Nataly is an experienced freelance writer well-versed in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys testing new hair products to tame her long locks. Believing in the power of self-care, Nataly collects styling tips like gems. Currently, she delivers exclusive content on the latest hairstyle trends and transformations.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
@hairbyelm
Keeping your pretty short hair straight and sleek is a styling option that will never go out of style. Enhanced with blonde highlights, short layers create a beautiful texture in fine hair.
Balayage on short hair can look stunning, whether your hair is curly and layered or straight and blunt-cut. The technique allows to create dimension and accentuate natural layers and curves, so balayage is excellent for making short hair pop!
See 44 excellent balayage short hair color ideas we have selected for you and get ready to show off your lovely dimensional style.
While the soft fades of color applied in the ombre technique look better on long hair, balayage highlights can be considered an alternative to ombre hair for shorter lengths. It’s a terrific way to add depth, dimension, and visual interest to your bob or pixie.
@modernsalon
For a really natural balayage look, ask your stylist for full, blended blonde highlights on brown hair. Keeping the hair darker on the roots and the under layers provides a backdrop for the highlights to really pop. If your hair is naturally wavy, you can let it air dry and simply use a texturizing spray or cream to create definition.
Balayage for short hair is one of the top trends right now. To master the look, opt for thicker highlights framing the face, starting almost at the root and stretching to the end. Any other highlights should start a little lower down at varying points.
@dawnbradleyhair
These beautiful waves really add to the effect of the balayage highlights. To get twisted locks like these, you definitely need to try the straightener method. After blow drying your hair, randomly grab sections and twist in alternating directions, leaving the bottoms straight.
@singi.vo
Do you still have vacation memories lingering in the mind? This balayage gives an impression of dark hair gone lighter in the sun. The soft waves and tender brown tones are so in tune!
@studiogsalon
This beautiful balayage short hair look is just the right mix of tenious and stand-out. Dark brown hair looks best with ash blonde balayage highlights. Thin highlights that gradually get thicker towards the ends is a great trick to keep the contrast between the strands while not letting highlights appear stark.
@hairby_chrissy
Girls with straight tresses don’t need to envy girls with curly hair anymore! It doesn’t take waves to create a show-stopping look. Adding balayage hair color along the thoughtfully placed layers creates drama and double interest.
@nikhodgkiss
When selecting a hair color for short hair, consider enhancing your natural hair color with trendy balayage to adds vibrancy and glamour to your strands. Balayage means painted on, which is exactly why this technique tends to produce an artistic result. The way the lighter tones in brown hair catch the light is just amazing!
@modernsalon
This gorgeous style brings so much warmth and brightness to the face. Thanks to the extra-long face-framing pieces, beachy waves, and super dark roots, this look is edgy and modern. A texturizing spray will be your best friend for achieving the piecey separation.
@modernsalon
Want a sun-kissed look all year long? Balayage offers dimension and delicate accents to add to your short bob. The good thing about this technique is that such highlights grow out in a natural way that is easy breezy to maintain.
@modernsalon
You want a short hairstyle that is glamorous and chic, not dull and lazy, don’t you? For a stand-out style, ask your stylist for balayage highlights that are two shades lighter than your base color. Curling your hair will add to the femininity of this hairstyle.
@saloncouture_ny
Who doesn’t love blonde hair color ideas? The truth is, bleaching dark hair for the all-over platinum isn’t the best idea. Consider going blonde from dark brown hair with pretty sunny blonde balayage and adorable layering. This look is really feminine and flirty. The golden tones are also more flattering on warm skin tones than platinum would be.
@kellzatlstylist
This balayage hairstyle is sure to captivate those who appreciate natural-looking hair colors. The combination of softness and shagginess creates locks that are not only touchable but also admirable.
@hairbylisamathews
The auburn blonde balayage ombre not only creates deep texture and volume but softens the face and accentuates the best facial features.
@mikaatbhc
A honey blonde balayage with golden tones will add feminine and flirty vibes to your look and complement your warm skin tone beautifully.
@megumicolor
The dense platinum balayage you see here creates an illusion of solid hair color while leaving shadow roots for easier hair maintenance. Boost the highlighting effect with loose waves that add volume and fullness to the short locks.
@chiriac.ionela
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this delightful blend that smoothly transitions from dark brown to blonde hues. This beautiful balayage solution will ideally work for hair of any length and texture.
@colorbykriss
Balayage short hair look doesn’t have to be bright or crazy! The style first originated to mimic and enhance the natural lighting of hair ends. For a more natural approach, dye your strands only one or two tones lighter.
@styledbylizsustaita
Keeping your pretty short hair straight and sleek is a styling option that will never go out of style. Enhanced with blonde highlights, short layers create a beautiful texture in fine hair.
@hairbyelm
Balayage is a gorgeous, trendy way to reimagine short hair. Just about any way you style your hair will look really chic with pretty blonde highlights like these, but curls really take the cake! To recreate the look, use a large-barrel curling iron to curl one or two-inch sections of hair.
