The Best Haircuts and Hairstyles for Ombré Hair

Unlike most hair color trends that come and go with the seasons, ombré hair has made it clear that it’s here to stay after remaining a go-to hair color for quite a while now. Sure, there have been a few upgrades (like bronde hair and more colorful ombré trends), but all in all, the basics that made ombré hair as popular as it is are all still there. Want to rock a multi-dimensional ombré hairstyle for yourself? We’re here to let you know about the best ombré hairstyles and haircuts as well as fill you in on why you should consider ombré hair for your next hair color change.

THE BEST HAIRCUTS FOR OMBRÉ HAIR

We’ll be the first ones to say that ombré hair looks beautiful with just about any haircut, but there are certain cuts that truly do this highlighting technique justice. Below, we’re sharing four of our favorite ombré haircuts.

Ombré haircut #1: Lob

Slightly longer in the front than the back, ombré hair pairs great with a lob haircut because the angular layers will draw attention to your dimensional color. This ‘do is ideal for those who prefer a short or medium-length cut. 

Ombré haircut #2: U Shape

A U-shape haircut varies in length to provide you with a mane full of subtle layers. The sides of your hair will be slightly shorter than the middle, causing the ends of your hair to form a “U” shape. The end result is a wavering length that showcases your color.

Ombré haircut #3: V Shape

Similar to a U-shape cut, a V-shape haircut entails layers that cause the ends of your strands to form a “V.” This cut offers slightly more dramatic layers but it just as well suited to an ombré ‘do.

Ombré haircut #4: Blunt bob

Just because you have a multi-faceted color, doesn’t mean you need a dimensional cut. In fact, just the opposite can work! By pairing a blunt bob with an ombré color, you can add dimension to an otherwise simple cut. The sharp cut of a blunt bob will let your ombré color be the star of your mane by serving as a blank canvas for the seamless transition from dark to light.

THE BEST HAIRSTYLES FOR OMBRÉ HAIR

Now that you know all about the best ombré haircuts, it’s time to learn some of our favorite ombré hairstyles to pair with your color and cut. Whether you like to leave your ombré hair down or have an occasion where you want to showcase your ombré hair in an updo, these are the styles you’ll want to know how to create.

Ombré hairstyle #1: Romantic ombré updo

Delicate, romantic hairstyles are often a fab fit for ombré hair, making this messy updo the perfect style for any occasion. Not only can this hairstyle add texture to your look, but it can let your varying shades take center stage.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Start with mousse

Massage a dollop of hair mousse through your hair before allowing it to air dry. Try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse for a long-lasting, volumized mane.

Step 2: Twist with hairspray

Twist hair in two-inch sections while spraying a hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray, for effortless style. Once you’ve finished twisting your whole head, don’t be shocked if you look a tad like an octopus—that means you did it right!

Step 3: Mess it up

Gently finger comb through your twists to unleash a head full of soft, tousled ombré waves.

Step 4: Make a low bun

Gather about half of your hair to create a low bun, then wrap and pin the remaining hair around the bun for an intricate, undone look.

Step 5: Get piece-y

As a final romantic touch, gently pull a few strands out to frame your face.

Step 6: Seal your look

To ensure that your gorgeous ombré updo stays put, spray all over with a strong hold hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray.

Ombré hairstyle #2: Ombré top knot

As one of the top trends of the season, top knots are super-stylish on their own. But when you add ombré hair into that mix, you only get trendier by emphasizing the contrasting shades of your coveted hair color.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Gather hair

Flip your head over and brush all of your ombré hair into a smooth ponytail.

Step 2: Twist pony

Next, twist your ponytail from base to ends. After twisting, wrap your pony around itself to create your top knot.

Step 3: Secure with pins

Once you’re happy with the way your bun looks, use a few bobby pins to lock it in place.

Step 4: Make it shine

With a hairstyle that looks this good you’ll want to make the absolute most of it, so be sure to top it off with a little shine spray for extra eye-catching appeal.

Ombré hairstyle #3: Tousled ombré waves

Ombré hair first made a name for itself because of how flawlessly sun-kissed and beach-ready it made girls look when they let their ombré locks flow freely in loose waves. So, to stay true to that classic look, definitely keep this low-key hairstyle in your back pocket.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Protect your hair

As always, before styling your hair with heat tools, use a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray.

Step 2: Grab your curling wand

In two-inch sections, wrap your ombré hair around the barrel of your curling iron, starting with the wider base of the tool at your roots and the tip toward your ends.

Step 3: Shake it out

Once you've curled your whole head of hair, flip your head over and gently shake it out for a ruffled, beachy effect.

Ombré hairstyle #4: ombré side pony with an accent braid

Whether you’re a fan of easy hairstyling, hiding bad hair days, or are on your way to the gym, this is the look for you! Perfect for showing off a two-toned ombré hair color, this asymmetrical and voluminous, ultra-textured silhouette will look purposefully laid back and totally chic.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Add some hair mousse

Starting with damp hair, massage hair mousse from roots to ends and style with a blow-dryer diffuser.

Step 2: Create a side part

Use a rat tail comb to create a part to one side of your head.

Step 3: Pull hair to one shoulder

Gather all your hair over one shoulder and secure it into a low ponytail with a clear elastic.

Step 4: Hide the hair tie

Using a small section of hair, conceal your hair tie by wrapping the strands around the base of your low pony. You can either tuck the ends into the underside of the pony or use a bobby pin to secure them in place.

Step 5: Tease it

To pump up the volume and texture on your ombré hair, use a rat tail comb to gently tug from the ends of your hair up toward the base of your low ponytail.

Step 6: Add an accent braid

To add a bit more texture and a touch of flair, weave a mini braid in your pony that can peek through your laidback style.

Not sold on ombré hair but love the idea of a multi-toned mane? Perhaps balayage is more up your alley. Here are 31 Ombré and Balayage Hair Color Ideas for 2020—see what strikes your fancy!