Sombre hair color is not usually done with highlights. The main difference between Sombre and Balayabe is that Balayabe is done with freehand highlights that don’t completely color the tips of the hair. This low-contrast look is very similar to balayage. Instead of a drastic, high-contrast transition from light blonde to dark brown, Sombre colors might transition from a caramel blonde to a chestnut brown. Sombre hair color uses the same technique and blending as Ombre hair color, but the colors used are more similar, so the difference between them is subtle.

Sombre is short for “subtle Ombre,” and it’s one of our favorite looks. Reverse Ombre may start with any light hair color on top (like blonde, light red, gray, or light brown) and transition into a deeper or vivid color at the tips (like dark brown, red, black, or bright colors).

This means frequent root touch-ups are required unless your hair color is very light naturally. While the traditional Ombre technique can avoid the appearance of tell-tale roots for a while, reverse Ombre makes darker roots obvious when they grow in against a lighter color. The reverse Ombre technique has a built-in disadvantage with the lighter hair color placed at the roots. Now, the lighter color is at the roots and midshaft and gradually blends into a darker color from the midshaft to the tips. With reverse Ombre color, the color order is reversed. In a typical Ombre color, darker hair at the roots and midshaft gives way to a lighter color from the midshaft down to the tips. Let’s look at those techniques and how they’re different from the basic Ombre. There are a couple variations of the Ombre color technique, including reverse Ombre and Sombre. Since two or more colors need to be gradually blended in a gradient, experienced stylists use a flicking upward motion during application of the lighter lower color to achieve a clean transition with no harsh lines. Ombre hair color requires a little artistry in the freehand application. It’s a common choice for anyone who likes the soft, blended look of the freehand Balayabe technique but wants a bolder color shift at the ends. The Ombre look has only been growing in popularity over the last few years. Any color can be used in the two-toned Ombre technique, but it’s common to see a progression from darker shadow roots to a lighter color at the tips. It usually involves two colors, but three or more can be used to create complex color gradients. Ombre (which means “shadow” in French) hair color gradually transitions from a darker base color at the roots and midshaft to a lighter color at the tips. Ombre is a gradient hair coloring technique that is sometimes confused with Balayabe.

Learn all you should know about ombre color – what it is, its popular variations, average cost, inspiration photos, tips to consider, and maintenance guidelines – in our complete guide. It’s difficult to properly apply color in a smooth gradient with no harsh lines.īut when ombre is done right, it’s *chef’s kiss.* It’s also more expensive than basic color techniques because the application is time-consuming and more complex. This color technique can be high-maintenance, requiring regular touch-ups. But they require a stylist with the skill to perfectly execute a soft color transition.Īnd ombre color isn’t for everyone. Ombre colors are unique, have a gorgeous two-toned effect, and work with almost any color hair. If you have questions about ombre hair color, you’re in the right place. Ready? So are we – let’s get started! Considering Ombre Hair? What is Ombre hair color and how is this color technique different from others? Don’t worry – we’ll show you the Ombre basics from application to maintenance, give you gorgeous examples, and highlight variations of the Ombre technique.

Grey omber hair