Image credit: @akash_limbachiya_wella

What Is Ombré Hair?

Ombré is a type of hair colour that fades gradually from darker roots to lighter ends, creating a natural gradient effect. It’s an effortless look that combines low maintenance with high impact; whether you prefer a subtle caramel fade or a bold contrasting colour, this technique gives your hair depth and character.

Read on to find out more about ombré hair, the difference between balayage and ombré and get some colour inspiration for your next look.

How Ombré Hair Works

Ombré is all about a smooth colour transition, from dark roots through to lighter or bold-coloured ends. During an ombré appointment, the colourist will apply a lightener, such as Blondor, mostly to the mid-lengths and ends of your strands, leaving the roots untouched or deepened for contrast.

This technique delivers:

• A multidimensional look: Natural depth near the roots with brighter ends.

• Easy maintenance: As your hair grows, the colour blend continues to stay soft and natural.

• Personalised tones: Your stylist can choose warm, neutral or cool shades that complement your complexion.

Unlike traditional highlights or balayage, which start closer to the scalp, ombré is focused on gradient placement rather than sweeps of highlights or the free-painted technique of balayage.

Is Ombré Still in Style?

Image credit: @luca_brusini, @hairbykheytristen

Ombré hair is more than a trend; it’s a timeless method that suits different styles and personalities. Here’s why it continues to be a requested style:

1. Low maintenance: Because the roots stay darker, ombré grows out beautifully and softly, without harsh regrowth lines.
2. Customizable for every shade: Ombré looks great on brunettes, blondes and redheads. Feeling bold? Ombré also works on fashion colours like rose gold and copper and other vibrant colour hues.
3. Enhances texture and movement: The blend in colour naturally emphasises curls, waves, or layered cuts so it’s a great choice for all curly hair types.
4. Universally flattering: If you’re unsure whether ombré will suit you, have a consultation at your nearest Wella salon ,where a skilled colourist can advise and tailor tone and placement to suit your skin undertone and hair type.

Ombré Hair Colour Inspiration: Pastel Shades by Wella Professionals

If you’re looking to experiment with colour while keeping your look soft and wearable, pastel ombré is the perfect choice. This look combines the timeless style of ombré with pastel tones for a playful yet sophisticated finish.

Image credit: @harriakerberg

Check out this hair transformation from Wella passionista, Harri Åkerberg, who creates a beautiful pastel ombré hair colour. Harri uses BlondorPlex to create teasy lights and Shinefinity to create the pastel shade, resulting in a stunning coluor without the commitment of an all-over change.

Ombré vs. Balayage: What’s the Difference?

Ombré and balayage are often compared and sometimes combined but they're not the same. If you’re drawn to a bold and two-tone contrast style, then ombré is your go-to. For a soft, diffused shimmer, balayage may be the better match for you. Like the sound of both? Ask your stylist about combining both techniques for a custom, multi-dimensional result.

Is Ombré Better than Highlights?

Ombré and highlights are styles that add both dimension and brightness to your hair, just in different ways. Ombré is a low-maintenance, blended look where darker roots gradually fade to lighter ends and grow out naturally. On the other hand, highlights are painted from root to tip, creating all-over brightness and an effortless-looking glow. There is no answer for which is “better”; it all depends on your style and upkeep preference.

If you’re looking for a soft and effortless gradient, then ombré is for you. However, if you’d like a more evenly distributed lightness, then highlights may be the right choice.

How to Care for Ombré Hair

Once you’ve achieved your dream ombré, the right care routine will help to keep it healthy, glossy and maintain its beautiful tone.

1. Use a Colour-Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner

Maintain vibrancy and smoothness with Wella Professionals ColorMotion+ Shampoo and Conditioner. The formula of the ColorMotion+ range helps to reconstruct hair bonds for vibrant shine, and stronger hair*.

*when using Structure+ Mask vs. no treatment

2. Add Nourishing Treatments to Your Routine

Ombré ends are lighter and more delicate, so replenish them weekly with the ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum to nourish hair inside and out, leaving strands with a smooth and shiny finish.

3. Refresh Tone Between Salon Visits

To keep your colour glowing between appointments, apply Wella Color Fresh Masks once a week. Depending on your ombré tone, we offer a range of shades like Caramel Glaze, Golden Gloss or Pearl Blonde. Color Fresh Masks revive colour and boost shine in just 10 minutes.

4. Protect Hair from Bleach Damage

As the mid-lengths and ends of your hair will be lightened to achieve the ombré effect, you’ll need to protect your hair from any damage. The ULTIMATE REPAIR range, including the Miracle Hair Rescue and Night Serum,provides deeply nourishing care from the inside out, which is especially important for bleached and coloured hair.

5. Protect from Heat

Before styling, ensure your hair is protected with EIMI Thermal Image. This offers heat protection and smoothness, as well as helping to prevent dryness by keeping your ombré looking silky from root to tip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does ombré hair last?

Ombré colour typically lasts between three to six months before a refresh is needed. The gradual fade makes it a low-maintenance style.

Can I get ombré on short hair?

Yes! Ombré looks great on short and medium styles such as an ombré bob. A Wella colourist can tailor the style to your haircut, keeping the transition soft and flattering, even on shorter hair.

Does ombré damage hair?

When done professionally with BlondorPlex, ombré is gentle and safe. Following up with a treatment such as the ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask helps protect the lightened ends.

Can I do ombré on curly or textured hair?

Yes, ombré enhances curls and waves by emphasizing shape and texture. Your colourist will adjust placement to complement your curl pattern for a balanced, dimensional look.

For more inspiration, take a look at our blog where you’ll find hair colour ideas, hair care tips and styling inspiration. Want to know more about your tresses? Take our hair quiz for an expert hair consultation.