Ombré hair is a low maintenance, high on gorgeous look that is top of the hair color charts from one season to the next.
The two-tone blend of every shade and color is lighting up our lives as well as our heads.
Now all you need to know is which is the best ombré hair dye kit to use to dive into the obsession at home?
In Ombré hair | The greatest guide for beginners, we expertly explained everything you need to know about the fast becoming iconic sunkissed look.
Now we’re here to tell you the best ombre hair dye coloring kits you need to create your own sensational shadow hair, at home.
As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
- TOP PICK!
- L’Oréal Colorista Effect Ombré Hair
- What is ombré hair?
- Can I get the ombré look at home?
- Which is the best ombré hair dye kit to use at home?
- #1 L’Oreal Paris Kit Dye Préférence Ombré Touch
- #2 L’Oréal Colorista Effect Ombré Hair
- #3 Feria Brush-on Ombre Effect Hair Color
- #4 Revlon Colorsilk Color Effects Highlights, Ombre
- #5 Splat Rebellious Colors Hair Coloring Complete Kit Ombre
- TOP PICK!
- L’Oréal Colorista Effect Ombré Hair
- Best ombre hair kits at a glance.
- How to ombre hair at home with box dye.
- Ombre hair dye FAQS
- Parting words.
- Our Research & Review Process
TOP PICK!
L’Oréal Colorista Effect Ombré Hair
Best for: Easy use and great results.
This is a kit that is specially made for this technique and we love it for that. The results make this the best kit for us.
Our mid-brown hair turned into a mix of caramel highlights that looked natural and not streaky. We applied tin foil on some of the ends to give it a really lighter effect.
The overall look is lush!
Pros
- Achieved a toned and natural-looking ombre effect.
- Suitable for use on medium brown, virgin hair.
- Easy-to-follow instructions.
- Thick formula for easy application.
- Brush provided for application is better than typical ones.
- Produced lovely golden highlights on medium to light brown hair.
- Effective even when left on longer than recommended.
Cons
- A bit tricky to apply to the back of the head without assistance (but they all are!)
- The provided brush was somewhat flimsy.
What is ombré hair?
Ombré is actually a french word meaning ‘shadow’.
It’s a two-toned dramatic effect, similar to the dipped dye look but with more subtle graduation.
To make this hairstyle happen, you lighten the mid-to-lower half of your hair to create a blended, band-like effect.
The effect is darker on top and lighter towards the ends. You won’t have to worry about roots growing out if you keep the top your natural color!
You can use any complementary combinations of colors to create the look, but it looks the most awesome with natural colors like reds, blondes, browns silver ombre and even black ombre.
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
Can I get the ombré look at home?
It is totally possible to get the shadow look at home! And many helpful ombre hair kits have been invented to help you do just that.
With the right tools and some simple steps, you can create the perfect ombré look from the comfort of your own bathroom.
Plus, by doing it yourself, you’ll have complete control over the color gradient and can tweak it to perfectly match your style.
So, embrace your inner stylist and get ready to turn heads with your stunning ombré hair.
If you’re unsure, talk to your hairdresser about what colors or effects will suit you and your skin tone!
Which is the best ombré hair dye kit to use at home?
There are a few ombre hair dye kits you can buy off the shelf that come with special instructions on how to get the look.
Essentially, these are all hair lightening kits with special ombré instructions.
So you are free to use a normal highlighting kit and follow our instructions in Ombré hair | The greatest guide for beginners, too.
In terms of shade, the rule from our expert colorists is always to go for a color only one shade lighter than your natural hair color to avoid any orange hair mishaps.
If your natural hair color has warm tones, it may take a few goes to get the lightened hair look. That’s why we always recommend buying at least two boxes.
Don’t forget to do a strand test before you start!
#1 L’Oreal Paris Kit Dye Préférence Ombré Touch
Features & ingredients:
- Wild ombre is the new fashion forward way to lighten your hair.
- Easy to apply and easy to maintain by lightening only the lengths and the tips of your hair, creating a unique dip dye effect.
- Contains lightening cream technology to give luminous hair.
