Someone Ring Up 2014—This "Tumblr" Hair Trend Is Now Back for Spring

      Another day brings forth a nostalgic beauty trend that's making a splash in the cultural scene. Similar to previous styles that have garnered a fresh 2025 update (think pencil-thin brows, blue eyeshadow, and chunky highlights), this trend has been making quite an impression online. Get ready to refresh your Tumblr and tune into My Chemical Romance—ombré hair is set for a significant revival this spring.

      If the idea of going back to those dramatic, dip-dyed ends makes you cringe, I understand. I felt the same hesitation after hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith hinted at the return of ombré hair. However, after discussing the trend with Smith and gathering his tips on how to keep it trendy instead of "cheugy," I’m all in. Let me (re)introduce you to ombré hair, spring 2025 style.

      When did ombré hair first gain popularity? Think back 10 to 15 years ago, when soft-grunge aesthetics dominated. It’s likely you reblogged numerous dip-dye hair styles on your Tumblr. ("Not you? Just me?") Smith reflects on ombré's beginnings, noting, "There was definitely a grunge, punk influence in it. We witnessed bold bleached ends and bright-red tips… It was definitely for those wanting to stand out."

      However, as celebrities joined in (with Smith citing Khloé Kardashian's influence), the striking look evolved into what we now recognize as ombré. "It emerged from the commercialization of grunge, with a more gradual fade between shades," he explains. "Now, even with dark roots and light ends, the fade is softer."

      What distinguishes ombré from balayage? A quick clarification: ombré hair isn't the same as balayage. While related, they aren't interchangeable. Simply put, ombré transitions from one color to another. "All roots are one shade, the ends another, with a gradient in between," Smith clarifies.

      Balayage, conversely, is a coloring technique, not merely a style. "It involves painting color onto hair in a sweeping motion that blends at the roots," Smith adds. (Balayage means "to sweep" in French.) "While balayage often results in lighter ends compared to roots, it features highlights at various heights," he notes. Thus, balayage involves a gradual fade, but doesn’t need to end at the tips. To summarize, "Balayage is a technique. Ombré is a style," Smith asserts.

      Why is ombré hair trending now? Several factors are at play, says Smith. First, it’s the ease of maintenance. Successful hair trends typically solve a problem, and ombré, with its fade near the ends, reduces the necessity for frequent root touch-ups. "A client won’t need a redo every few weeks. They can refresh it when they choose, rather than feeling obligated to," Smith explains.

      It also allows individuals to experiment with colors they might not usually consider a fit. "I've noticed clients seeking shades outside their normal preferences," says Smith. "They’re less influenced by traditional color analysis and more driven by what they enjoy. But it can be challenging to wear colors that dramatically contrast their natural hues." Ombré hair lets individuals explore whatever shade they desire, with color theory taking a backseat.

      Take Cardi B, for instance, who went for stunning pastel tones. And let's not overlook the cyclical nature of trends; it's been a decade or more since ombré hair peaked. "For hair trends, this is a reasonable gap before they return," Smith says. Particularly for younger beauty enthusiasts (think late 20s), ombré might be the first trend they’ve experienced through its rise and fall. "That can be intriguing as it relates to maturation and aging," Smith comments. This is why reactions to ombré hair are so polarized—people are either thrilled by the Tumblr-esque revival or appalled by its return (similar to the response to skinny jeans). For those concerned, rest assured ombré hair has transformed for 2025. "I don’t think it will look as literal as it did previously, or it will feel outdated," Smith suggests.

      How to Modernize Ombré Hair for 2025? According to Smith, the fade line has risen in today’s version—consider cheekbone height or even near the eyes. "It's like a prolonged root before it transitions to the lighter hue. Previously, coming from dip dye, the fade line was lower," he elaborates. This higher fade lifts the face by highlighting the cheekbones, aligning with beauty’s current admiration for a defined bone structure.

      In 2025, ombré is also significantly softer. "Back then, shades might differ by two or three levels. Now, they’re often just one or two levels apart," notes