35 Hair Color Ideas for Short Hair to Explore Right Now

While long strands are certainly a good look, sometimes you just want to go short. And with such head-turning styles to choose from, like boxy bobs, edgy mullets and piecey pixies, we don’t blame you. Cutting your hair short can totally transform your beauty look, especially when paired with the right hair color for short hair. Don’t be mistaken, there’s no wrong hair color for short hair; any color that complements your look is the perfect color for you. But if you need some inspo, check out these 35 hair color ideas for short hair that will take your look to the next level.

1. Cream Blonde

They say blondes have more fun, so why not find out for yourself by trying a new blonde hair color? Cream blonde hair combines warm and cool blonde hues for a dimensional color that flatters every skin tone and undertone. Try it on your own using the L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Light Beige Blonde.

2. Peanut Butter and Jelly

Stray outside of the box with a color that resembles one of your childhood favorite packed lunches. Peanut butter and jelly hair features a mix of golden highlights on a grape or raspberry jelly-inspired base.

3. Mushroom Blonde

Keep things ashy with a mushroom blonde hair color. It involves a mix of blonde and brown ashy hues for a color that resembles the fungi it’s named after. It’s especially cute if you’re already sporting a ‘90s-inspired mushroom haircut.

4. Rose Brown

5. Purple Balayage

To switch up your hair color in a bold and trendy way, consider trying a balayage highlighting technique, like purple balayage hair. This look features hand-painted, purple highlights that are expertly placed throughout your mane for a colorful, dimensional look.

6. Vanilla Lilac

Another purple hair color worth trying, vanilla lilac is a subtle pastel hue that’s still . It features a blonde base with a lived-in root that gradually fades into a soft lilac color. It pairs with silver and gold jewelry so you can add any metallic accents that spark joy in your heart.

7. Fire-Engine Red

For a mane that demands to be seen, coat your short hair in a fire-engine red hue like the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Rich Auburn True Red. This bold hair color is perfect for those who want to be the center of attention. Because it is such a bold hue, outgrown roots will be noticeable. Keep them concealed between color sessions with L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up in Red or Vibrant Red depending on the brightness of your color.

8. Pastel Blue

Give your short hair a makeover with a pastel blue hair color, like the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Smokey Blue, which has a long-lasting shimmering formula that is suitable for all hair types. It’s perfect when you want something light in the warm weather months and for the cold when you want a soft wintry look.

9. Holographic Hair

If you’re all about the trends, you’re in for a treat with holographic hair. This hair color trend will instantly add life to your short strands. The color involves a variety of pastel shades that are carefully placed (typically on a platinum blonde base) to create a 3D effect. You can give it a short-lived try with a variety of shades from L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray.

10. Silver

11. Turquoise

If you want a hair color that’s as fun and carefree as you are, give turquoise hair a try. This blue-green color certainly isn’t low-maintenance, but it’ll definitely liven up your beauty look.

12. Dusty Rose

For a soft and sweet hair color, give dusty rose a try. This muted mauve hue can be achieved with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Dusty Mauve. 

13. Blackberry Hair

Blackberry hair is just another branch of the balayage trend. Featuring a mix of blue and pink-toned purple highlights throughout a black mane, it’s a cool take on the highlights blend.

14. Lavender

This delicate purple shade is soft and beautiful, but if you have dark hair be aware that you will need to bleach your hair first to achieve it. Looking for a hair bleach recommendation? Try the L’Oréal Paris Feria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach, which can lift up to eight levels of color so even brunettes can lighten their strands without damage. 

15. Chili Chocolate

If you want to add some dimension to your brunette mane, consider giving chili chocolate hair a go. This hair color for short hair involves adding natural-looking red highlights to a deep brown base. It looks just as scrumptious as its name suggests.

16. Pastel Pink

17. Mushroom Brown

Similar to mushroom blonde hair, mushroom brown involves a mix of ashy blonde and brown tones for a dimensional color that resembles, well, a mushroom. The difference between mushroom blonde and mushroom brown hair is that mushroom blonde is a brighter, slightly lighter version of the former.

18. Deep Purple

Pairing short hair with a bright, bold hair color is a great idea, so you can easily transform your short strands with a vibrant purple hair color using the L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Intense Deep Violet.

