As a creative person, musician and actress at heart, Stacey Bradshaw has experimented a lot with her hairstyles just out of curiosity: blunt and side swept bangs, layered haircut, long bob, highlights, dark toning etc. “Life is too long to be afraid of changes. Monotony is dull” is her motto. She is a freelance writer, keen reader, and just a curious person, who loves exploring new useful information on nutrition and beauty tips for keeping hair healthy and pretty.
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Karen Hill is a writer and graduate of Fordham University, with works published by MarieClaire.com, Her Campus, CNN.com, amongst others. She's been on her own natural hair journey for five years and has a freakish knowledge and collection of hair oils. (Jamaican black castor oil is a fave!) In her rare moments of free time you can catch her bargain hunting, deep-conditioning her curls, or binging on the bachelor.
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Vanessa Koeb is a freelance color & cut expert and educator who has been in the hair industry for over 17 years. Originally from Italy, Vanessa moved to London, UK, 9 years ago to specialize in hair transformations, becoming very passionate about creating unique haircuts and color formulations that represent people’s individuality. She currently works as a freelancer at The Hair Salon in Hove UK (@thehairsalon) where she also hosts her coloring and cutting courses.
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@morgan.mecca.hair
Subtle ombre hair, or “sombre,” is a softer, updated version of the popular trend. It melts highlights into a lighter hue at the bottom for the overall silky color that blends perfectly with your base color.
Although it has been popular for a couple of seasons, ombre is still extremely trendy and in great demand. Actually, it’s a superb opportunity to express yourself and add that very special extra glow to your looks. Most people want to have ombre because it’s considered very beautiful and low-maintenance. With a professionally performed ombre the hair do really appear thicker, and more dimensional, while the eyes with the skin brighter and fresher.
We are going to share 60 versatile ombre looks. Many of them breathe with natural grace, sophistication and elegance, while others are with a bolder style. We’ve tried to cover different color solutions. Whatever is your natural hair color, you will find here some really cool ideas with highlights or solid color.
The choice of colors for ombre is, certainly, determined by your skin undertone and, to some extent, your natural hair hue. People with cooler skin undertones, paired with medium brown hair color, may decide on icy brown and cool chestnut tones. Redheads with warm skin tones look pretty awesome with peachy and golden ombre shades.
Another spin on ombre still offers us bolder glamorous solutions when you are going from very dark to very light. In fact, there always will be those who want more contrasting shades for their hair to rock statement hair colors. To experiment with new ideas, try an AI hair color changer. Now, let’s see some photos.
@hairbynoora
Red and dark hair is hard to pull off because it can look unnatural. With an ombre color technique, you can gradually fade dark hair from a subtle plum red into a lighter vibrant shade. Plus, by keeping the roots dark, you don’t have to worry about the growing out process too much.
If you want a subtle lightening through the ends, you can use a hair dye instead of bleach (whether possible), which is a safer bet. The color will not be as bright or contrasting but it will create a noticeable difference.
@hairluvbytiffany
Ombre color can be as creative or as natural as you want it to be. The concept still remains the same – fading one color into another one from top to bottom. Smoky gray and silver-blue make a trendy color combination for someone looking to update their hairdo with a fresh hair color solution.
@rachellemariano.che
Blending shades in the same color family may seem too subtle, but in this brown ombre hair style, it works. Contrasting a warm brown copper shade with a cool-toned chocolate one allows the hues to complement each other, still standing out in a way that feels natural.
@morgan.mecca.hair
Who wants a more natural look should opt for a balayage ombre. The painted-on method creates softer lines like the caramel ribbons shown here. It’s perfect for those looking for a sun-kissed glow year-round.
@hairbykatlin
Long hair can seem lifeless without shape and dimension, so make sure to incorporate razored layers to give your style structure. Red and dark brown together is an edgy color combination, but it can look rather sophisticated, depending on the hue you choose. Auburn, with a mix of red, is a good color to compliment very dark hair.
@off7thsalon
Get a hair color worthy of a rock star with this “bleeding red” ombre. Paired with tough leather and lace-up accents, you will command attention the second you walk through the door. If you are actually touring and performing on the stage, dark roots are ideal for maintaining your style while on the road.
@notanothersalon
Subtle ombre hair, or “sombre,” is a softer, updated version of the popular trend. It melts highlights into a lighter hue at the bottom for the overall silky color that blends perfectly with your base color.
