An ombre for curly hair is a coloring technique for naturally curly hair that features a darker shade at the roots then gradually becomes lighter as it goes down to the ends. It’s been years since the ombre trend surfaced, and one thing’s for sure – this is just the beginning!
Expert colorists are discovering more and more ways on how to work this innovative technique, and now, their best-loved canvas is curly hair! With the natural volume and movement that curls possess, the ombre technique just makes it even more exquisitely defined.
The results are always extraordinary, as seen on curl goddesses Salma Hayek, Beyonce, Serena Williams, and Michelle Obama. It doesn’t matter what curl type you own as long as you come to the right curl expert, you’re guaranteed to walk out the salon looking your best version!
This low-maintenance hair color is fitting for women who have darker hair because of the color’s natural grown-in look. Just focus on keeping your strands moisturized and healthy, as lightening curly strands can be damaging without the proper hydration treatments.
All set to try this fantastic trend? Keep scrolling for your best and the most popular choices for ombre curly hair colors!
Black to Silver on Kinky Curly Hair
A magnificent combination. This contrasted black to silver transformation is sure to catch eyes wherever you go. The curls add that extra to making your hair look one of a kind.
Midnight Blue
Rock a midnight blue ombre with a shag haircut if you have curly hair. The blue color enhances the layered shape and brings out the curls. Ask your stylist for an Olaplex Bomb so you can refresh your hair at home between salon visits.
Dark to Light Red Ombre on Short Curly Hair
Choose a bold color like this brick red tint in two shades to drape over your curly locks. The curved patterns make the ombre much more unpredictable thus, dynamic.
Burgundy Ombre
A curly ombre magnificently done by stylist Sadie is the perfect choice for a redhead look. Copper tones bring out and brighten the reds even more.
Green Ombre
A risky choice but one that proves eclectic and charming. Don those ends with an ocean-inspired green color on this medium curly ombre.
Turquoise Ombre
Yes, there is such a thing as good chaos. Like this turquoise ombre for curly hair makes all the curls wrong in the right places.
Copper Ombre
A brave Disney princess on the quest for a really wonderful adventure? Now, this is the curly hair ombre look for that!
Dark Brown to Caramel on Naturally Curly Hair
Curly hair does not need any introduction whatsoever. In its own fabulous way, the browns are done justice in a very well-mannered way.
Dark Blue Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Nicole Mulder
Colorist / Curly Hair Expert @ Behind the Curls at Salons by JC in Round Rock, TX
How would you describe this look?
This curly hairstyle is a blue vivid balayage. I love how bright and bold the blue color is in this look!
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would suggest preparing your hair with a strengthening and moisture treatment prior to receiving this service. I also recommend your hair getting a healthy trim as well. It is a good idea for your hair to be in a pretty healthy state.
I also recommend purchasing the blue Viral Shampoo by Celebluxury to maintain the vibrancy of your hair and to follow up with your stylist once every 1-2 months for deep conditioner treatments and to refresh your color.
Ash Blonde Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Paulo Almeida
Hairstylist @ Paulo Almeida Hairstylist in Amora, PT
How would you describe this look?
This look is a modern way of using curls. Ever since the ombré hair trend started, I hear my clients with curly hair saying “I wish my hair was straight because ombré hair in a curly hair is not the same thing.” They didn’t see any curly hair with ombré hair yet. Now, it’s a trend for curly hair too!
It is amazing giving this dimension in curly hairs. I love this look because these curls are so perfect and the symbiosis between the color dimension and the curl crests have perfect harmony.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Look for a good professional because curly hair sometimes is not easy to work with. Normally, the texture of curly hair is not consistent and need special attention. Talk with your hairstylist and explain your ideas. Show some photos then let him or she explain to you what is possible and not possible to do. Sometimes your wish could come true!
A good hairstylist can advise you in the best way possible with the technique and products you need to use after the process to maintain or improve your hair’s health.
Dark to Light Blonde on Long Curly Hair
Q&A with style creator, Sofie Clausen
Hairstylist / Make-up artist @ Rønnegaard Coiffure in Frederiksberg, DK
How would you describe this look?
This is a curly ombre hairstyle. To create the look, I used the balayage technique for the color. I cut the hair in a long V-shape and in a lot of layers. I used a lot of Kevin Murphy products and a soft styler to create the curls.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I think many clients could rock this curly look. Of course, natural curls are a must to create the look.
I always advise my clients to buy some good products to style their hair. For this look, I would recommend Motion. Lotion in wet hair. I always tell my clients to “hug” the curls. After this, I used a soft styler. When the hair had dried, I used Easy. Rider – this is a soft wax for curls. Lastly, I sprayed some hairspray all over the hair. I used Session. Spray Flex to finish the curly summer look.
Rose Gold Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Thaynara Martins
Hair Artist @ Natural Hair Spa Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal
How would you describe this look?
We did an ombré on this curly hair, showing her natural color on the roots. This hair went through a transition without removing the curls’ definition. I made and used a shade of champagne rose and finished with a cream and Widi Care hairstyle mousse, giving a great finish for the curls.
Any advice for someone considering it?
When it comes to curly hair, it needs to be healthy before doing any treatment because it can make the curls less defined. Hair transitioning is a very difficult thing for women who had hair straightening before.
To carry out all the coloring process properly, you have to use a good oxidizer and bleach. A good brand is L’Oréal which has good quality products for a good capillary result. Any woman and any type of hair can have this look. Talking about the lifestyle, people who like to care and commit time for hair care are people who can do these types of hair treatments.
Pastel Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Grace Lee
Trainee Hairdresser @ The London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy in CAM, London
How would you describe this look?
This look is “ethereal metallic mermaid hair“, and it would be perfect for a festival or summer party! I used semi-permanent hair dyes to achieve the pastel ombré tones, and my favorite thing about this is that the results would be different from person to person depending on a number of influencing factors, which means this look will be completely unique to each individual.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I think anyone with a fun personality and confidence can wear this hair regardless of hair length or face shape, however, you will need light blonde hair for the pastel colors to do their thing.
Unfortunately, semi-permanent colors will fade away after a few washes, so to maintain this look, I would recommend washing the hair (as little as possible) with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner (my faves are from OGX), use heat protector before styling with heat, and keep the hair moisturized with leave-in conditioners or serums!
Brown to Blonde Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Tara Salem
Makeup & Hair Artist @ Primp Salon Lafayette in Lafayette, CA
How would you describe this look?
This look for me is a great way to refresh color without having to go more blonde. I love transitioning curly hair into a balayage coming from foiling to help keep the hair healthy and add dimension. The curls look good and hold their shape well.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is perfect for someone who is looking for a low maintenance hair color that won’t require lots of upkeep (except for a gloss every few months). I would recommend using a hydrating oil and a curl cream to cultivate a strong curl pattern and keep the frizz down.
Honey Blonde Ombre
Q&A with style creator, Tamara Radakovic
Hair Stylist / Colorist @ Bobby Cooper Salon in Indianapolis, IN
How would you describe this look?
This look is effortless and fun. The colors are sunkissed and radiant. My favorite part of any balayage is how natural the grow out is. She will only need these highlights brought up a few times a year depending on how fast the hair grows. Lighter pieces around the face can brighten up anyone’s complexion, especially if you’re feeling like your skin is looking dull.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so if you’re going to get highlights, which can dry the hair a bit, I would always suggest a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner as well as a mask.
This color is great for someone who wants low maintenance hair but wants to add dimension and movement to their hairstyle. For this style, we flipped her hair upside down, towel-dried, and added Curl Butter and Curl Gellee by Oribe.
