Ombre hair color has been on the style throne for a very long time and is still going strong. And why not? In ombre, since the color is naturally diffused gently toward the roots, you get a sun-kissed look while still holding onto the edgy vibe. Full marks for subtlety!
If you’re considering hair color, admit it, you have wondered about the seemingly minute differences between balayage and ombre. We believe, before you take the plunge and dip your mane into the world of hair colors, you should know where exactly you’re headed.
Ombre is basically a French word meaning shadow. Ombre hair color is a two-toned style where your hair presents a dramatic contrast between two spectrum of the color palette – natural dark hair color near the roots and lighter color at the ends. It is ideal for almost all hair lengths and the best part is that as your hair grows out, you can easily trim the ends and try another color. Sounds perfect for the non-committal ladies out there.
Let’s check out where ombre and balayage part ways:
Ombre
• Ombre is a style
• Hair color is distributed in a gradual transitioning pattern towards the ends
• The dark to light transition in ombre hair may not look as natural as in balayage
• All the ends are colored with dye
• The transition from the deeper roots to the light ends is shorter in ombre
• If you are bored of the color, you can simply go chop-chop to go back to your natural hair color
Balayage
• Balayage is a technique
• Hair color is distributed in a sweeping pattern across hair
• The dark to light transition looks much natural in this case
• Since this is a freehand technique, some ends may be left untouched
• The transition from the deeper roots to the light ends is much longer
• Since color is applied not just on the ends, you may have to wait it out to get rid of the color completely
If you decide to go ahead with ombre, we have listed down pretty ombre shades to make your hair color journey easier. Take your favorite inspiration to your colorist or invest in an at-home kit to get started.
First things first, if you have fair skin, every Burgundy color will look great on you. Just like blonde, blues and all the other quirky colors out there.
1. Red ombre
When you can give at least your mane a passionate ending, why not? Paint your tresses with the color of passion to get insanely gorgeous locks that can sweep all your flames off their feet. We’re talking dark roots that give way to fiery red strands. This one’s absolute fire.
Our current obsession: Berina Hair Color Cream - Ruby Redy
2. Green ombre
We know life seems dull but is your hair feeling blah too? A fling with the harmonious green could make it look lively on so many levels. Who knew healthy greens could be the next inspiration for hair color but we’re not complaining. After all unlike the rest, leafy locks can look edgy yet calm at the same time. I think we’ve got a Slytherin in the house.
Our current obsession: Color Mate Burgundy & Copper Red Hair Color Cream
3. Purple ombre
Feeling adventurous but don’t have enough courage to take on smack, in-your-face hair color? Purple ombre hair strikes the right balance between subtle and savage without going overboard. Pull streaks of this royalty inspired color along your locks to add a rock punch that looks both seductive and playful. Think a good dose of badass.
Our current obsession: Streax Ultralights Gem Collection - Purple Topaz
4. Pink ombre
The only problem is that we don’t have enough space for all the lovestruck emoticons that we would ideally like to use for this color. If you want to channel your inner rebellious princess, all your locks need is a splash of vibrant pink. Pink ombre hair is a surefire way to make heads turn and jaws drop.
Our current obsession: Cab's Professional Color Lady Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream - Carnation Pink
5. Golden ombre
Upgrade your tress game by dipping the ends in this metallic hue. We’re talking dark roots fading into surprisingly soothing strands that appear majestically sunkissed. That pretty much explains why golden happens to be the most popular color choice for Indian women.
Our current obsession: Streax Hair Colour - Golden Blonde 7.3
6. Blue ombre
If you’re going to make a statement, you might as well go full-throttle on the drama. And it obviously goes without saying, blue ombre hair oozes a confident charm that can only be carried off by a woman who’s not afraid to be who she is. Guess, someone just found her shade.
Our current obsession: Berina Hair Color Cream – Blue
7. Grey ombre
In a world full of redheads and blondes, be an ice princess. Picture your tresses fading down to frosty ice-like grey tones that really brightens your complexion. Now, we are not really into playing favorites, but don’t accuse us if we tell you that this unconventional one’s our pick.
Our current obsession: Berina Hair Color Cream - Light Grey
8. Brown ombre
In brown ombre hair, earthly undertones work well with both olive and cool skin tones to give the ends a summery finish. Nothing can go wrong with brown which makes it a safe shade to experiment with, especially if you’re not looking for something too vivid. Bonus, you ask? This hue makes for an easy pick for all you 9-to-5 women.
Our current obsession: Garnier Color Naturals Creme Hair Color - 5 Light Brown
FAQs:
1. Which is comparatively less expensive, ombre or balayage?
Ombre color is comparatively cheaper than balayage. That’s because balayage tends to take more time than ombre since individual strands are handpicked for the highlighting effect. Moreover, it requires more creativity when it comes to choosing where you would like the highlights to be placed. Factors like the way you usually wear your hair and the look you’re trying to achieve are also taken into consideration.
2. Does ombre look better on wavy hair or straight hair?
If we had to pick one, we would have to side with wavy hair. Ombre straight hair looks better when you choose multiples shades to break the otherwise flat pattern and create a multi-dimensional look.
3. Does short ombre hair look good?
The beauty of ombre hair is it can work well with almost all lengths, gradually transitioning from dark to light for that sun-kissed look. It’s just that long hair can wear ombre color much better than short hair can.
4. How do you maintain ombre hair?
• Avoid washing your hair too frequently since that could fade out the ombre color much faster.
• Moisturising colored hair is crucial, which is why you should apply conditioner to the ends and let it stay for 5 minutes. In the same vein, you can even consider applying deep-conditioning hair masks every two weeks.
• Steer away from the temptation of using heat styling tools like the blow dryer and straightener.
• Lemon juice is a good solution to keep blonde tips last longer.
5. Suggest some ombre color choices based on skin tones.
Here are some suitable ombre color choices based on skin tone:
i. Fair skin tone
• Blue ombre
• Brown ombre
• Green ombre
ii. Neutral skin tone
• Pink ombre
• Grey ombre
• Purple ombre
iii. Dusky skin tone
• Burgundy ombre
• Red ombre
• Blonde ombre
