leave the rest of your hair loose and tousled for a casual, laid-back vibe.
- Optionally, you can add a few bobby pins to secure loose strands or keep the clip in place.
This messy chic style works especially well with pixie cuts and lobs. It’s the ideal go-to look when you want to look stylish without spending much time on your hair.
4. Double Barrette Style for Bobs and Lobs
Using two barrettes can add a symmetrical and stylish touch to your short bob or lob haircut.
Step-by-Step:
- Style your bob or lob as usual, using a flat iron or blow dryer for a sleek or voluminous finish.
- Take a small section of hair on each side of your part and pin them back using two matching barrettes.
- For a modern twist, opt for different barrettes on each side. Try a large statement barrette on one side and a smaller, more delicate one on the other side.
- Leave the rest of your hair loose or tucked behind your ears for a balanced, chic look.
This style is perfect for a night out or a more polished daytime look.
Conclusion
Barrettes are more than just hair accessories—they’re a simple yet stylish way to enhance your short haircut. Whether you’re looking for a polished, classic style or something fun and playful, there’s a barrette and styling technique that will work for you. Experiment with different types of barrettes, and try various styles to see what works best for your short hair. With just a few accessories, you can transform your everyday short hairstyle into something uniquely yours.
