22 Short Braid Looks That Are Cute, Lightweight, and Low-Maintenance (2024)

Braids are always the vibe for summer. They're a great way to lock your stands away for a few weeks of I-woke-up-like-this bliss. If you want the ultimate low-maintenance look, go for short braids that leave your hair lightweight and off your back.

"Short braid looks are fun and perfect for the summer," says Theola Carbon, a braider based in Brooklyn, NY. "If you’re tired of sitting in a chair for hours getting your hair braided, then this is your sign to try a short braids style. Since these styles normally cost less, you can switch up your look more frequently and explore what short style you love the most. This style is also perfect for clients who want less hair to deal with during warmer months. On top of helping you stay cool, they’re also easier to maintain since there’s less hair to manage."

Ahead, browse inspiration for the short summer braids look of your dreams.

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Caramel Knotless Boho Bob

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"Everyone is loving boho braids because they give the braids a fuller appearance and add more dimension to knotless braids," says Carbon. "This look is a fun and sexy look to try this summer."

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Koroba Braids

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Koroba braids feature ends that have been rolled up and sewn in place to create this gorgeous spiraled look. Rock your braids like this from the start or twist up the ends of an existing look to change up the vibes.

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Beaded Fulani

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This gorgeous look features Fulani braids with a sleek pattern at the crown of the head that cascades into box braids with heavily beaded ends.

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Knoted Ends

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This cute look features delicately knotted ends on a box-braid bob. A few of the braids are adorned with cowrie shells to add interest and dimension.

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Mixed Beaded Ends

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"This style is a classic," says Carbon. "It’s a bob-length braid style, decorated with various bead colors and designs at the ends."

Short French Curls

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French curls are such a stunning look. Wear them long and dramatic or chop them for a romantic lob.

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Spiral Lob

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This lob features ends that have been tightly coiled for a cute and clean look.

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Boho Space Buns

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There's nothing cuter than a pair of space buns. They bring an added dose of whimsy to this fun boho look.

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Chin-Length Boho Bob

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This chin-length boho bob is a great way to get lots of volume with a short crop. The hair used is a super dark brown for a sharp look.

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Metallic Ends

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This adorable crop features large box braids with metal cuffs at the end. It's giving royalty.

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Spiraled Lob

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This look features a lob styled in a side part with spiraled ends. Green metallic cuffs placed throughout the look add a little spark.

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Clear Beaded Ends

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For a beaded look that's more subtle, go for clear beads. They add a bit of visual weight to your ends without calling too much attention.

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Boho Reverse Lob

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This reverse bob features longer braids in the front and shorter ones in the back. The ends are tightly spiraled.

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Cornrow Pigtails

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This cornrow style pulls the hair back into two pigtails at the base of the skull, adding tons of volume and fun.

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Two-Tonned Beaded Lob

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This striking two-toned look features primarily dark brown braids accented with bright blonde underneath. All the braids are wrapped up with a collection of clear plastic and light-brown wooden beads.

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Boho Twist Fulani

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This Fulani twisted look features a few loose boho tendrils to add volume while the ends finish in tight spirals.

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Natural Hair

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For those with long hair looking for a length break, go for a braided style with just your natural strands. It'll give you the vibe of a shorter cut without a pair of scissors in sight.

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Beaded Bangs

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Let beads be the star of the show with this striking look. Each braid carries a trio of jumbo dark, light, and medium wooden beads.

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Boho Lob with Highlights

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This fun boho lob features pretty caramel pieces as the loose hair, adding dimension to the look via color.

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Ombré Lob

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Ombré will always be a fun way to add a pop of color to your hair. This look features ends that fade from dark brown into a cool-toned caramel.

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Simple Twists

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Keep your look simple with a twisted lob. The twists in this look are medium-large, allowing for a super full look.

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Angled Boho Bob

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An asymmetrical angled bob is a cute and edgy way to style your boho braids.