Discussing Hair Color Trends with Your Stylist
When ombre first hit the scene, it hit in a big way, but a lot of stylists thought it would not last. However, it seems, it is here to stay! Since ombre came onto the scene, foil highlights have transitioned from traditional and solid all-over color to a softer and more natural looking color – sun-kissed ends, grown out roots and slightly un-done hair. These color techniques add depth, dimension and touch-ups are far less frequent – perfect for anyone on a budget. To help you communicate with your stylist and get the look you want, follow these tips.
Ombre
Ombre creates a soft natural transition from deeper tones at the root that gradually melt into lighter ends. Ombre has been an extremely popular color trend that seems to be standing the test of time. New color trends have branched off from this original technique. Many people will say “ombre”, but be sure of the final result you’d like – trend styles can have different meanings to different people.
Baliage
Baliage is freehand painting (literally with color and brush), and like ombre, it creates a beautiful, graduated, natural-looking color effect from root to end. It is great for clients who want a natural look with some contrast in the hair, but want a softer look than ombre. Baliage, in French translates to “sweep”. This technique sections swatches of hair and the stylist hand paints against a backing board with a lightening agent, such as bleach. After painting, each swatch is covered in wraps, papers, or foils. Baliage highlights are less perfectly placed; you end with less symmetrical highlights. More random highlight placements result in a more casual, beachy finish, giving you a look that says, “This style is from my amazing vacation.” You can baliage any length, but for best results, try on thicker hair with more length.
Sombre
Sombre is an even softer version of ombre. It is an extremely subtle and chic look, loved by celebrities. Sombre goes well with all variations of hair textures. Sombre hair color looks very soft and natural. Ombre can feature quite a dramatic dark-to-light transition, making sombre (“subtle ombre”) a much more “color-shy-client” friendly take on the trend. With sombre, the lighter sections start up a bit higher than ombre, and the end lengths have ribbons of dark color for a slower, easy transition. Just like the original ombre, this technique is low-maintenance. There’s no need for constant touch-ups as there is no clear line from root to ends.
Color Melting
Color melting is similar to ombre, but is done with 3 or more colors, melting them very gradually. The colors do not have to go from dark to light, but can be any combination of colors. So, you have lots of options – even deep reds to blonde ends don’t look harsh if done properly. the cosmetologist will paint color on, but belnd the transitions to create flawless movement of color down the hair strands.
Flamboyage
Flamboyage is a new trend and a low maintenance hair color technique where the biggest difference is the tools the colorists uses. It’s a mixture of ombre and baliage where a transparent adhesive strip is used instead of foils. The colorist has a lot of control because the transparent strip means they can watch the color process and rinse when done. Like the last few techniques, the color generally starts above the mid-shaft and runs through the ends. This technique can also be used to get soft peek-a -boo highlights. You can go natural or dramatic with flamboyage and still have a low maintenance style.
Foiling
Foiling is th most high maintenance of these trends. Foiling is also the most traditional way of coloring the hair where selected strands of hair are placed on foil by either weaving or slicing sections. It’s for anyone who wants their hair highlighted or haircolored from root to ends. If you don’t want a chunky or dramatic style, ask for “baby lights” which are much finer. The hair is separated into super fine sections and hair color or hair lightener is applied. Foiling can be more costly and time-consuming, but you’re left with a more multi-dimensional color.
Hopefully this guide will help, and if you’re ever unsure, Google your favorite celebrity with the words “hair color” after the name. Gisele is a perfect baliage, Miley had a great ombre, Jessica Biel has some flawless flamboyage! Good luck, and enjoy your trendy new color!