This soft gradient is perfect for longer lengths
Not long ago, ombré hair fell out of favor, taking a backseat as new highlighting techniques paved the way for subtler, face-framing blond trends. However, in autumn 2026, there's something to be said for embracing nostalgia, whether that's through the return of an old-school perfume, trying a cozy ’90s nail trend, or, as Victoria Beckham continues to prove with her glossy two-tone lengths, bringing a lively classic hair color back to life.
The designer, businesswoman, and former Spice Girl has long championed the warm ombré hair trend, and was just spotted outside her New York flagship store wearing it. Beckham stepped out with glossy, wavy lengths, complete with dark brunette roots that gradually melted into brighter ends: an elevated take on a timeless hair color trend.
"What I love about Victoria Beckham's hair here is that it's a real nod to the original ombré movement. There's a beautiful depth through the roots, which transitions into these much lighter, warmer blonde lengths," explains hairdresser Adam Reed .
He adds that unlike balayage, which describes a color application technique, ombré describes the finished graduation of color. "The original look was often about creating quite a noticeable contrast between the dark and light," he says. "It was a statement, and I think that's what makes seeing it again so interesting."
While the ombré hair trend has something undeniably beachy about it, the rich glaze and deep brunette shadow root give Beckham's look a cozy, autumnal finish.
“For me, modern ombré is all about the transition," says Reed. "I'd keep that beautiful contrast between the darker roots and lighter lengths, but introduce more softness and dimension through the middle of the hair."
Rather than one very obvious point where the color changes, Reed uses different tones and strategically placed lighter pieces to create a more fluid graduation.
"I'd also think carefully about the blonde," he says. "Victoria's warm, golden lengths are a lovely reference, but that warmth could be personalized into honey, beige, caramel, or something cooler depending on the individual."
While Beckham's soft blonde ends prove lighter shades are back for autumn, the ombré finish isn't limited to brighter tones.
"I particularly love working with rich, multi-tonal shades that give the hair depth without making the overall color feel flat," says Reed. " Remi Cachet's new Cocoa shade, for example, is a beautiful rich brunette with warm chestnut undertones. It's a lovely reference for that deeper, warmer brunette palette, which can work beautifully alongside lighter lengths to create contrast and dimension."
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