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

      Yet another day brings a wave of nostalgia as a beauty trend makes its way back into the spotlight. Following in the footsteps of past styles that have gotten a refreshed take for 2025 (think pencil-thin brows, blue eye shadow, and chunky highlights), this trend is creating quite a stir online. Prepare to update your Tumblr and crank up My Chemical Romance—ombré hair is set to make a significant return this spring, emerging as one of the top hair trends of 2025.

      If the idea of revisiting those angsty, dip-dyed ends makes you cringe, I understand. I had my reservations too when I first heard hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith discuss the expected comeback of ombré hair. However, after chatting with him about the trend and how to make it stylish instead of "cheugy," I'm completely convinced. Allow me to (re)introduce you to ombré hair for spring 2025.

      When did ombré hair gain popularity? Let's travel back around 10 to 15 years, during the height of a soft-grunge aesthetic. You probably reblogged a fair number of dip-dye hairstyles on your Tumblr (or was it just me?). Smith notes, "There was definitely that grunge, punk influence in it." Ombré's roots featured bold bleached ends and vibrant red tips, appealing to those looking to make a statement. Over time, as celebrities joined in (with Khloé Kardashian amplifying its trendiness), the look softened, transitioning from dip dye to ombré. "It evolved from the commercialisation of grunge, where the fade from one shade to another became more subtle," Smith explains. Today, the contrast is even softer.

      A quick clarification: ombré hair isn't the same as balayage. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. In essence, ombré hair involves a gradation from one color to another. "All the roots are one color, all the ends are another color, and there’s a transition in between," Smith clarifies. Balayage, however, is a coloring technique rather than a specific look. "It involves the painting of color in sweeping motions on the hair that blends at the start," Smith adds, explaining that balayage can create highlights at various levels without being confined to the ends alone. In short, "Balayage is a technique. Ombré is a look," Smith states.

      Why is ombré hair trending now? Smith points to several reasons. First, there's the ease of maintenance—it doesn’t require frequent root touch-ups, thanks to the faded ends. "Clients won't need to redo their hair frequently; it’s more about choosing when to refresh it," Smith explains. Additionally, it allows individuals to experiment with colors that may not usually align with their natural tones. "There’s a growing desire among clients for colors outside their usual preferences," Smith remarks. Ombré hair gives them a chance to try out various shades without strict adherence to color analysis.

      Take Cardi B, for instance, who has rocked delightful cotton candy hues. Trends cycle, and it’s been about 10 to 15 years since ombré hair last made waves. "This timeframe typically marks when trends return," says Smith. For younger beauty enthusiasts, particularly those in their late 20s, ombré hair might represent the first beauty trend they've witnessed come and go. "This can be a striking experience as it aligns with the process of growing up," Smith notes. This could explain the strong reactions to ombré hair—people either embrace the Tumblr-inspired revival or react with shock at its return (much like the response to skinny jeans). For those skeptical, rest assured that ombré has evolved for 2025. "It won’t be as drastic as before, or it might seem outdated," Smith adds.

      How can you elevate ombré hair for 2025? According to Smith, the fade line is now positioned higher—around the cheekbone or even eye level. "It resembles a long, stretched root that transitions into a lighter hue. Previously, drawn from dip dye roots, the fade line sat lower," he elaborates. This higher fade subtly enhances the face by highlighting the cheekbones, which aligns with contemporary beauty interests in defined bone structures.

      The ombré hair of 2025 is also softer than before. "In the past, shades might differ by two or three levels; now, they often have just a one or two-level variance," Smith notes. Feel free to explore any color combinations you like (see Rihanna's magenta ombré), but for a low-maintenance look, aim for minimal contrast. As always, reference images can be incredibly helpful. "For natural-looking colors, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is an excellent example," Smith explains. "Her hair showcases an extremely subtle ombré, transitioning gently from darker roots