‘Ombré hair is back, but this time it’s made modern,’ says celebrity hairdresser Stephen Adams when we catch up on the latest hair trends. Fresh from working at London Fashion Week and scooping up a slew of accolades (including being nominated for Northern Ireland Hairdresser Of The Year) Adams has spotted the same look cropping up time and time again this season. But why now? Rewind to 2016 and ombré hair was everywhere - a two-toned hue that defined a Tumblr generation. Fast-forward to 2026 and ombré is once again poised for a resurgence - only this time it’s a whole lot more expensive looking. 'Ombré hair is in demand because it gives you the best of both worlds. It feels effortlessly lived-in but still looks incredibly polished when done well,' says Adams.
So, what exactly is it? Ombré hair is a two-toned colouring effect where the hair gradually transitions from darker roots to lighter ends. ‘Although it’s most often brunette blended into blonde it can work with almost any combination of shades,’ explains Adams.
And the celebrities are already on board. Victoria Beckham has moved away from traditional, root-to-tip highlights in favour of something softer and more diffused. She debuted her ombre hair this summer much to the approval of fans. Then there's supermodel Naomi Campbell, who was spotted in Italy earlier this month with ultra-long, vampish dark roots melting into creamy, vanilla-toned ends. Her C-girl curls made for the perfect finish. And lest we forget Jennifer Lopez who has been embracing caramel-dipped lengths against a rich chestnut base and Lily James who is acting as a true masterclass in how to get ombré right - the actress is all subtle, seamless two-tone.
Crucially, while the two looks are similar, ombré shouldn’t be confused with dip-dye. ‘Dip-dye hair tends to have a more pronounced contrast, making the ends appear as though they’ve been dipped into a different colour. Ombré, on the other hand, is all about a softer, more natural-looking gradient, with one shade melting effortlessly into the next,’ says Adams.
Although ombré can work with almost any colour combination, warm caramel tones are reigning supreme this autumn. It’s hardly surprising, given the growing appetite for richer, warmer shades at this time of year. Just look at Sophie Turner, whose recent picante brunette look has embraced a deeper, redder finish. 'The beauty of ombré is that it can be tailored to suit your preferred palette, whether that’s a honeyed blonde, buttery caramel or a moodier, more dramatic brunette'.
Perhaps the biggest appeal, however, is in what Adams calls its ‘low-maintenance luxury’. ‘Ombré delivers striking dimension and depth without committing you to a salon appointment every six weeks. Deeper roots melting into golden, sun-faded ends create that coveted, just-back-from-holiday finish - the kind of hair that looks effortlessly cool.’
It’s also a brilliant option if you’re looking to grow out your natural colour. ‘Leaving the roots untouched means fewer root appointments and less upkeep. In other words, it’s a little less maintenance and a lot more impact,’ adds Adams.
But is ombré right for everyone? When it comes to choosing your shade, skin tone is certainly worth considering. ‘Skin tone should always be taken into account,’ says Adams. ‘It’s something you can discuss with your colourist during your consultation. Warmer or cooler undertones can work better with certain skintones, and a good stylist will hold a colour chart against your complexion to ascertain which shades make your eyes pop or skin glow.’
As for maintenance, modern ombré is 'refreshingly forgiving', but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your colour altogether. ‘I wouldn’t recommend over-colouring your hair with modern ombré. I’d suggest an appointment every 12 weeks, with the option of a toner refresh every six weeks,’ Adams advises.
It seems this new era of ombré is less about the dramatic colour contrasts of 2016 and more about beautifully blended, personalised colour that grows out effortlessly.
Just look to VB and co. for proof...
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.