"I got my hair highlighted because I felt like some strands were more important than others."-Mitch Hedberg
ombre (adjective): French term for shaded. It is a color effect where the color gradually changes from light to dark. Not to be confused with a Spanish speaking male.
The ombre style is interestingly not a new look in the world of hair but the trend has been highlighted (yes, pun intended) by its popularity in the celeb world since the summer. And for me, my love for Mila Kunis' (love her..even though I'll never quite look at her the same after Black Swan) subtle, gorgeous version of it definitely made it trend friend worthy. So, here are the basics. The look is darker at the roots and lighter, sunkissed at the ends. It's like the roots were grown out but without the harsh contrast and you spent all February at the beach.
So for us non-celebs, it's easily achievable for natural brunettes. (South Asian gals with super dark hair--do not fear, this are not the scary highlights you're used to seeing, so if you have been wanting to try something different, your time may be here). The look is also very easy on the wallet since roots are encouraged (Highlights without the upkeep? Can it be?) and it is relatively low maintenance (the more it grows out, in theory, the better the look is supposed to be).
You definitely want to leave getting the initial look right to the professionals. On your trip to the salon, some tips from the blogosphere:
-Keep all the colors (roots, transition, tips) in the same color family for a subtle, natural, carefree look and you won't even need to frequent the salon as much (for those with super dark hair, depending on the color of highlights you pick, that might mean a base coat color, so you don't get too intense/contrast of a look).
-Find a colorist who will do balayage highlights (those that are painted on with a brush instead of using foil or a cap)
-Maintenance is as easy as alternating visits between getting the darker roots touched up and the highlights brightened.
So, while it is a trendy look to rock, it's not for everyone. The color style does lend itself to wearing the hair in a more wavy, textured look. So if you're hair is super fine or straight or you have short bangs it may not look quite right. Otherwise, if you're ready for a change and want everyone to think you've been sunbathing in Rio instead of being in your cubicle all winter, jump on the celeb hair bandwagon. The best part is you get to tell your hombre, that you're going ombre.
image source: Sarah Jessica Parker, Mila Kunis, Jessica Biel and Rachel Bilson--getty images.
-SD
Ooh maybe I should do a little ombrito!
Happy birthday SD!!
Posted by: MGK | February 13, 2011 at 09:36 AM
great post. i used to have wavy hair... i think i'd need to re-wave to ombre :(
Posted by: amee | February 14, 2011 at 01:27 PM
A: I actually remembered your request for more posts about hair and beauty.
Posted by: Pink Rickshaw | February 14, 2011 at 02:46 PM