Hair Trends 30 October 2024

How to get an ombre

The Wisteria Avenue Journal

Ombre Hair Colour Options in Abingdon

We are often asked how you can get an ombre that looks amazing. If you’re after a look that blends your natural colour into something lighter, a transformation far more punchy than a balayage could be for you. This striking, natural looking blend can be applied to most hair types, lengths and colours from subtle to bold.

In our latest daily blog, here’s everything you need to know about getting an ombre, from what it looks like and how it differs from balayage to its upkeep, and how long you can expect it to last.

For more hair colour information and advice, visit our balayage service page. Finally, if you’re new to the salon and not sure how to get the most value from your next appointment, need a consultation or would value a conversation before booking, call or send a WhatsApp message on 01235 534705.

Ombre FAQ’s

What is an ombre?

Ombre, derived from the French word meaning “shaded” or “shadow,” is just that. The ends of your hair become shaded going from dark to light at the ends. Ombre is a hair colouring technique that can offer a bold or subtle finish allowing you the client to experiment with your ideal look.

Very similar to balayage, the roots are left dark, while the colour at the ends is gradually lightened. This contrast provides a beautiful effect and perfect for clients that want to add dimension to their hair. If you want to personalise your ombre, consider the money piece.

What is the difference between a balayage and an ombre?

Balayage and ombre are often confused and misdefined so you can be forgiven for misinterpreting one from the next. Though they might appear similar, the two techniques create different looks and require slightly different approaches as we have outlined below:

  • Ombre: The initial blend from the mid section of the hair is virtually identical to that of a balayage. It’s the ends where the more dramatic contract is present with a clear distinction between dark and light sections of the hair.
  • Balayage: Designed to offer  a more natural and sun-kissed look, balayage looks to embrace your base colour more so than ombre. Whilst lighter pieces are applied from the mid section of the hair, your base colour ‘breaks up’ the lighter colour allowing for a more natural look.

How long does an ombre last?

Appearance aside, one of the motivations for ombre is its durability and lack of required maintenance. Unlike other hair colour appointments that need regular root touch-ups, ombre grows out more naturally (given no colour touches the root area). Dependent on what you need your ombre to look, an ombre can last anywhere from 3 months to 6 months on average.

One caveat to this is the health of your hair and lifestyle. Some toners can fade quicker than others so you may want to consider more regular upkeep if you’re intending to leave your appointment longer than 6 months. If you want your hair to go lighter, this blog can help.

What does an ombre look like?

Think of your base colour gradually transitioning from dark to light. The look of your ombre depends on the colours you choose and how bold you want the transition to be. Here are some popular ombre looks to consider:

  1. Natural Caramel Ombre: For brunettes, caramel or honey-blonde ends provide a soft and subtle transition that complements your natural colour.
  2. Ash Blonde Ombre: This cooler-toned gradient, starting from a dark root and fading to ashy blonde, is perfect for those with darker hair who want a modern, neutral look.

What do I need to do to maintain an ombre?

While ombre is low maintenance, a few steps will keep your hair looking its best:

  • Colour-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Use products formulated for coloured hair to prevent fading. JOICO’s colour maintenance range is a great option, helping you preserve vibrancy and tone.
  • Toners: For a lighter ombre, a purple shampoo helps to neutralise any yellow or orange tones that may appear over time.
  • Treatments: The ends of your hair may feel drier after lightening, so incorporating a hydrating mask or deep conditioner into your routine is beneficial. We offer the K-PAK Four Step Treatment in-salon which is arguably the best value for money treatment on offer.

Conclusion

With the right colour choice and blend, an ombre can be a stunning and low-maintenance way to add dimension and style to your hair. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or more striking, the ombre technique offers a look to suit all.

For more information, please call or send a WhatsApp on 01235 534705. Before making a booking, we would encourage you to discuss your options with us to establish if and how we can help.

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