.
Gospam 009 AI Enhanced

Color Hairstyles For Short Hair: Brighten Your Look Today

20 Short Hair Color Ideas for A Change-Up in 2020

Jul 16, 2025
Quick read
20 Short Hair Color Ideas for A Change-Up in 2020
.

Are you thinking about a fresh, vibrant change for your short hair? Maybe you've been rocking a cute pixie or a sleek bob for a while, and it feels like it's time to add a little something extra. Well, you're in the right spot! Adding color to short hair is a fantastic way to express yourself, totally transforming your look without needing a big chop. It's a bold move that can bring so much life and personality to your style, truly making it feel brand new.

You know, short hair, whether it's a sassy pixie or a chic bob, really offers a wonderful canvas for color. It's not just about covering grays; it's about making a statement. A splash of color can highlight the cool lines of your cut, bring out your eyes, or simply give you a confidence boost that feels amazing. There are just so many possibilities, from subtle shifts to bright, eye-catching shades, and honestly, you might be surprised how much fun it can be.

So, if you're curious about how color can truly make your short haircut shine, keep reading. We'll explore some fantastic ideas, talk about what might suit you, and even touch on how to keep your new color looking its very best. It's all about finding that perfect shade that feels like you, making your short hair feel even more special, and you know, just having a great time with your appearance.

Table of Contents

Why Color Short Hair?

Giving your short hair a new color can feel incredibly refreshing, truly. It's a way to shake things up without committing to a completely different haircut, which is pretty neat. A new shade can actually make your current cut look even more stylish, bringing out textures and shapes you might not have noticed before, so it's almost like a whole new style.

For someone with short hair, color adds so much character. It's like putting the finishing touch on a great outfit, you know? It can make your hair appear fuller, brighter, or even more playful, depending on the shade you pick. Plus, it's a fantastic way to reflect your current mood or a new season, making your look feel very current.

And let's be honest, sometimes we just want a change, right? Color offers that without the long grow-out period that comes with a drastic cut. It's a relatively quick way to feel completely different, giving you a fresh perspective on your own appearance, and that can be really empowering, actually.

Finding Your Perfect Shade

Choosing the right hair color is a bit like finding the perfect lipstick; it needs to complement your skin tone and overall vibe. It's not just about what looks good on someone else, but what will truly make you shine. Think about your everyday style and what colors you usually wear, because that can give you some good clues, in a way.

Classic and Timeless Hues

Some colors just never go out of style, and they look amazing on short hair. Rich browns, deep chestnuts, or even a sophisticated black can add so much depth. These shades are very versatile and often look incredibly polished, which is something many people appreciate. They can make your hair look super healthy and shiny, too.

Consider a warm butter blonde, for instance. My text mentions how "chic and radiant short butter blonde hair ideas... add warmth, brightness, and effortless style to your look." This kind of blonde isn't too stark; it's got a lovely, soft glow that can really brighten up your face, making it a rather popular choice.

And then there's red hair. "Natural red hair is breathtaking," my text says, pointing out it "makes short hair look stunning and unique." Even if you weren't born with it, getting a beautiful red shade can be a real showstopper. It's a color that naturally draws attention and feels very distinctive, which is pretty cool.

Bold and Bright Statements

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, short hair is actually perfect for bold colors. Think about bright blues, vivid purples, or even electric pinks. These shades really pop on shorter lengths because there's less hair to cover, making the color seem more intense and concentrated. It's a fantastic way to show off your playful side, you know?

These bright colors can be applied as a full head of color or as strategic pops. Imagine a vibrant streak peeking out from a feathered pixie cut, or the tips of a bob dipped in a shocking hue. It's a very modern and expressive choice, and honestly, it can be quite a conversation starter, too.

However, it's worth remembering that these brighter shades often need a bit more upkeep to stay looking fresh and true to color. They can fade faster, so you'll want to be ready for that commitment. But the impact they make is often totally worth it, in some respects.