Reviewers say:
“I highly recommend this ombré kit. I’ve used it a few times to give champagne blonde ends to my dark brown hair – i Love it!”
“This was my first time coloring my hair. The instructions were easy to follow. I painted it into my hair, waited for 15 minutes, and viola! Natural looking blonde ends that blend in with my natural hair!”
“I used this today with the help of a friend. It turned out amazing! For those who say it is too orange, use a purple shampoo or toner and it will sort it out. I love my hair!”
Our experience:
This made our hair feel super soft. It didn’t make our hair feel straw like at all and the conditioner that comes with it smells divine.
It was easy to apply and the instructions were easy to follow. We left it on slightly longer than instructed as it wasn’t looking as light as we wanted after the time.
And it worked! The color was subtle on our light brown hair though it was definitely on the warm side. Darker shades will need something stronger.
BEST FOR: Lighter hair shades.
#2 L’Oréal Colorista Effect Ombré Hair
Features & ingredients:
- DIY lightening kit to create hair highlights effects in a stroke.
- Create the perfect base to follow with Colorista washout color.
- The gentle formula lightens all hair colors.
- The after-care conditioning formula nourishes hair.
Reviewers say:
“Overall I loved the effect of the loreal ombre kit. A great toned lightened color that blended naturally into my hair. This product can create beautiful results.”
“I used this on my medium brown hair that I’ve never dyed before in my life! I was nervous but the outcome is amazing! I left it on for longer than the box says as my hair is so dark. But after 45 mins, it definitely worked great for me.”
“This kit worked better than I expected! The brush makes it easy to use but it was a little tricky doing the back of my head myself! I have medium to light brown hair and the bits I ombré’d came out a lovely golden color.”
Our experience:
We love this kit from L’Oreal Colorista. The instructions are easy to follow and the formula is thick so it applied well to our hair.
The brush in our hair dyeing kit is better than the one provided as it wasn’t so flimsy.
We painted it on freestyle working from the mid section of our mid brown hair to the ends.
The results make this the best kit for us to ombré your hair.
Our hair turned into a mix of caramel highlights that looked natural and not streaky. We applied tin foil on some of the ends to give it a really lighter effect. The overall look is lush!
BEST FOR: Easy use and great results.
#3 Feria Brush-on Ombre Effect Hair Color
Features & ingredients:
- Includes lightning powder, developer crème, anti-brass conditioner, and expert brush
- Achieve professional-looking results at home
- Suitable for all hair types
- Easy-to-follow instructions for hassle-free application
Reviewers say:
“This kit makes the ombre process so much easier! The brush applicator was a game-changer and the color turned out amazing.”
“I have used this kit multiple times now and I am always impressed with how natural the ombre effect looks. Not brassy at all.”
“I was nervous to try ombre at home but this kit made it foolproof. The brush makes it so easy to apply and the color payoff is fantastic.”
Our experience:
The Feria Brush-on Ombre Effect Hair Color Kit makes achieving the perfect ombre look a breeze. With its brush applicator, you can evenly and precisely distribute the color, creating a beautiful and natural gradient effect. Now go rock that sunkissed
Not only does the kit lighten your hair up to 3 levels with its lightening powder and developer crème, but it also allows you to add accent colors to the ends.
This gives you that sun-kissed ombre look without causing excessive damage. Plus, the anti-brass conditioner keeps your hair vibrant and free from unwanted brassy tones.
We love how easy this kit is to use, making ombre hair achievable for everyone. Say goodbye to expensive salon appointments and hello to effortlessly stunning ombre locks with the Feria Brush-on Ombre Effect Hair Color Kit. Trust us, your hair will thank you.
BEST FOR: Ombre accents.
#4 Revlon Colorsilk Color Effects Highlights, Ombre
Features & ingredients:
- Enriched with proteins, vitamins and natural emollients for a deep conditioning hair color like never before.
- Up to 2x richer color, 50% more shine & 0% ammonia
- Ombre effect: Create an ombre look for an effortlessly beautiful style
- Natural looking highlights: Enhance your hair’s beauty by adding subtle hints of color for a natural, sun-kissed look.
