You may not have noticed but, ombré hair is everywhere! It’s by no means a new trend (after all Aaliyah sported it back in the day) but rather something that used to happen accidentally when a color job simply grew out. Now it seems the goal is to achieve that accidental yet alluring look. The French-termed hair trend features darker, more natural hues at the roots with gradually-dyed lightening at the ends. It’s been spotted on plenty of celebs including Chanel Iman, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, Raven Simone Gabrielle Union and more.
A tell tale sign that the craze has reached fever pitch? Enter beauty giant L’Oreal Feria who’s getting in on the action by marketing a DIY ombré in a box color kit. What’s more, YouTube is bursting at the seams with countless how-to videos and even Oscar winner Anne Hathaway’s wedding dress was a custom ombré gown designed by the last emperor himself, Valentino.
Pop princess Nicki Minaj has been credited with starting the trend with her out-of-this-world two toned locks, but no matter how it got here, doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
Just about any hair type can sport an ombré from the team natural girls to locks, weave, wig wearers and avid braiders. There’s definitely a right way to achieve the perfect ombré and here’s how:
The perfect ombré…
- Doesn’t scream out but you know it’s there (seen, not heard) and starts from the bottom of the jaw line.
- Is gradient – meaning it gradually progresses from dark to light vs. a stark line that simply runs across.
- Never goes from dark to light! It’s not a natural look seeing as most people who dye their hair have dark roots.
- Is 1-2 shades lighter than your base color (best contrast colors include muted blonde, ashy orange-y red and light brown.
- Works with all complexions. Ombré hair looks good on just about everyone, considering its done right.
- Vary your ombré by playing with it’s length and texture. Ombrés can be long, short, wavy, curly, kinky.
One last bit of advice: don’t be afraid to push the limits of your ombré, like Nikki, and experiment with unnatural colors such as blues, reds, pink. After all ombré hair is an accessory and just another form of self expression.
