18 Trending Short Brown Hairstyles and Haircuts

Chop off your hair and start the new year with a fresh look.

Got short brown hairstyles on your mind? With so many celebrities rocking short dark hair, we can understand if you’ve been tempted to go for a cropped look. But with so many styles, we know it can be a little overwhelming. So, to ensure you stay ahead of the trends, we have rounded up an edit of the short hairstyles we predict will be huge this year.

18 Short Brown Hairstyles to Try

Just scroll down to see our catwalk-approved slick styles, French-girl bobs, bold bangs, and more above, or scroll down for our handy styling tips.

1. Blunt Bob

Woman with straight blunt bob short brown hair wearing dark micro cat eye sunglasses
Be blunt with this bob haircut. Credit: Instagram.com/revelandrow

You only have to look to the likes of the A-list to see that short blunt cuts are some of the hottest bob looks for this year. Wear yours straight and sleek for a striking head-turning finish or with waves for a softer summer-ready look.

2. Split Bangs

Woman with a chestnut brown bob with retro split bangs
Try the split bangs trend for size. Credit: Instagram.com/sophia_rosemary

If you’ve been wanting to try a fringe for a while but aren’t sure you can commit, the split bangs trend is perfect for you. These blogger-approved fringes add a retro flair to any short cut and pair perfectly with wavy styles.

3. Slicked Back

Brunette with slicked back bob length hair
Slick back your hair with gel for a glam evening look. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

We love the slick back hair trend on everyone, but it has to be said it works especially well on short dark hairstyles. Adding a high fashion edge to your evening get-up, it makes dark hair shine and looks undeniably glam. No sleek style is complete without gel, and for ultimate hold, we love TRESemmé Extra Hold Gel. This gel gives you a 24-hour hold, and the formula features Aquascreen technology, so your style can last even in high humidity.

4. Side-swept Lob

Woman with a long bob haircut with chocolate brown and caramel highlights
Highlights are great for adding dimension to shorter styles. Credit: Instagram.com/petermenezes

Craving all the volume? Side-swept styles are a surefire way to add body and bounce to your short brown hairstyles. Flipping your hair to the side with a side parting instantly gives you more lift at the roots and gives the illusion of longer locks.

5. Shag Haircut

Woman with dark brown hair with a layered shag cut
This year is the year of the shag cut. Credit: Instagram.com/salsalhair

Looking for a total style overhaul? With red carpet stars opting for shaggy, layered cuts recently, the 70s shag haircut is all you need to transform your look and tick off this season’s biggest hair trend.

6. Pinned Back Pony

Woman with short brown hairstyle in low ponytail with hair slides
Slide into everyone’s top mane list with this ‘do. Credit: Instagram.com/karenwazenb

Anyone looking for short dark hairstyles will know that many updos just don’t work on shorter hair, which is where handy hair slides come in. Simply tie your hair in a low ponytail and secure loose strands with our fave new hair accessory. For the ultimate trend status, opt for over-the-top hair accessories like statement slides or snap clips.

7. Curly Shag

Woman with short brown curly hair with a fringe
Embrace natural curls to ace this short style. Credit: Instagram.com/larilala

Everyone is embracing their natural curls, and what better way to show them off than with a chic curly crop? In our book, it’s the epitome of coolness.

Want luscious defined curls? We suggest adding the TRESemmé Flawless Curls Extra Hold Mousse to your hair routine. Simply scrunch 2-3 pumps through towel-dried hair before styling and work through with your fingers, then allow to air dry for natural-looking, defined curls.

8. French Girl Bob with Bangs

Woman with a brunette French girl inspired bob with bangs
This French girl’s fave will be everywhere this year. Credit: Instagram.com/maggie_emerick

For this next ‘do, we turn to our Gallic neighbors for inspiration. French women are known for being effortlessly put together, and let’s be honest: once they’ve set the trend, we can’t help but follow suit! So, what should you be on the lookout for in terms of short brunette hairstyles? We suggest opting for the French-girl bob with bangs and topping your look with a beret to ensure you get all the double taps.

