Rewind five years ago and ombré hair was everywhere. Whether it was a pastel dip-dye or brunette to blonde transition, it felt like everyone was embracing the ombré hair trend. Fast forward to 2023, and the trend is set for a resurgence. It's still up there in the top hair colour trends of 2023. Auburn may be the celebrity hair colour of the moment, but ombré is hanging in there. The perfect way to naturally grow out your roots, ombré hair is a low-maintenance, easy upkeep hair colour trend. Below, we round up everything you need to know.
What is ombré hair?
Ombré hair is when there's a graduation in colour from the root of your hair to the tip. This is usually from dark to light – but could vary between any shade. Ombré hair is a great option for those wanting to 'grow out' their natural hair, as it leaves the roots without any colour. No colour on your root, means no expensive root touch up appointments.
While any hair colour variations can be ombré – grey ombré has proved itself a popular variation in recent years. Celebrities such as Michelle Visage, Kylie Jenner, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian have all tried out the 'grombré' hair trend.
What's the difference between ombré hair and dip dye?
While they're similar, ombré is not to be confused with dip dye. Dip dye hair has more of a stark contrast – where the tips of the hair look as though they've been dipped into a different colour. Ombré has more of a natural gradient, with one colour melting into the next.
What's the difference between balayage and ombre?
'Balayage is a highlighting technique where the colour is painted onto the hair in very thin strands,' explains Francesca Dixon, Creative Colourist at HARI's. 'Ombré is a shadow technique of colouring hair that has a gradual dark to light effect from root to tip. In salon we often merge the two techniques together which can create a beautiful result.'
Wanting to try out ombré for yourself? Get ready to scroll through and screenshot some of our favourite ombré hair colour options below…
9 Ombré Hair Looks To To Inspire Your Next Hair Colour Appointment
9 Ombré Hair Looks To To Inspire Your Next Hair Colour Appointment
1 of 9Blonde Root Smudge
This brunette to blonde ombre is a perfect way to grow out your natural hair colour. Picture credit: Instagram @easilockshair.
2 of 9Autumn Ends
Adding warmer, lighter pieces to the lengths, gives this hair colour a really natural autumn feel. Picture credit: Instagram @beautyj.w
3 of 9Blue To Purple Ombré
This deep blue to purple ombré is sure to turn heads for all the right reasons. Picture credit: Instagram @zoeadamshair
4 of 9Fruit Salad Colour Smudge
We're obsessed with this hot pink to orange colour fade. Picture credit: Instagram @zoeadamshair
5 of 9Natural Rosé
6 of 9Classic Ombré
Keeping the roots free from colour is an easy way to ensure your highlights are totally low-maintenance. Picture credit: Instagram @hairrehablondon
7 of 9Peachy Ombré
The darker roots give help this peachy pink tone really pop. Picture credit: Instagram @bleachlondon
8 of 9Dusky Pink
We love how the natural roots melt into this soft candyfloss pink. Picture credit: Instagram @romyhoskin
9 of 9Warm Ombré
Jamie Genevieve's gorgeous sunkissed ombré adds depth and definition to her hair. Picture credit: Instagram @joshwood