Balayage and Ombré — Here are the highlights!
A lot of women ask us if trending looks are age-appropriate looks as well. Our collective point of view is that it truly depends on the individual. At Bellevue Salon and Spa we’re all about allowing hair to serve as an extension of one’s personality, individualistic style and flair. Deciding if a trending hair color technique/effect is right for you is a personal decision. We say if it looks good and makes you feel great, then why not go for it?
What is Ombré anyway?
Well, this popular hair trend started in France and is all about darker, more natural rich hues at the base or roots and is characterized with gradually dyed lightening techniques towards the tip of the follicle. It’s been a steady hit with ladies who loathe visiting the salon often as outgrowth isn’t obvious. The striking top to bottom color contrast is a head-turner and has been popularized by celebs such as Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Cambell and Kim Kardashian. Suddenly “grown out” went gone “grown up, “explains Belleve Salon and Spa’s own Nina Clark (her work is photographed below.) “I have been getting steady requests for Ombré highlights ever since last year when it showed up on LA’s red carpets. Our clients like to get creative by can choosing up to three colors to shade for the “Ombre” effect. In the warmer months, it’s best to shoot for lighter, more vibrant shades and in the winter months, I’d say go for cooler, more ash tones.”
Head turning color, strategically placed by our own Nina Clark
Factors that go into determining hair tones are skin coloring and also wardrobe choices or personal style. This look is definitely dramatic and often times wants to be “the star” of an overall head to toe statement so we think it’s best to go the subtle, monochromatic look when thinking about paring an outfit. Another challenge is creating this look with bangs because your bangs will likely be one color, while the rest of your hair is two-tone.
One thing to keep in mind is that if your hair has been previously colored you may not be able to achieve the desired effect without some color correction. Our award-winning stylists can best advise you not only on your first round of Ombre highlights but also on maintaining the maximum impact and desired effect ongoing.
Balayage Beauty
Professional and exotic sun-kissed highlights are in demand all year-round. Balayage is a coloring method used to create attractive, natural-looking highlights. Used as an alternative to foil highlighting, hair color is swept or painted on to the hair to create depth and dimension.
Balayage is the in-salon color service choice among the most discerning clients – celebrities, models and fashionistas – or just clients who prefer hair color to be designed exclusively for them! And Balayage hair painting isn’t just for Blondes! It is perfect for brunettes that want a subtle, multi-dimensional look. When a colorist is coloring, the majority of the brush strokes are horizontal in nature to coat the front and back of the hair strands. In Balayage, the colorist "sweeps" vertically with the tip of the brush and only to the front of the hair. Thus creating natural, luminescent highlights. If you’re seeking low maintenance, subtle color, and like your hair straight, then Balayage is great for you.
Ombré or Balayage? Which is right for you?
Not sure which technique is the best choice for you? Simply come in and talk to anyone of our stylists/colorists about your desired look/effect. It’s always helpful to bring some inspirational photos to give to your stylist so that there is a clear picture of what the end result should look like. We may have an entirely different solution such as foils. In the end, our best advise is don’t try all the trends in the magazines. Pick a look that feels right for you. Don’t get caught up on what the technique is called. Our goal is for all of our clients to look great and feel wonderful when they leave our salon/spa. That’s all that really matters!
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