Ombre, What is it? Is it different than a balayage?
As hairstylists, we know the difference between balayage and an ombre. However this question comes up often. We sometimes get requests for “ombre balayage”. So let’s dive in and talk about the difference between the two styles.
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Ombre is the “Style”
Ombre is a French word that means “shadow”. The style is Ombre. The hair generally goes from a darker shade to a lighter shade. They work really well on those who tend to have darker natural hair. It is meant to be a beautify transition between the darker color at the roots to a lighter color on the ends. It is a style you only want to have done by an experienced professional. While there is maintenance involved to keep it looking fresh, it is lower than a full hair color change because as your roots grow in the transition from dark on top to light on the ends is in tact.
What about sombre?
This is something that you would more often see on blondes. It is usually a more subtle transition from dark “blonde” to light “blonde”. Which is why it is called a “sombre”. However this effect can be done for those with dark hair to a light brown or dark blonde.
Balayage is the “Technique”
The two are very similar, but there are very obvious distinctions between the two. The word “Balayage” comes from another French word meaning “to sweep”. When applying the color for a balayage, you sweep the color through small triangle sections of the hair onto a board or foil, giving it the natural transition down into the lighter color. In Balayage, there are dark pieces left on the bottom to create dimension and a more natural look. This technique looks like natural sun-kissed natural highlights throughout the hair. The transition is more natural and it is less maintenance than an ombre.
How Much Does This Service Cost?
There are several factors that can have an effect on price. Let’s break them down to a couple main factors. Service time and product costs. The main factors here are the length and thickness of your hair. Hair history also is a factor.
Lightening Process: The first process is most often completed with a professional bleach. Pricing is broken down by a full head or partial head single bleaching process.
| Starting Ombre Base Price: Single Process | ||
| Hair Length, Thickness | Partial Head | Full Head |
| Short to Medium Length | $140 | $180 |
| Thick Medium to Long | $160 | $210 |
| Long Thick | $185 | $270 |
Toning Process: Whenever bleach is used, a toning process is required to create your desired color. A single toning process is $35-60. More than one toning process may be required to achieve your desired color and may be required if you have long or thick hair.
Bleach Protection Additive: Whenever bleach is used to lighten your hair it is very highly recommend to use a bleach protection additive. This will help tremendously in protecting the health of your hair. A single use additive is $35 for short to medium length hair. For long, thick hair or extensions additive can be $45+.
Hair History: If your hair has been dyed recently or has taken any damage recently this can affect the processes your hair needs as well as product needs to achieve your desired look.
Free Consultation: While the above information helps to demystify pricing, you can always schedule a free consultation to get an estimate of what it will cost to achieve your desired look.
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How Long Does This Service Take?
This factor can vary greatly depending on the look your trying to achieve as well as the length, thickness and history of your hair. Expect to be in the chair on average at least three hours. This service is generally much lower maintenance and is worth the investment and time.
The Low Maintenance Marvel
Leaving your root alone means grow-out lines are nonexistent. On average, you will see your stylist only two to three times a year. This service derives from your hair’s natural inclination to be darker at the root and lighter towards the ends. As a result, grow out is beautiful. The low maintenance is a principal feature in ombre popularity.
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Best Products for Ombre
This service is a serious investment in both time and money. Take care to protect your investment. Ombre tends to be more forgiving with your base root untouched. However, all color-treated hair requires extra hydration. We recommend Formula 18 Mask for maintaining healthy hair after your hair has been bleach treated. Formula 18 is all natural and uses the resurrection plant as it’s foundation. This plant can dry up, roll around the desert and replant itself. Truly a one of a kind ingredient that our clients rave about.
Specific Products we Recommend
Exact shampoo and conditioner recommendations depend on your hair type. For almost anyone, must have hydration products are Milbon Shampoo and Conditioners. Milbon has been around for 50 years and is the leading professional hair care company in Japan. They are expanding to the USA and we are one of the first shops to carry this amazing line.
Video Demo of Ombre Technique
What is is like to get the service done? Check out this video to see an ombre application in action.
Stylists Who Specialize In Ombre
Master Hair Stylist
For the past sixteen years, I have been a master stylist in Las Vegas. Doing hair is my passion and I’m lucky enough to work with so many amazing people who love my work. My job makes me feel like I am constantly making a difference in others’ lives and that is something I truly cherish.
Master Hair Stylist
I am Haley Florentino, a master hair stylist based in Las Vegas. I have been doing hair for 9 years and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. My husband has been amazingly supportive throughout my career and we are blessed with two little daughters who are Irish twins. They bring us a lot of joy!
Master Hair Stylist
I am a passionate hair stylist in Las Vegas and I’m proud to call it my home for the last ten years. I believe my craft to be an art form, always evolving and changing with the trends. I specialize in hair extensions and Balayage colors, as well as keeping up with the latest styles.
Master Hair Stylist
As a master stylist, I’m passionate about creating new looks for my clients. Whether it’s extensions, a new cut, or a unique color, I’m always looking for ways to transform someone’s look and make them feel beautiful. My skills are extensive and include everything from Japanese hair straightening and Brazilian blowouts to balayage.
Hair Stylist
Shannon is an experienced and licensed cosmetologist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She’s been in the beauty industry for two years now, but she’s also lived in Wisconsin and Oklahoma before settling down in Sin City. Shannon loves to travel and explore new places, particularly amusement parks where she can ride all the exciting roller coasters available.
Master Hair Stylist
My name is Ashlee D’Antonio and I am a master hair stylist in a Las Vegas salon for over a decade. As a creative artist, I find great pleasure in transforming the looks of my clients. With each appointment, I strive to make sure their hair reflects their personal style and vision.
Hair Stylist
Breanna is an experienced hair stylist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been passionately working with hair for the last three years and loves to offer her clients a wide range of services including Brazilian blowouts, haircuts, highlights and Balayage. Breanna particularly enjoys working with long thick hair.
Master Hair Stylist
As a highly experienced and sought-after hairstylist, I am passionate about using the latest techniques to craft beautiful looks with hair extensions and color. My signature style is balayage, which allows me to create natural-looking highlights that blend seamlessly into existing hair.
Hair Stylist
I’m an enthusiastic and creative hair stylist who loves my work. My specialties include men’s and women’s haircuts and braided sew-in extensions, but I’m also highly skilled in other areas of hair styling such as coloring, weaving and all types of hair extensions.
Master Hair Stylist
I am an experienced and passionate master stylist who has been in the hair care industry for 11+ years. My clients come to me seeking my outstanding balayage techniques, detailed blowouts and a high-energy atmosphere. After attending Aveda’s hair academy, I have developed a unique skill set that allows me to craft beautiful looks utilizing hair extensions.