Natural and Subtle Touches

Sometimes, you just want a little something, not a huge change. Subtle color additions can be incredibly effective on short hair. Think about a few well-placed highlights or a gentle lowlight to add dimension without being too obvious. This approach is great for those who want to enhance their natural color, more or less.

For example, adding just a touch of warmth to dark hair, or a few lighter pieces around the face, can really brighten up your complexion. It's about creating a soft glow that looks natural but polished. This kind of color work tends to be lower maintenance, which is a definite plus for many people, typically.

It's also a good way to test the waters if you're new to hair color. You can start with something subtle and then, if you feel ready, go for something more dramatic later on. It’s a pretty flexible approach, honestly, and gives you options.

The way color is applied makes a big difference, especially on shorter hair. Certain techniques can really highlight the cut and create interesting effects. It's not just about the color itself, but how it flows and sits within your hairstyle, you know?

Balayage for Short Cuts

Balayage isn't just for long, flowing locks; it looks "fab on any hair length," as my text points out, specifically mentioning "gals with shorter haircuts." This freehand painting technique creates soft, natural-looking highlights that grow out gracefully. For short hair, it means less obvious regrowth lines, which is pretty convenient.

On a bob or a longer pixie, balayage can add beautiful dimension, making your hair look like it's been naturally lightened by the sun. It can be subtle or more pronounced, depending on the look you're going for. This technique is great for adding movement and depth without a solid, blocky color, so it's very popular.

You can use balayage to add warm caramels, cool blondes, or even playful pastel shades. It's a very adaptable technique that works with the natural flow of your short hair, giving it a soft, blended appearance. It's quite a lovely effect, actually.

Highlights and Lowlights

Traditional highlights and lowlights are still fantastic options for short hair. Highlights add brightness and can make your hair look fuller, especially if you have finer strands. Lowlights, on the other hand, add depth and can make lighter hair seem richer and more textured. Combining both can create a really dynamic look, too.

For short styles, highlights can emphasize the layers in a pixie or the movement in a bob. They can be placed strategically to frame your face or to add a pop of color where the light naturally hits. It's a way to add visual interest without changing your entire hair color, more or less.

These techniques are great for adding dimension and making your short hair look more voluminous. They can also help blend in early grays if you're not ready to fully embrace them. It's a very classic way to add color, and it usually looks pretty chic.

Full Color Transformation

Sometimes, you just want to go all in with one solid, striking color. A full color transformation on short hair can be incredibly impactful. Whether it's a deep, glossy black, a fiery red, or a vibrant blue, a single, all-over shade makes a strong statement. It's a bold choice that can totally redefine your look, very quickly.

Because short hair has less surface area, a full color application can appear even more intense and uniform. This is especially true for vivid, fashion colors. The color really becomes the star of the show, making your short cut feel even more edgy or sophisticated, depending on the shade. It's a pretty dramatic change, often.

This approach requires commitment, as roots will show fairly quickly on short hair. But the result is often a stunning, head-turning look that truly expresses your personality. It’s a way to really own your style, you know?

Ombré and New Color Patterns

While ombré has been popular, my text notes that it's "being challenged by new colour patterns." For short hair, this means exploring more subtle or unconventional color placements. Instead of a dramatic fade from dark to light, you might see softer transitions or even splashes of color in unexpected places.

Think about reverse ombré, where the ends are darker than the roots, or color blocking, where distinct sections of hair are dyed different colors. These new patterns can be incredibly creative on short hair, playing with the lines and angles of the cut. It's about thinking outside the box, pretty much.

These techniques offer a fresh take on color for short hair, allowing for more artistic expression. They can be a bit more experimental, but the results can be truly unique and eye-catching, giving your short style a very modern edge. It's a fun way to play with color, honestly.

Short Hair Styles That Love Color

Certain short hairstyles are just made for color. The way the hair is cut can really show off the different shades and techniques, creating a dynamic look. It's like the cut and the color work together to make something truly special, you know?

