1 What is ombré?

Okay, let’s clear one thing up. Ombré is a style, balayage is a technique. Ombré lightens hair at the ends by fully saturating with colour, then diffuses upward. A proper ombré will show no distinct line (that’s why DIY-ing is a bad idea). FYI, ombré is translated from French as “colour that is graduated in tone”. Crack that one out at a pub quiz. So cosmopolitan.

2 What is balayage?

Balayage refers to how the colour is applied. This one originates from the French word “to sweep”, and the technique does just that; adding ‘highlights’ across the hair. The transition from light to dark will look a little more natural, with extra dimension (basically, it still looks great on day three of no washing). For highlights, foils are used, for balayage, the colour is painted directly on.

3 Which should you go for?

Well, as with all things beauty, each to their own. The plus of balayage though, is that it grows out seriously naturally – root regrowth just isn’t a thing. It’s also a good technique if you’re edging to a full colour change. Ombré gives a more distinct appearance between two shades, balayage blends it all together in one seamless situation of wondrous colour. But yep, no bias.

4 The extra intel

As with any hair dyeing, the chemicals within the formula can affect the ph balance of your scalp. So try using shampoos with colour-treating properties (just ask your hairdresser, they’ll know). Oh, and as for colour, each technique will work on whichever shade you're going for – just to make your decision easier…

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So, is ombré and balayage the same thing?

02/11/2018 / Editor's picks

Ombré, balayage. The result is really great hair, we know that much. But, what’s the difference? Quite a lot actually. Read on, so you know what to ask your hairdresser for at your next salon trip (besides a strong cup of tea, and a really great Sudoku book – just me?).

By Rachel Spedding

Image credits: Shutterstock, @stylesbyjules, @balayagebridget, @luxethecolourlounge, @summer.dawn