balayage vs. ombre hairstyles

Did you ever come across the terms balayage and ombre and were wondering what their difference is? We have the answer and more. Read on for all about balayage highlights, ombre hairstyles and different techniques to turn your hair color into one of a kind.

What is balayage?

The literal definition of balayage is sweeping. When used in reference to hairstyles, balayage typically refers to highlights painted on the surface of the hair to create a soft and elegant sweeping effect. The process of applying a balayage hair color starts at the roots and becomes heavier as it goes along the sections with the heavier spots at the ends of the sections.

The balayage effect can be done on any hair color and is a hot trend in the hair industry. The balayage technique is best suited for long or medium length haired girls, where the true sweeping hair color effect can be noticed best. It can also save you a ton of money because they don’t have to be frequently touched up.

Balayage highlights: How to & the different types of balayage

Depending on the balayage hair color effect that’s wanted, multiple hair colors can come into play. It typically is solely up to the client and the stylist, and the balayage technique they are employing. For those girls seeking more shimmery balayage highlights, they might go with three colors and lay it on a bit softer. Another, more dramatic alternative is to go with the foilage hair color technique. Here the stylist applies the highlights with foil and amplifies the balayage color process for an oh-so-sleek and shiny look.

What is ombre?

An ombre hair color is a dramatic, two-toned hair color that is typically darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, made famous by many celebrities in popular culture. The dark section is usually one’s own natural hair color and the lighter piece is typically colored. And, as your natural hair grows out, your ombre style will naturally change with the color, which many girls love!

The different types of ombre hair color

The difference between ombre hairstyles really depends on how drastic you want to make your hair. Those seeking a more drastic ombre hairstyle typically go dark paired with a light shade. But, for those girls aspiring a softer ombre (or sombre look) they make it more natural-looking by combining the tone differences more subtle and choosing to go easier on the blend. And for those girls that really want a wild look, they can choose colors such as pink, purple, or bright blue for a color-melting effect that really makes them stand out.

How to ombre hair & create ombre highlights

What hairstyle you choose solely depends on you as an individual and what overall aesthetic and statement you are trying to make with your look. There really is no right or wrong way to do ombre, and it’s solely left to the imagination on how far one wants to be creative and push the boundaries. This means you can rock ombre highlights with short or long hair.

How to care for balayage or ombre hair?

1. Bond up those beautiful tresses

Many salons now offer the opportunity to bond up hair. This takes place after the coloring process and will add natural structural bonds to the hair to keep the color more vibrant for longer. This will also ensure that the hair stays healthy and doesn’t break or become damaged. If you’re already suffering from damaged hair, have a look at our article on how to now take care of it.

2. Look at the ingredients in hair care products

Maintain healthy hair with all of our naturally derived, hair color friendly products, which will leave your hair shiny and extend the life of the hair color. Our Murumuru Butter & Rose Collection is made exclusively for color-treated hair and is great to use with either ombre or balayage hairstyles.