Balayage vs Ombré :: What’s the Difference?

If you’re ready to change up your hair color and can’t decide between Ombré and Balayage because, you don’t know the difference between the two hair color techniques: you’re not alone. Pleij owner and Director of Hair Artisty Tiché Florence admits many simply don’t understand what sets the two techniques apart, and which is right for them. Here we will help you understand the difference between these two popular hair color techniques in: Ombré vs. Balayage.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage is all about how the color is applied. The word Balayage originates from the French term “to sweep.” With Balayage, not necessarily all the ends will be affected and the transition between dark and light will be much longer and more natural looking.

What Is Ombré?

Ombré is a hair color technique where all the ends are going be affected and the transition from the deeper roots and light ends is going to be pretty short. The definition for Ombré is the French word for “color that is shaded or graduated in tone”.

So What Is The Difference Between Balayage And Ombré? And What Makes Them Similar?

Ombré is typically done with lightener being placed horizontally with full saturation of the section and then blended upward to diffuse the line and Balayage will take smaller sectioning, where color will be painted onto the surface of the hair. Ombré is more of a horizontal placement and Balayage is more vertical.

In short, Ombré is more of a style, while Balayage is a technique.

Both result in a pretty low maintenance routine, since the hair color placement is not strict but done in gradual (for Ombré) or sweeping (for Balayage) placement. Regular foil highlights, for example, require more regular visits to the salon. However, getting the actual service done and achieving the result you’re looking for can be expensive.

Balayage and Ombré are both specialized, often times requiring a higher beauty budget, and more time in the salon for the actual color service appointment. It is a low maintenance result, but important to continue hair care treatments and consistent visits to the salon to maintain optimal color results.

What Does The Difference Between Ombré And Balayage Mean For Me?

The good news is that anyone can try either look, depending on their desired result. The two techniques can even be used together on any hair color for any desired hair color.

Choosing which one is right for you really depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Whether you’re looking for a blonde, brown, red, rose gold or even vivid color look, your artist should be able to work with you on either technique to create what the color effect you’re going for.

The creative possibilities are endless.

Depending on how much you’re changing your hair can also determine how many times you might need the processes done at the get go. For example, if you’re looking to lift your natural color to a much lighter state, your stylist will probably need to work on achieving your desired color over a few visits. It takes time and is not guaranteed that your hair will lift that much in a single visit. A slower lift is a safer lift, and one which is much healthier for the hair.

Speaking Of Safe Color… How Can I make My Ombré Or Balayage Last?

Keeping your hair protected during Ombré or Balayage is vital for achieving and maintaining the color. When your hair is colored in any way, whether it’s lifted to a brighter color or altered to a darker one, it changes the pH balance of your scalp. You should talk to your stylist about what’s best to keep your hair feeling and looking healthy. Tiche recommends asking your Columbus OH hairstylist/colorist about Color Lock and/or Gloss & Tone. She also recommends a shampoo and conditioner that contains enhancing and color preserving nutrients to care for hair that has been colored using the Ombré, Balayage or both methods!