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  4. 30 Short Hairstyles That Flatter Brown Hair Beautifully

30 Short Hairstyles That Flatter Brown Hair Beautifully

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated May 26, 2022
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Short Brown Hairstyles 2022
Credit: @styled_by_carolynn

To chop or not to chop? This is the critical question that motivates hours of Pinterest perusing (and probably triggers cold sweats in the process). Add to that all the calculus involved in choosing a style—face shape, hair color, natural texture—and it's no wonder some of us never move beyond the inspiration stage.

But what if we told you there's a cut that's so endlessly adaptable it can work for basically everyone? It's time you meet the many iterations of the bob. This short style (and its even shorter sibling, the crop) might just be the perfect cut for brunettes, since it lifts weight from your locks, while bringing enough drama to complement dark hair. Whether you commit to that fierce collarbone-grazing look you've been eyeing for months or finally accent your signature bob with those perfectly wispy bangs, a short brunette cut can deliver exactly the oomph you're after. Find all the inspiration you need in these 30 can't-fail cuts.

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Rounded Chin Bob

Rounded Chin Bob
Credit: @natalieannehair

A deep side part balances the subtle asymmetry of this trendy bob, while the under-the-chin flip keeps the look feminine.

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Wispy Curtain Bangs

Wispy Curtain Bangs
Credit: @riawna

Can we observe a moment of silence for these perfectly wispy bangs? Add them to any lob or bob to achieve the sort of effortless style that would make Brigitte Bardot proud.

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Face-Framing Waves

Face-Framing Waves
Credit: @hairby_chrissy

Think collarbone-length means playing it safe? Wrong. This lob by stylist Chrissy Rasmussen has serious sass, thanks to artfully placed highlights and just-so waves.

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Retro Curly Bangs

Retro Curly Bangs
Credit: @salsalhair

We're convinced pursed lips are a necessary accessory for this bold shag. Since it's a shorter cut, the curly bangs blend right in, while still framing strong brows or chiseled cheekbones.

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Tousled Crop

Textured Crop
Credit: @mila_kryshchykhina

You'll never call crops "boyish" again after you try this ultra-feminine take. The flowy layers leave a little length up front for styling versatility, while the short back lends true crop cred.

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Sleek Shoulder Cut

Sleek Straight Shoulder Cut
Credit: @chrisjones_hair

Sharp, sleek, shoulder-length—what's not to envy about this edgy cut by stylist Chris Jones? To score a similar style, request a shoulder-grazing bob with minimal layering.

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Curly Shoulder Shag

Curly Shoulder Shag
Credit: @natalieannehair / Instagram

Curls demand lots of layers for maximum movement—and this shoulder-length cut doesn't disappoint. Tousled fringe helps break up the bounce.

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Angled Shoulder Cut

Angled Shoulder Cut
Credit: @natalieannehair

Prepare for lift-off! Take weight off your lob—and gain instant volume—by adding an angle toward the front. Request an A-line cut to avoid the layering of a stacked bob.

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Textured Chin Bob

Textured Chin Bob
Credit: @salsalhair

Break up your bob with layers and long curtain bangs for loads of texture. This striking cut is an easy way to add dimension to dark hair without highlights.

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Blunt Chin Bob

Blunt Chin Bob
Credit: @lucyhale

Can we be blunt? This no-frills chop is hard to beat. Wear it straight for a sharp, low-demand look or with a slight bend wave for a touch of the undone.

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Angled Balayage Bob

Angled Balayage Bob
Credit: @summerevansstudio

Rock your dark roots and embrace the lighter side with blonde balayage. The color contrast in this look by stylist Summer Evans pairs perfectly with a flattering angled bob.

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Retro Curly Shag

70s Curly Shag
Credit: @veronica_nunez

Shags will never lead you astray, especially if you're sporting natural curls. It's the coolest way to play up your texture. Trust us.

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Side-Swept Short Bob

Side-Swept Short Bob
Credit: @styled_by_carolynn

Nothing freshens up a spunky short cut like fringe. Side-swept bangs bring volume and movement, ensuring your bob never veers into helmet-hair territory.

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Balayaged A-Line Bob

Short Brown Hairstyles 2022
Credit: @styled_by_carolynn

Playing with length isn't the only way to dramatically switch things up. To update your classic dark brown cut, add a slight A-line angle and incorporate fuchsia balayage highlights toward the front. You'll love the fun, face-framing effect.

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Grown-Out Crop

Grown-Out Crop

Or as we like to call it, a "transitional" crop. Consider this a super grown-out pixie that could become a bob in no time if you miss the longer look. Something tells us you'll become a cropped-hair convert once you try this spunky style.

