Born and based in San Jose, California, Nikki Goddard has always had a passion for hair styling and unusual makeup techniques. At the age of 20, she started her education in The Salon Professional Academy and went on an extensive program in hair salons. Today, Nikki is a certified hair stylist and makeup artist with an associate degree in cosmetology. Currently, Nikki is a senior editor at therighthairstyles.com. She takes pride in being the root of inspiration for not only herself, but the entire team at The Right Hairstyles magazine. Her mission is to make the beauty industry available to everyone, and she enjoys teaching people the basics of hairstyling and makeup through the magazine’s articles. Nikki’s attention to detail and her ability to create a unique look that complements each client’s individuality is what continues to motivate her each day.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
@kyznecovaleksander
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.
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 2025 and beyond.
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 use an AI hair color generator to experiment with new shades.
We have selected the best examples of short colored hair to inspire your new hairstyle. Which coloring idea will you go for?
@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.
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.
@mila_kryshchykhina
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.
@attilio_artistic_team
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.
@mila_kryshchykhina
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.
@pamela_cabelos
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.
@emilyandersonstyling
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.
@gdubs89
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.
@rachelwstylist
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.
@soraverly
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!
@apostoldiana
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.
@emerson_ferrazoficial
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.
@shmoakin_hair
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!
@apostoldiana
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.
@samuelallen_hair
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.
@conlon123
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.
@kyznecovaleksander
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.
@beth.tucker.hair
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.
@lori_theexclusivestylist
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.
@emmalasueca
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 2025. The warm tone of blonde complements the skin tone, while the gamine, sweeping bangs add femininity and a flirty finish.
@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!
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
