The hallmark of this look is roots that are untouched—or, in more extreme cases, just one to two shades lighter than a person’s natural color—with the shade gradually lightening along the lengths towards the tips. This makes the whole look easier to touch up. The look gains a natural “fade” from the roots to the tips as hair grows out. Hair stylists have found several ways to get the look to work for all hair lengths. It’s truly one of the most universally-flattering—and economical—hair color styles to date. Read on to discover which shade of ombre hair will work perfectly for your hair length:
Ombre Hair Color for Different Lengths
Ombre for Short Hair
The most flattering version of the ombre hair trend for shorter hair involves some carefully placed highlights. Another French adaptation, balayage, is a coloring process that involves the freehand-painting of color onto the hair shaft for softer, more blended highlights—like being naturally sun-kissed, if you will. The finished product, especially when topped off with some texture via a lightweight, medium-hold texture spray such as Nexxus Between Washes Beach Waves Sea Salt Spray, is equal parts relaxed and sexy. The best part? Not a telltale demarcation line in sight. Bonus: Ladies with bobs or lobs can work the ombre hair look into the natural graduated layers of their bobs, or even try asking for “peek-a-boo” highlights, where only the locks underneath the top layer of hair are bleached or lightened, only showing when hair swings around. Talk about a flirty backside!
Ombre for Medium Hair
Medium hair has a lot of movement and personality to play with. It can work with a “layage” technique. The technique is an offshoot of balayage that involves laying strands on a surface for strategic highlights. Either way, it’s still a freehand process. It delivers a more natural gradation of color to each shaft. Styling medium hair is a breeze—quite literally, we might say, as easy, wispy curls and ombre color are a match made in heaven. Apply mousse or lotion such as TRESemmé Premium Styling Volume Boost Spray to help texturize, and curl away. Muss up afterwards for a touchably sexy, tousled look.
Ombre for Long Hair
Long hair is a virtual ombre playground, especially when expertly blended into its layers. Experiment with both balayage and layage versions as hair grows longer, and eventually try your hand at a true “bronde” shade, a beige-y blonde variation where your hair starts off with a dark to medium brown and blends seamlessly into a blonde at the ends. Achieve some touchable structure with a blow dry lotion such as Bed Head by TIGI Superstar Blowdry Lotion.
