A dark ombre hair color is a hair coloring technique that gradually transitions the hair from a dark color on top to an even darker color on the bottom. Traditionally, the dark hues start at the roots and transition into light-colored ends. This can be the other way around – the roots lighter and the tips darker – and this is called reverse ombre.
With the balayage hand-painting technique, dark ombres are now more natural-looking than ever! The vast choices of colors to choose from and blend together make this hairstyle suitable for literally everyone to pull off no matter your complexion, natural hair color, and lifestyle. It’s key to communicate your colorist well, so you can let your personality out with the most flattering combination of shades!
Working with your natural shade makes this even easier to maintain, as grow-outs won’t be a problem! Highlights and lowlights can create a seamless transition that transforms the ombre hair into a natural-looking one, and for this, we are forever grateful.
See how Lucy Hale, Taraji Henson, and Selena Gomez are wearing their dark ombres, and for sure you’ll be green with envy. If you’re looking for a hairstyle with superb dimensions, contrast, and edge, this is absolutely the one for you.
Here we’ve rounded up only the most popular dark ombre hair looks for this year! Check ’em out now!
Short Dark Ombre Hair Color
Yes you can still do ombre on a pixie cut! And with that color transition, I am definite that it will look one of a kind.
Reverse Blonde to Dark Ombre
The deeper the color, the better! A silky light to dark fade that beautifully bewilders.
Reverse Light to Dark Ombre
Soft waves starting at the nape can bring a softer transition from light to dark. Here we have a dark caramel to black ombre.
Red Ombre
Sultry and sexy, like burning passion! Be an instant head-turner with silky scarlet ombre.
Balayage Ombre
Cookies and cream blended in a creamy consistency! Having dark roots and lighter ends tends to be the safest way to explore hair color. Plus, it’s really easy to maintain!
Grey Ombre
Stylist Aubrey made instagram-worthy hair goals! A soft fade from dark to light gray gives hair superb color quality.
Purple Ombre
Having violet hair is an easy and creative way of expressing yourself. A tint of gray transition to rich purple and lilac strands scream sass.
Rose Gold Ombre on Dark Hair
Balayage hair helps in transitioning color, especially in this dark to light one. Pink hair with ashy tones still stands out while emanating a chilled out vibe.
Dark Brown Ombre
This type of curly ombre makes a bold change from rich chocolate to some caramel twirls. And honestly, we’re living for it.
Brown Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Michelle Hess
Master Stylist @ JCPenney Salon in Bay City, MI
How would you describe this look?
I created this reverse ombre using a color melt technique, starting with her natural blonde blending colors down to the darkest brown. The cut is long layers styled with using Biolage thermal active spray and a large barrel curling iron.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This color is great for a natural blonde who wants a dramatic change without a lot of maintenance.
Blue Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Eva Lau
Hairstylist @ Kelvin Hair Salon Professional in Sarawak, Malaysia
How would you describe this look?
This look is minimalist yet at the same time stylish and dimensional from the color and layers.
One of my favorite thing about this look is the dark blue ombre that blends seamlessly with the dark roots. Darker roots allow the regrowth to be less obvious thus lower maintenance. Furthermore, since it’s in a darker shade, the color will last longer and even when it fades it will fade gorgeously. Dark blue is one of the coolest shade after all.
Any advice for someone considering it?
If you’re dark haired and wanted a very low maintenance look, this gorgeous dark blue ombre can definitely be one of your inspiration. You don’t necessarily have to dye your entire head to achieve this look. I will also recommend this for clients with a strict office dress code, as this subtle dark blue ombre is definitely not flaunting in HR’s eyes.
Dark Brown to Blonde Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Krysta Williss
Stylist / Colorist @ Govero Salons + Spa in Clayton, MO
How would you describe this look?
I created this rooted look with a combination of baby-lights and balayage. Baby-lights are just a hairdresser term for very finely weaved highlights and are supposed to give you a similar look to the sun-kissed highlights you would get as a child. Balayage is a hand-painting technique and when utilized, creates a melted look from dark to light. I used a razor technique for the majority of this cut to give her soft texture and really showcase the color.
