Lately, it seems everywhere one turns, ombré hair can be seen. The sensation of dyeing only part of one’s hair has been rapidly taking over the salon world.
For those that are a little behind on this latest trend, ombré is a French term meaning “shaded” or “shading.” Ombré hair color is dark rooted hair that gradually gets lighter through the strands of hair all the way to the tips. Depending on hair color and preference, the ombré effect can either be very drastic or subtle.
Celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, Jessica Biel and Drew Barrymore have all fabulously rocked this new hair color. Others such as Christina Aguilera have gone with colored ombré styles rather than the usual brunette or blonde choices.
Many have mixed feelings about the trend. Freshman graphic design major, Talia Carney, gives her opinion on ombré hair. “I really like the ombré trend, but I’m not sure if I would get it.”
I have to admit, I fell victim to the ombré craze as well. I tried the trend myself and within a few weeks, I was back to my naturally dark hair.
Aside from seeing ombré hair all over the red carpet, what has people so obsessed with this new phenomenon? For starters, ombré is described as a low maintenance way to dye and change up your hair color.
Especially for college students on a budget and with limited time, ombré hair does not require weekly, long trips to the salon. Since the look of grown-out roots is the desired effect, more time is allowed between salon visits.
Communication professor Mary Harris has her own view on why ombré has gained such a following. “Some women in varying age groups like to dye their hair regularly as a form of self-expression, as a way to keep up with current beauty trends, or as a way to, in their own minds, enhance their appearance,” Harris said.
Ombré hair style is also a good path for those who wish to test out a hair color. If you are indecisive when it comes to going blonde, brunette, red or black, test the waters by applying this color to only certain sections of their hair.
Ombré can last two to three months before getting it touched up. If hair is looking a bit dry or lackluster, a glaze treatment can be done approximately every eight weeks either at the salon or at home. A glaze can help neutralize and touch-up ombre hair from factors such as washing hair and sunlight. Although different brands such as L’Oreal Feria have advertised at home ombré kits, any professional hair stylist will tell clients that ombré hair is not an easy do it yourself job.
According to juicymag.com, “Don’t try to achieve this look at home. It’s a bit more complicated than it looks, and you’ll probably create a messy tie-dye effect instead of an ombré look.” When seeking professional expertise in achieving ombré hair, bring pictures and keep in mind ombré is a natural look. Each color should be within two color levels of one another.
On average for professional application, ombré hair can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 for a partial application and $140 to $350 for a full application. To achieve this look, hair colorists must bleach random tips throughout one’s hair depending on how severe they want the shaded effect.
Permitting your preference and shade of hair, the amount of time the bleach is left on will determine how light the hair gets. This bleaching process can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes.
For at home care, celebrity hair stylists recommend always using color-treated shampoo and conditioner. From my own personal experience, Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo neutralizes warm tones while Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum works wonders on ends to prevent frizz and keep the lighter portion of the hair from looking too yellow.
People, especially males, may wonder why females always have this constant need to regularly change their hair color.
Ashley Worthington, a freshman English and special education major has an answer to this. “I get easily bored of my hair color being the same for a long period of time. I recently changed my hair from blonde to dark brown and I love the dramatic change,” she said.
Although ombré hair is loved by many, some feel that they want to be different and go against the trend. “I got random blonde highlights in my dark hair because I wanted something different,” Worthington said. “A lot of people I know have ombré hair and I didn’t want to look the same as everyone.”
Before you begin the dyeing process, keep in mind the trend is not for everyone. Especially in the case of college students, one must consider whether they are applying for internships or careers and what the professional setting of their workplace will be. If one is applying to a business type firm such as Wall Street, an ombré style would not be acceptable.
Another thought to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to envoke the ombré look is whether your hair has been dyed already. If previously dyed, the ombré look may not be as effective in certain cases.
Sophomore business major Kyle O’Grady believes that one of the most important aspects of perfecting the ombré look is knowing some shades clash with others.
“I think the right shades of dark and light can look very good, but if the contrast is too sharp, its winds up looking like you really need to get to a salon and have your roots done,” O’Grady said. “All in all the trend is pretty tired now and it’s not worth doing it to your hair.”
This summer, the ombré color has changed from the favored blonde and brunette style to red headed tints. Whether you have virgin-hair that has never been touched with dye or modify your hair color as often as the seasons change, hair is a way for people to express themselves. Do not worry about what people think of your hair color, you did it for you and that is all that matters.
IMAGE TAKEN FROM thelovehanger.com