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Wavy Baby Bob

Wavy Baby Bob
Credit: @salsalhair

You'll look too cool for school with this fringed bob. It's a perfect halfway point if you're growing out a pixie—or an edgy way to transition from lob to bob. Our favorite part: You can let your natural texture shine with this unfussy style.

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Low-Maintenance Collarbone Cut

Hints of Cinnamon
Credit: @chrisgreenehair

If there were an emoji for a low-upkeep haircut, it'd be a smiley face sporting this relaxed lob. The long layers create just enough movement to satisfy your desire for texture, but without requiring much styling.

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Sunlit Textured Lob

Textured Lob
Credit: @nikkilee901

If air-drying is your morning M.O., this easygoing, layerless lob is the no-fuss cut to bring home from the salon.

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Money Piece Lob

Short Brown Hairstyles 2022
Credit: @styled_by_carolynn

Inject personality into this simple collarbone cut with warm caramel "money piece" highlights. These hand-painted, face-framing streaks are less of a commitment than a full head of highlights, but they don't skimp on visual impact.

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Thick Side Lob

Thick Side Lob
Credit: @chrisjones_hair

Nothing flaunts naturally thick hair like a deep side part. An everyday lob can go from basic to va-va-voom with a single swoop.

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Sideswept Crop

Sideswept Crop
Credit: @anhcotran

This style is short but far from sweet. The sharp layers and bursts of caramel balayage make it the epitome of adventurous.

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Balayaged Shoulder Cut

Balayaged Shoulder Cut
Credit: @chrisjones_hair

If shoulder-length feels blah to you, drop in a few well-placed streaks of caramel and golden blonde for a dose of daring. Effortless waves keep the look just soft enough.

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Curly Crop

Curly Crop
Credit: @ashleyantoinebeauty

Feeling wild and free starts with your head—literally. Give your curls a little autonomy with this layered, ultra-short cut, which lets your locks play as they please. Don't be shocked if you notice an extra spring in your step.

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French Girl Bob

French Girl Bob
Credit: @anhcotran

We're not saying this is the prettiest bob we've seen this year. But we're not not saying it. It's so delicately feminine that only a pinkish-red lip will do.

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Layered Lob

Layered Lob
Credit: @riawna

If you're not ready to venture above the chin, try this collarbone-grazing cut. The tousled layers keep your look lightweight and unfussy, yet with enough length to pull your hair back.

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Angled Lob

Angled Lob
Credit: @nicoleoharehair

Let's give the A-line cut the attention it deserves. This underrated (but oh-so-stylish) lob is versatile, totally manageable, and subtler than stacked cuts. Make this your secret weapon for highlighting beautiful bone structure.

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Collarbone Lob

Collarbone Lob
Credit: @salsalhair

One of the bonuses of dark hair is often a bold brow. Don't let that enviable feature go to waste—frame your face with a long bob, like this one by stylist Sal Salcedo.

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Volume-Packed Curly Crop

Crazy Curl Crop
Credit: @salsalhair

Because whoever tries to tame curls needs to think again. Bring on all the curly volume, please. 

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Thick Blunt Lob

Thick Blunt Lob
Credit: @chrisjones_hair

Listen, no one can pull off a blunt bob or lob like a thick-haired lady. That's just the truth. Maintaining a little length gives your strands enough pull to keep things tame.

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Relaxed Lob

Relaxed Lob
Credit: @ashley901_

All the low-maintenance gals out there can sit pretty with a no-frills lob like this one by stylist Ashley Ruiz.

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By Kaitlyn Yarborough

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 30 Rounded Chin Bob
    2 of 30 Wispy Curtain Bangs
    3 of 30 Face-Framing Waves
    4 of 30 Retro Curly Bangs
    5 of 30 Tousled Crop
    6 of 30 Sleek Shoulder Cut
    7 of 30 Curly Shoulder Shag
    8 of 30 Angled Shoulder Cut
    9 of 30 Textured Chin Bob
    10 of 30 Blunt Chin Bob
    11 of 30 Angled Balayage Bob
    12 of 30 Retro Curly Shag
    13 of 30 Side-Swept Short Bob
    14 of 30 Balayaged A-Line Bob
    15 of 30 Grown-Out Crop
    16 of 30 Wavy Baby Bob
    17 of 30 Low-Maintenance Collarbone Cut
    18 of 30 Sunlit Textured Lob
    19 of 30 Money Piece Lob
    20 of 30 Thick Side Lob
    21 of 30 Sideswept Crop
    22 of 30 Balayaged Shoulder Cut
    23 of 30 Curly Crop
    24 of 30 French Girl Bob
    25 of 30 Layered Lob
    26 of 30 Angled Lob
    27 of 30 Collarbone Lob
    28 of 30 Volume-Packed Curly Crop
    29 of 30 Thick Blunt Lob
    30 of 30 Relaxed Lob

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