A sexy short hairdo is a perfect way to achieve a flattering modern look. An amazing chop can be made even more striking by giving your hair a color makeover. But with so many short hair color ideas out there, where do you start?
In this article, we will show you what colors work best on short hair and inspire you with a selection of the best coloring ideas to give your cropped locks the hottest look in 2023 and beyond.
What Hair Color Looks Best on Short Hair?
Going for a fresh hair color idea is one of the best ways to ramp up your style. Color styles that look best on short hair are not always the same as those for longer hairstyles. Don’t worry though. This doesn’t mean pretty hair color is reserved purely for those with long, flowing locks!
While there might be not enough vertical space for a gradual fade, shadow roots look stunning on short hair. Highlights, babylights, and lowlights also work beautifully, putting the edges in your short haircut into the spotlight.
When choosing a suitable shade, consider colors that suit your skin tone, identifying if you have cool or warm undertones. The coloring in your skin, lips, and eyes can be lifted by choosing the right hair color. If in doubt, consult a professional colorist or opt for a semi-permanent dye to get a new color with little commitment.
We have selected the best examples of short colored hair to inspire your new hairstyle. Which coloring idea will you go for?
1. Edgy Lavender Pixie
Instagram / @lavrenova_olya
Silver and lavender hair color are two of our favorite color trends. And seeing them look so flawless together in this edgy pixie crop makes us love them even more. The slightly boyish chop is given a feminine and ethereal edge thanks to the clever use of color.
2. Short Hair Balayage
Balayage in short hair makes a natural statement, and the choppy texture makes the cool blonde pieces stand out. This coloring technique adds dimension to short hair and shows off layers and texture, as you can see in this style.
Instagram / @mila_kryshchykhina
3. Ultra Violet Modern Pixie
This short haircut and color are a real head-turner. Not only is the combo of hot pink and purple perfectly blended to create an ultra violet finish, but the modern cut works with the color seamlessly. The edgy undercut adds angles and definition, while the longer, softly styled bangs keep it looking feminine.
Instagram / @attilio_artistic_team
4. Stacked Bob with Balayage
The mocha hues of this brown balayage in short hair are just dreamy. More contemporary than ombre, this delicate blend accentuates the texture and adds volume to the inverted bob.
Instagram / @mila_kryshchykhina
5. Choppy Platinum Pixie
Short and choppy cuts look quirky and feminine, especially when they are treated to platinum blonde highlights. The strong contrast between the natural dark undercut and the platinum layers add extra drama.
Instagram / @pamela_cabelos
6. Textured Ashy Layers
Pretty ombre layers of brown merging into ashy blonde look amazing on short locks. When combined with a side parting and choppy layers, the color is given even more depth and definition.
Instagram / @emilyandersonstyling
7. Choppy Copper Hairstyle
The perfect blend of copper, ginger, and gold is almost too good to be true. This short hair color suits pale skin tones beautifully, and the choppy cut blends the shades, creating richness and movement.
Instagram / @gdubs89
8. Blonde Undercut with Shadow Roots
Blonde highlights in short hair lift the style, adding movement and definition to the layers, while shadow roots accentuate the undercut. A cool blonde hair color in this hairstyle gives it a glowing and radiant finish.
Instagram / @rachelwstylist
9. Half and Half Color on Short Hair
A choppy boyish cut can be boldly enhanced with a half and half hair color idea! There is no need to dye the hole head, adding highlights to a single section of your hair has the power to turn an ordinary look into an extraordinary one. The blend of light and dark brown complements the skin tone, creating a beautiful look for every day.
Instagram / @soraverly
10. Piece-y Blue Pixie
Take your cute pixie cut to the next level with a beautiful layer of bright blue. Applying color to the top of your hair only elevates the shade and creates a cool and trendy finish. Perfect for short hair and bangs!
Instagram / @apostoldiana
11. Dark Pixie Bob
If you are looking for a fresh take on your short brown hair, opt for a darker shade and an asymmetrical cut. The sweeping layers in this modern textured pixie bob add definition and skillfully sculps an ideal face shape.
Instagram / @emerson_ferrazoficial
12. Textured Pink Mohawk
The pink contouring of this pretty mohawk plays with the light and shadows, enhancing the skin tone and adding a fun and playful finish to the cut. Use your favorite styling products and make your cut and color look their best.
Instagram / @shmoakin_hair
13. Ombre on Short Undercut Hairstyle
We love the subtle blend of natural shades in this long, sweeping pixie cut. The original dark color of the hair is highlighted and accentuated with the inclusion of warm caramel and blonde highlights. Fierce and undeniably feminine!
Instagram / @apostoldiana
14. Ashy Blonde Bob
This cute haircut is perfect for summer and fall. The ashy blonde bob hair color enhances the features, creates an illusion of volume, and directs light to the face.
Instagram / @samuelallen_hair
15. Rose Gold Mohawk and Red Roots
If you want your hair color to pack a punch, go for something cutting edge and daring, like this rosy crop. The bright red roots that pop due to the undercuts at the sides take the color game to the next level.
Instagram / @conlon123
16. Platinum and Mint Hairstyle
If you are looking to make a statement with your short hair, nothing works better than a pop of color. This bright mint bangs paired with a cool platinum shade is funky and fresh, making the girl look brave and confident.
Instagram / @kyznecovaleksander
17. Black and Red Color for Short Hair
Go for a fun and bold short hairstyle and combine dark roots with fiery sunset colors. The combination of the red hues and dark roots adds contrast, while the wavy style of the hair accents the orange tones.
Instagram / @beth.tucker.hair
18. Short Burgundy Hairstyle with Long Bangs
This sultry burgundy is the perfect option if you want to color your natural dark hair without bleaching it. The eye-catching shade enhances a short pixie while swooping bangs brings an edgy finish.
Instagram / @lori_theexclusivestylist
19. Baby Pink Pixie
The soft, barely-there pink color oozes femininity and fun, while the short and tapered cut adds a slightly tough and boyish touch. The side sweep provides extra definition and texture.
Instagram / @emmalasueca
20. Golden Blonde Pixie with Yellow Streaks
Bold and bright, yellow hair color is having its moment on social media. This vibrant golden yellow is fun, sexy, and bang on trend in 2023. The warm tone of blonde complements the skin tone, while the gamine, sweeping bangs add femininity and a flirty finish.
Instagram / @msklarie
A short crop will make the perfect canvas for anything from a single shade to outrageous highlights and everything in between. When you have a gorgeous short hairdo, the world of color is your oyster. Have fun experimenting to find your perfect shade!