9. Long Pixie

Woman with short brown highlighted hair in long pixie cut with sweeping side fringe
You can’t go wrong with a classic long pixie. Credit: Instagram.com/blushwithme_parmita

Long pixie cuts have been and will forever be a staple for short hair – and we can see why when it looks this good! Expected to be a huge trend for the year, we predict that fans of last season’s buzz cut will soon be transitioning into long pixies. So what are you waiting for? Get ahead of the trend and get this pixie cut now.

10. Wavy Bob

Woman with a dark brunette blunt cut bob
Finish your blunt cut with wonderful waves. Credit: Instagram.com/peachiehair

For the perfect everyday style, show off your glossy brown hue with soft waves for an undone but polished wob (that’s a wavy bob, btw).  Create lots of movement by curling your locks both towards and away from your face with your curling wand. This will help to make your hair appear fuller and really showcase any highlights or subtle balayage tones.

11. Wet Look

Woman with short dark brown hair in a side-parting with bobby pins
Bold accessories can give your short hair a high-fashion feel. Credit: Instagram.com/brittsully

Wet look styles have been spotted on the runway at NYFW, not to mention they have been given the red carpet seal of approval by the fashion A-list, among many others. So, needless to say, you’ll be in pretty amazing company if you rock this look!

12. Angled Bob

Brunette woman with a sleek angled bob
The glass hair trend isn’t going anywhere. Credit: Instagram.com/inmadelope

The ultra-glossy glass hair trend is still making waves, and this sharp-angled bob is the perfect way to show off your sleek, styled strands. If you’re using straighteners to perfect your look, always remember to use a heat protectant to protect your strands. The Dove Style+Care Smooth and Shine Heat Protection Spray are perfect for this look as not only does it protect hair up to 230 degrees, but it’s also formulated with keratin and marula oil to fight frizz and keep flyaways at bay.

13. Textured Choppy Bob

Woman with a dark brunette choppy bob haircut
The more texture, the better. Credit: Instagram.com/gkamaral

Think you can’t rock short hair if your locks are naturally thin? Think again! Those with flat, fine hair will love the body-building benefits of this textured, choppy bob, and you’ll never have to worry about it weighing down your look.

14. Short Pixie Cut

Woman with a very short brunette pixie haircut
Short hair, I don’t care! Credit: Instagram.com/lalhou

Boyish cuts or sweeping and feminine, however, you choose to style, your pixie cuts can open up the face and accentuate your features. Take the leap and chop your brown locks short for a change of pace.

15. Curly Pixie Cut

Brunette woman with a short curly pixie cut
Pixie cuts don’t just suit straight hair. Credit: Instagram.com/inmadelope

Just because your hair isn’t naturally straight doesn’t mean you have to spend every morning straightening your hair to rock a pixie cut. Make the most of your curls with an adorable curly pixie like this Instagrammer, and you’ll wonder whatever stopped you from doing it sooner!

16. Cornrows

Jumbo cornrows
Simple and classic jumbo braids Photo byVerity Jane Smith.

When it comes to short brown hairstyles, we think cornrows are one of the most practical and stylish ways to keep short strands at bay. Check out our complete guide to cornrows for even more inspiration for this style.

17. Retro Bob

Woman with short dark brown shoulder-length hair with flicked out layers
This retro bob is back and even better. Credit: Instagram.com/delaphine_and_co

You thought you had seen all the bob hairstyles possible. Well, think again. The smooth, frizz-free finish and flicked-out ends of this ’60-inspired hairstyle will check off all your retro hair boxes. Add some cat-eye sunglasses, and you’ll be good to go.

18. Half-up Braids

Woman with a short brunette wavy bob in a half-up braided bun
It’s time to show off your braiding skills. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

If you love braids but don’t have enough length for a full braid, this half-up Dutch braid is the perfect antidote. We love the way the end of the braid has been wrapped around to create a cute little bun, too!

Thinking of creating this look at the home? We suggest using Suave Dry Texture Finishing Spray to add texture and give your braid more staying power. You can also make your braid appear fuller by gently pulling and loosening your braid (AKA pancaking) for the illusion of fuller and thicker hair.

Are you thinking about trying out one of these looks? Be sure to share the results with us over @AllThingsHairUS!

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