Pixie Cuts and Their Color Play

Pixie cuts are incredibly versatile, and color can take them to the next level. A bold, all-over color on a short pixie makes a powerful statement. Imagine a deep sapphire blue or a vibrant fuchsia on a super short crop – it's incredibly chic and edgy. This kind of color really highlights the strong lines of the cut, too.

For feathered pixie cuts, which my text says are "perfect" for movement, color can add incredible dimension. Light layers and soft texture mean that highlights or lowlights can peek through, creating a sense of depth and making the hair appear fuller. A touch of butter blonde or soft caramel can really make these layers sing, very naturally.

Even a simple, classic pixie can be transformed with a subtle color change, like a rich, warm brown or a cool ash blonde. The short length means less hair to color, making it a quicker process and often less damaging, which is pretty good news for your hair's health.

Bobs: A Versatile Choice

Bobs, whether they're classic, inverted, or lob-length, are another fantastic canvas for color. The clean lines of a bob can really showcase a single, striking color, making it look incredibly sleek. A glossy black or a vibrant red bob can be incredibly sophisticated, you know, just very put-together.

Balayage looks particularly stunning on bobs, especially those with some length. The subtle, hand-painted highlights can add a sun-kissed effect or create a beautiful gradient, giving the bob more movement and interest. It prevents the bob from looking too flat or one-dimensional, which is a common concern.

For "chic bobs" mentioned in my text, a rich, all-over color or well-placed highlights can truly elevate the style. They can make the hair appear thicker and more luxurious, breathing life back into strands that might feel a bit flat. It's a very popular choice for a good reason, honestly.

Layered Looks and Dimension

Layered short haircuts, like those "best short layered haircuts" mentioned in my text, are perfect for showing off dimensional color. Layers naturally create movement and texture, and when you add highlights or lowlights, these different shades can really play off each other. It's a way to add visual interest, pretty much.

For thinning or volumeless hair, layers combined with strategic color can "breathe life back" into the strands, as my text suggests for women over 60. Lighter shades on the top layers can make the hair appear fuller, while darker tones underneath add depth. It's a smart way to create the illusion of more hair, too.

Whether it's a shaggy short cut or a more refined layered bob, color can enhance the texture and shape. It can highlight the individual layers, making the cut look more intricate and stylish. It's a very effective way to add vibrancy and depth to your short hair, giving it a very dynamic feel.

Maintaining Your Colored Short Hair

Once you've got that amazing new color, you'll want to keep it looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Short hair might seem easier to maintain, but color still needs some love and attention. It's all about protecting that beautiful new shade, you know?

At-Home Care Tips

Using color-safe shampoo and conditioner is a pretty big deal. These products are formulated to protect your color from fading and keep it looking bright. Look for sulfate-free options, as sulfates can strip color from your hair, which is something you definitely want to avoid. It makes a real difference, honestly.

Cooler water temperatures are also your friend when washing colored hair. Hot water can open up the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape, so rinsing with lukewarm or cool water helps seal the color in. It’s a small change, but it really helps preserve your shade, in a way.

Deep conditioning treatments once a week can also do wonders. Colored hair, especially if it's been lightened, can sometimes feel a bit dry. A good hair mask will help keep your strands moisturized and healthy, making your color look even more vibrant. It's a pretty important step for keeping your hair feeling good.

Also, try to limit heat styling. Excessive heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can cause color to fade faster. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray first. It creates a barrier that shields your hair and its color, which is very helpful, really.

Professional Touch-Ups

Even with the best at-home care, colored short hair will eventually need a professional touch-up. Roots will start to show, and the color might lose some of its initial vibrancy. How often you need to visit your stylist depends on the type of color you have and how fast your hair grows, you know?

For full, all-over colors, you might need a root touch-up every 4-6 weeks. This keeps your color looking seamless and fresh. For balayage or highlights, you can often go longer between appointments, sometimes 8-12 weeks or even more, because the grow-out is much softer and less noticeable, which is pretty convenient.

