Balayage vs Ombre’

     Balayage and Ombre’ are both hair lightening techniques.  Ombre’ can also be used as a hair deepening effect.  As a lightening effect, both techniques produce a sun kissed result.  Neither technique places the entire lightening process to the root of the hair. 

     Balayage hair lightning technique made its first debut in the hair industry in the 1980’s.  Women and men sought out hair salons that could produce a “beachy” natural highlighted result.  These subtle highlights are created by painting a high lift lightener or high lift color onto the hair in a sweeping motion.  They can be painted on the top layer only of the hair or a few layers deep, separated with cotton strips.  The advantage of this technique is that the highlights can literally be painted exactly where desired.  Generally at the front part hairline area the product is painted starting at the root.  Towards the back of the head the product is painted gradually lower so only the mid-shaft to ends are painted.  The highlights have spacing between them.

     Ombre’ hair color technique is a more solid application.  The word Ombre’ actually means “shaded.”  It can be produced in two ways, either darker at the roots and lighter ends or lighter at the root and darker ends.  The most common application is darker roots to light ends.  The ends of the hair, with this application, have that sun kissed result with a more solid effect than that of the Balayage technique.  The line of demarcation or separation of colors starts no higher than the ear and down to the ends.  The separation of colors is a staggered one that is produced by back combing the hair of each section, before the lightener or color is applied.  At times, when hair colorists Ombre’ the hair, they will also Balayage the front fringe area at the part line producing a subtle softening and natural effect around the face. 

     Both Balayage and Ombre' are very popular at this time.  These techniques allow the client fewer visits to the salon to help manage a busy lifestyle.  The techniques are also very interesting to watch and often create a buzz about the salon when stylists are creating these effects.

     If you are in South Florida and would like to receive one of these services, give me a call at Yossi Salon and Spa in Boynton Beach Florida.  I would be happy to provide the service for you!

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