What Are the Different Types of Ombre Braids?

Ombre braids have become one of the most popular hair trends in protective styling. Whether seen on influencers, celebrities, or everyday braid lovers, ombre braids offer a gorgeous transition from one color to another — creating depth, personality, and customization for every skin tone and hair texture.

One of the biggest advantages of ombre braiding hair is how versatile it is. You can choose soft, natural blends or dramatic, eye-catching transitions. But with so many shades and styles available, you might wonder: What are the different types of ombre braids?

This guide explores every major type of ombre braiding hair, how they differ, who they flatter, and how to choose the right one for your next braids.

1. What Does “Ombre” Mean in Braiding Hair?

In braiding, ombre refers to a color gradient that transitions from one shade to another. The transition can be:

• Soft and subtle

• High-contrast

• Multi-layered

• Natural-looking

• Bold and creative

Ombre braids allow you to add color without committing to dyeing your real hair — the color is in the synthetic or human braiding hair itself.

2. The 5 Main Types of Ombre Braids

There are many variations, but most ombre braids fall into five major categories:

1. Two-Tone Ombre

2. Three-Tone Ombre

3. Multi-Blend Ombre

4. Reverse Ombre

5. Custom or Fashion Ombre

Each one offers a different visual effect.

3. Two-Tone Ombre Braids

What It Is

A classic ombre style with two colors that fade into one another.

Examples

• Black → Brown

• Dark Brown → Honey Blonde

• Burgundy → Red

• Jet Black → Silver

• Brown → Blonde

Why People Love It

Natural-looking
Works with any braid style (box, knotless, twists)
Good for beginners
Easy to match with natural hair

Best For

• Subtle color lovers

• First-time ombre braid wearers

• Natural tones with a twist

4. Three-Tone Ombre Braids

What It Is

An ombre that includes three different shades, transitioning from dark to medium to light.

Examples

• Black → Brown → Blonde

• Burgundy → Red → Copper

• Dark Blue → Sky Blue → Silver

• Black → Purple → Lavender

Why People Love It

Creates depth
Highly dimensional
Perfect for long braids
Looks amazing in curls or boho braids

Best For

• Anyone wanting standout color

• Boho knotless or goddess braids

• Extra-long braids that show more gradient

5. Multi-Blend Ombre Braids

What It Is

A complex blend of four or more colors, giving a very soft and seamless gradient.

Examples

• Black → Brown → Copper → Blonde

• Purple → Pink → Peach → Platinum

• Teal → Blue → Lavender → Silver

Why People Love It

Super smooth transitions
Luxury, professional look
Perfect for artistic or editorial styles

Best For

• Clients who want a high-fashion look

• Extra-long or jumbo box braids

• Trend-setters and creatives

6. Reverse Ombre Braids

What It Is

Normal ombre transitions from dark roots to lighter ends — reverse ombre flips that, starting light at the root and darkening toward the tips.

Examples

• Platinum → Black

• Blonde → Chocolate

• Silver → Charcoal

• Pastel Pink → Burgundy

Why People Love It

Unconventional
High-contrast
Eye-catching

Best For

• Bold personalities

• Creative or alternative styles

• Shorter braids (effect is stronger)

7. Fashion or Custom Ombre Braids

This includes all artistic, non-natural, and fantasy color blends.

Examples

• Rainbow ombre

• Neon ombre

• Mermaid ombre (blues + greens)

• Sunset ombre (orange → red → purple)

• Cotton candy ombre (pink → lavender)

• Galaxy ombre (purple → blue → black)

Why People Love It

Unique
Creative
TikTok and festival favorite
Works well for boho styles

8. The Difference Between Pre-Stretched vs Regular Ombre Braids

Pre-Stretched Ombre

• Lightweight

• Natural feathered ends

• Easier for knotless braids

• Faster installation

Regular Kanekalon Ombre

• Slightly heavier

• Blunt-cut ends

• Good for jumbo or grip braids

Choose based on your braider's preference and your desired braid size.

9. Best Ombre Shades for Different Skin Tones

For Deep Skin Tones

• Black → Burgundy

• Black → Honey Blonde

• Brown → 27

• Burgundy → Red

• Purple ombre

For Medium Skin Tones

• Brown → Caramel

• Black → 30

• Copper ombre

• Blonde → Ash Blonde

For Fair Skin Tones

• Black → Silver

• Ash brown ombre

• Cool blonde ombre

• Lavender blends

Of course, anyone can rock any shade — these are simply flattering suggestions.

10. Best Ombre Colors for Different Braid Styles

Knotless Braids

Best with smooth gradients:

• Two-tone

• Three-tone

• Multi-blend

Box Braids

Best with dramatic combinations:

• Reverse ombre

• High-contrast shades

• Fashion ombre

Goddess Braids / Boho Braids

Best with soft blends:

• Three-tone

• Multi-blend

• Pastels

Faux Locs / Distressed Locs

Best with earthy tones:

• Brown blends

• Copper → Blonde

• Black → Honey Blonde

Twists

Best with rich tones:

• Burgundy

• Purple ombre

• Brown → Auburn

11. How to Choose the Right Ombre Braid Color

Match the roots with your natural hair

Ombre should start with a shade close to your natural color.

Decide how bold you want to be

Soft? Subtle? Dramatic? Neon?

Consider the length of your braids

Longer braids show more color transitions.

Consider lifestyle

Work-safe or festival-ready?

Choose colors that complement your wardrobe

Especially if you wear certain colors often.

12. How Many Packs of Ombre Hair Do You Need?

General guideline:

Ombre braids sometimes require one extra pack for perfect color distribution.

13. Are Ombre Braids More Expensive?

They can be, because:

• They require multi-tone production

• More dyeing steps

• More specialized materials

But many brands (including Cooviphair) produce affordable, premium ombre braiding hair.

14. Why Cooviphair Ombre Braids Are Loved Worldwide

Cooviphair is known for:

Ultra-soft, lightweight fibers
Pre-stretched options
Beautifully blended ombre gradients
Tangle-free performance
Natural movement
Wide shade selection
Beginner and stylist-friendly packaging

Top-selling ombre shades include:

• 1B/27

• 1B/30

• T1B/BUG

• T27

• T30

• 1B/613

• Pastel rainbow ombre

15. Final Thoughts — Which Ombre Braid Type Is Best?

It depends on the look you want:

For natural looks:

Two-tone ombre
Brown blends
Black → brown → blonde

For soft dimension:

Three-tone ombre
Multi-blend ombre

For bold personalities:

Reverse ombre
Neon or fashion ombre
Galaxy or rainbow blends

For extra-long braids:

Three-tone or multi-blend
(They show more transition)

For knotless braids:

Pre-stretched, smooth ombre blends

For box braids:

High-contrast ombre or reverse ombre

Ombre braids offer endless creativity while remaining protective, lightweight, and expressive. Whether you're seeking a subtle glow or a head-turning masterpiece, there's an ombre braid type perfect for you.