5 Ombré Curly Hair Color Ideas That We’re Obsessed With

Curly hair comes in a variety of different shapes, sizes and textures. Whether you have loose 2C waves or 4B coils, hair dye is a great way to give your tendrils an upgrade with added shine, depth and dimension. That said, one of the biggest cons of coloring your hair is the frequent upkeep, which makes trends like ombré hair color extremely enticing. 

Curly ombré hair spotlights the gorgeous texture of your bouncy ringlets while showing off a gradient of hair color, usually from dark to light. This shift in color is visibly appealing, and it can also help your curly hair appear fuller, bouncier and more voluminous. If you like the sound of that, read on as we share five ombré curly hair color ideas to upgrade your look for spring, festival season and beyond.

Is Ombré Good for Curly Hair?

Ombré hair color looks incredibly gorgeous on curly hair because it spotlights your natural texture, movement and body. As we mentioned, the gradient of dark to light color also helps the hair to appear denser and more voluminous, as it acts sort of like an optical illusion. Overall, if you’re looking for curly hair color ideas, add ombré to the top of your list because it’s less maintenance than highlights, it works for all hair colors and it helps to enhance your curls. 

What Colors Look Best with Curly Hair?

Curly hair has a long list of potential matches when it comes to hair colors that will flatter its texture. You can’t go wrong with trendy shades like auburn, icy blonde and espresso brown that add brightness and dimension. Fun and less traditional shades, like cherry red, turquoise or violet can also make a bold statement, while drawing attention to your ringlets.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but if you have a tough time deciding, use your skin tone to guide you in the right direction. Bright, lighter colors, like platinum, silver and beige blonde look good on pale skin tones whereas vibrant, deep hues, like cherry red and espresso brown are gorgeous on medium to darker skin tones. 

If your skin has a cool undertone, look for a hair color with ashy tones. If you have warm undertones, try something warm, like golden blonde or caramel ombré.

5 Ombré Curly Hair Color Ideas

If you need some ombré curly hair inspo, look no further — here are five hair color ideas for curly hair to share with your stylist or potentially DIY with an at-home hair color kit.

1. Ombré Gemini Hair Color 

Gemini hair color is one of Pinterest’s top beauty trends for 2023 and it showcases two shades of contrasting hair color, taking a nod from a Gemini’s infamous twin personality. With dark brown roots and a seamless blend of bold color and bouncy curls, this hair color idea is packed with vibrance and good looks. 

Try a temporary spin on Gemini color with the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray. It’s quick to dry on all hair types and textures and lasts until your next shampoo.

2. Reverse Ombré Silver Hair

Reverse ombré is a slight twist on the look and goes from light to dark gradient color instead of the dark to light. Because this reverse design sports darker ends, it’s a great way to transition to gray hair gracefully. If you’re not going gray but you’re looking to sport a reverse ombré silver hair color, head to the salon to achieve the perfect icy, metallic shade. Once a week, use a toning gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Silver to keep your color bright and brass-free.

3. Golden Blonde Ombré

Pairing Ombré curls with luminous golden blonde hair color is a great way to lighten up your strands for the warmer weather that spring and summer bring. If you’re up to DIY this color, the L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design is the perfect tool because it includes a pull-through cap that allows you to choose the exact hairs you want to color. To achieve the ombré gradient, apply the dye one to two inches down from your roots.

4. Ombré Blue Hair

An icy navy blue hair color has depth and shines like a black hair color. If you have a naturally dark base, an ombré version of this is easy to achieve and it can be done at home. Reach for an at-home hair color kit, like the L’Oréal Paris Féria Midnight Bold Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color in Cosmic Azure. Use a brush to paint the color onto your hair, about an inch down from the roots, to create a seamless ombré effect with your base.

5. Ombré Auburn Hair

Auburn hair color is a fiery hot trend and it should come as no surprise that it looks next-level gorgeous on curls. With an ombré twist, the darker roots allow you to extend your time between salon visits or DIY hair color sessions, which is always a good thing. The auburn hue can go more red-orange or brown, making it a totally custom color that is aimed to suit your preferences and skin tone. 

Since red hair color is notorious for fading quickly, keep it vibrant with the help of an at-home toning gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Auburn or Copper. In as little as five minutes, this glossing treatment helps to revive lackluster, faded color and it deep conditions your curls for an added boost of moisture.

Next: Why Am I Going Gray in My 20s?

Photo Credit: IG@/dawnnholt, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier