27 Best Ombre Hair Colours To Look At In 2021

Ombre (pronounced om-bray) is from the French word meaning shaded or shading. Ombre hair colours became popular in the early 2000s with stars like Aaliyah, Vanessa Hudgens and Ciara championing the look.

Ombre is hair that is darker at the roots and blended getting lighter at the ends. Variations of this technique include balayage and dip-dye. Balayage is a freehand colouring technique that adds dimension and frames the face. While dip-dye is a two-tone colour that gives the appearance of hair that has been ‘dipped’ into colour.

Ombre hair has a universal appeal and there’s a colour to suit everyone. Find our top ombre hair colours, below.

Blonde

Proving that ombre colours look amazing on blonde hair, this Instagram babe added a bright platinum ombre to her ash tones. Credit: @oladementeva

Brown

Rich shades like chocolate, caramel and chestnut work perfectly with a brown base. Credit: @judy.mai.hair

Grey

Combine dark roots with a silver ombre and you too can be rocking this blogger-worthy hue. Credit: @ultrafadebyrich

Dark

This gorgeous dark brown ombre colour melt is perfect for those who are a little colour shy but still want to make their tresses pop. Credit: @marion.stylist

Red

When subtle just won’t do, go bold and take on this statement red ombre shade. Credit: @thefoxandthehair

Editor’s tip: Gently cleanse hair without stripping your colour with the TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Shampoo and Conditioner.

The unique low-foaming formula helps you get a vibrant colour and shine for up to 12 weeks without the use of parabens, dyes or sulphates.

Black

Love your dark tresses but want to give your look a seasonal update? Then look no further than this gorgeous espresso ombre hair colour. Credit: @hair__bydemib

Purple

This purple ombre hair colour will require regular root touch-ups so it’s ideal for those who are not afraid of a high maintenance hue. Credit: @michellesbeauty926

Blue

Stand out from the crowd with this show-stopping blue ombre complete with an icy silver finish. Credit: @notanothersalon

Pastel pink

We all know that pastel hues are huge (especially at summer).  So update your style for a fun, pastel pink ombre. Credit: @blondingnbalayage

Silver

This smokey silver hue will look incredible come festival season. Credit: @guytang_myidentity

Editor’s tip: Due to the use of bleach and other colourants used to achieve this ombre hair colour it’s more important than ever to help restore the health of your hair.

We suggest using the Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair 2 Minute Magic Masque 1-2 x a week to give your tresses a hit of moisture.

Ginger

Lighten up ginger hair with an ombre colour for a gorgeous sunkissed finish. Credit: @constancerobbins

Rose gold

We’re seriously loving this rose gold ombre for an all year round hue that’ll sparkle come rain or shine. Credit: @kimwasabi

Ash blonde

The cool tones of an ash blonde ombre will give your tresses a grey tint that’s moody and sultry. Credit: @hairtalkbymigo

Brown and blonde

Brown and blonde shades like this ombre above are like a match made in heaven. Credit: @thebangbangcollective

Caramel

Caramel ombre hair colours are always sought after and look especially great on those with warm tanned skin tones. Credit: @beautybyshorty

Copper

Be the envy of all your friends with this glossy copper ombre hair colour. Credit: @natostylist

Light brown

Ombre hues can be as bold or as subtle as you like. So if you want a more natural finish this is the perfect example to show to your hair colourist. Credit: @thefoxandthehair

Green

From the cut to the colour, this poker straight green ombre bob is ticking all our hair boxes. Credit: @notanothersalon

Editor’s tip: Want to show off your new ombre colour with a poker straight style? Be sure to use a heat protect spray like VO5 Heat Protect Spray before heat styling.

Lilac

Get straight to point with this cool-girl lilac ombre dip dye. Credit: @emmadavisonhair

Auburn

Auburn hair is a reddish brown hue that looks amazing when paired with a soft blonde ombre. Credit: @izzyhairstylist

Burgundy

Burgundy ombre hues have great universal appeal and will look lovely on those with darker skin tones too. Credit: @fortheloveofreds

Black and red

This black and red dip-dye ombre is giving us serious ’90s grunge vibes that we just love. Credit: @emmadavisonhair

Black and silver

The fashion world can’t get enough of silver hair right now so nor should you. Credit: @emmadavisonhair

Orange

Nothing screams autumn like this pumpkin-spiced orange ombre. Credit: @salon167

Black and orange

Not ready to go for an all over colour? Give this black and orange ombre hue a whirl. Credit: @hairbymeaganhannon

Blue and purple

This isn’t an ombre colour for the faint-hearted, but don’t let that put you off. The results are worth the high commitment. Credit: @hairbeautybybri

Brown and burgundy

This gorgeous red wine colour melt goes really well with dark roots and will look amazing on both light and dark skin. Credit: @beautybyshorty