My favorite part of the whole project was giving her a lived in color where she still felt lighter and brighter. The beach waves were created with a flatiron and finished off with Oribe Texturizing Spray. If you haven’t tried this product yet, you are seriously missing out. It creates effortless texture and volume in an instant for fine haired girls: this is your new best friend!
Any advice for someone considering it?
This client of mine, shown in the image, had been previously balayaged two times before this final transformation. Her hair was colored dark maroon before going blonde, so we had to trust the process and take it slow to protect her hair’s integrity.
My biggest advice to anyone wanting to go lighter: be 100% honest with your stylist about your color history and take it slow. Trust the process. Lifting virgin hair is pretty easy, but when lifting through old color (professional and box dye), it can be unpredictable. Taking it slow ensures that your hair stays healthy and doesn’t compromise anything.
I usually send all of my clients home with professional grade at-home care products to ensure the longevity and health of the hair. Any hair type can achieve this look in time but don’t be surprised if you have thick, dark hair, you probably won’t get to an icy blonde color in one service.
This color is lived-in, meaning you can go a few months without doing much to it and it’ll still look seamless. The cut can be achieved on straight hair to really curly hair. It has minimal layers for added movement and face-framing pieces to fit any face shape. No matter what texture, however, you style it, this color and the cut combo are perfect for all you low maintenance gals and guys out there!
Dark to Light Ombre Hair
Q&A with style creator, Betsy Ross
Independent Stylist in Grapevine, TX
How would you describe this look?
This is a dramatic blended ombre lob. The techniques used were babylights, balayage, root shadowing, compression cutting, and dry slide shear cutting. What I love about this look is how purely low maintenance it is but a high level of visual impact.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This is a great style for any client who loves a dramatic look but doesn’t have the time or budget to commit to one. This color and cut only need touch-ups only a few times per year and can work on most hair types. The cut styles with a lot of versatility and look great wavy or straight!
Dark Brown to Red Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Danielle Wojo
Hair Artist @ Veda Salon and Spa in Colorado Springs, CO
How would you describe this look?
I love the way we can play off the original root color, as melting a natural color into something bright and different is such a fun thing to do. Aveda texture tonic is great when styling looks like this, and giving it a bit of curl always gives the color a cool dimensional look when different light hits it.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would say this look is great for anyone who loves to show her hair off! Styling the hair with some texture and having a bold look gives it an overall look. Think cat eyes and Kat Von D.
Blonde Dark Ombre Hair
Q&A with style creator, Rhiana Cielonko
Stylist @ V A I N Austin Hair Salon in Austin, TX
How would you describe this look?
This look showcases a perfect golden lived in blonde. Using the balayage technique we can create that “beachy” look without having to spend the whole summer in the sun. Styling it with a wand will also enhance the look but adding the element of beachy waves
Any advice for someone considering it?
Since the blonde isn’t all the way to the root, it is perfect for someone who wants lower upkeep but still a total blonde look. If you are looking for some fun in sun this will def be the perfect summer look for you!
Caramel ombre on Dark Brown Hair
Q&A with style creator, Zoe Bernard
Stylist @ Connie’s Hair Salon in Strasburg, OH
How would you describe this look?
This look is a subtle approach to a caramel ombre for somebody who wants to change it up but it’s not too intense. My favorite thing about it is how well the color fades as well as how nice it grows out!
The mixture of coppers and beiges I used ensures it fades out nicely and she doesn’t have to worry about having drab hair, also being able to go longer in between appointments. This color technique looks great with straight or curled hair, short or long hair! The cut and color is super low maintenance. The technique I used and the color formula works with most clients depending on the intensity of color.
Any advice for someone considering it?
The client would need to be ok with warmer tones. This look again is great because it introduces the warm caramel tones without the fear of being too red if that is a concern of the client.
Dark Black to Silver Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Sarah Smith
Educator and Vivids Director @ The Business of Balayage Sola & Suite Owner @ Nest Hair Studio in Richmond, VA
How would you describe this look?