@morgan.mecca.hair
Many people believe that ombre red hair is only for tough punk rockers. But the reality is your red color solution can also be soft, depending on the saturation of color you go for and how you style your hair. Loose layered curls create a subtlety and femininity that’s refreshing for such a fairly bold hue.
@off7thsalo
Ombre hairstyles can come in a variety of different shades. By adding juicy plum hues to dark hair, you can spice up your mane, keeping it on the easy-to-maintain side.
@butterflyloftsalon
One of the most traditional ombre styles involves a fade from dark to light to give a lived-in appearance to your mane. Pair it with beachy tousled waves for a low-maintenance look that is appealing in many different settings.
@modernsalon
Reverse ombre happens when shades go from light to dark instead of the opposite. This is not recommended for very thin strands because it will cause hair breakage, but it is a fun ombre hair color for blondes with medium to thick hair.
@modernsalon
A blonde ombre with beach waves styling gives off a healthy sun-kissed vibe—gorgeous hair that seems carefree and easy but still looks chic and polished. A middle part is ideal for softening the facial features.
@modernsalon
Although ombre hairstyles typically have dark roots, you can create a fade from auburn to blonde as well. The pale highlights close to the muted red roots create a softer yet beautiful contrast.
@carrie.laffen
Nice and natural is the vibe of this look. Ombre hairstyles are perfect for those who work in conservative environments because they add some flair to your look without being over the top. Just make sure to go for shades that are in the same color family.
@kaleybess
Subtle ombre hair is a great choice for easygoing people looking for a quick update on their hair. A very light brown will give your style warmth and depth but won’t take as much effort to maintain as a blonde one would do.
@igorkhonin
Blonde and brown ombre styles are not “one size fits all.” The shades and tones depend on the complexion of the wearer and should be custom-blended. A crisp, cool champagne hue will really pop against olive and dark skin tones. With such a soft, gradual ombre, this is not a style for those with short hair because you won’t be able to get the full effect.
@rachellemariano.che
Many people would not think of ombre as an edgy highlighted blonde— instead, white or platinum shades create a nice contrast against a dark brown base. You can also go for a black and blonde solution if you want a starker contrast.
@josievilay
If you want a more natural ombre hair style, opt for complementary colors. Dark mahogany and mute copper both have warm tones that work well together without clashing with your look.
@modernsalon
Long loose curls are romantic and universally appealing because the style looks good on most face shapes and hair textures even if after a while it can get a bit monotonous. Revamp the look with blonde tips toned with a glossy pastel gold to give it more of an edge.
@hairbystevie
So often, we associate ombre hair with either brown to blonde shades or else – a dramatic DIY dip dye. However, this is a style that can be much more subtle and sophisticated if you wish. Ombre hairstyles can elevate your natural hair color, softly fading into a delicious caramel hue.
@neon_beauty
Dream of Rapunzel-caliber locks but don’t want the work of maintaining the blonde? Go for a dark, dramatic combination of hues instead, like black and red. Bright red tips are so much fun during the fall and holiday seasons.
@stevievincenthairartistry
Long hair looks beautiful when straight, but fluffing things up with gorgeous, full curls can make you feel like a romantic princess. Use hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron to introduce the curly magic to your locks.
@constancerobbins
For this stunning ombre look, opt for a sandy blonde hair color, as it is a perfect match for cool icy blonde tones. The closer to the blonde tips, the lighter the strands should get. And you would also need to think about proper hair care to keep your bleached strands healthy and shiny.
@wesdoeshair
If you hold down a job in an office and can’t go too wild with your hairstyle choices, try a color placement where ombre hair is used just as a subtle accent.
@hugosalon
If you’ve been blessed with straight, long locks but want some more volume, this style will work well for you. To get this look, side part the hair and then curl the face-framing sections and midshaft. Brush out those curls to make them loose, and set them with a setting spray. The final result? A perfectly angled wave graced past your shoulders.
@saloncouture_ny
With a bit of a kinked curl and a fun fade, this is a great ombre choice for those experiencing the dreaded “growing out” phase. Brown to blonde ombre can sometimes look obvious, but if you go for a darker, honey-colored shade, it will look more natural as it illuminates each strand.
@annieframartistry
If you have long and fine locks, it can also benefit from ombre color. The variation of hues will give the illusion of thickness and texture to the hair. Whether you go from dark to light or light to dark, ombre hair is a popular body booster that people of all ages love to wear.
@neon_beauty
Dark brown hair is gorgeous no matter the season, and you can modernize your current ‘do with some color enhancement paired with thick, rounded bangs. The bang works beautifully if in the darkest shade, with the hair lightening on the way down.
