7. The Twisted Pin-Back
The Vibe: Romantic, elegant, effortless, and timelessly beautiful.
The twisted pin-back is one of the most elegant short hairstyles and one of the least talked about. It takes sections of hair from the front or sides and twists them back, pinning them neatly to create a beautiful, face-framing style that looks like a partial updo without requiring anything to actually be up. It’s ideal for weddings, formal events, or any occasion where you want short hair to look genuinely dressed-up.
How to Create It:
Start with your short hair styled as you like it — straight, wavy, or curly. Take a one-inch section of hair from directly at the hairline on the right side, starting just above the temple. Twist this section toward the back of your head, away from your face. Pin it flat against the back of your head with two or three bobby pins in a crisscross pattern for maximum security. Repeat on the left side, joining both twisted sections at the back. For a more elaborate look, add a third twist from directly at the hairline at the center front.
Pro Tips:
- Use bobby pins that match your hair color exactly so they disappear completely into the style
- Curl or wave the rest of your short hair before doing the twists — the contrast between the pinned sections and the loose waves is incredibly romantic
- Add a small decorative clip or pearl pin where the two twists meet at the back as a focal point
- A spritz of light-hold hairspray on each twisted section before pinning helps it hold its shape longer
Best For: Lobs, longer pixies, and bobs. Works on all textures.
Occasion: Weddings, formal events, garden parties, date nights, graduation.
How Long It Lasts: Full day with proper pinning.
