We’ve all seen absolutely gorgeous hair while scrolling on social media. Those bouncy-looking layers with volume and dimension. That smooth color melt glistening in the sun. That’s the kind of look a premium ombre wig could get you in no time.
In most cases, ombre hair will have dark roots that gently transition into a lighter color at the ends (the tips being the lightest). It gives that premium look that most wig enthusiasts are looking for without having to sit in a salon chair for most of the day.
We’re here to give you all the details on quality ombre wigs so you can use one with confidence. The market is saturated with so many options these days, but the aim is to find a unit that looks good and offers the “wake-up-and-go” ease needed to get through a busy week.
Whether you’re considering a wig for the first time or you have a growing collection, this guide to two-toned ombre wigs is the perfect starting point!
What is an Ombre Wig?
When it comes to ombre wigs, most people think of that sultry color gradient in the hair. And that is the main pull towards this coloring technique for sure.
In a nutshell, an ombre wig has a noticeable color transition from the roots to the ends of the hair. You’ll typically see a dark-to-light color transition, as that’s the winning formula for most people.
However, the Reverse Ombre has become super popular too - that’s when the color melts from a lighter base to darker ends or tips.
The best thing about ombre coloring is the dimension and depth that it gives the hair. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting their wig to feel effortlessly full and natural.
Why Are Ombre Wigs So Popular?
If you haven’t guessed it, ombre wings are pretty popular due to some big household names giving them mainstream visibility. Anyone with access to the internet has seen Rihanna, Ciara, or Kylie Jenner rocking that ombre look at some point.
But the trend isn’t only pushed by celebrities. On a practical level, an ombre wig is the first choice for anyone who wants to make an impact without doing too much.
So what exactly makes ombre wigs so popular?
1. Low-Maintenance, "Wake Up and Go" Solutions
A huge selling point for ombre wigs is that they are relatively low-maintenance, which ends up freeing time in the day for other activities.
For starters, the wig has a color transition that makes it look styled and dynamic without even trying.
If we compare ombre wigs to a unit with one hair color, the ombre also has a natural, shadowy transition that most people find easier to blend with their natural hair and conceal lace fronts.
2. Limitless Color Variety (Without the Damage)
Choosing a hair color for your wig just got a whole lot easier! Ombre wigs are ideal for those of us with commitment issues. Enjoy a bold color transformation in one unit, all without the risk of chemical damage. And the best part is that ombre wigs allow you to rock two hair colors at the same time.
3. Instant Hairstyle Switch-Ups
Most of us simply no longer have the time to sit in a salon chair for hours. That’s why ombre wigs are your trusty solution. Start out your day as a ”natural brunette” and finish strong as a “honey blonde” bombshell. The switch-up takes less than 15 minutes if you know what you’re doing.
4. Budget-Friendly Longevity
Pro hairstylists and wig artists have discovered over time that an ombre wig is less prone to the damage caused by aggressive maintenance. These visually dynamic units are often easier to blend at the hairline, which means you don’t have to worry about washing the wig nearly as much. That means less friction and less shedding over time. Your wig will last as long as it needs to - saving you some coins.
Ombre vs. Balayage: Understanding the Difference
To the untrained eye, Ombre and Balayage might look like the same thing. Even some of the renowned hair gurus will use these terms interchangeably. But let’s break down the key differences so you can actually find what you’re looking for in an ombre wig.
Ombre Technique
The ombre technique has a distinct horizontal fade. It’s a smooth transition from the root color, leading into the ends. Traditionally, you’ll see dark roots and lighter tips in an ombre look, but technically, any two colors could be blended together.
Balayage Technique
On the flip side, we have the vertical color sweep of the balayage. In French, “balayage” literally means “to sweep”. In terms of the actual color processing, this method includes beautifully subtle vertical highlights, usually a sun-kissed blonde color. It gives that “European summer” energy!
Types of Ombre Wigs
We all know that some wigs have that unmatched “human hair” look and feel. You can notice it immediately when handling the wig. And it often comes down to the type of wig (and type of fiber) - this determines maintenance, pricing, styling, and more.
Synthetic Ombre Wigs
If you need to be out the door in 20 minutes, a synthetic ombre wig could be your answer. Often, they’ll be pre-styled, which means the fiber already has the curls or waves locked in.
● The pros of a synthetic wig include being extremely affordable, holding style in humidity, and vibrant colors.
● The cons of a synthetic wig are that it generally cannot be heat styled (unless heat-resistant), it has a shorter lifespan, and often has a higher shine that doesn’t look natural to the eye.
Ombre Human Hair Wigs
Now we’re talking! Ombre human hair wigs set the standard for what a beautiful wig should look like. Right off the bat, the key difference is that these wigs are made with real human hair, and the cuticles are intact - it’s strong, healthy hair in wig form.
● The pros of these wigs are that they can be curled, straightened, and dyed just like your own hair. There’s natural movement and a far more realistic texture.
● The cons of these wigs are, of course, the higher price point. The only way to keep this wig for a long time is with proper maintenance (washing and conditioning).
How to Choose the Right Ombre Wig
Everybody who wears wigs has probably had an emotional breakdown trying to choose the right unit. You have to consider the hair color as the bare minimum, but there are some pro secrets to consider on top of that.
1. Color match with your skin tone
An ombre is known to look best when the dark root of the wig somewhat matches your eyebrows and the undertones of your skin. If you have a warm skin tone, honey tones are generally the right choice for you. If you have a cool skin tone, an edgier ashy color, or cool browns look phenomenal.
2. Double-check the lace front and construction
A busted wig hairline overshadows the quality of the unit in an instant. First things first, be on the lookout for an HD Lace or transparent lace that blends with the skin. We ultimately don’t want to be able to tell you’re wearing a wig - it has to look that good.
3. Choose a good brand (The Wowangel Factor)
Hair quality governs the ombre wig market. That gorgeous color melt doesn’t come out of thin air. Avoid cheap dyes and the kind of hair that will tangle after one wash - you’ll be able to feel that straw-like texture.
Keeping this in mind, people who have been in the wig game turn to established brands like Wowangel. Known for quality HD lace and pre-plucked hairlines, Wowangel has no real competition when it comes to ombre human hair wigs that arrive ready to wear.
You might be wondering what truly makes Wowangel different? Well, the units are processed with the integrity of the hair in mind. It doesn’t lose that soft, bouncy feel - even after the rigorous color processing to get the right two-toned look.
Styling Tips for Ombre Wigs
Once the hard work of finding an ombre wig is done, you get to move on to the fun part: styling the hair. We’ve got a few pro styling tips to help you start on the right foot.
- Wash your wig with cold or lukewarm water to avoid opening the hair cuticles and stripping the color. You’ll notice that the vibrant colors of your wig remain intact over time.
- Make sure that you give the ends the love and care that they need. The lighter, often blonde, parts of the wig have been processed (bleached) to create that stunning color blend you’re after, and they’ll need regular deep conditioning.
- Heat protection spray is a must for styling human hair units. Never skip this step, even if you’re rushing out the door.
- Storing your wig on a mannequin or in a silk bag is a game-changer. It’s less likely to tangle or become frizzy in these conditions.
- Whether it's a wig or your natural hair, sulfate-free shampoo is great. It prevents that brassy, orange-ish color from creeping in.
Time to Takeover With a Killer Ombre Look
It has to be a no-brainer that ombre wigs are the way forward, no matter your personal style. Experiment with a bunch of different colors and lengths in a low-commitment kind of way.
Blonde ends? Red ends? The choice is yours. And as soon as you're done, it’s on to the next wig or your beautiful natural hair.