19. Denim

Think about your favorite jean jacket and you can probably picture what denim hair looks like. This trendy hue is totally customizable, and you can go for indigo, stone wash, or acid wash. Get the look at home with L’Oréal Paris Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Downtown Denim.

20. Neon Peach

Neon isn’t just for festival season. For hair that pops, color your locks a neon peach shade. The color will still work in other seasons, and you can always pair it with highlights or lowlights.

21. Bronde

22. Violet Black

Black hair can add some serious edge to a short haircut. For a twist on a traditional black mane, give violet black hair a try. 

23. Jet Black

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics. Jet black hair is undeniably eye-catching, and this bold hue pairs beautifully with all skin tones. If you want to DIY, pick up a box of L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Ultimate Black.

24. Blue Black

Another variation of a black mane, consider trying a black hair color with blue undertones. This color is best suited for those who have warm undertones that will balance out the hue. To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Black Sapphire.

25. Auburn

If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to be a redhead, now’s your chance to give the look a try. Auburn hair looks particularly stunning on short hair, and whether you opt for a light or dark version of the color is up to you. What’s more, you can tone your hair right at home with L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Auburn when you start to notice your color fading or starting to look dull.

26. Copper

This eye-catching color is a great complement to shorter strands. Copper hair is similar to auburn, but a lot brighter. Just think of a new, shiny copper penny.

27. Metallic Mauve

Metallics have been creating quite the buzz in the beauty world, and metallic mauve hair is no exception. The shiny shade is a cross between purple and pink with gray undertones that help even the shortest strands make a big splash.

28. Deep Strawberry Blonde

Whether you’re a blonde looking to add some color to your hair, or a redhead itching to brighten up your mane without giving up your signature red, deep strawberry blonde is the hair color for you. Of course if you have brunette or black hair it’s just as alluring. It flatters the ultimate summer tan and brightens up the look of dull skin in the winter. It’s a can’t fail hair color. If you’re a DIY hair color pro, give the hue a try using L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Medium Reddish Blonde.

29. Fuchsia

If you love the idea of a pink mane but want something that pops more than a pastel pink, give fuchsia hair a go. This short hair color idea features a beautiful blend of bright pink and purple for one undeniably gorgeous hue.

30. Peach

You may have heard that peach hues are trendy in the makeup and hair scene, and the soft and beautiful color has a number of hues that will complement any hairstyle. You’ll feel quite festive when the summer rolls around and you’re looking as delicious as the fruit du jour.

31.  Platinum

There’s just something about short, platinum hair — and platinum pixies, in particular — that demands to be seen. Ice blonde hair is even more popular than ever now that everyone’s favorite doll has taken over the zeitgeist. (While her strands are typically long, that shouldn’t stop anyone from mimicking her color.) Use the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Platinum Pearl for a boost of shine and color to your platinum strands.

32. Caramel Brown

Transforming your short strands doesn’t have to mean trying the most of-the-moment color or opting for an eye-popping hue. Sometimes keeping it subtle is all you need, and when it comes to simple brunette hair colors caramel brown is always a winner in our books.

33. Burgundy

If you love the idea of a red mane but aren't sure if you can commit to bright red hair, a burgundy hue will give you the red you crave without steering too far outside of your comfort zone. L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Deep Burgundy will help you get the look.

34. Baby Pink

Similar to pastel pink but with a slightly softer tint, baby pink hair is perfect for any short hairstyle you can think up. Try it at home using L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Smokey Pink and when your hair color needs a boost, turn to L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Blush Blonde.

35. Rose Gold

While it may not be the newest trend, rose gold hair is still all over our social media feeds. Whether you have a fair, medium, or deep skin tone, the trendy hue is flattering. The best part is, if you’re not sure whether you want to commit to the color, there are several ways to give it a quick spin, including using L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Rosegold.

Next: Should You Wash Your Hair Before Dyeing It?

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Production Assistant: Jason Parigian, Digital Tech: Sam Kang, Photo Assistant: Hannah Lewis-Lopes, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville, Prop Assistant: Zach Molina, Model: Alexandra Cunningham