60 Best Ombre Hair Color Ideas for Blond, Brown, Red and Black Hair

Although it has been hot popular for a couple of seasons, ombre is still extremely faddish and in great demand. Actually, it’s a superb opportunity to express yourself and add that very special extra glow to your looks. Most women want to have ombre because it’s considered very beautiful, low-maintenance and can fix some hair issues: to disguise the damaged ends, for instance. With a professionally performed ombre the ends do really appear thicker, the rest of the hair – more dimensional, the eyes brighter and the skin younger 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 more dramatic bent. We’ve tried to cover very different color solutions. Whatever your natural hair color is, you will find here some really cool ideas with highlights or solid color.

What Are the Upgrades of Today’s Ombre?

So, what are the fresh takes on the trend? Today’s ombre tends to appear more natural, being less drastic than it has been in the previous seasons. Now the choice for the ends would often be only 2 tones lighter, not as contrasting as before. Brunettes look especially flattering in so called sombre looks with less drastic 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 blonds up to almost silvery shades.

Ombre Hair Colors to Inspire Everyone

The choice of colors for ombre is, certainly, determined by your skin undertone and, to some extent, your natural hair hue. Women with cooler skin undertones, paired with medium brown hair color, may decide on icy brown and cool chestnuts. As for the reds, they are always on a big way and are so presently in particular. 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. There always will be ladies who want more contrasting shades for their hair and their demand is also satisfied. Let’s see some photos.

1. Red Hot Ombre

Red and black hair is hard to pull off because it can look like a costume or too unnatural. With an ombre dye job, you can gradually fade dark hair into a lighter vibrant shade. Plus, by keeping the roots dark you don’t have to worry about the awkward growing out process.

2. Chocolate Ombre

If you just want a subtle lightening of the ends, you can use hair dye instead of bleach which is a safer bet if you are attempting to create your own ombre at home. The color will not be as bright or drastic, but it will create a noticeable difference.

3. Smoke and Silver Ombre

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 the next one from top to bottom. Smoky grey and silver blue make a trendy color combination for a lady looking to update her hairdo with a fresh hair color solution.

4. Two-Tone Neutral Ombre

Blending shades in the same color family may seem counterproductive, but in this brown ombre hair style it works. Contrasting a warm copper shade with a cool toned chocolate, allows the hues to complement each other but still stand out in a way that feels natural.

5. Shimmering Wavy Ombre

Women who want 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 who want a sun kissed glow year round.

6. Auburn Ombre

Long hair can seem lifeless without shape and dimension, so make sure to incorporate razored layers to give your style structure. Red and black together is an edgy color combination, but it can look rather sophisticated depending on the hue you choose. Auburn, a warm mix of red and brown, is a good color to compliment black hair.

7. Crimson Ombre Hair

Get a hair color worthy of a rock star with this “bleeding red” ombre. Pair with tough leather and lace-up accents, and you will command attention the second you walk through the door. If you actually perform on the stage, dark roots are ideal for maintaining your style on the road.

8. Champagne Ombre

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 better with your base.

9. Soft Red Ombre

Many people believe that ombre red hair is only for tough punk rockers or biker chicks. But, the reality is your red coloristic solution can also be soft depending on the saturation of color you use and how you style your hair. Loose layered curls create a subtlety and femininity that’s refreshing for such a fairly bold hue.

10. Purple Passion Ombre

Ombre hairstyles can come in a variety of different shades. By sticking with dark hues on dark hair, you can add color without having to use bleach or harsh chemicals.

11. Beach Blonde Ombre

One of the most traditional ombre styles involves a fade from dark to light to give a lived-in appearance to your mane. Pair with beachy tousled waves for a low maintenance look that is appealing in many different settings.

12. Light to Dark Ombre

Reverse ombre happens when colors go from light to dark instead of the opposite. This is not recommended for thin strands because it will emphasize fineness throughout the crown, but it is a fun ombre hair color for blondes with medium to thick hair.

13. Casual Beach Wave Ombre

A blonde ombre with beach waves styling gives off the quintessential girl next door vibe—gorgeous hair that seems carefree and easy, but still looks polished and inspirational. A middle part is ideal for slimming round faces or chubby cheeks.

14. Strawberry Blonde Ombre Hair

Although ombre hairstyles typically have brown or black roots you can fade from red to blonde as well. The pale highlights against the muted red roots create a softer contrast than darker colors would.

