30 Short Hairstyles That Flatter Brown Hair Beautifully
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.
Rounded Chin Bob
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Because whoever tries to tame curls needs to think again. Bring on all the curly volume, please.
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Thick Blunt Lob
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
All the low-maintenance gals out there can sit pretty with a no-frills lob like this one by stylist Ashley Ruiz.