Ombre hair is the beauty trend that just won't quit, and we're so glad it's here to stay! The rich tones and beachy highlights are perfect for summer, whether you go for a subtle 'bronde' look or some barely-there balayage. To help you make the most of your ombre locks, you'll need a hairstyle to show them off. For all the inspiration you need, check out the gorgeous 'dos below...
1. Messy knot
Sometimes, the simplest hairstyles are the best, and a messy knot is one such look. When you need an updo that's pretty and practical, it's the ideal choice because it keeps your strands under control, without compromising the texture. To frame your face, gently shake a few tendrils loose at the front before securing the knot.
Styling tip
To get an undone texture that isn't quite wavy but isn't entirely straight either, apply a texturizing product like Advanced Hairstyle TXT IT Tousle Waves Spray from roots to ends before rough drying your hair. Using your hands to guide your strands as they dry will create a more natural finish.
2. Fishtail side braid
Braided hairstyles are great for ombre hair as they showcase the lengths while keeping them totally underwraps. A cute fishtail braid is a great way to rock multi-toned tresses as the intricate detail helps to draw attention to the lengths of the hair. If your braiding skills are a bit rusty, however, you can stick to a regular three-strand braid.
Styling tip
Prevent frizz and flyaways from cramping your style with a protective finishing spray. A high-shine mist like Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Strand Smoother Serum Spray will calm your tresses after styling and prevent unwanted fuzz appearing throughout the day.
3. Slicked back
Slicked back hair is a really easy way, and probably the coolest, to keep your hair in check. The wet-look finish might not be for everyone, but if you're feeling bold, it's definitely a hairstyle to consider! With ombre hair, the slick texture helps to highlight the different colors while keeping everything out of your face.
Styling tip
Apply a dime-sized amount of gel like Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel to damp hair, then add more as needed. The key to making slicked back hair work is using only the bare minimum when it comes to product! Plus, it's a real hassle to put too much on, then have to wash it all out and start again from scratch.
4. Glamorous sideswept waves
A new hair color is something to celebrate and there's nothing quite like glamorous sideswept waves to make you and your mane feel special! So, if you just got ombre hair, show it off with Hollywood's favorite hairstyle. It's actually a lot easier to do than the polished results suggest, and you can wear it anywhere! After all, there's no such thing as being overdressed...
Styling tip
For curls that won't fall flat, make sure you clip each piece of hair up to cool as soon as it comes off the curling iron. The iron shapes the hair into a curl, but it won't set properly unless it cools in the same shape, too. When you're done curling, let your hair down, mist it with hairspray, then gently brush it out.
5. Understated waves
Summer beauty is all about effortless chic, and sunkissed ombre tresses make for the perfect understated wavy hairstyle. To get the look, you can rough dry your hair, leave it to air dry naturally, or create some subtle texture with a large curling iron - a 1" or 1 ½" iron should do it.
Styling tip
Never, ever skip the heat protectant, whether you're blow drying or using a curling iron, and especially when you have colored or chemically treated hair. Apply either a spray, mousse or cream evenly from roots to ends, then comb your hair through to make sure you get even coverage all over. It'll only take a minute and your hair will thank you for it!
6. Long ombre blowout
Blowout hairstyles take time, but if you want to show off long ombre locks, they're totally worth it. When done properly, a blowout creates body, volume and a smooth yet airy texture that is guaranteed to make your mane look amazing! So, if you want to feel like you're starring in a shampoo commercial all day long, this is the 'do for you!
Styling tip
To give your blowout a lightweight, polished feel, apply a smoothing cream to slightly damp hair before you start the brushwork. A product like Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Thermal Smoother Cream will prevent frizz from forming as the hair dries.
7. Jennifer Lopez's half-up bun
Even with a beautiful ombre color, working out how to style dirty hair between washes can be a challenge. More often than not, the roots are the main giveaway, but the lengths are fine and dandy- if anything, they look better than they did freshly washed! The best solution to this dilemma is a half-up hairstyle like Jennifer Lopez's baby bun. This 'do is the best of both worlds as it covers the roots like an upo while leaving the lengths well alone.
Styling tip
Use a dry shampoo like Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Longwear Spray to eliminate any telltale greasiness at the root. Hold the can at least six inches away while you apply it, and leave it to work its magic for 5-10 minutes before brushing it out with a boar bristle hairbrush.
8. Rockabilly ponytail
The swishing capabilities of a retro rockabilly ponytail make it perfect for showcasing ombre hair. The bouncy mid-height placement and the small pomp in front create a memorable silhouette that's both playful and girlish. It's ideal for summer as it keeps the hair up and off the neck, and it's a lot of fun to wear!
Styling tip
For volume that lasts, backcomb your hair after applying a volumizing product like Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray. Spritz it onto your hair, focusing on the roots and lengths of the areas you want to backcomb, then lift the hair in sections and tease it from behind.
9. Barbara Palvin's understated blowout
More often than not, less is definitely more, as proven by Barbara Palvin's simple ombre blowout. It's the kind of hairstyle you can wear everyday because it's both understated and beautifully styled. The movement through the lengths helps to show off the color without the drama of sideswept waves or the extra styling time required for an updo.
Styling tip
Give your blowout great hold and prevent flyaways by finishing the look with plenty of hairspray. A brushable product like Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray will keep your strands in place for as long as you need, while sealing them against the elements.
10. Tousled waves
For the ultimate sun goddess look, you need a tousled, beachy hairstyle! Natural looking waves create an effortless bohemian look, whether you're actually headed to the beach, or want to channel your inner surfer girl for a brunch with your besties.
Styling tip
The easiest way to style tousled waves is to let your hair do all of the work itself. Seriously. All you need to do is apply a texturizing spray to damp hair, braid it, and sleep on it! Make sure you keep the braid fairly loose so the hair in the middle dries completely. Come morning, shake your hair out, scrunch some more spray through the ends and you're good to go!
11. Textured French twist updo
Loose, textured updos like this French twist tend to work best when you want to show off ombre ends. The trick is to keep the look light and airy to make sure it doesn't come off as severe or tryhard. The added volume at the crown keeps the silhouette interesting, but as long as you pin it kind of messily, it'll remain laid back.
Styling tip
To get as much volume into your hair as possible before creating the French twist, scrunch some volumizing mousse throughout before blow drying. A lightweight product like Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse will make you hair appear full bodied without leaving any nasty residue behind.
12. Eva Longoria's sleek, straight hair
Sleek, glossy hair like Eva Longoria's is a simple but very effective way to make the most of ombre tresses. No fuss, no muss, just smooth, straight hair with a rich, multi-dimensional color. What's not to love about this hairstyle?
Styling tip
Before straightening your hair, get it as straight as you can with your blow dryer first, then use your flat iron as a finishing tool. This will reduce the overall amount of heat you expose your hair to and thus decrease the likelihood of unnecessary breakage.