@hairluvbytiffany
Can we say adorable? This style for straight hair is spot on! The balayage short hair style has a plethora of colors that range from darker rich tones to lighter ash-blonde shades, and the addition of layering in the back shows off the different hues in the best light.
@darlene_the_stylist
This stunning A-line cut gets a dose of modern edge with the addition of soft lavender highlights. The main reason this look is so successful is that the light purple balayage and the light brown base are really similar in saturation. Pick a highlight color that is right for your natural shade of hair if you want everything to blend in.
@hairbynoora
This blonde balayage short hair is a popular choice for women with dishwater blonde hair color. It gives just the right amount of brightness and refreshment for short hair with layers like in this hairstyle.
@hairbynancyxoxo
The artfully blended red and copper tones add flair and depth to the stacked bob, making you the center of attention.
@styled_by_carolynn
This look embraces delicate highlights that add a touch of warmth without requiring significant maintenance. Don’t forget to use appropriate hair care products to keep your highlighted curls shiny and healthy.
@novaperruquers
When opting for highlights, choose a color that complements your natural shade to ensure seamless blending and a harmonious appearance. For instance, the chestnut base will beautifully combine with honey blonde and soft golden tones.
@diogo.migli
If you don’t have much length to play around with, incorporating bright blonde streaks can be a fun and impactful way to enhance your pixie.
@hairday_rena.loizou
Why limit yourself to one hue when there are so many beautiful hair colors to explore? Take, for example, this yummy caramel latte shade, highlighted with soft feminine curls. Looks gorgeous, isn’t it?
@giordanoparrucchieritorino
While going for an all-over platinum look by bleaching dark hair might not be the best option, there are healthier alternatives. We recommend you blend your natural brown hair color with a creamy blonde shade for a stylish yet low-maintenance look.
@rob.levi
If you have dark hair and desire to introduce lightness and diversity to your look, consider trying short hair balayage. The highlights are skillfully swept through the length, providing the hairstyle with ease and movement.
@kelleyscanvas
The balayage highlights in this lovely color, reminiscent of cinnamon, are incredibly flattering, especially for women with short brown hair. Blow dry your strands in different directions to create this messy textured look.
@joahhmendes
Blending these flattering gray shades with your natural color allows you to create a multi-dimensional style that perfectly matches short haircuts.
@glenhew
Warm-toned coloring is generally a more flattering solution for short hair. Yet, it’s always a good idea to consult with your stylist to find the hue that will work best for your eye color and complexion.
@nikita_artisan_hair_studio
Soft brown hair, complemented with ashy tones, results in a naturally radiant look flattering for women of all ages. Use a blow dryer to achieve this slightly tousled effect on your straight hair and apply products that enhance volume.
@eunicekimhair
If you’re seeking an extra dose of dimension in your hair, balayage might be just the ticket! The infusion of chestnut blonde color not only introduces warmth but also enhances the layers of the cut, creating a dynamic and textured look.
@appu_wayne
The contrasting shades like golden bronze or copper blonde can add interest and style to your short, curly hair. Another benefit of this coloring is that it looks amazing when growing out.
@sarabotsfordhair
If you’re ready to rock your short loose waves, consider accentuating them with icy blonde tones or metallic shades to spice up your look.
@colorbykriss
Going short provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with bleach, and it becomes easier to maintain healthy ends when length is not the primary focus. Mix bright blonde and beige tones for a more natural highlighting effect.
@hairandselina
This face-framing balayage offers softness in the refined red hues on natural brown hair. The shaggy texture balances this softness for a trendy eye-catching look that most brunettes would love to wear!
@rachelringwood
The cool ashy tones harmonize well with this layered bob with peek-a-boo bangs, resulting in a playful yet sophisticated look.
@yogacolourist
This is a high-impact look! The shiny black hair fades through red to the lovely tangerine highlights placed here and there. This color pattern will look equally good on straight hair and loose effortless waves.
@quezoncityqueen
This style with buttery blonde face-framing balayage exudes sophistication and charming allure. If you have straight hair, consider curling your locks slightly to showcase the hair color and add volume.
@esbeautyco
To give your brunette hair a fresh look, consider incorporating subtle highlights with a warm undertone. The golden tones can beautifully catch the light and add texture to your thick hair.
@_hairbyjillian
Incorporating vibrant shades as balayage highlights is a smart choice for those wishing to experiment yet not overwhelm the hair with too much color. For example, this red burgundy hue can beautifully complement your brunette base, adding tons of dimension to your bob.
@chael_00
While bangs aren’t commonly paired with balayage for short dark hair, you can see how flattering this combination can be. Ask your stylist to incorporate honey tones throughout your mane, leaving the natural roots, to create this smooth brown-blonde blend.
@vitosatalino_official
If you are thinking of a new hairstyle, why not consider a hair color upgrade too? Rocking balayage short hairstyles is now very popular. You can pick something that is soft and subtle or create a mind-blowing combo with bold colors. There are so many choices, that we can confidently claim: balayage is perfect for everyone!
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
