I'm a Beauty Editor—Here's How I'm Planning to Switch Up My Bob

I’ve been the proud owner of a bob haircut for the past year and a half. It came after accepting the fact that as much as I love the idea of long, Rapunzel-esque hair, short styles suit my face shape better. However, I’m now starting to feel a bit bored with the colour, which has been a variation of dark brown for as long as I can remember. I feel a familiar aesthetic itch creeping up on me, which has seen me get a tattoo and helix piercing in the last six months alone. After trawling through the social media pages of some of my favourite influencers and celebrities, I’ve well and truly warmed to the idea of going for a soft balayage.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698053578058-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Hailey Bieber proves just how flattering softly blended ends can be on a bob.

What Is Balayage?

Tom Connell, hair art director at Davines, describes the technique as sweeping and painting colour in a way that it won’t look like it has been placed in one static area. "Balayage will show a lighter colour blending from [the] natural colour rather than a solid place, which is achieved [with] traditional highlights.”

A quick Google search for "balayage", and you’ll most likely be served images of those with longer, lighter hair embracing the trend, but it’s important to remember the technique not only works on all hair colours, but textures and lengths too. "It comes down to tailoring it to the individual,” says Connell. "Eye colour, skin tone and how much shadow you want to create around the face should all be taken into account.”

So if like me if you have a lobbob or pixie cut, I’ve searched high and low for the best short hair balayage inspiration to save for your next trip to the salon.

Short Hair Balayage Inspiration

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698053006579-main

(Image credit: @ERIKA_BOLDRIN)

A perfect example of balayage on short, dark hair. I'm definitely tempted by these copper tones for autumn.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698076986081-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Halle Berry's cropped, caramel curls perfectly complement her skin tone and face shape. 

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698052193516-main

(Image credit: @ANTHONYHOLGUIN)

Soft waves and balayage are a match made in heaven, as seen on Taylor Hill.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698077050089-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

All-over icy blonde can be hard to maintain. Do it like Saoirse Ronan so that any regrowth will blend in seamlessly.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698052316547-main

(Image credit: @MISSTPW)

I love how Tia Ward's darker roots blend out into a subtle caramel balayage.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698052623300-main

(Image credit: @GOODWOODX)

When it comes to balayage, you can be as subtle or bold as you like.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698052780302-main

(Image credit: @MADDIEBRIELL)

Balayage is super versatile and looks as good on wavy hair as it does straight.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698077133416-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Say goodbye to monthly root touch-ups by pairing curtain bangs with soft balayage à la Rose Bryne's lob.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698052487653-main

(Image credit: @CAITLINMIYAKO)

Caitlin Miyako demonstrates how low-maintenance a balayage bob and fringe can be.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698053734772-main

(Image credit: @THE_OLUWASEUN)

These blended blonde and copper tones are *chef's kiss*.

balayage-short-hair-285519-1698052090697-main

(Image credit: @GOODWOODX)

If you have naturally dark blonde or light brown hair, running a lighter shade through the ends will really help to lift the look.

Shop the Best Products for Balayage:

Next Up: The Stacked Bob Is This Year's Most Unexpected Hair Trend

Mollie Burdell is a freelance beauty editor, presenter and host. She trained as a makeup artist at the prestigious Delamar Academy, covering everything from prosthetics and theatre to TV and film, and then went on to graduate from university with a First Class Honours degree in journalism.After completing internships at Grazia, Look, Cosmopolitan and Stylist, she landed her first writer role at Superdrug's Dare magazine. Mollie then joined the Harrods content team as a beauty writer before being promoted to the deputy beauty editor. There, she developed the content strategy, tone of voice and creative identity for H Beauty—Harrods's standalone regional beauty stores. When she wasn't interviewing the likes of Gigi Hadid, Miranda Kerr and Regé-Jean Page, you'd find her on a live broadcast, hosting an event, shooting video content, reviewing the lastest beauty launch on social or crafting a magazine feature. She has also hosted and contributed to the LuxeGirl by SheerLuxe YouTube series.When Mollie isn't writing about beauty, you'll find her talking about it on a TikTok shop, dancing to pretty much anything with a beat, reading a crime thriller or performing a solo rendition of "One Day More" from Les Mis.