@hairshaftralph
Light brown to dark blonde hair is a perfect canvas for some light ombre art. Have your strands bleached into a “V” shape to color hair in a more creative way. Go outside of the basic style with the angled color enhancement.
@manuellobo
Embracing a pastel purple hue in your brunette base is a fantastic way to stand out and express your unique style. It’s a powerful choice that allows you to showcase your individuality and make a lasting impression.
@xcellentbeautysalon
If you love winter and want to pay homage to it any time of the year, check out this blue-blonde ombre that is as unique as beautiful. Colored hair is great in brown, red and blonde shades – but you can also go for a more bespoke color choice with a stunning contrast of blue-black and silver.
@glamiris
If you want to try something different, go for a reverse ombre. Less commercial but just as beautiful. This is a fun option for natural blondes too, as roots are much easier to maintain. Opt for a dark brown or deep violet on the tips. Brown to blonde ombre will likely always be the more popular go-to, this is why you should try something new and different.
@glamhairbymarie
Textured hair can look gorgeous with ombre, too. Often, the examples provided to us feature sleek, long and straight locks, but this isn’t always the case in reality. Embrace your dark hair with its natural curl pattern by pairing it with lightened-up coils placed throughout your mane.
@curlfactor
If you are stuck between blonde and brown, this ombre style is just for you! Play it up with a colored style that starts natural and ends platinum.
@donifortunato
Brown and red hair are popular enough, so go bold with a fire engine red hue that is both head-turning and fun to showcase. A deep auburn or burgundy makes a great base color, with tips lightening into the brightest red. Red to blonde ombre is another fun combo to try if you want other variations with red.
@shondabroadus
Start with something natural like a medium brown that blends into a cool lavender or electric green. This works well for medium hair textures. If you’re born a brunette, this ombre style won’t be high maintenance, and you can cut your hair into a variety of ways and shapes to spice things up.
@christinakreitel
Long hair that goes from dark to light is the most popular ombre look and one that a stylist can easily achieve on long locks. You can also opt for a combination of brunette hues.
@hairbykacie1
Play with fire (tones) – at least when it comes to your hair! This rich variation of red, orange, and blonde is stunning and classy at the same time. Extremely wearable if you are feeling fiery and brave. Because who’s ever said you have to stick to the “safe” blonde and brown ombre hair color?
@breein.hair_makeup
This natural and lovely ash gray fade is exceptionally beautiful. It’s a great choice if you want to try a bold ombre hair color that has a chic feel to it.
@bescene
Brown to blonde ombre is a known solution when it comes to this dye technique because it allows people with dark hair to lighten without going excessively lighter, keeping a low-maintenance routine. Plus, it provides warmth and brightness to complexions.
Looking for a style to stand out in pictures? This is a romantic and trendy hairdo that will look amazing no matter what the occasion is. It’s beautiful and non-trivial because it blends warm and ash hues into a harmonious beige tone.
@off7thsalon
Take your ombre hair color to the next level with a cool-toned purple hue. This shade is perfect for those seeing life in a colorful and fun spectrum. It is also a great way to showcase depth and dimension within thick and dense curly hair.
@raninessa
If you want to lighten your dark hair for the summer, or just need a change, a brown to blonde ombre variation is your best bet. It helps to brighten up complexions and provide a change without taking you out of your comfort zone.
@a_fournier222
The great part about any style that uses this coloring technique is that it’s easily personalized to suit your preferences. While it may be soft and subtle, it can also become contrasting by changing from a cool brown at the roots to bright platinum at the ends.
@selamiersoyy
Give a whole new meaning to the name strawberry blonde with this gorgeous blonde and red-hued style. What makes it really unique is that it effectively contrasts warm tones at the roots while blending with a cool, silvery rose blonde at the ends.
@thefoxandthehair
This color transformation is truly stunning and can be embraced by anyone, even those who may be hesitant about change. Mix caramel brown and rose gold hues to create a perfect blend that complements your fair skin and elevates your look to the absolute next level.
@amandaepsteinhair
Nothing is more popular than a wavy lob. It is the number one most requested style in salons as it generally flatters most face shapes. It is also low maintenance to style on most hair types. By incorporating a light brown hue through the ends, you can uplift your tousled lob style.
@mizzchoi
The double-toned black and blonde look, which was made popular by pop goths of the decade (Avril Lavigne), has returned with a modern ombre edge. In the same way, the nineties have made a comeback, you can see the resurgence of early 2000s trends on the horizon.
