Ombre for Curly Hair: 20 Gorgeous Examples in 2024

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

An ombre for curly hair is a coloring technique for naturally curly hair that features a darker shade at the roots and then gradually becomes lighter as it goes down to the ends. It’s been years since the ombre trend surfaced, and one thing’s for sure – this is just the beginning!

Expert colorists are discovering more and more ways to work this innovative technique, and now, their best-loved canvas is curly hair! With the natural volume and movement that curls possess, the ombre technique just makes it even more exquisitely defined.

The results are always extraordinary, as seen on curl goddesses Salma Hayek, Beyonce, Serena Williams, and Michelle Obama. It doesn’t matter what curl type you own; if you come to the right curl expert, you’re guaranteed to walk out of the salon looking your best!

This low-maintenance hair color fits women with darker hair because of the color’s natural grown-in look. Just focus on keeping your strands moisturized and healthy, as lightening curly strands can damage without proper hydration.

All set to try this fantastic trend? Keep scrolling for your best and the most popular choices for ombre curly hair colors!

Photos

#1: Dark to Light Blonde on Long Curly Hair

This is a curly ombre hairstyle. To create the look, I used the balayage technique for the color. I cut the hair in a long V-shape and a lot of layers. I created the curls by using many Kevin Murphy products and a soft styler. Many clients could rock this curly look. Of course, natural curls are a must to create the look.

I always advise my clients to buy good products to style their hair. For this look, I would recommend Motion. Lotion in wet hair. I always tell my clients to “hug” the curls. After this, I used a soft styler. When the hair had dried, I used Easy. Rider – This is a soft wax for curls. Lastly, I sprayed some hairspray all over the hair. I used Session. Spray Flex to finish the curly summer look.

#2: Rainbow Curly Hair with Black Underneath

If you feel daring, ask your stylist for rainbow curly hair with a tinge of black. After getting this fun rainbow color from your stylist, remember you’ll need lots of curly hair products and washes that are safe for colored hair. This style can need more care than others. Use deep conditioners, masks, and curl foam to keep your hair’s vibrant style.

#3: Purple Ombre Highlights on Black Curls

Are you looking to enhance your curls and add an edgy feel? Consider trying purple ombre highlights on your black curls. You should find a stylist who specializes in cutting different curl patterns. This stylist should also know how to lighten curly textures that are naturally delicate. Your stylist should suggest a color-safe mask like BES N3. Use this mask to hydrate your lightened curls and preserve their color in your wash routine.

Sun-Kissed Honey Ombre on Long-Length Curly Weave
Instagram @lambinohairco

#4: Sun-Kissed Honey Curly Weave

If you’re exploring hair coloring, starting with this sun-kissed honey-curly weave is a great idea. The long layered haircut has a natural shade that fades gracefully into a beautiful copper tone. A skilled stylist can safely style your hair, maintaining its health and structure. They will adapt to your curl type and length without damaging your hair. To keep your hair healthy, wash it using color-safe products and use a moisturizing conditioner. We recommend booking your next appointment 10 weeks in advance. This is for re-coloring and trimming your hair to maintain it well.

Medium Ombre Curls with Vivid Pink Ends
Instagram @bethkaurhair

#5: Medium Curls with Vivid Pink Ends

Medium curls with vivid pink ends will add variety. Your curls will look more striking with an ombré type color. Remember, to achieve this, the hair ends will need lightening before applying a vivid color. This look needs ongoing care. Also, remember each shampoo washes out the vibrant color a bit more. You’ll need to frequently visit the salon to keep the color looking fresh. The bright color suits the medium-layered bob beautifully, adding a trendy style to your look.

#6: Long Coppery Balayage Ombre

This dimensional long coppery ombre hair looks like a sunset. If you’re a redhead, ask your stylist to brighten up your ends with a heavy balayage, keeping it off the top of the head.

Black to Silver on Kinky Curly Hair
Instagram @loresouza

#7: Black to Silver on Kinky Curly Hair

It’s a magnificent combination. This contrasted black to silver transformation is sure to catch eyes wherever you go. The curls add that extra to make your hair look unique.

Midnight Blue ombre for curly hair
Instagram @hairbylily_

#8: Midnight Blue

Rock a midnight blue ombre with a shag haircut if you have curly hair. The blue color enhances the layered shape and brings out the curls. Ask your stylist for an Olaplex B so you can refresh your blue curly hair at home between salon visits.

#9: Dark to Light Red Ombre on Short Curly Hair

Choose a bold color like this brick red tint in two shades to drape over your curly locks. The curved patterns make the ombre much more unpredictable thus, dynamic.

