What started in 2011 as a bold step into the taboo territory of two-toned hair has left fashionistas every where ogling over the ombre look. Previously frowned upon as a hair faux-pas, stars like Jessica Biel, Drew Barrymore, and Leighton Meester fearlessly showed us how to rock the overgrown roots look we have come to know and love as ombre. Now one year later, we cannot get enough of the new ombre styles exploding in 2012. For the scoop on the latest version of this stunning color trend, read on and let Jada Beauty show you how to vamp up your ombre look.
The More the Merrier
When ombre first poked its head into the hair scene, it was largely restricted to a two-tone trend. But recently, daring stylists have made us question: why limit yourself to two colors when you can have three? or four? or a rainbow?
As the trend has gained popularity, it has also gained the confidence to add more and more shades to its stockpile of converging colors. Stylists are now embracing bright colors and bold contrasts, as well as a more gradual transition of colors in which many shades are explored throughout the length of the hair, rather than focusing on just two. The ombre look is bursting with more inventive individuality and artistic panache than ever before... let your imagination run wild!
Dry Cut
Modern salon recently interviewed celebrity stylists to get their take on the "new ombre". Their resounding answer was playing with the light effect. Hollywood stylist Mika Fowler suggests that anyone looking to go ombre should get their color done first, and then follow it with a dry cut. That way, the cut can emphasize the natural light effects that the color play in the hair, accenting its actual placement. Cheryl Petenbrink, an internationally acclaimed colorist, supports Mika's case for light effects as the "new generation of ombre", suggesting that if the strands are not playful enough on their own, a "flash effects" color technique can be used, alternately applying vertical and diagonal internal highlights in the hair to grab attention as the flashing light of a camera would. Take a cue from Rachel Bilson's glossy curls and get your shine on... lights, camera, action!
Beyond Your Hair
Once reserved strictly for the mane, ombre color is now popping up everywhere, from eyes and lips to nails, dresses, and even the dessert table! The sky is the limit in this year's quest for bold color combos. Ombre eyes were especially popular for prom and fashion shows this year, while sites such as pinterest have inspired bakers everywhere to incorporate the design into their favorite cakes and icings. The important thing to remember when rocking the ombre look in an unlikely way is to pick one thing to emphasize, and keep the rest of your look simple.
Follow these simple instructions to create the ultimate color waterfall on your lips. Just remember to then stick to a more subtle eye to keep your look chic, and not like an abused artist's smock.
Regardless of what colors you choose, ombre is a surefire way to spice up your look and give you some serious style points, keeping your hair out of the drabbing trap of looking like everyone else's. Not only can it work for every season, but it is also easy to achieve on any budget; all you need is some imagination and the confidence to go for it.
We love the spunky new ombre, and can’t wait to see what is next in the bright future of this colorful style. Have you tried out the look? Which new ombre is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us at Jada Beauty!
For the love of hair,
Ali