Your stylist can also refresh your color with a toner or gloss during your visits. These treatments can revive dullness, correct unwanted tones, and add incredible shine, making your color look brand new again. It's a vital part of keeping your colored short hair looking its very best, honestly.

Special Considerations for Different Hair Types

Not all hair is the same, and different hair types have unique needs when it comes to coloring. Understanding these can help you achieve the best results and keep your hair healthy, which is very important, really.

Thinning or Volumeless Hair

If you have "thinning or volumeless hair," as my text mentions for women over 60, color can be a fantastic tool to create the illusion of fullness. Lighter shades, especially on the top layers, can make hair appear thicker and more voluminous. It's a bit of a visual trick, but it works surprisingly well, you know?

Strategic highlights can add dimension and lift, making individual strands stand out more. Avoid very dark, solid colors if you want to create volume, as they can sometimes make fine hair look flatter. A softer, multi-tonal approach often works best for this hair type, typically.

Also, consider the health of your hair. If your hair is already fragile, discuss gentle coloring options with your stylist. They might suggest techniques that minimize damage while still giving you that beautiful boost of color. It's about being kind to your hair, pretty much.

Black Hair and Color

For those with "short black hairstyles," my text confirms they are "not limited to boring chops anymore!" Black hair can be a stunning base for vibrant colors. To achieve bright or lighter shades on black hair, it often requires lifting the natural pigment first, which means bleaching. This process needs to be done carefully to protect the hair's integrity, honestly.

Once lifted, black hair can take on rich jewel tones like deep purples, emerald greens, or fiery reds. Balayage or highlights can also add beautiful dimension without going for a full-head bleach. Imagine subtle caramel or auburn streaks peeking through dark curls – it's a very striking look, actually.

Maintenance is key for colored black hair, as it can be more prone to dryness or damage after lightening. Regular conditioning treatments and color-safe products are essential to keep it looking healthy and vibrant. It's a commitment, but the results can be truly stunning, you know?

Gray Hair: Embracing the Silver

Gray hair color is not just for mature ladies; "it works great for both mature ladies and young girls," according to my text. Embracing your natural gray with a stylish short cut is a beautiful trend. You can enhance natural grays with silver or charcoal toners to make them appear more vibrant and uniform. It's a way to really lean into your natural shade, in a way.

For those who want to transition to gray, a stylist can help blend out previous colors, making the process smoother. Adding subtle lowlights in a slightly darker gray or even a cool blonde can add dimension and make the grow-out less stark. It's a very graceful way to go gray, honestly.

For younger individuals, achieving a trendy gray or silver look often involves lightening the hair significantly before applying the desired gray toner. This creates a bold, fashion-forward statement. Either way, gray short hair can look incredibly chic and modern, offering a very unique aesthetic, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about coloring short hair:

What color looks best on short hair?

The "best" color really depends on your skin tone, eye color, and personal style. For short hair, vibrant colors like electric blues or fiery reds can look incredibly bold and artistic because the short length makes the color pop more. Natural shades like rich browns, warm butter blondes, or striking natural reds, as my text mentions, also look stunning and can add a lot of depth and sophistication. It's about finding what makes you feel great, you know?

How do you maintain colored short hair?

Maintaining colored short hair involves using color-safe shampoos and conditioners, preferably sulfate-free, to prevent fading. Washing your hair with cooler water helps seal in the color, and deep conditioning treatments once a week can keep it healthy and shiny. Also, try to limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant. Regular professional touch-ups for roots or toning are also key to keeping your color looking fresh, pretty much.

Can I dye my short hair at home?

While you can dye short hair at home, it really depends on the complexity of the color you want. Simple, all-over colors might be manageable, especially if you're going for a shade close to your current one. However, if you're aiming for something like balayage, highlights, or a dramatic color change, or if your hair has been previously colored, it's honestly best to see a professional. They have the expertise to achieve the best results and minimize damage, which is very important for your hair's health.

For more insights on hair care and styles, Learn more about hair care on our site, and for general beauty tips, you can also link to this page here.