Reviewers say:
“This ombre effect has taken my hair game to the next level! It looks professional yet effortless.”
“The highlights are so natural looking and it’s easy to blend them in with your existing hair color.”
“I was always worried that the color would damage my hair, but this product has been gentle on it.”
“The shine and vibrancy of my hair is so amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Our experience:
With this one, it was the richness of the color that wowed us. The ombre effect is a totally professional yet natural look.
We also loved how easy it is to apply. The highlights blend seamlessly with our existing hair color, creating a nuanced, sun-kissed look that’s hard to achieve with at-home products like this.
And let’s talk about the overall health of our hair. It feels like it’s been enriched with proteins and vitamins, just as promised. Our hair now has noticeable shine and vibrancy.
This is the one for anyone looking to give their hair a boost of life and color.
Best for: Vibrancy and Color
#5 Splat Rebellious Colors Hair Coloring Complete Kit Ombre
Features & ingredients:
- Long lasting hair color that washes out with shampoo
- Can be used on bleached hair for a more vibrant result
- Comes with bleach, color, and instructional booklet
Reviewers say:
“Love the ombre effect this dye gave me! The colors were so vibrant and lasted about 4 weeks before needing to touch up.”
“I have dark brown hair and was a bit skeptical about using this on my hair, but it turned out amazing! The colors blended perfectly and looked so cool.”
“The kit comes with everything you need, including bleach for pre-lightening. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully for best results.”
Our experience:
For those who want to add some edgy color to their hair without the commitment, this ombre kit is a must-try. The rain-inspired shades create a unique and eye-catching look that lasts for weeks before washing out.
We were impressed with how well the colors showed up on already bleached hair, giving us a vibrant and bold result. And for those with darker hair, don’t worry – this dye also works well on darker hair colors, providing a subtle ombre effect.
The kit includes everything you need for the coloring process, making it easy to achieve salon-worthy results at home. Just be sure to carefully follow the instructions for best results and to avoid any mishaps.
Overall, we highly recommend giving this Splat Rebellious Colors Hair Coloring Complete Kit a try for anyone wanting to switch up their hair with a fun and rebellious touch of color.
BEST FOR: Bold Fashion Colors
TOP PICK!
L’Oréal Colorista Effect Ombré Hair
Best kit for: Easy use and great results.
This is a kit that is specially made for ombré hair and we love it for that. The results make this the best kit for us to ombré your hair.
Our mid-brown hair turned into a mix of caramel highlights that looked natural and not streaky.
Our mid-brown hair turned into a mix of caramel highlights that looked natural and not streaky. We applied tin foil on some of the ends to give it a really lighter effect.
The overall look is lush!
Best ombre hair kits at a glance.
| Kit | Looks like | Best for | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Superior Preference Ombré Touch | Lighter hair shades | ||
| L’Oréal Colorista Effect Ombre Hair | Easy use and great results. | ||
| Feria Brush-on Ombre Effect Hair Color | Ombre accents | ||
| Revlon Colorsilk Color Effects Highlights, Ombre | Vibrancy & color | ||
| Splat Rebellious Colors Hair Coloring Complete Kit Ombre | Bold Fashion Colors |
How to ombre hair at home with box dye.
Ombre hair is all about transitioning from a dark color to a light color smoothly. It’s trendy, stylish, and it looks great on everyone.
Want to give it a try, but don’t want to break the bank? Why not try DIY ombre hair at home?
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. You just need to have the right tools, color, and technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve salon-quality ombre hair from the comfort of your home.
Let’s go!
Step #1: Choose the right color and hair dye
The first and most important step in achieving the perfect ombre hair is choosing the right color.
If you have dark hair, go for colors like golden brown, copper, or caramel.
If you have light hair, opt for shades like light blonde or ash blonde. You’ll also need good quality hair dye.
Choose a hair dye that’s designed for ombre hair; it will help you get the best results. Don’t forget to do a strand test before starting the color process.
Step #2: Section your hair
Once you’ve got the right hair dye, it’s time to section your hair.