@nikki_doeshair_
Brunette hair pairs well with blue and purple hues, so if your goal is to create a visually striking and captivating effect on your locks — opt for this stunning combination! The vibrant and bold nature of purple will emphasize the depth and richness of very dark hair for a dynamic, attention-grabbing ombre hair color.
@jonathan_colors
Take inspiration from nature next time you want to rock light red or blonde ombre hair. Replicate the shades of sunset within your style and fade your colors from a vibrant red to a strawberry blonde. Textured layers with choppy fringes are on trend for the season.
@_ta.maa.ra_
This coloring technique does not always fade from dark to light, even though that is the most common iteration; a reverse ombre, like the one shown here, moves from light at the roots to dark at the ends. While the effect is definitely cool, it requires a bit more maintenance at the roots than a typical ombre would.
@karaleehair
Ombre hair works on any hair length or texture because it is universally flattering. You can make it as intense or as subtle as you want. Here, it is used as an accent for big bouncy curls.
@josievilay
If you want a natural look, as if the sun lightened your strands over days spent on the beach, then blonde tips are your best bet. You can also opt for a subtle version of the style seen here.
@jesstheebesttcolor
If you are looking for some “outside of the box” color ideas, this is a great place to start. By mixing purple with the soft, washed lilac, you get a delicate but still current look. Skip this if you’re looking for something low maintenance. With the colorful hue placed at the top, you will definitely have to visit the salon regularly.
@modernsalon
Bright reds can create a timeless and striking look, especially when paired with dark brown hair. The contrast between the vibrant red, deep brown, and black colors creates some of the most captivating ombre hair color ideas.
@lanahaircolorist
Black hair takes more effort to be lighted, but it does look incredible in combination with a wide array of hues, even some truly resolute as this provocative bright pink.
More daring color choices blend better with darker hues of basic hair colors. There are periods in life when we crave brightness. Demi-permanent dyes would be ideal to quench the thirst.
This famous look of Rihanna from Elle`s issue has got into all possible charts and top lists. The gorgeous red dress and no less gorgeous hairstyle turned so many heads! Well, they were discussed on numerous Internet resources.
If you’re seeking a significant change and want to make a bold statement, transitioning from total black to bright colors like blue and turquoise can be as radical as a striking choice. Complement this hairstyle with beachy waves for a more dimensional look.
@locksbylauryn
If you still haven’t tried the ombre trend, make sure that you look through as many pictures with ombre styles for your hair color as you need to feel confident about what you’d like to see as an end result. Once you decide on certain colors for your ombre, take the chosen picture to the colorist you’ll work with. The practice shows that the idea of what is, for instance, “soft chestnut ribbons,” “sweeping highlights in medium rose gold tones,” or “toffee-colored highlights throughout” differ significantly from person to person. So, better be prepared and good luck!
Yes, it is, but today’s ombre tends to appear more natural, being less contrasting than it has been in the previous seasons. Now, the choice for the ends would often be multitonal. Brunettes look flattering in so-called sombre looks with a subtle change of color, such as medium brown and honey hues blended with dark brown roots. Blondes with cool skin undertone seem extremely charming with natural beige fading into icy blonde up to almost silvery shades.
Ombre hair color should be lighter in tone and complement your base shade. The most popular ombre hair color combinations are a gradual fade of warm brown to caramel and a fade of cool, ashy brown to platinum blonde. If you are considering bright ends in colors like red, yellow, teal or blue, they will pair best with dark brown and black shades.
Ombre has evolved compared to the original take on the technique and, in many cases, balayage and ombre look quite similar now. Unlike balayage, ombre starts mid-length, which makes it more low maintenance. However, it may also require longer hair lengths to look natural. Also, mind that while reverse balayage – adding lowlight to tone hair color down – is quite popular during the fall months, it is something totally different from reverse ombre – a transition from lighter roots to dark ends, which results in quite an alternative hair color.
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Despite reaching its peak popularity in the 2000s, ombre remains a highly sought-after coloring technique in salons today. With a modern shift towards softer gradients and a blend of darker and lighter tones, this technique still maintains full saturation at the ends.
I love how the article explores various options, from rich reds and silvers to chocolate and copper tones. Personally, I'm drawn to the light-to-dark ombre styles, as they challenge the traditional norms of coloring techniques and offer a bold and refreshing take on ombre. The inclusion of reverse ombre styles is a standout feature for me in this article! ”