30 Best Short Dark Hair Color Ideas of 2023

Short dark hair colors for women ↓ Jump to Photo Gallery
Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Short dark hair is the perfect modern bold look! Celebrities like Halle Berry, Rihanna, Natalie Portman and Victoria Beckham have all embraced their naturally dark color with an edgy and strong short hairdo to match their personality. If you’re looking for the same thing, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ve put together some amazing photos of dark hair colors for all types of short haircuts. You’ll find pixies, choppy layers, short bobs, highlights, and more. Get ready to be inspired to make the chop and go for that bold new you with a short dark hair color and cut!

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#1: Simple Textured Bob with Blonde Highlights

We adore this simple yet gorgeous cut that’s perfect when you’re growing out a pixie. Style with waves and a texture spray for an undone and dimensional look!

#2: Deep Brown Bob with Voluminous Waves

Are you looking to update your strands with a fresh, modern look? This deep brown bob with subtle highlights is perfect for those who want movement in their hair. The front layers add dimension without being too dramatic. The back layers provide body and texture. With this style, you’ll get just the right amount of bounce! For added volume and definition, use a curling iron or wand on sections of hair at the crown area. Use a texture spray to finish this look.

Jet Black Pixie with Choppy Layers and Micro Bangs
Instagram @sergii_zima

#3: Jet Black Pixie with Choppy Layers

A jet black pixie with choppy layers will give your hair a massive texture and a true shine. To feature the messy texture, use a lightweight wax and work it through the mid-lengths and ends. This look works best on slightly damp hair. So make sure to use a light-hold hairspray to keep the choppy layers and micro bangs in place.

Short Dark Brunette Round Afro Hair on Black Women
Instagram @enlace_salon

#4: Dark Brunette Round Afro Hair

A dark brunette round afro style is a popular option for black women. It can also be transformed into gorgeous short brown hairstyles with retro flair. This look provides plenty of versatility and is easy to maintain. Make sure to tell your stylist you want the shape of your afro to remain intact and rounded. Mention this so they don’t cut your hair squared off or angular. This will help ensure volume retention while keeping an even hairline.

Black Graduated Bob with Face-Framing Bangs and Layers
Instagram @isasalustiano

#5: Mini Graduated Bob with Face-Framing Bangs

If you like feminine hairstyles, consider a mini graduated bob with face-framing bangs. Have your stylist stack the nape and add layering to the length. The cheek-grazing fringe is the icing on the cake. This short style works well on all face shapes and can be worn curled or straight. Girl, this just might be your favorite new hair cut.

Matte Black Curly Bob on Jaw-Length, Thick Hair
Instagram @bellathomehair

#6: Matte Black Curly Bob

Give yourself some style with a matte black curly bob. Bob cuts are so versatile and edgy. And the shorter length is definitely easier to maintain than long hair. For a curly hairstyle, you’ll want medium layers and texture cutting to enhance the waves. As an option, you might want to incorporate a light bang to soften the forehead. Your waves will benefit from a curl-enhancing product. I recommend L’Oréal’s Curl Expression products, as it smells amazing.

#7: Short Black Round Bob with Side-Swept Bangs

A short black bob with side-swept bangs is an effortless style for those wearing glasses! Its round shape adds texture and soft movement while flattering most face shapes. For a truly polished look, use a light hold shaping cream to keep the hair in place all day long.

#8: Razor Cut Pixie with Soft Bangs

A dark brown razor-cut pixie with shorter layers and soft bangs is a stylish yet subtle look. It can work for any face shape, making it one of the best short hair ideas. A cut with lots of stacking layers will add texture and movement, creating a modern style that won’t go out of date. To finish off the look, use a light-hold hairspray to hold the soft layers in place. It won’t weigh them down. For an extra touch of texture and definition, apply mousse or hair wax in small amounts all over your head. Do this before styling, as desired. This haircut can be customized to all different hair types and textures.

Middle Part Waves on Jaw-Length Short Hair with Natural Dark Color
Instagram @cutlersalon

#9: Middle Part Waves on Short Hair

Middle-part waves on short hair are an easy style with a modern feeling. Bring your bob to life and let it wave. Your bob can be blown straight, but for a tousled and organic style, try a middle part and encourage your curl. If you don’t have a natural wave, add some with a 3/4-inch iron. You might want to give the waves some texture by applying a paste, such as Pureology’s Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste.

#10: Very Short and Sleek Pixie on Dark Hair

This very short, sleek pixie on dark hair is an ideal style for women with oval face shapes. From the back of the head to the front keep the layers soft and choppy to create a flattering feminine shape. To keep this extremely short style looking fresh, use a styling cream to give it extra hold and shine. For best results, I recommend using Unite’s 7Seconds Detangler. It will boost volume while also helping to protect your hair from heat damage.

