ombre & balayage

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Balayage has been around for a while, but this timeless technique is creeping its way back into being one of the most popular hair colour requests in salons today. We’ve spoken to the some of the leading experts to get some professional insight into the booming hair trend, balayage.

 Balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. ‘It’s a freehand hair colouring technique that gives a really blended natural look with no harsh or obvious regrowth lines.

Balayage allows for a sun-kissed natural looking hair colour, with softer, less noticeable re-growth. The principal idea being less is more when creating a natural, multi-tonal finish. The technique uses patches of light and shade to create multiple dimensions to the colour.

It’s a great method if you want to refresh your colour but don’t want to go for a bold colour overhaul.

WHAT IS OMBRE HAIR?

 OMBRE VS BALAYAGE AND MORE!

One of the most common misunderstandings when it comes to colouring techniques is the difference between ombre hair and balayage (another French word, from "balayer" meaning "to sweep").
Ombré is a colour technique of seamless graduation from darker to lighter, whereas balayage is a highlighting technique. 
Another hair colouring technique is "sombre" ("somb-ray"), which is a softer and more subtle version of ombre hair, with a less visible transition between the roots and end colours. Lastly, often confused with ombre hair, dip-dye colouring has little-to-no subtle gradation between the darker and lighter colours. Its name will help you remember the difference: dip-dye looks as if you've just dipped your hair.

IS OMBRE EASY TO MAINTAIN?

One of the reasons that ombre hair is such a popular look is thanks to how easy it is to maintain. Thanks to the gradual colour gradation, as your hair grows out, the lighter sections subtly move further down the tips.

COLOUR INSPIRATION FOR OMBRE LOOKS

The most recognisable colour-combination for ombre hair is a medium brown than develops into golden tips. But this isn't your only option. Those with naturally darker hair could opt for a sombre, with their brunette locks subtly blossoming into an on-trend ash or even warm auburn shade. And for those with already-blond hair, there's nothing to stop you from an ombre where golden roots gradually grow into stunning platinum tips!