Many many many of our lovely readers have been asking… “What is the difference between Balayage & Ombre?”. So we’ve decided to lay it out plain and simple :] Read on…
Ombre is a graduation of a color, and in terms of hair, it is the graduation from light to dark {or reverse, dark to light}. Below are three examples of different looks that you can achieve with Ombre hair.
Balayage is a technique of free-hand painting of highlights onto the strands of hair typically thin to thick. If desired, you can balayage the hair to create an ombre look as well (now have we confused you?) Basically the balayage technique can lead to the end result being on ombre hair color. (notice how we say can lead, if you so choose)
Below are three looks where stylists create dimensions and variations of color using this technique. Often times, pieces are painted to frame and brighten the face. Notice in the balayage pictures how there is still depth in the ends of the hair. The are not solid areas of color graduating to another solid area of color.
The technique of both is often more costly up front because you create a result that lasts longer, plus, there is no line of demarcation when the hair grows out; meaning less of a rush to the beauty parlour for you!