My favorite thing about this look is how bright and cool we finally got her highlights. This client has naturally warm medium brown hair color. We darken her base and then use foil work to lighten the ends. Removing artificial pigment can be tricky because it exposes a lot of warmth which is the opposite of what we are looking for in this look. We finally achieved our goal in this session and we were both thrilled. No, we just touch up her roots and gloss as long as she’s happy with the grow out of the faux balayage technique I used. It’s actually pretty low maintenance once desired lightness is achieved.
Any advice for someone considering it?
It’s important to remember getting this blonde is difficult if done too quickly the hair can be compromised. We worked in multiple sessions for at least 6 months to achieve these silvery highlights in contrast to her dark base. Once your hair is this light in requires extra care at home too. Professional products, regular glossing, hair masks, minimal heat styling, and a delicate hand when brushing. Additionally not everyone’s skin is suited for cool tones. My general rule when thinking of flattering tones is that the opposite side of the color wheel from the underlying skin tones when going lighter but same color family when going darker works for most people.
Dark Brown to Light Brown Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Marissa Atwood
Hair Painter & Ethnic Stylist @ Trends Salon in Chillicothe, OH
How would you describe this look?
This look is a splash of creamer in a dark roast. The best thing about this color is how smoothly it blends between such a dark base and lighter ends, and the dimension is my favorite!
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would recommend this color for anyone looking for minimal maintenance. It’s perfect for someone who likes to wear their hair in different textured styles like loose curls, waves, and braids, as it shows off the different tones. It’s perfect for anyone with naturally darker hair who seek healthy lighter hair without having to be in the salon every 4 weeks for a retouch.
Keep in mind that in my professional opinion these ombre’s/balayage’s with the base as dark and ends as light like this one look better and better each time you get them done. It adds more variety of tones through the overall hair and may take more than one appointment to achieve desired lightness on ends.
Blonde ombre on Dark Hair
Q&A with style creator, Hannah Fisher
Cosmetologist / Owner @ Iris Moon Salon in Mercersburg, PA
How would you describe this look?
This look is an edgy ombre. It pairs deep cool brunette (level 3/4 cool) tones transitioning into cool beige and blonde ends (level 9). We glossed and tones with ash to keep warmth down. The client is growing out a shoulder length inverted “lob”, so we just trimmed the ends and I razored a few disconnected layers. I then curled with a marcel 1.25in barrel and brushed through while still warm. Finished with Aveda texture tonic.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This is not normally a one color session result. The client will have to keep the hair hydrated and healthy. I would recommend a daily repair product (such as Aveda’s daily hair repair) while wet, a thickening spray all over, and a blow dry spray to accelerate styling. Once dry, curl with a flatiron or curling iron and tousle – to get a roughed up texture finish off with texture spray (Aveda texture spray).
This look is also cute straight but gives a more edgy look when curled. I think this is a flattering length to all face shapes and hair textures. This particular client is a young stylish mom of two. I see her frequently and she always has her hair styled great. Even for a mom on the go.
Dark to Ash Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Romey Tasyana
Hairstylist @ Salon Cordeiro in Surrey, BC
How would you describe this look?
This look is a high contrast ombre – roots being anywhere from black to medium brown and ends being very light! The thing I love about this look is the ashy blonde. We also cut her hair into a soft U-shape, creating a beautiful length definition when her hair is curled!
Any advice for someone considering it?
High contrast ombres are for those who are ready for a big change and understand the maintenance of blonde ends. Clients also need to understand that to achieve these light blonde ends, it takes several sessions. This photo was taken after three sessions. Another thing to keep in mind is the upkeep. Most natural brunettes have a lot of red undertones, thus when their hair is bleached, it tends to pull more orange/gold, than ashy. To keep it ashy, it requires maintenance with either toning or purple shampoo!
I work and love Redken products, so my recommendation to keep your hair integrity and strength is to use Redken extreme anti-snap before drying it or use the extreme C.A.T. treatment before shampooing. Another recommendation, if you prefer ashy blonde, would be to use Redken color extend blondage purple shampoo, but only when you notice your blonde going too gold. If used daily or even weekly, it may start staining your hair purple.
