What is the difference between ombré and balayage hair?

Ombré and balayage hair styles are often used interchangeably by those not versed in the subtle techniques between the two. These hair color techniques have become the standard among the fabulous, but what is the difference between balayage and ombré hair and how do you know what will work for you? Let the hair salon experts at Jean Paul help you!

What is Balayage Hair?

In French, balayage means “sweeping.” Balayage highlights use the technique of hand-painting or sweeping along the surface of the hair. The application begins away from the roots and gradually becomes heavier as it is applied up towards the root. When the hair color or lightener is on the surface of each section, the underside remains darker, which gives the hair a very natural, dimensional effect. The subtle balayage hair color mimics a more natural, sun-kissed effect.

The balayage technique can be done on almost any hair color from blonde to red. Balayage looks stunning on medium and long hair and is loved by many because if its versatility and effortlessness.

What is Ombré Hair?

In French, ombré means “shade” or “shadow.” In the salon world, ombré is a dramatic, two-toned hair color effect that seamlessly graduates from dark to light from the scalp to the ends of your hair. To get that classic ombré effect, color or lightener is placed horizontally with full saturation of the section and then blended upward. This results in a gradient color transition without a visible line that separates dark from light.

There are so many color combinations to obtain that ombré look. Most popular color combinations include blonde ombré, brown ombré, brown to blonde ombré, and color tipped ombré. This technique is great for most long and medium hair lengths and while most keep their natural color toward the root, this extends the time in between hair salon touch-ups.

What is the difference between ombré and balayage?

Simply put ombré is a style where balayage is a technique. Both result in a low maintenance routine, since the color placement is not strict but done in gradual or sweeping technique. You need balayage to achieve ombré hair, but balayage on its own can give many different effects by using different shades strategically throughout the hair for a multi-dimensional finish.

So how do you know if balayage or ombré is right for you?

If you’re looking to lighten up your natural hair color with some low-maintenance highlights, balayage or ombré may be what you’re looking for. Both styles look great on long and medium hair lengths and both make for a beautiful selfie.

Since ombré blends two colors together, it works great on long hair so you can see the full effect throughout the length of your hair. Balayage is perfect if you’re looking to go longer in between touch-ups, as it grows out much less stark than ombré. Because of the single process color, ombré grows out more quickly than a balayage so take that into consideration when booking your hair salon appointment with Jean Paul Spa and Salons.

We can’t wait to make you feel beautiful. Book your appointment with us today!