15. Natural Brown Ombre

Nice and natural is the theme of the look. Ombre hairstyles are perfect for women who work in conservative jobs because you can add some flair to your look without being too over the top. Just make sure to stay within the same color family.

16. Natural Long Ombre

Dark ombre hair is a great look for women who are easygoing and just want a quick update to the hairdo they already have. Light brown will give your style warmth and depth, but won’t take as much effort to maintain as blonde.

17. Glamorous Bronde Ombre

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.

18. White Blonde Ombre

Many people would not think of blonde as edgy ombre highlights, but white or platinum hair colors 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.

19. Golden Brown Ombre

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 within your look.

20. Platinum Ombre Curl

Long loose curls are romantic and universally appealing because the style looks good on most face shapes and hair textures. But, after a while the hairdo can get a bit monotonous. Revamp the look with blonde tips to give it more of an edge.

21. Cascading Ombre Color

So often we associate ombre hair with either simple brown to blonde, 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 start with your natural hair color and then softly fade into a delicious hue within the same color family.

22. Long and Bright Hair

Dream of Rapunzel-caliber locks but don’t want the work of maintaining blonde? Go for a dark, dramatic combination of hues instead, like black and red. Red tips are especially fun during the fall and holiday seasons.

23. Ombre Hair Combined with Curls

Long hair is beautiful straight, but you’ll feel like a romantic princess when you fluff things up with gorgeous, full curls. Use hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron to introduce the curly magic to your locks.

24. Shades of Blonde

Blonde ombre hair is an easier way to maintain blonde hair, as it doesn’t depend so strongly upon a perfect overall hue. Hair rather blends and looks a bit more natural. The closer to the blonde tips, the lighter the strands should get.

25. Ombre Accenting

If you hold down a job in an office and can’t go too wild with your hair style choices, try a color job where ombre hair is used just as a subtle accent.

26. Do the Wave

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 with a setting spray. The final result? A perfectly angled wave gracing past your shoulders.

27. Shoulder Length Ombre Hair

With a bit of a kinked curl and a fun fade of hombre hair color, this is a great style choice for those girls who are experiencing the dreaded “growing out” phase. Brown to blonde ombre can sometimes look too dramatic, but when you go for a darker, honey-colored shade, it will not only look more natural, but illuminate each strand too.

28. Long, Fine Ombre Hair

If you have long, thin locks, they 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 women of all ages love to wear.

29. Mega Thick Bangs with Ombre Hair

Dark brown hair is gorgeous no matter what the season, and you can modernize your current ‘do with some color enhancement and thick, rounded bangs. The bangs should be in the darkest shade, with the hair lightening on the way down.

30. Angled Ombre Color

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. Ombre hair color doesn’t have to follow any rules – so go outside of the basic style with the angled color enhancement.

31. Rainbow Ombre

Reminiscent of a summer popsicle from childhood, this fun and expressive hair color combo is the right example of how ombre hair can be sweet without being subtle. Work in some burgundy and blonde, along with some other lesser seen hues like the bright mandarin orange.

32. Icy Blonde Style

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 it is beautiful. Colored hair is great in the standard brown, red and blonde – but you can also go more modern with a stunning contrast of blue-black and silver.

33. Reverse The Color Trend

If you want to try something different, go for a reverse ombre. Less common but just as beautiful, this is a fun option for natural blondes, as roots are much easier to maintain. Go for a dark brown or deep violet on the tips. Brown to blonde ombre will likely always be the more popular go-to, which is all the more reason you should try something new and different.

34. Curly Natural Ombre Hair

Ethnic 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 black hair with its natural curl by pairing it with lightened up coils placed randomly throughout your mane.

35. From Blonde to Blonder

Are you one of countless Caucasian women who naturally grow that non-descript hue between blonde and brown? Play it up with a colored style that starts natural and ends platinum.

36. Fire Engine Red Hair

Brown and red hair are common enough – so go bold with a fire engine red hue that is both head turning and fun to sport. 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.

37. Natural to Exotic Ombre Hair

Start with something natural like a medium brown, and then descend 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 cost a fortune to maintain, and you can shape and cut your hair into a variety of ways to spice things up.

38. Long Blonde Traditional Ombre

Long hair that goes from dark to light is the most standard ombre look and one that a stylist can easily accomplish on long, compliant locks. You can also go with a combination of brunette hues.

