16 Amazing Examples of Short Dark Brown Hair in 2024

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Dark brown short hair can be the perfect blend of low maintenance and chic. Whether you’re aiming for a pixie cut or a sleek bob, the rich, deep brown color adds dimension and shine that looks amazing on shorter lengths. One thing to keep in mind with dark tones, though, is how quickly your ends can look dull if they’re not properly moisturized—a lightweight hair oil or serum is key to keeping that rich color looking vibrant. And if you’re thinking of adding layers or texture, be mindful of the placement to avoid bulk in the wrong areas. Ready to see some styles that’ll inspire your next cut? Check them out below!

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Short dark brown hair in sleek asymmetrical bob

#1 Short Dark Brown Hair

This sleek, asymmetrical bob with dark brown hair is a chic and timeless style. The sharp, slightly longer front pieces create a flattering, face-framing effect, perfect for adding dimension to shorter hair. The rich dark brown color enhances the shine, making the cut look polished and well-structured. Ideal for fine to medium hair, this look is low-maintenance but still feels fresh and modern. It’s a great choice if you’re after a bold, versatile style that can be worn straight or with texture.

Ash brown balayage on dark short hair

#2 Ash Brown Balayage on Dark Short Hair

This short bob features a stunning ash brown balayage on a dark brown base, giving the hair a cool, dimensional look. The soft waves add movement and texture, while the balayage subtly lightens the ends, creating a seamless blend from dark roots to ash brown tips. This style is perfect for fine to medium hair types, as the layered waves add volume without feeling too heavy. It’s a chic, low-maintenance option for anyone looking to refresh their dark hair with a modern, ash-toned finish.

Dark brown short hair with layers

#3 Dark Brown Short Hair with Layers

This soft, wavy bob with dark brown hair features subtle layers that add movement and dimension without taking away from the polished look. The layers are ideal for fine to medium hair, helping to create volume and prevent the style from looking too heavy. The rich dark brown shade brings out the shine, and the gentle waves add a touch of texture for an effortlessly chic finish. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, layered style that stays versatile and flattering.

Summer highlights for short dark brown hair

#4 Summer Highlights for Short Dark Brown Hair

This wavy bob with dark brown hair is beautifully brightened with soft, summer-inspired highlights. The blonde streaks are subtly blended throughout, giving a natural sun-kissed effect that’s perfect for warm weather. The waves add texture and volume, making this style ideal for those with fine to medium hair density. The highlights give the look a fresh, beachy feel without overwhelming the dark brown base, making it a great choice for anyone looking to lighten up their hair for the season.

Dark brown to blonde balayage for short bob hairstyle

#5 Dark Brown to Blonde Balayage Bob Hairstyle

This sleek short bob features a stunning dark brown to blonde balayage that creates a beautiful, soft gradient. The darker roots blend seamlessly into the blonde highlights, giving the hair dimension and brightness without harsh lines. The straight texture showcases the clean, sharp cut, perfect for someone with fine to medium hair density. This look is ideal for those who want to go lighter but maintain a natural, low-maintenance grow-out, while still keeping a chic and polished appearance.

Dark chocolate brown hair for short hair

#6 Dark Chocolate Brown for Short Hair

This short, dark chocolate brown bob with wispy bangs is a chic and sophisticated choice for someone seeking a polished look. The blunt cut creates a sharp, defined shape while the soft, feathered bangs add a playful touch. The rich chocolate brown shade gives depth and shine, especially on fine to medium hair. It’s a great option for those wanting a low-maintenance yet stylish look that frames the face beautifully. Perfect for anyone who wants a classic short hairstyle with a modern edge.

Dark brown hair with highlights for short straight hair

#7 Dark Brown with Highlights for Short Straight Hair

This sleek, chin-length bob with dark brown hair is beautifully highlighted with fine, golden streaks, creating a polished and sophisticated look. The straight texture enhances the sharpness of the cut, while the highlights add brightness and dimension, perfect for someone with fine to medium hair. The light-catching strands give a subtle lift to the overall style, making it ideal for those who want a low-maintenance yet eye-catching look. It’s perfect for anyone looking to refresh their dark brown hair without going overboard on color.

Short dark brown hair with balayage

#8 Short Dark Brown Hair with Balayage

This wavy bob with dark brown hair is beautifully enhanced by a subtle balayage that adds brightness and depth to the look. The lighter strands are strategically placed around the face, giving a natural, sun-kissed effect without overpowering the rich brown base. Perfect for those with fine to medium hair, the soft waves create movement and volume while keeping the style light and low-maintenance. It’s a great choice if you want to add dimension to dark hair without constant upkeep.

