Celebrity Hairstyle Trend: Graduated Colour
September 16th 2010 01:10
Also known as 'ombre' hair, the trend for graduated hair colour has moved from the runways to the celebrity circuit in a matter of months. Essentially, the look is that of having seriously grown-out roots: dark at the base, with a lighter graduation in colour through the length of the hair. It can either be "naturally" acquired like Jessica Biel's (she had her brown hair dyed platinum blonde for her 2008 film Easy Virtue, and has been growing out the vestiges of that colour ever since), or just made to look natural through clever colouring techniques such as balayage.
Graduated hair colour looks best when your hair is worn in a slightly messy, unpolished style. It's not meant to look perfect; in fact the very essence of this style lies in its embracing of imperfection!
It can also be as understated or as obvious as you like. Celebrities like Whitney Port, Gisele Bundchen, Isabel Lucas, Christina Applegate, Alessandra Ambrosio, Leighton Meester, and Julia Roberts have gone for a muted effect in the past, where the 'line' in their hair between dark and light is barely noticeable. Others - like the fashion-savvy Rachel Bilson, and Hollywood superstar Drew Barrymore - have made the look far more bold, with the roots of their hair in stark contrast to the lengths and tips.
It is the kind of colour that can be achieved at home with a highlighting kit - simply start "painting" the colour on where you want it to begin, rather than using a streaking cap. It's best to keep it subtle at first, as you can always add more colour later on. And if you're not sure whether you're up to the job, then leave it to the pros. Have fun with it and remember that graduated colour is all about taking on a more casual and relaxed aesthetic.
Lily Aldridge models graduated, 'ombre' style hair colour
Graduated hair colour looks best when your hair is worn in a slightly messy, unpolished style. It's not meant to look perfect; in fact the very essence of this style lies in its embracing of imperfection!
Jessica Biel and Alexa Chung show us how it's done
It can also be as understated or as obvious as you like. Celebrities like Whitney Port, Gisele Bundchen, Isabel Lucas, Christina Applegate, Alessandra Ambrosio, Leighton Meester, and Julia Roberts have gone for a muted effect in the past, where the 'line' in their hair between dark and light is barely noticeable. Others - like the fashion-savvy Rachel Bilson, and Hollywood superstar Drew Barrymore - have made the look far more bold, with the roots of their hair in stark contrast to the lengths and tips.
Gisele Bundchen and Whitney Port take a subtle approach to the graduated hair colour trend...
... while Rachel Bilson and Drew Barrymore make a considerably more dramatic statement.
It is the kind of colour that can be achieved at home with a highlighting kit - simply start "painting" the colour on where you want it to begin, rather than using a streaking cap. It's best to keep it subtle at first, as you can always add more colour later on. And if you're not sure whether you're up to the job, then leave it to the pros. Have fun with it and remember that graduated colour is all about taking on a more casual and relaxed aesthetic.
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Comment by Amy :D
Comment by Journeywoman
Great Hair Style Tips
I Dream of Hollywood
Fashion Peach
I did this a few years back myself (my hair is light brown, and I was growing out blonde highlights) but it wasn't considered quite so stylish then
Comment by Anonymous
But I would want it to be faint because I have never highlighted or dyed my hair before, my hair colour is strange because it is naturally a few different colours its is blond on top then under it is a chesnut brown then a dark brown underneath, so I'm not sure what to ask my hair dresser for in terms of colour?
Comment by Journeywoman
Great Hair Style Tips
I Dream of Hollywood
Fashion Peach
Dedicated hairstylists would all be aware of this trend by now and should know what to do with your specific hair type and colour - it'll probably be balayage, because that technique can be used for both light changes or bold ones, but it really just depends on how innovative your stylist is. Some hairdressers are definitely better at working with colour than others! Best of luck with it.