You might also find some great ideas on current hair trends by checking out resources like Allure's collection of short haircuts, which often features colored styles.

Remember, your hair is an extension of you, and coloring it can be a wonderful way to express your unique self. With so many options available, from subtle enhancements to bold transformations, there's a perfect color out there for your short hair, just waiting for you to try it, honestly. It's all about having fun with your look and feeling confident, which is what really matters, at the end of the day.

Embracing a new color for your short hair can truly refresh your entire appearance, giving you a renewed sense of style and confidence. It’s a wonderful way to keep your look interesting and reflective of who you are, making every day feel a little more vibrant, you know? It's pretty cool how a simple change can make such a big difference.

Whether you go for a daring bright shade or a subtle, natural tone, the key is to choose something that makes you feel fantastic. Your short hair is a perfect canvas for creative expression, and adding color is just one more way to make it uniquely yours. So, go ahead and explore the possibilities, because there are so many fun options, really.

Think about how a new color can complement your features, bringing out the sparkle in your eyes or the warmth in your skin tone. It’s not just about the hair itself; it’s about how it makes your whole face light up. This kind of change can actually be quite transformative, making you feel completely refreshed and ready for anything, too.

So, if you’ve been thinking about it, maybe now’s the time to take that step. A fresh color on your short hair could be exactly what you need to feel re-energized and excited about your look. It’s a pretty simple way to make a big impact, and honestly, you might just love the new you.

And remember, hair grows! So if you try a color and it’s not quite what you expected, it’s not the end of the world. Short hair means less commitment in the long run, as it grows out quicker, giving you more opportunities to experiment with different shades and styles. It’s a very forgiving length for color play, which is great.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and the most important thing is that you feel amazing in your own skin, with your own unique style. Color is just another tool in your beauty arsenal to help you achieve that feeling. It’s a very personal decision, and whatever you pick, it’s going to be great, you know?

Today, with so many options for color and technique, short hair has never been more exciting. From natural reds to bold balayage, there's a world of color waiting to transform your short cut. It's truly a fantastic time to play with your hair and express yourself fully, and that’s a pretty wonderful thing, honestly.

So, whether you're dreaming of a soft, sun-kissed look or a vibrant, head-turning shade, your short hair is ready for its colorful adventure. Go ahead and explore

20 Short Hair Color Ideas for A Change-Up in 2020
20 Short Hair Color Ideas for A Change-Up in 2020
30 Best Balayage Hairstyles for Short Hair 2022 - Balayage Hair Color
30 Best Balayage Hairstyles for Short Hair 2022 - Balayage Hair Color
30 Best Balayage Hairstyles for Short Hair 2022 - Balayage Hair Color
30 Best Balayage Hairstyles for Short Hair 2022 - Balayage Hair Color

Detail Author:

  • Name : Prof. Eugenia Altenwerth DDS
  • Username : landen.crist
  • Email : rbogan@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 2004-12-08
  • Address : 91112 Jakubowski Estates Suite 683 Douglashaven, MT 77527
  • Phone : (959) 418-6819
  • Company : Crooks-Yundt
  • Job : Door To Door Sales
  • Bio : Fugiat repudiandae et voluptatum facere. Nihil qui numquam minus eaque architecto sequi dolorem. Sunt aspernatur repellat ad adipisci blanditiis. Iusto et facilis et illum.

Socials

tiktok:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/white1981
  • username : white1981
  • bio : Laudantium doloribus error sunt velit qui et optio. Ab a vero incidunt dicta ea error.
  • followers : 5109
  • following : 2424

linkedin:

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/deron9260
  • username : deron9260
  • bio : Optio qui debitis est. A temporibus temporibus illum adipisci eos tenetur.
  • followers : 139
  • following : 854

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/deron_white
  • username : deron_white
  • bio : Maxime et quod consequuntur sapiente facere eaque. Quaerat ut labore ipsum voluptatem impedit nisi. Eveniet aut enim et laboriosam doloremque vitae.
  • followers : 476
  • following : 224

Share with friends