This is how most hair color consultations went in the beginning of this trend phenomenon. For those of you who have not picked up an US Weekly Magazine in the past year, allow me to fill you in on this craze that some might have never predicted would become popular.
"Ombre," (or as my boss like to refer to it- "Recession Hair"), means coloring ones roots a darker shade, and gradually blending the color to a lighter shade at the ends. Some say that Gisele Bunchden was the pioneer in showcasing this hair art, but others note that it was Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, on Sex and the City, who made it "tres chic."
Over the past few years, a more extreme version of Ombre has been popular. Think: Rachel Bilson, where the roots are almost a shade of black, and the ends lighten up to a golden blonde.
What we are seeing more of now, is a more subtle version of the trend, a little more tone-on-tone. The color should look more like you spent the summer in the sun, and now it's the Fall so hair is growing in just slightly darker at the roots. Placing some face-framing highlights close to the root just in the front also adds a nice modern twist to the look.
The pros of Ombre are the obvious: that it made roots socially acceptable, and visits to the salon less frequent. The goal of the look is imperfection, which makes it easy to try at home. It also looks better on wavy hair than straight hair, so it eliminates the torturous need to blow dry your hair.
The cons are that if your natural hair color growing in is gray, this look can actually be more maintenance for you, because when gray roots are growing in next to a dark base color, it is as if the grays are screaming, "Hello world! I'm here!" Also, lighter hair tends to look more damaged than dark, so your ends will always be looking a bit straggly. Additionally, having a darker root might make your hair look more oily than it actually is, giving you more of a "dirty" appearance (but if that's what you're going for, to each their own!) And lastly, some people might just never get it, and will think you are just lazy or too cheap to keep up with your hair color.
I myself am going to try this look on it's way out. I feel like it's only fair to my clients and followers to try out these trends so I can speak from experience. While I create this illusion on my clients daily, there is something that bugs me about being a Colorist with roots. I am going to try and hold out until the Fall, although I have a friend's wedding in July, and I hope I don't cave and touch up my roots. I am going to need some Ombre cheerleaders!
While I am almost over this hair craze....ALMOST....I say rock it out for summer. It is the perfect look to pair along with the most carefree season of the year, and I will keep you posted for what will be hot for Fall Hair (although I know now, I have to hold your interest!).
I will try and post a picture of my hair after the July wedding, and enjoy your low-maintenance look while you can!
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