Dark brown hair with caramel money piece for short hair

#9 Short Dark Brown Hair with Caramel Money Piece

This short bob with dark brown hair is beautifully accented by a caramel “money piece” highlight that frames the face. The warm caramel tone adds brightness and dimension, making it a great choice for those wanting to draw attention to their facial features. The rest of the hair is kept natural with a sleek, blunt finish, ideal for someone with fine to medium hair who wants a low-maintenance style that still feels modern. The contrast between the dark brown base and the caramel highlights adds a fun yet sophisticated touch.

Dark lowlights for brown hair for short hair

#10 Dark Brown with Lowlights for Short Hair

This sleek, angled bob with dark lowlights adds depth and richness to brown hair, creating a smooth, polished look. The precision cut is perfect for those with straight hair and medium to thick density, as it gives structure and volume without feeling heavy. The darker lowlights blend seamlessly, making this a great option for anyone wanting to subtly enhance their natural brown hair without a drastic color change. It’s ideal for a sophisticated, low-maintenance look that stays chic as it grows out.

Dark brown hair with face framing highlights for short hair

#11 Short Dark Brown Hair with Face-Framing Highlights

This sleek, chin-length bob with dark brown hair is elevated by soft, face-framing highlights. The lighter blonde pieces along the front add brightness to the face without overpowering the overall style. This cut is ideal for someone with straight or slightly wavy hair, especially if you have finer hair as it gives the illusion of more volume. The blunt ends keep it polished, while the subtle highlights create a fresh, youthful glow. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their natural dark brown color with a bit of contrast.

Balayage hair for short dark brown hair

#12 Dark Brown Balayage for Short Hair

This short bob with dark brown balayage features soft, blended highlights that gradually lighten towards the ends. The subtle balayage gives a natural sun-kissed look while adding dimension and texture. The cut works well on wavy or straight hair and is ideal for those with fine to medium hair density. The minimal layering keeps it easy to manage while still offering movement. If you’re after a modern, low-maintenance hairstyle with just a hint of brightness, this balayage bob is a great option.

Dark brown hair with blonde highlights and lowlights for short hair

#13 Dark Brown with Blonde Highlights and Lowlights

This short, wavy bob features dark brown hair with blonde highlights and subtle lowlights, creating a beautiful multidimensional effect. The contrast of light and dark tones adds depth and texture, making the waves stand out even more. This style works best on medium to thick hair types, providing volume and body without feeling too heavy. The highlights around the face brighten the complexion, making it a perfect choice for someone wanting a modern, fresh look with minimal maintenance between salon visits.

Dark brown to light brown balayage for short hair

#14 Short Dark Brown to Light Brown Balayage Hair

This dark brown to light brown balayage on a short, blunt bob is a gorgeous option for adding depth and warmth. The balayage technique offers a soft, blended transition from the dark roots to the lighter ends, making it low-maintenance with natural grow-out. It works best on straight to slightly wavy hair with medium density. The slightly textured ends keep the cut from feeling too sharp, giving it a casual yet chic finish. This look is perfect for anyone wanting a sun-kissed glow without too much upkeep.

Dark brunette balayage with caramel ombre for short hair

#15 Dark Brunette Balayage Short Hair with Caramel Ombre

This short, wavy bob showcases a stunning dark brunette balayage with caramel ombre at the tips. The balayage adds natural-looking depth and warmth, while the caramel ends create a beautiful sun-kissed effect that works particularly well on medium-density, wavy hair. The subtle waves give the cut texture and movement, making it perfect for those looking for an effortlessly stylish look. The soft gradient from dark to light is low-maintenance, requiring fewer touch-ups than traditional highlights.

Dark brown with light brown highlights for short hair

#16 Short Dark Brown to Light Brown Highlights

This soft, shoulder-skimming bob with light brown highlights is perfect for those with fine to medium hair. The highlights around the face add brightness without being overpowering, giving this dark brown base a subtle pop of dimension. The slightly flipped ends create movement, ideal for someone wanting volume without layers. It’s a great low-maintenance option for anyone with straight or wavy hair who wants a youthful yet polished style. Keep in mind that regular glossing treatments can help maintain the richness of the brown tones.