Wearable gradiants have been well-liked on clothing for a few seasons now, but the trend has recently crossed over into the beauty world. Ombre hair is a chic look for fall, spotted on celebs, runway models, and fashionistas of all types.
But wait…What on earth does Ombre mean? I hear you cry:
The word ‘ombre’ is a French word that implies ‘shaded’. In order to achieve ombre hair color, balayage technique is mostly adopted. This colouring technique emerged in Paris in the 1970s; the word “balayage” is French for “to sweep,” a reference to the way in which the color is applied. Balayage became extremely popular in the late 1990s. In the United States, you may see balayage spelled “balliage.”
Here is Jessica Simpson sporting the older version. Lighter top and darker as the hair goes down.
I actually LOVE this on her. I’ve copied this many times.
What is Ombre hair?
Ombré is a huge hair trend right now, as seen on celebs like Rachel Bilson, Lauren Conrad, and Jessica Biel. Instead of starting highlights at the top of your head, this style incorporates lighter colored streaks around the bottom of your tresses.
Celebrities do Ombre
The dark-roots-to-pale-ends look can be as natural or drastic as you want. A subtle look like Rachel Bilson’s is more natural than Lady Gaga’s platinum-to-yellow ombre ‘do or Ashlee Simpson-Wentz’s brown-to-red style. It’s fantastic that this trend is versatile enough to work for any girl with any hair colour.
Ombre hair sometimes gets confused with dip-dyed hair:
Or Two-Tone Hair:
When the celebrity hair world went ombre last year, we predicted a flash trend, dying out (pardon the pun) after a summer of two tone hair hues. But 18 months later the look is still going strong, and the balayage technique, used to create this look, is still one of the most popular hair colouring requests for autumn/winter 2011.
My most favourite Ombre look right now is on Drew Barrymore! My oh my, her hair looks beautiful!:
Sally Hershberger colourist Erin Bogartworks shares her tips for getting the look!
Prep with a good cut: Get your hair cut first — lighter ends show off the swingy movement of great layers. If your haircut has lost its shape, the look won’t be complete. As a general rule, it’s best to start the Ombré highlights at around chin level. The color should only be in the last two or three inches of each hair layer.
Best hair texture and length for the look: Ombré can work for most textures and looks best on medium to long hair with layers.
Maintenance: Colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, and the occasional deep-conditioning treatment. Use a leave-in conditioner to keep light ends healthy
Tones your colourist should incorporate: This depends on your personal style. If you’re more conservative, ask for natural-looking, sun-kissed ends. If you are looking for more drama, opt for dark roots with very light ends. In the winter, when tans start to fade, warmer tones are more flattering against paler skin. Spring is the perfect time to add brighter pieces around your face.
VERSIONS
Extreme
Subtle
COLOURS
If you’re brunette, but don’t want to go too light at the ends/mid length of your hair for Ombre. Don’t worry – there’s a different way for you!:
BRUNETTE
(This is my FAVOURITE Ombre brunette look, wow).
RED
BRONDE
BLONDE
CUSTOM
So there you have it!…Wait, what? You’re still not convinced?
Not even by all of the pretty pictures?
I don’t believe you.
Okay, well then there are some reasons to go Ombre:
• Ombre is an easy way to grow out your roots (this alone sells it to me!)
• Ombre is a low-maintenance hair colour technique. (Sold, again!)
• Ombre is an anti-aging hair colour trick. (Yes, please) PS – This means, it mimicks your nature hair colouring as a youth, darker to lighter.
• Ombre is fun and on trend. Wheee!
…Sign me up, please!
Thank you for reading, come by again soon!
Kirstiie @ Tribe of Mannequins
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