Short Dark Low-Maintenance Tapered Pixie with Soft Texture on Fine Hair
Instagram @bloesalons

#11: Tapered Pixie with Soft Texture

Be an inspiration! Try this low-maintenance, tapered pixie cut that gives a soft texture to fine hair. This striking style is ideal for those who want a chic look without the fuss of maintenance. Depending on your face shape and desired overall look, you can wear it slicked down or tousled up. Both styles are equally flattering! For an effortless finish, use a light volumizing mousse. Try Oribe’s Soft Dry Conditioner Spray.

French Roast Black Curly Hair
Instagram @curlpop_n_hair

#12: French Roast Black Curly Hair

Rock a bob that can appear amazingly stylish when you embrace your natural texture. Keeping it ear-length not just balances the height of your hair and face but also highlights your eyes.

#13: Lived-In Inverted Bob with Dark Brown Hues

A highly flattering balayaged and short angled bob works best when styled with waved layers. It’s an easy hairstyle to grow out since you’re keeping your naturally dark roots.

#14: Dark Purple Stacked Bob

This features a universally flattering angled bob with long layers that give your texture and dimension to your hairstyle. We’re loving the deep violet hue that suits fair skin perfectly.

#15: Edgy Pixie

An attractive look can be enhanced by a rounded hairline that makes short or round faces look more oval. A super short pixie cut like this with lots of texture needs only a wee amount of product to style for a piecey look.

#16: Dark Brown Pixie with Wispy Bangs

Having long hair on top can give you varieties of styling options to choose from when you’re growing out a short hair cut. You can style it down to your forehead as wispy bangs accentuate your gorgeous eyes.

Piecey Messy Shag for Short Dark Hair
Instagram @salonoslc

#17: Piecey Messy Shag

With this tousled long pixie cut, you can easily create height and a soft texture. It’s a wake-up-and-go style with a feminine finish and puts the spotlight on your pretty face.

#18: Dark Burgundy Wedge

A short edgy haircut allows you to play with rich colors that don’t need much upkeep. Style your hair with side bangs and long layers for a fabulous finish.

#19: Vintage Bob with Fringe

A classic yet unique hairstyle is this super cute jaw-length bob that can suit any face shape. Style with a soft razor cut fringe for that distinct look.

Stunning A-Line Bob with Silver Highlights
Instagram @jessiejanesway

#20: Stunning A-Line Bob with Silver Highlights

The coolest hue for cold to neutral skin tones – this metallic grey when partnered with an edgy short hair cut is one of the trendiest styles you can try this season! Keeping it short also makes it easier to maintain and style.

Curly Blue Highlights
Instagram @littlefenu

#21: Curly Blue Highlights

Get this eye-catching vibrant ocean hair suits fair skins amazingly! It’s easy to maintain on a pixie cut, and it can also make your eyes pop!

Steel Dark Blue on Brown Hair
Instagram @raybarronhair

#22: Steel Dark Blue on Brown Hair

A super stunning metallic shade like this that’s ideal for fair skin looks exceptional on a layered bob cut. You don’t need too much styling as the color works well on its own!

#23: Unique Layered Angled Bob

Enhance your hair’s texture with a choppy short A-line bob cut that benefits thick hair the most. It removes bulk yet leaves your hair looking so stylish and easy to manage at the same time.

Casual Choppy A-line Bob
Instagram @ro.hsiqueira

#24: Casual Choppy A-line Bob

A simple and easy yet fabulous way to spice up your boring straight black hair is this layered chin-length cut. It’s super fashionable when tousled for that lived-in casual hair look that everyone wants right now.

Short Beautiful Dark Pixie with Caramel Highlights
Instagram @nickichestnut

#25: Beautiful Pixie with Caramel Highlights

Simpler to take care of and easy to style, yet the results are marvelous! This short hairstyle leaves you some length on the side to create cute styles such as waves and warm highlights, giving it an edge and uniqueness.

#26: Bold Dark Red Layers

The beauty about a stylish bob is that it’s super versatile to fit any face shape you may have. These bold crimson pieces can completely transform your look to a whole new level especially when you have a warm skin tone.

#27: Velvet Dark Red Highlights

If you are looking for a way to add some volume and interest to your shoulder-length hair, you can mix your wavy chocolate bob with sweet crimson highlights to add depth to your hair.

Sweet Dark Brown to Blonde Ombre
Instagram @onelittlemomma

#28: Sweet Dark Brown to Blonde Ombre

This features a natural and soft blend of sun-kissed colors that give you more depth if you have fine hair with a short haircut. It’s easy to maintain and style yet looks eye-catching all the time.

super short bob with fringe
Instagram @michelleleep

#29: Super Short Bob with Fringe

A super short bob paired with fringe is very trendy right now. Always a classic, the French bob adds effortless style to anyone wearing it. This cut works on a variety of hair textures and can be customized for you. Talk to your stylist about the best version of this cut for you.

extra dark long pixie cut
Instagram @alexei.fedorko

#30: Extra Dark Long Pixie Cut

Go for a long and extra dark pixie cut. Longer pixies are suitable for women who want a high fashion cut that’s easy to style. It’s a higher maintenance style needing to be shaped up every 4-6 weeks. A dark brown works well on warm and olive skin tones.


Posted In: Hair Colors Short Hair