31 ombré hair ideas that are laidback, beautiful and low maintenance

Even better it can solve the problem of root regrowth and ‘graduated roots’ (where roots are grown-out) has become a cool feature. The best part about the look? If you skipped your last highlights appointment, you're probably already rocking it.

What is the difference between a balayage and ombre hair?

While balayage focuses on multi-dimensional sweeps of colour applied to entire strands to create more contrast horizontally across hair, ombre's focus is less on highlights and lowlights blended seamlessly amongst other shades, and is more geared towards your colour graduating vertically from lighter ends at the bottom of your hair to dark roots at the top.

“An ombre hair colour is where one colour gradients from root to tip, however a balayage is a more dimensional technique where the hair is freehand painted, to achieve a more natural effect,” says Tyler Moore, expert stylist at Live True London salon.

How long does ombre hair last?

“Ombre grows out slowly and it will only completely come out when it is cut out. It lasts longer than highlights as it is not from the root so has a softer grow,” explains Kelly Lloyd, colourist at John Frieda Salons. Although, you can always paint over the top of the hair colour if you want a new look.

Does ombre hair work on all hair types?

“Normally ombre is designed for clients with long layered hair,” says Kelly, but we've seen it work beautifully on bobs. As for textures, it will be more visible on straight hair, but for curly girls who don't want to take a colour-change all the way up to their roots, it's a smart option, too.

Is ombre good for short hair?

“Ombre can really enhance the shape of precision haircuts, perfectly complementing heavy baselines, or above shoulder cuts,” says Emma. Just consider here your gradient will start advises Tyler as there is less length to create. gradual blend. “If you have short hair, you may want to choose to do a darker ombre closer to your root colour so that it can be blended out more easily.”

What are the benefits of ombre?

Well for a start, it looks cool. “Ombre - although less dimensional and less natural looking than a balayage - also provides some of the benefits of a balayage,” continues Tyler. “Regrowth is also fairly low maintenance, only needing a refresh once the ombre has grown out past the halfway point of your hair. It’s also a faster and simpler process than a balayage, so if you have limited time to spend in the salon, it might be a good option for you.”

It also gives you freedom to experiment with brighter tones and shades as it's a quick makeover option for the mid-lengths and ends.

Is there any way you should prepare your hair before going ombre?

“If your ends need lifting it's likely that bleach will be needed, so make sure your hair is in its best possible condition as this can cause stress to the most fragile area of your hair,” advises Emma. If you haven't got into the habit already, using a hair mask can really help to strengthen the hair so the colouring doesn't weaken it and ensure if you are a fan of heat styling to always use a heat protective product first.

What's the trend in ombre hair for 2024?

"We're expecting to see a renewed popularity of 2010s ombre styles," admits Tyler. “Think golden blonde ombre, toffee brunette ombre, and cobalt blue, as seen on Kylie Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens.”

Here's some of our favourite ways to wear ombre hair...

Kendall Jenner kept her dark natural roots in tact, while the mid-lengths and ends flowed into a lighter caramel shade.

Fleur East's XXL fro beautifully highlights ombre hair that blends from dark into light.

This soft, subtle blonde balayage seamlessly takes dark brunette roots to bright blonde ends without creating a harsh band of contrast.

Vanessa Hudgens candlelight ombre hair melts from dark chocolate to caramel.

A soft icy blonde at the ends with deeper darker roots at the top shows how you can blend even the most contrasting of colours with the ombre colouring technique.

This blonde to pink balayage is cute and fun.

A new way of wearing bronde, this blends from brunette to honey blonde effortlessly.

This sandy blonde shade is beautiful for summer.

Proof that purple ombre really does work. One to try in 2024 according to the experts.

A fiery look that isn't for the faint-hearted but it certainly is eye-catching and awe-inspiring.

Dark grey into a light lavender blonde that descends into white ends, this is truly beautiful.

Braids and extensions can rock the ombre look too.

Adding a warm copper through the ends is a beautiful and sophisticated way to go ombre if you don't fancy going blonde.