23 Chin Length Hairstyles Updos Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Try

So, you’ve got a chin-length haircut and now you’re sitting there wondering, “Okay… what do I even do with this?” Been there, done that.

Short hair is fabulous—it’s fresh, chic, and way easier to wash—but styling it into an updo? That can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.

But here’s the thing: chin-length hair is actually perfect for a ton of playful, elegant, and even downright cool updo styles. You just need the right inspo (and maybe a couple extra bobby pins you’ll inevitably lose under the couch).

Today, I’m breaking down 23 chin-length hairstyles updo ideas that you’ll actually want to try.

Whether you’re going for date-night glam, an office-ready polished look, or something fun for brunch with your besties, I’ve got you covered.

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1. The Mini Messy Bun

Think of this as the younger, cuter cousin of the classic messy bun. Instead of a big fluffy knot, you get a smaller version that sits at the nape of your neck. It looks effortless, chic, and modern.

Pro tip: Leave a few strands loose in the front. It softens your face and keeps you from looking like you’re heading into a corporate job interview from 1999.

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2. Half-Up Top Knot

Who doesn’t love a good half-up style? With chin-length hair, it’s even cuter because the top knot is small and playful.

• Super quick
• Great for lazy hair days
• Adds instant volume

Honestly, if you’re not rocking this look at least once a week, you’re missing out.

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3. The Low Sleek Bun

This one’s perfect for when you want to channel your inner boss. A low, sleek bun at the nape instantly gives “I have my life together” vibes—even if you don’t.

Use a little gel or pomade to smooth things down. IMO, this look works especially well for fancy dinners or professional events.

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4. The Twist and Pin

Ever just grab two front sections of your hair, twist them back, and pin them? Congrats, you’ve mastered this style. It’s simple, elegant, and foolproof.

The best part? It takes like 30 seconds, which is exactly how long I want to spend on my hair some mornings.

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5. Side-Swept Bobby Pin Style

Gather your hair to one side and stack a few bobby pins in a cute design. You can crisscross them, line them up, or even use gold or pearl pins for extra flair.

Why it works: Short hair shows off the pins beautifully, so they become part of the style, not just an accessory hiding in there.

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6. Braided Crown Half-Up

Chin-length hair can do braids, you just have to get creative. A small crown braid pulled across the front and pinned in the back looks gorgeous.

It’s like you’re saying, “Yes, my hair is short, but I can still look like a princess.”

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7. Mini French Twist

French twists sound complicated, but with short hair, they’re way easier than you think. Gather your hair, roll it upward, and secure with pins.

It’s perfect for weddings, parties, or those days when you just want to look like you spent hours on your hair (spoiler: you didn’t).

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8. The Claw Clip Hack

Claw clips are back in style, and thank goodness. With chin-length hair, just twist your hair up and secure it with a mini clip. Let the ends fan out for that effortless “I woke up like this” look.

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9. The Faux Ponytail

Here’s the trick: you can’t always do a full pony with short hair, but you can fake it. Gather the top section into a pony, then clip the bottom half underneath. It looks like one sleek ponytail.

Kinda sneaky, right?

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10. Rolled Updo with a Headband

Headbands are lifesavers. Tuck your chin-length hair into the band and roll it up. Suddenly, you’ve got this chic, vintage-inspired updo.

Great for when you’re pretending you’re in a 1950s rom-com.

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11. Double Mini Buns

Space buns, but smaller. Take your hair, part it down the middle, and twist two mini buns. They’re playful, quirky, and super trendy right now.

Honestly, they scream weekend fun.

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12. Low Twisted Pony

Take two sections from the front, twist them back, and tie into a low ponytail. Super simple, yet looks like you actually tried.

Perfect for coffee runs or casual Fridays.

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13. Braided Low Bun

Braid your hair loosely, then twist it into a bun. Even with chin-length hair, you can pull this off for a textured, romantic vibe.

Add a little hairspray and you’re golden.

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14. Sleek Side Bun

Part your hair deep on one side and gather everything into a low side bun. It’s polished but still a little flirty.

IMO, this works best with a bold lip color.

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15. The Messy Twist

Literally twist your hair and pin it. That’s it. Don’t overthink it. The messier it looks, the cooler it feels.

This one is my go-to when I’m already running 10 minutes late.

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16. Low Knot with Hair Scarf

Tie your hair into a low knot and wrap a scarf around it. Instantly chic, instantly stylish, and it adds color to your whole look.

Bonus: covers up a bad hair day like magic.

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17. The Faux Hawk Updo

Feeling bold? Use clips or pins to push the sides of your hair up and let the middle section stand tall. It’s edgy, fun, and definitely a head-turner.

Perfect for concerts or nights out when you want to look like you own the room.

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18. Side Braid with Pins

Braid one side of your hair and pin it behind your ear. It gives off boho vibes without needing long mermaid hair.

Think music festival but make it short-hair friendly.

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19. Half-Up French Braid

A half-up braid works perfectly on chin-length cuts. It’s simple, stylish, and keeps your hair out of your face without being too formal.

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20. The Knotted Pony

Instead of using a hair tie, take two sections, tie them in a knot, and secure with pins. Looks cooler than it sounds, trust me.

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21. Slicked-Back Wet Look

Okay, technically not a full updo, but it totally counts. Gel your hair back for a sleek, dramatic look. Pair it with bold earrings, and suddenly you’re runway ready.

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22. Twisted Side Updo

Gather your hair to one side, twist it, and secure it. Short hair makes this look dainty and chic instead of heavy.

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23. The Bobby Pin Art Updo

This one’s fun: use decorative bobby pins in a design—think triangles, stars, or even a geometric pattern. Your pins basically become the hairstyle.

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Final Thoughts

So there you go—23 chin-length hairstyles updo ideas that prove short hair isn’t limiting; it’s actually one of the most versatile lengths out there. Sure, you might not be able to do a floor-length braid like Rapunzel, but who cares? You’ve got buns, twists, braids, and faux hacks that look stylish in half the time.

At the end of the day, short hair is about playing around and having fun. Try these styles, mix them up, and don’t be afraid to make a few “bad hair day” mistakes along the way. Half the time, those mistakes turn into your signature look anyway.