What is the Difference Between Ombre and Balayage?

 

If you keep up with the latest in hair trends, chances are you’ve heard the terms “ombre” and “balayage.” Ombre and balayage are two methods of highlighting stylists use to gradually lighten hair and create a natural or visually striking gradient.

Both hair coloring techniques are popular alternatives to traditional foil highlights, often fading from a darker color near the roots to a lighter shade at the ends. These styles offer relief from the hassle of touching up regrowth, and require less maintenance than traditional hair coloring.

Ombre and balayage are often confused for one another because both styles achieve similar results through coloring and lightening of the hair. Though they are similar, professional stylists recognize the clear differences that set these two styles apart.

So, what’s the difference?

Ombre

• Ombre refers to the gradual lightening of the hair from the roots.
• The word “ombre” stems from the French word for “shadow”.
• Ombre often requires the hair to be bleached, depending on the color you want to achieve. Dramatic shades are more noticeable and usually require more maintenance.
• Typically, ombre is applied in two steps, the first being the base color and the second being the highlights.
• Ombre often results in a visible contrast between the top and bottom halves of your hair, but intensity varies by preference. A sombre refers to a subtle, more natural lightening ombre style.

 

Balayage

• Balayage is a freehand coloring technique to create natural highlights without the use of traditional foils.
• Balayage comes from a French method of “sweeping” color onto the hair.
• As opposed to ombre, balayage is softly painted on by hand for a natural, healthy-looking finish.
• The application process involves sweeping color through small triangle sections of the hair onto a board or foil, allowing the hair to transition into a lighter color. This results in dark pieces left on the bottom of the hair that create dimension and a more natural look.
• Typically, balayage requires less maintenance than an ombre because of its natural transition of color.

Caring for ombre and balayage hair is easier than traditional foil highlighting, and may require only a few touchups a year depending on the intensity of your color. Unlike your average dye job, ombre and balayage leave your roots untouched.

Both techniques are versatile and can be customized to your shading preferences. When applied by a professional stylist, both ombre and balayage hair is universally flattering, and complements all hair lengths. A professional stylist can also decide the color and highlighting technique that is best suited for your hair.

Ombre and Balayage in Boca Raton

At Gramercy Salon, our artists are happy to help clients customize all aspects of their color service. Whether you’re looking for ombre or balayage, the Gramercy team will work with you to find the best color that suits your hair and personal preferences. Our artists understand the needs of clients, and offer a variety of different color services and techniques that will leave you looking and feeling beautiful.

If you’re looking for ombre and balayage in Boca Raton, schedule a consultation with a Gramercy artist today. We’ll help you determine the perfect look to fit your face shape and lifestyle.

To learn more about our color services, give us a call at 561-600-9594 or stop by Gramercy Salon located in Mizner Park in Boca Raton. We look forward to meeting you!