Stunning Ombré Styles for Dark Hair
Get ready to call your stylist right...about...now.

We've all been there. Just days before your hair appointment, you have absolutely no idea which new hairstyle you want to walk out of the salon with. Everything from bangs and highlights to pixie cuts seem appealing, so you head to the internet for the final answer. And it's there that you spot pretty photos of ombré, the highlighted hair trend that seems to look good on everyone. It's the more chill take on highlights that requires little upkeep, and the results are always Instagram-worthy. Since the technique doesn't start from your scalp, when it's done right, you can be back in the salon a year later and still not need a touch-up.
So you want in—but now, where should you start? There are a plethora of hair colors out there, and if you have dark hair like moi, you came to the right place. Dark hair is the ultimate canvas for any first (or repeat) ombré dye. It literally goes with everything. So the next time you head to the salon, opt for one of these dyes to take you into fall and beyond. (And if you have blonde hair, don't worry—we have inspo for you here.)
Dark Brown to Caramel Ombré
A post shared by By PETER MENEZES (@morenas_iluminadas_)
A photo posted by on on Jul 13, 2019 at 3:05pm PDT
The O.G. ombré dye, if you will. Having your ends dipped in creamy caramel gives you a look that's seasonal all year round, not to mention all the money and time you'll save choosing this easy color. Who can argue with that?
Black to Icy Blue Ombré
A post shared by Vancouver Hairstylist (@rachellemariano.che)
A photo posted by on on Aug 10, 2020 at 10:29am PDT
Channel your inner ice queen by choosing a light blue. It's the fun and out-of-the-box experiment that will pull in all the compliments.
Dark Brown to Chestnut-Brown Ombré
A post shared by Neto Cavalcante (@_netocavalcante)
A photo posted by on on Jun 19, 2020 at 6:41pm PDT
This subtle yet noticeably gorgeous shade is loved by celebs, stylists, and hair lovers everywhere for its universality. It just looks gorgeous on every hair type. I mean, look at those curls.
Black to Silver Ombré
A post shared by Jessi Leigh (@jessileighhmua)
A photo posted by on on Apr 6, 2018 at 1:14am PDT
This sophisticated dye job is a one-way ticket to the sleek hair of your dreams and looks great with any skin color.
Black to Blonde Ombré
A post shared by Janibell Rosanne (@janibellrosanne)
A photo posted by on on Aug 5, 2020 at 3:40pm PDT
Dying to see what you would look like as a blonde, but don't want to dive in just yet? Consider this hue as a nice dip into the pool of blonde 'd0s. You might just stay awhile.
Black to Purple Ombré
A post shared by unfadehairstudio (@unfadehairstudio)
A photo posted by on on Nov 14, 2017 at 6:19pm PST
Feeling moody, but still want that wow factor? Look to the color purple. It'll give you a mysterious edge that's still approachable.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Brown to Burgundy Ombré
A post shared by South Florida Balayage (@simplicitysalon)
A photo posted by on on Oct 22, 2019 at 3:04pm PDT
Browns and reds look great on every hair texture, and burgundy is a friendly go-to choice if you're an ombré newbie.
Black to Green Ombré
A post shared by Jessica Patterson (@hairbyjessicapatterson)
A photo posted by on on Aug 12, 2020 at 11:12am PDT
A deep dark green is the perfect addition to shiny black hair that gives it a multidimensional finish. It's among the most chill of the out-there color options.
Black to White Ombré
A post shared by STYLIST || April || MD (@hairbyapes)
A photo posted by on on Jan 23, 2018 at 8:32am PST
Think of silver as the warm-up, and white as game time. This trend has been around for what seems like forever, and with one glance you can see why it's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Black to Pink Ombré
A post shared by Hair Colorist Malaysia (@avantlamode)
A photo posted by on on Feb 9, 2020 at 8:53pm PST
Pink is the ultimate mood-booster. There, I said it! Vibrant shades of red, peach, and rosy pink go great with thick hair and are more versatile than you think.
Bianca Rodriguez is the Audience Development Manager at Future, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Marie Claire, Who What Wear US and Who What Wear UK. In addition to spearheading SEO content across brands—whether writing about wardrobe must-haves or strategizing how to make eye-catching content—she is also an avid reader with a deep love and knowledge for books of all genres. More often than not, you can find her lounging with a good book on the weekend.
-
Katie Holmes Kicks Off Sandal Season Early
She paired a new suit with the most unexpected shoe.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Meghan Markle's As Ever Collection Finally Launches—And Sells Out Within Minutes
Jam for the win.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Everything Marie Claire Editors Are Buying This April
From trendy East-West handbags to the perfect creamy pink blush, these are the coveted items filling our spring shopping carts.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
Michelle Williams Is The Newest Member of the C*nty Little Bob Club
The actress is following in the footsteps of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Hailey Bieber Is All About the Oversized Headband Trend
The new mom was spotted in this Fashion Week-approved trend while running errands.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Millie Bobby Brown’s Giant Flower Hair Clip Is Speaking To Me
The hair accessory took her simple updo to new heights.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Keke Palmer Returns to the Dark Side With Deep Espresso Hair
Plus, the \201cmillennial diva\201d style she also paired with the look.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jennifer Lopez’s Flirty Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle Proves the Power of a Good Accessory
The actor reimagined a traditional hairstyle with a trendy spin while on the set of her latest movie, ;Office Romance.'
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Michelle Obama’s Edgy Braided Mohawk Feels So ‘90s-Coded
She's reviving this quintessential '90s style.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Selena Gomez’s Curly Lob Could Double as a Bridal Hairstyle
Romantic, flirty, and trendy—what’s not to love?
By Ariel Baker Published