Ombré hair was such a major hair trend throughout 2015 and 2016, but as we’ve seen recently, balayage has largely taken over. But what exactly is balayage and how is it different from an ombré? I did some digging to figure this one out.
According to Style Lounge Salon, a hair salon in San Diego, an ombré hairstyle is when the hair transitions from a darker color to a lighter color. The hair gradually gets lighter and stays with the lighter color all the way to the bottom, leaving no dark pieces of hair. A balayage hairstyle is very similar in its gradual transition to the lighter color, BUT it will have darker strands at the bottom as well.
Compare Drew Barrymore rocking ombré with Kim Kardashian pulling off more of the blended balayage style.
Through all their different hair styles, Kim and Khloe Kardashian have both had their time with a balayage. Both women have those darker bottom strands towards the back of their hair, framing their face with the lighter pieces. Check out how these three celebs are experimenting with balayage.
1. Khloe Kardashian
STUNNING.
2. Chrissy Teigen
She rocked her balayage with tones of caramel on the ends.
3. Rihanna
Rihanna looks bomb with a total caramel balayage.
You can also experiment with bright neon colors in the balayage look, using a dusty rose or mint green. Style Lounge Salon explains that an ombré is very high maintenance, requiring multiple trips to the salon for upkeep but a balayage requires almost no maintenance. You can get a balayage, not go back to the salon for six months and still have a totally perfect look. The lazy girl in me is definitely going with the balayage.