Short hair offers endless opportunities to experiment with bold styles, especially when you add highlights into the mix. Whether you prefer subtle, chic accents or want to make a bold statement, highlights can transform your short haircut from simple to stunning. In this post, we’ll explore 13 edgy ways to jazz up your short hair with highlights.

Jazz Up Your Short Hair with Highlights

From subtle pops of color to vibrant, high-contrast shades, highlights are a fantastic way to add dimension and personality to short hair. Here are 13 ideas to help you take your short haircut to the next level.

1. A Subtle Take on Chunky Highlights

Chunky highlights don’t always have to be loud and bold. A subtle take on chunky highlights involves using softer, more natural colors that blend seamlessly with your base color. Think of gentle blondes or browns that add just enough contrast for a fresh look without being overpowering.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Straight or wavy bobs.
• How to Style: Keep the base color close to your natural tone, and add one or two shades lighter for the highlights.
• Extra Tip: Use a gloss treatment to give the highlights a shiny, polished finish.

2. Shaggy Bob with Caramel Highlights

A shaggy bob is already a trendy style, but adding caramel highlights takes it to the next level. The soft caramel hues add warmth and texture, creating a sun-kissed effect that’s perfect for all seasons.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Layered or shaggy haircuts.
• How to Style: Apply a texturizing spray and scrunch the hair for a tousled, beachy look.
• Extra Tip: Caramel highlights look stunning on brunettes, as they add dimension without being too harsh.

3. Punk Rock Perfection

For those looking to channel their inner rebel, punk rock highlights are a fun and bold option. Think vibrant colors like electric blue, neon green, or deep purple paired with a daring short cut, such as a pixie or faux hawk.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Edgy cuts like pixies or undercuts.
• How to Style: Use bright, bold colors for high-impact highlights that contrast sharply with your base color.
• Extra Tip: Keep the sides shaved for extra attitude and style.

4. Blonde on Blonde

For a sophisticated yet edgy look, try layering different shades of blonde highlights over a blonde base. This monochromatic approach adds depth to your hair and works especially well on short bobs or pixies.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Short blonde hair.
• How to Style: Use multiple shades of blonde to create a multi-dimensional effect.
• Extra Tip: For a seamless transition between shades, ask your stylist to hand-paint the highlights using the balayage technique.

5. Dark Hair, Bright ‘Lights

If you have dark hair and want a bold contrast, bright highlights in colors like platinum blonde, icy silver, or pastel hues can make a striking statement. These vivid highlights create a stunning contrast that’s sure to turn heads.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Dark or black hair.
• How to Style: Focus the highlights on the front sections for an eye-catching look.
• Extra Tip: Use purple shampoo to maintain the cool tones and prevent brassiness.

6. Dark Red Hair with Copper Highlights

Dark red hair paired with copper highlights creates a rich and fiery combination. This style is perfect for anyone who loves bold, warm tones and wants to add a little shimmer to their short haircut.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Short, textured cuts.
• How to Style: Use a curling iron to create soft waves that enhance the copper highlights.
• Extra Tip: Use a color-safe shampoo to keep the red and copper hues vibrant.

7. Chocolate Vanilla Swirl

Why choose between light and dark when you can have both? The chocolate vanilla swirl look blends rich chocolate brown with soft, creamy vanilla highlights, creating a deliciously dimensional effect.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Wavy bobs or layered cuts.
• How to Style: Add soft curls or waves to showcase the contrast between the dark and light sections.
• Extra Tip: This look works best when the highlights are strategically placed around the face for a framing effect.

8. An Extreme ’90s Throwback

Channel the bold styles of the ‘90s with chunky, high-contrast highlights that scream retro chic. Think platinum streaks in jet-black hair or neon accents in a short crop.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Straight or textured short hair.
• How to Style: Use mousse for volume and a flat iron to straighten for that sleek, ’90s vibe.
• Extra Tip: To truly embrace the throwback, consider adding some colorful clips or butterfly accessories.

9. Blonde All Over

For an edgy, all-over transformation, bleach your hair to a bright blonde shade. Going full blonde can be a dramatic and bold look, especially for short, cropped hair.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Pixie cuts or bobs.
• How to Style: Use a hydrating mask regularly to keep the hair moisturized after bleaching.
• Extra Tip: Ask your stylist to add a few slightly darker highlights to create dimension and prevent the look from appearing too flat.

10. Hair on Fire

Bright orange and red highlights, or “hair on fire,” create an intense and fiery look. This bold style is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out and add some heat to their short haircut.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Layered cuts with lots of texture.
• How to Style: Focus the fiery highlights on the top layers for a sunburst effect.
• Extra Tip: For extra shine, use a gloss treatment to keep your colors vibrant and reflective.

11. Wavy Bob with Subtle Highlights

If you’re looking for something more understated, a wavy bob with subtle highlights offers a softer, more natural approach. This style adds a bit of dimension without overwhelming your look.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Fine or wavy hair.
• How to Style: Add loose waves using a curling wand to enhance the highlights and create movement.
• Extra Tip: Keep the highlights just a few shades lighter than your base for a natural glow.

12. A Real Rose Gold

Rose gold highlights on short hair are trendy and sophisticated, offering a blend of pink, gold, and blonde hues. This style adds warmth and brightness to your hair, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Blonde or light brown hair.
• How to Style: Apply a leave-in conditioner to enhance the shine and softness of the rose gold tones.
• Extra Tip: Consider refreshing the color every few weeks with a rose gold-tinted conditioner to maintain its vibrancy.

13. Red on Black

For a dramatic contrast, try bold red highlights on black hair. This striking combination offers a fierce, edgy look that is perfect for making a statement with short hair.

Tips:

• Ideal for: Dark or black hair.
• How to Style: Straighten the hair for a sleek, modern finish, allowing the red highlights to stand out.
• Extra Tip: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain the vibrancy of the red and prevent fading.

Conclusion

Highlights are a fantastic way to express your personal style, especially with short hair. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or want to go all out with bold, high-contrast colors, these 13 edgy ideas can help you jazz up your short haircut. With the right care and styling, your highlights will enhance your look and turn heads wherever you go.