20 Short Hair Highlights We Can’t Get Enough Of this Season

A feast for the eyes.

The only thing cooler than a fresh short haircut is a look that includes short hair highlights too! Now, maybe it’s the new season that’s giving us “what should I do with my hair” funk, but we have the slightest obsession with short hairstyles, from pixies to bobs that have a unique look to them, with the help of highlights.

Tips for Short Hair Highlights

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

What to Keep in Mind

When picking out the best highlights for your short hair, it’s best to think about your complexion. You’ll want to match your highlights to your skin tone for the most flattering look. This means that if you have a warm undertone, stick to warm highlights, and if you have w cool undertone, stick to cool highlights.

You’ll also want to consider how much maintenance and upkeep you will do for your style. Balayage may be the best option if you want a very blended look that can go longer between touch-ups. If you don’t mind regular touch-ups and you want a big change, a chunkier highlight

20 Short Hair Highlights Ideas

Since we know we can’t be the only ones obsessed with this look, we share some of our top favorite short hair highlights. Scroll through to get inspired:

1. Ash Blonde Short Hair Highlights

short hair highlights: ash blonde pixie
A muted highlight for a subtle change.

If you’re looking for short hair highlights with a very muted yet dramatic impact, go for ash-blonde tones. We love how the color pops on this short cut. Mix light brown hues with dark blonde highlights to create a gorgeous dimension.

2. Tousled Bob with Blonde Highlights

Take your wavy bob to the next level with some blonde highlights: it creates a nice contrast with your dark roots and gives you a salon look 24/7.

3. Auburn Curls

short hair highlights: auburn curly hair
Bring your curls to life with a hint of color. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

There’s nothing like giving your curly textured hair an update with a pop of color. A few highlights can add dimension to your look and make your curls pop. Get your style on point with some Dove Curls Defining Mousse to nourish and protect your curls.

4. Blonde Bob

Young woman with short blond hair, red lips, and a pretty smile in a white shirt

Go full-on with short hair highlights to revamp your entire look. We adore the dramatic effect blonde highlights lend to this textured bob. Wearing this style in layers is another great way to amp up this look.

5. Short Brunette Hair with Light Brown Highlights

Looking to make a low-key statement on your short crop? A few light brown highlights strips can revamp your wavy brunette cut. It’s a low-maintenance color that suits any age.

6. Glossy Blonde Bob

short hair highlights: blonde lob
Glossy effect against dark hair.

Create a high-shine impact with blonde highlights on dark hair. Style your hair with Suave Professionals Sleek Anti-Frizz Smooth & Shine Cream for a glossy and smooth finish. Add some edge to your look with dark hair roots for this look.

7. Blonde Ombré

short hair highlights: blonde ombre
You can’t go wrong with a blonde ombré.

Spoiled for choice when it comes to short hair highlights? Keep it simple. You can’t ever go wrong with an ombré dye job. We recommend going from dark to light in your ombre for warmer seasons. For cooler seasons, we recommend going from light to dark. However, ultimately it is up to you to choose the ombre style that suits you best!

8. Dimensional Short Pixie with Blonde Highlights

short hair highlights: pixie blonde
A blend of blonde and light brown.

A mixture of colors creates a more unique and interesting look. Mix brown and light blonde tones to create dimension on a short and voluminous pixie cut. Further, elevate your look with gelled-up bangs.

9. Blonde Highlights Dark Roots

short hair highlights: blonde highlights
Lighten up a dark base with fresh short hair highlights.

Tired of sporting dark hair? Lighten your look with a fresh set of blonde highlights. We love a gorgeous and timeless balayage look. This highlight style looks stunning on various hair textures, lengths, and more.

10. Blunt Bob with Blonde Highlights

short hair highlights: blunt bob blonde highlights
Add visual interest to your simple blunt bob. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Let’s face it, although a blunt bob is chic, you might easily grow tired of the look. Revamp it with blonde highlights so you’ll never get bored. Wear it in an ombre formation, in streaks, or spread evenly throughout your locs – whatever you choose, there is a highlighting method perfect for your day-to-day.

11. Brassy Brown

short hair highlights: brassy brown
Make a brassy finish work in your favor.

Sometimes the brassy finish can work in your favor. We love the glistening effect these brassy highlights give to a dark brown base. You can even get creative and do the reverse of this style, where the brassy blonde is the base with hues of light-medium brown highlights.

12. Brown Highlights on Afro

short hair highlights: brown afro highlights
All you need is to add a touch of brown to create dimension.

Looking for a new way to style your short and natural hair texture? Add a touch of brown to the ends of your hair to create dimension to your look. If you are currently sporting a teenie weenie afro, this is also a great way to keep track of your hair growth as your new roots grow in and show you a line of demarcation between the dyed hair and your natural hair color.

13. Brown Streaks

short hair highlights: brown bob
Update your classic bob with brown highlights. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

How to make your signature bob hairstyle new again? Besides getting a fresh trim to maintain the shape, you can also treat yourself to a fresh set of short hair highlights. This style is also an excellent look for medium to long hair textures.

14. Highlights on Brown Pixie

short hair highlights: brown pixie
A hint of light brown highlights.

You don’t necessarily have to go all out when adding highlights to your short hair. A subtle hint of highlights is enough to create a noticeable and stylish update.

15. Golden Highlights

short hair highlights: golden highlights
Golden tones to lighten up your look.

Rose gold, golden brown, or golden brown, take your pick. Regardless of the season, these hair colors never seem to go out of trend. Golden tones are a surefire way to create a fun and refreshing look on your hair.

16. Blonde on Chocolate Brown Hair

Having trouble figuring out what colors work best together on warm brown hair? The contrast of blonde against a milk chocolate base creates a dramatic, stylish yet natural-looking effect.

17. Pink Highlights

short hair highlights: pink pixie
A pop of pink to make your short hair fun.

The strategic placement of this hair color is key. This is literally a pop of color! Comb your hair down, and it’s gone; tease and add volume… whoop, there it is! Try this look with pink dye, blonde, or a bold color that helps you get out of your comfort zone.

18. Platinum Blonde Short Hair Highlights

short hair highlights: platinum blonder
Sleek pixie with platinum highlights.

If you’re looking for short hair highlights with a cross between platinum and blonde, look no further than this look. The ombré effect starts off as a platinum hue and gradually transitions into a yellowish-blonde tint. We love the mod 1960s vibes too!

19. Bronde Balayage

The most loved toasted blonde hair color is revamped with chunky highlights along the sides and layers. Ideal if you want to give your bob some icy undertones.

20. Short Black Hair With Blonde Highlights

short hair highlights: blonde
Sultry blonde waves. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

If you have black jaw-length hair, you’ll be surprised at how much some highlights can change everything. Play around with your favorite shade of blonde or, if you’re daring, blue!

Are you thinking about trying out one of these styles? Be sure to grab a picture and tag us over @AllThingsHairUS!

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