hair color trends 33 Hair Color Ideas That Will Transform Your Short Strands

While long strands are certainly gorgeous, sometimes you just have to get a cut. And with such gorgeous haircuts like lobs and pixies out there, it could be time to give short hair a go. Cutting your hair short can totally transform your beauty look, especially when paired with the right hair color for short hair. If you need some color inspo, check out these 35 hair color ideas to transform short strands.

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.

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.

4. Rose Brown

If you Want to add warmth to your brunette mane, Rose brown hair is just what you’re likely picturing — a brown base highlighted with soft, rose gold touches throughout. The look is totally subtle and low-maintenance.

5. Purple Balayage

To switch up your mane without changing your hair color completely, consider trying a trend that involves the balayage highlighting technique, like purple balayage hair. This look features hand-painted, purple highlights that are expertly placed throughout your mane for a seamless, dimensional look.

6. Silver

This chic color is totally fashion-forward and anyone can pull it off. To get the color at home, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Silver.

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.

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.

9. Holographic Hair

If you’re all about the trends, you’re in for a treat with Holographic hair. This hair color trend that 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.

10. Vanilla Lilac

Another purple hair color worth trying, vanilla lilac is a subtle pastel hair color. The color features a blonde base with a lived-in root that gradually fades into a soft lilac color.

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 hair color 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 may have to bleach your hair first.  

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.

16. Pastel Pink

Think of pastel pink as a brighter version of a dusty mauve hue. You can color your entire mane or opt for a pastel pink balayage ‘do—it’s up to you.

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 like 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. 

20. Neon Peach

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

21. Bronde

If you’re torn between blonde and brunette a bronde hair color means you don’t have to choose. Equal parts blonde and brunette, this hair color combines the best of both worlds for a dimensional hair color.

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.

24. Auburn

Ever wonder what it’d be like to be a redhead? Now’s your chance. 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.

25. 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. 

26. Metallic Mauve

Metallics have been creating quite the buzz in the beauty world, and metallic mauve hair is no exception. The shiny shade is cross between purple and pink with gray undertones, 

27. Platinum

There’s just something about short, platinum hair — and platinum pixies, in particular — that demands to be seen, and ice blonde hair is even more popular than ever. 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.

28. 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.

29. Peach

You may have heard that peach hues are trendy in the beauty and hair scene, and the soft and beautiful color has a number of hues that will complement any hairstyle.

30. 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.  

31. Caramel Brown

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

32. Burgundy

If you love the idea of a red mane but not 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.

33. 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. 

Next: Should You Wash Your Hair Before Dyeing It?

Edited by: Témi Adebowale, 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