Curly hair with burgundy ombre
Instagram @hairbysadie.c

#10: Burgundy Ombre Hair Color

A curly ombre magnificently done by stylist Sadie is the perfect choice for a redhead look. Copper tones bring out and brighten the reds even more.

Curly green ombre
Instagram @aaashleee

#11: Green Ombre

This dark ombre curly hair idea is a risky choice but one that proves eclectic and charming. Don those ends with an ocean-inspired green color on this long curly ombre hair.

#12: Turquoise Ombre

Yes, there is such a thing as good chaos. This turquoise ombre for curly hair makes all the curls wrong in the right places.

Curly copper ombre
Instagram @jonesandpayne

#13: Copper Ombre

A brave Disney princess on the quest for a wonderful adventure? Now, this is the curly hair ombre look for that!

Dark Brown to Caramel on Naturally Curly Hair
Instagram @agaadudek

#14: Dark Brown to Caramel on Naturally Curly Hair

Curly hair does not need any introduction whatsoever. In its fabulous way, the browns are done justice in a very well-mannered way.

Dark Blue Ombre
Instagram @cole_hairr

#15: Dark Blue Ombre

This curly hairstyle is a balayage. I love how bright and bold the blue color is in this ombre, short, curly hair! I suggest preparing your hair with a strengthening and moisture treatment before receiving this service. I also recommend your hair getting a healthy trim as well. It is a good idea for your hair to be pretty healthy.

I also recommend purchasing the blue Viral Shampoo by Celebluxury to maintain your hair’s vibrancy and follow up with your stylist once every 1-2 months for deep conditioner treatments and to refresh your color.

#16: Ash Blonde Ombre

This look is a modern way of using curls. Ever since the ombré hair trend started, I hear my clients with curly hair saying, “I wish my hair were straight because ombré hair in curly hair is not the same thing.” They didn’t see any curly hair with ombré hair yet. Now, it’s a trend for curly hair, too! It’s amazing to give this dimension to curly hairs. I love this look because these curls are perfect, and the symbiosis between the color dimension and the curl crests has perfect harmony.

Look for a good professional because curly hair sometimes is not easy to work with. Normally, the texture of curly hair could be more consistent and needs special attention. Talk with your hairstylist and explain your ideas. Show some photos, then let them explain what is possible and impossible to do. Sometimes, your wish could come true! A good hairstylist can advise you in the best way possible about the technique and products you need to use after the process to maintain or improve your hair’s health.

#17: Rose Gold Ombre

We did an ombré on this curly hair, showing her natural color on the roots. This hair went through a transition without removing the curls’ definition. I made and used a shade of champagne rose and finished with a cream and Widi Care hairstyle mousse, giving a great finish to the curls. When it comes to curly hair, it needs to be healthy before doing any treatment because it can make the curls less defined. Hair transitioning is very difficult for women who have had hair straightening before.

To carry out the coloring process properly, you must use a good oxidizer and bleach. A good brand is L’Oréal, which has good quality products for a good capillary result. Any woman with any hair can have this look. Talking about the lifestyle, people who like to care and commit time to hair care can do these types of hair treatments.

Pastel Ombre
Instagram @basicbleech

#18: Pastel Ombre

This look is “ethereal metallic mermaid hair,” It would be perfect for a festival or summer party! I used semi-permanent hair dyes to achieve the pastel ombré tones, and my favorite thing about this is that the results would be different from person to person depending on several influencing factors, which means this look will be unique to each individual.

Anyone with a fun personality and confidence can wear this hair regardless of hair length or face shape. However, you will need light blonde hair for the pastel colors to do their thing.

Brown to Blonde Ombre
Instagram @tara_artistry

#19: Brown to Blonde Ombre for Textured Wavy Hair

This brown to blonde ombre curly hair is a great way to refresh color without having to go more blonde. I love transitioning curly hair into a balayage from foiling to help keep the hair healthy and add dimension. The curls look good and hold their shape well.

This look is perfect for someone looking for a low-maintenance hair color that won’t require much upkeep (except for a gloss every few months). I recommend using a hydrating oil and a curl cream to cultivate a strong curl pattern and keep the frizz down.

#20: Honey Blonde Ombre

This look is effortless and fun. The colors are sunkissed and radiant. My favorite part of any balayage is how natural the grow-out is. She will only need these highlights brought up a few times a year, depending on how fast the hair grows. Lighter pieces around the face can brighten up anyone’s complexion, especially if you’re feeling like your skin is looking dull.

Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so if you’re going to get highlights, which can dry the hair a bit, I suggest a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, as well as a mask. This color is great for someone who wants low-maintenance hair but wants to add dimension and movement to their hairstyle. We flipped her hair upside down, towel-dried, and added Curl Butter and Curl Gellee by Oribe for this style.