Short hair and Viking style are a perfect match, thanks to tight braids, shaved sides, and textured cuts that pack serious attitude into every inch of length. You do not need long, flowing locks to channel a Norse warrior.
These 17 ideas blend ancient charm with modern, salon-ready shape, so you can choose a look for everyday wear, festivals, weddings, or a bold style statement.
1. Braided Pixie Viking Hairstyle
Chestnut-brown layers stay long on top and sweep across the forehead toward one eye, while the side behind the ear is cut short. One slim braid runs from the temple back past the ear, sitting flat against the scalp. Ask for at least three inches of length through the top so the braid has enough hair to grip, and finish with a little matte wax.
2. Shaved Sides With Bold Braids
Deep auburn hair on top is worked into chunky raised braids that run from the hairline back over the crown. One side is shaved to the skin, leaving a sharp edge where the braided section begins and the scalp shows clearly. Plan on a few inches of length through the center for the braids to grip, plus regular clipper upkeep on the shaved side.
3. Mini Braids Short Viking Hair
Honey-blonde hair is cut into a short, layered crop with loose, piecey ends falling over the forehead and cheek. Along one side, four or five skinny braids run back from the temple, each fixed with a small silver cuff. Sides that reach at least the middle of the ear give those thin plaits enough length, and a light texture spray stops the cuffs from sliding.
4. Curled Bob With Side Braids
Brown hair with caramel highlights is cut between the jaw and shoulders and curled into loose, rounded waves that add width at the cheeks. A thin braid starts at the temple and runs back above the ear, pulling the front section off the face while the rest of the curls stay loose. Pin the braid’s end behind the ear, then set the waves with a 1-inch curling iron.
5. Platinum Blonde Short Viking Braids
Icy platinum hair is cut short at the side and nape, with longer, choppy pieces left loose across the forehead and cheek. A tight braid runs along the side of the head above the clipped section and continues toward the back. Bleached hair this pale needs a purple shampoo and a bond-building treatment, and a little wax keeps the loose front pieces separated.
6. Copper Red Viking Braid Pixie
Bright copper hair is cut into a short, feathery crop with choppy layers that flick out around the ears and forehead. A tight braid follows the side of the head from the front hairline toward the crown, sitting snug against the scalp. Red tones fade fast, so wash with cool water and a color-safe shampoo, and use a light wax to separate the ends.
7. Textured Crop With Warrior Braid
Dark brown hair is cut short with long, spiky pieces lifted at the crown and pushed forward over the brow. Above the ear, one tight braid runs back along the side of the head next to a closely cut section. Matte clay worked through dry hair holds that spiky height, and the top needs a few inches of length for the braid to anchor.
8. Beaded Short Viking Hair Accessories
Copper-red hair is cut into a shaggy bob that sits between the chin and jaw, with choppy layers and a side part. Behind one ear, several thin braids hang down through the layers, decorated with carved wooden beads, brass cuffs, and a small ring charm. Choose lightweight beads that fit snugly so they stay put on short braids, and secure each end with a clear elastic.
9. Twisted Side Sections Viking Bob
A sleek, dark brown bob ends just below the chin with blunt, glossy ends and a side part. From the part, a rope twist runs back along one side of the head and is pinned behind the ear, while the rest of the hair stays smooth against the cheek. Straight hair holds this best, and two crossed bobby pins under the twist keep it in place.
10. Braided Crown Short Viking Hairstyle
A wide Dutch braid circles the head like a headband, starting above one ear and crossing the top just behind the hairline. The rest of the light brown hair is gathered low at the back, with loose, wavy tendrils left around the face and neck. Hair that reaches at least the nape is needed to complete the braid, and bobby pins tucked under the plait keep it secure.
11. Easy Short Viking Ponytail Braid
Seen from behind, honey-brown hair with lighter streaks is cut into a short, layered shape that leaves the nape uncovered. The top section is pulled into a small, high ponytail, and a thin braid is wrapped around its base to hide the elastic. Pin the braid’s end under the ponytail with one bobby pin, and leave the shorter nape layers loose.
12. Celtic Inspired Short Braided Cut
Copper waves fall to about the collarbone, with loose curls framing the cheeks and jaw. Along one side, thin braids are woven into an interlocking knot pattern that sits flat above the ear. Wavy or curly hair hides the pins well, and small bobby pins tucked under each loop keep the knotwork from loosening as the waves move.
13. Viking Wedding Short Hair Braids
A short, tousled blonde crop has feathery layers and a wispy fringe brushing the brows. Tiny pearls are set along a thin braid that runs across the top toward the ear, finished with a cluster of baby’s breath, while a long veil falls from the back. Fresh flowers need small hairpins to stay on short hair, so anchor each stem under the braid.
14. Festival Cosplay Short Viking Braids
Spiky brown hair with purple and teal streaks is cut short on top, and several skinny braids hang from the part down to the jawline. Metal rings, gold cuffs, and colorful thread wraps decorate the braids, while silver glitter sits along the part. Firm-hold wax keeps the crown spiky, and small clear elastics secure each decorated braid end.
15. Wavy Short Viking Hair Braids
Blonde hair falls in loose, beachy waves to about the shoulders, with lighter strands around the face. Narrow braids run back from the front hairline along the side of the head toward the crown, keeping the waves off the forehead. A sea salt spray scrunched into damp hair sets the waves, and a small clear elastic holds the braid ends at the back.
16. Space Buns With Viking Braids
Dark brown hair is parted down the center and twisted into two round buns high on the crown. Each bun is wrapped with braided sections and dotted with small gold pins, while long, wispy strands are left loose to frame the face. Hair that reaches at least the shoulders makes buns this full, and U-pins anchor them better than elastics alone.
17. Fantasy Elf Short Viking Hair
Ash-blonde curls are swept back loosely, with thin braids running from the temple over the ear toward the nape. Wavy tendrils hang free around the face and jaw, so the outline looks airy and undone. Fine braids like these grip best on second-day hair, and a light texturizing spray keeps the loose curls from falling flat.