Start by dividing your hair into three sections- top, middle, and bottom. Use hair clips to hold each part in place.
Step #3: Apply the hair dye
When it comes to applying the hair dye, use a tinting brush, depending on the length of your hair.
Start applying the hair dye at the bottom section.
Apply the hair dye to the hair ends and blend upwards to create a gradient effect.
Make sure the transition from dark to light color is smooth and even.
Keep the hair dye on for as long as instructed on the ombre hair dye product.
Step #4: Rinse and dry your hair
Once the hair dye has had time to develop, rinse it off thoroughly.
Shampoo and condition as usual. Avoid using too much heat while drying your hair, as it can cause damage.
Step #5: Style your hair
Now, it’s time to style your ombre hair!
Whether you want to go for sleek straight hair or bouncy curls, ombre hair will look stunning with any look.
Use a styling product that suits your hair type to add some extra volume and texture to your hair.
Remember, DIY ombre hair isn’t as difficult as it may seem. All you need is the right color, hair dye, and technique. With a little bit of patience and practice, you can achieve the perfect ombre hair look at home.
Ombre hair dye FAQS
How long does ombre hair last?
The longevity of ombre hair depends on the coloring technique and how well you look after it.
Bleaching is the priciest option to make the color last longer, but the actual color tends to fade after 6-8 weeks.
The darker hair tends to fade slower since the color fades from the root, leaving a more natural look.
Remember, proper aftercare, like using shampoos designed for colored hair and avoiding exposure to too much sunlight, would prolong the lifespan of your luscious ombre hair.
Does ombre hair dye use bleach?
Yes, hair bleach is involved in most types of ombre because it fades the darker hair color into a lighter tone.
The bleach helps reduce the natural pigments and results in a more vibrant color and gradient effect.
The bleach helps break down the hair strands, and if done wrong, it can be damaging!
ALWAYS talk to a stylist or professional colorist if you’re not sure. They’ll be able to assess the health and condition of your hair to see if bleaching it is right for you.
Does ombre hair dye damage your hair?
The process of transforming your hair into ombre may be affordable and straightforward. But it can also be damaging.
Dark hair usually requires several lightening sessions to achieve the desired gradient effect, which could weaken and result in damage to the hair.
The repetitive use of dyes and lightening agents would weaken the hair and lead to breakage and split ends.
Therefore, it’s vital to limit the frequency of the use of dyes and strengthen hair protein with suitable shampoos and conditioners.
What is the best color for ombre hair?
When it comes to choosing the best ombre color for your hair, you need to consider both your natural hair color and skin tone.
If you have fair skin and light hair, you could opt for a creamy blonde ombre, whereas those with darker skin and hair might look better with caramel or chocolate brown ombre.
If you have dark hair and don’t want to go too light, you can choose a subtle ombre or bronde hair that transitions from dark brown to a lighter brown.
The best way to choose the perfect ombre color is to talk to a professional hair colorist who can guide you.
Can you do ombre hair with box dye?
While we highly recommend doing an ombré hair color with bleach, it is possible to use box dye.
However, the results may not be as dramatic as using bleach, and you may not be able to achieve a perfectly-blended transition.
If you have light-colored hair, you can try using a darker shade for the bottom half of your hair, gradually fading into your natural color.
If you have dark hair, it may be best to stick with visiting a professional colorist!
What is the best ombré color for brown hair?
Brown hair is versatile and can work with a variety of ombré colors.
For a natural look, consider caramel or honey tones to complement your warm undertones.
Alternatively, ash or cool blonde colors can provide a bold and edgy look.
If you’re feeling daring, try pastel or neon shades for a unique spin on the classic ombré look.
Parting words.
The perfect ombré hair dye kits are easy to use, when you know how!
Whether you’re looking for a change, want to try something new or are just in the mood for some fun, there’s an ombré kit out there that will suit your needs and budget.
We hope this blog post helps make your decision easier when choosing which product best suits your hair type and style goals. So what’s stopping you from giving yourself a fresh start with our favourites? Get going!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