39. Inspired by Fire

Play with fire – at least when it comes to your hair! This rich variation of red, orange and blonde is stunning and classy at the same time. Wear it when you are feeling fiery and brave. Because who ever said you have to stick to the safe blonde and brown ombre hair color?

40. Ash Gray Ombre Hair

This natural and lovely ash gray fade is beautiful for all ages and ethnicities. It’s a great choice if you want to try an ombre hair color without going overboard with something shocking.

41. Sunny Ombre

Brown to blonde ombre is the most common solution when it comes to this dye technique because it allows women with dark hair to lighten without the excessive bleach and routine maintenance. Plus, it provides warmth and brightness to light complexions.

42. Gorgeous Golden Ombre

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 whole.

43. Pretty Purple Ombre

Take your ombre hair color to the next level with a cool-toned purple hue. The shade is perfect for ladies who don’t take life too seriously and just want to have a good time. It is also a great way to show off depth and dimension within thick and dense curly hair.

44. Sunny Blonde Ombre

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 dull complexions and provide a more youthful appearance without taking you too far out of your comfort zone.

45. Drastic Ombre

The great part about any style that uses this dye technique is that it’s easily personalized to suit your preferences. While it may be soft and subtle, it can also become dramatic by quickly changing from a rich brown at the roots to bright platinum at the ends.

46. Strawberry Siren Ombre

Give a whole new meaning to the name strawberry blonde with this gorgeous blonde and red style. What makes it really unique is that it effectively contrasts warm red tones at the roots and middle with a cool silvery rose blonde at the ends.

47. Rosy Brown Ombre

Blonde is not the only shade that works with a faded strawberry blonde color, it also can incorporate well into brown ombre hair. The key is to lean more towards a deep mauve color than a light golden pink. Because it’s such a complex shade, it’s best to have this done by a professional stylist.

48. Wavy Ombre Lob

Nothing is more current than a wavy lob. It is the number one most requested style at salons currently because it flatters most face shapes, and even though it’s short, it still feels feminine. By introducing a light brown hue at the ends you can uplift your tousled lob style.

49. Rock and Roll Balayage Ombre

In the same way the nineties have made a comeback, you can see the resurgence of early 2000’s trends on the horizon. The two-tone black and blonde look that was made popular by pop-goths of the decade like Avril Lavigne, has returned with a modern ombre edge.

50. Punk Purple Ombre

On its own, this long and straight hairdo would leave much to be desired. The easiest way to transform a basic hairstyle is with a fun pop of color. The best part is that many of these hues come in temporary paints and chalks that can be washed out.

51. Sunset Curly Ombre

Take a cue from nature the next time you want to rock light red or blonde ombre hair. Mimic the shades of a sunset within your style and fade your colors from a vibrant red to a sweet strawberry blonde. Textured layers and choppy fringe are on trend for the season.

52. Platinum and Purple Ombre

This dye 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.

53. Full and Flirty Ombre

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.

54. Textured Ombre Lob

If you want a la natural look, like the sun lightened your strands over the weeks spent at the beach, blonde tips are your best bet. You can go for a bit subtler version of the style seen here.

55. Icy Purple Ombre Hair

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 current and fresh look. Skip this if you’re low maintenance, with the colorful hue at the top you will definitely have to visit the salon regularly.

56. Black Rose with Burgundy Petals

Here is a stunning idea for black hair ombre. Clean, saturated but elegant burgundy hue is a worthy rim for beautiful black locks. Although this look is bold, it’s actually anything but garish.

57. Black into Extravagant Cold Pink

Black hair takes more effort to be lighted, but it does look showy in combination with a wide array of hues, even some truly resolute as this provocative icy pink.

58. Flamingo Feathers

More daring color choices blend better with darker hues of basic hair colors. There are periods in life when we crave for brightness. Demi-permanent dyes would be ideal to quench the thirst.

59. Dark Brown into Caramel

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 at numerous Internet resources.

60. Wine Red to Sunny Golds

This luxurious bright ombre is an idea for dark-haired women who do not mind adding some shade to the roots as well. Rich red wine hue blends harmoniously with sunny golds and gives its very final chord in pale blonds.

If you still haven’t tried the ombre trend, make sure that you’ll 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 a 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!