You might hear balayage, ombre, sombre, flamboyage millions of times on Instagram, but can you distinguish them? Probably not. The fashion world has changed a lot with tons of new, creative hairstyles. Among all, the battle of ombre vs balayage hair is the most heated.

In reality, they get mistaken a lot. We’ve done a little survey in which two members of us wore ombre vs balayage hairstyles on the street asking people to tell them apart. The result was shocking: most people got the answer wrong.

Therefore, today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this topic with an Ombre and Balayage Hair Complete Guide. Keep reading!

Ombre vs Balayage Hair — What are the differences?

So, before going any further, let’s get to know the definition of each hairstyle. This’d make it easier to distinguish the two of them.

What is Ombre?

Unless you live under a rock, I cannot think of any explanations why you don’t know about the ombre trend. It appears everywhere, from your daily life to your social media accounts like Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr.

In these recent years, it has vigorously swept over the internet and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Originating from French, the word “ombre” indicates “shadow”. Clearly, it got the name for the shadowy effect it provides.

A traditional ombre is a kind of hairstyle in which your dark roots remain and slowly transforming lighter and lighter towards the ends. This means you can spot out two distinct colors on your hair — one on top and one at the bottom.

You can also dye your hair into a creative ombre hairstyle. Choose any dark shade of any color you like and dye it lighter and lighter towards the ends.

What is Balayage?

Balayage, however, is a bit less common than ombre. But that doesn’t mean it’s less attractive. We bet you’ve seen those hot Instagram models whose hair is perfectly sun-kissed. Let us tell you, that’s balayage hair. In French, this word means “to sweep.”

So, balayage is the kind of hairstyle in which a lighter shade is “swept” or colored onto sections of your hair.

This will create soft, natural highlights and make your hair look like they are lightened by the sun. Therefore, the overall appearance will be dimensional yet natural. As your hair grows longer, the balayage hairstyle will become more beautiful.

Because this hairstyle is all about natural, dyers often use shades which are close to your real hair color.

 

Ombre vs Balayage Comparisons

Well, now you understand their definitions. But, we bet there are still many of you wondering, “I still don’t see any differences between ombre vs balayage hair! Both look identical to me!”

We knew this is going to happen, and have prepared for you a detailed comparison between these two fabulous hairstyles. So buckle up, guys! We will clear all your issues!

OK, first up, let’s talk about the color blocks. In balayage hairstyle, only a few sections in streaks are lightened to create a more dimensional appearance. On the other hand, in an ombre look, all of the bottom hair is bleached and a lighter color will be dyed onto them

While in ombre, we can see 2 (or more) color blocks transitioned from the root of your hair to the bottom, balayage is different. To maintain the natural criteria, the highlights will blend seamlessly into your real hair and give the overall look a boost.

Finally, ombre hairstyle offers a young and energetic look. It’ll be suitable for those who have a strong personality and don’t mind showing it out. Meanwhile, the balayage hairstyle gives you a girly and sexy appearance. It fits the best on those who love to follow the natural path and want to keep it simple yet gorgeous.

Hot Color Trends For Ombre vs Balayage Hair

Before talking about the color trends, we want to give you a few pieces of advice as many have asked for our consultation in the last couple of weeks.

The most frequently asked questions are “How do I know the color matches me or not? Should I try, and if the result isn’t up to my expectation, I’ll chop it?” and “Wow, these hairstyles are stunning, but my hair is too short for them. What should I do? Buying a wig?”

 

If you haven’t known or decided which style or color is suitable, try on some ombre vs balayage hair extensions. After giving it a whirl, you can easily find the one compliment you and your beautiful skin the most.

For those who have Vic, chin-length or shoulder-length hair and bear the mindset “these hairstyles only suitable for those with long hair,” you’re wrong. Ombre vs balayage short hair is beautiful, too. There are still a lot of styles you can follow! You can try some of our suggestions below.

Most Trendy Balayage Colors

Trendy Rose Gold

It’s a rose gold, soft, and romantic balayage with beautiful locks. Believe it or not, there are four hidden tones sat on this cute hairstyle. If you go for a sophisticated and romantic look, try out this one

Dark Short Hair with Caramel Highlight

Good news for short hair owners, this is the gold combo of bob and balayage hairstyle. It’s modern, fresh yet very classic. For those who want a simple, versatile color going with every skin tones, give this beautiful hairstyle a whirl.

Dimensional and Rich

As its name states, it’s a dimensional and rich look. Indeed. The colors blend in so well together creating lots of movements on your head. It’s also ideal on any skin tones. For those who are tired of their “too straight” hair, Dimensional and Rich will rescue them.   

Sandy Beach Blonde

It’s the perfect color of the sand mixing in the brownish color of your hair. Nothing is too impressive yet delicate and lovely. Definitely try it out if you’re a bohemian lover.

Cool Copper

This is a warm balayage hairstyle going from reddish copper to gold. It’s a nice combination of color — not too bold but still striking. For those who like changes and have great color maintenance products, this one is a perfect idea for them.

Ombre Trends

Dark to Pastel Purple

Trendy with loose curls, they are the new vibe in the city. Outstanding, rebellious, yet delicate and sweet. It’s a combination of a lot of personality’s colors.

Green and Teal Mermaid Hair

This hair gives a feeling of the old Atlantis city with the emerald and azure color. Toned down yet impressive.  

Black to Lavender Purple

It’s a mystic and raven hairstyle giving you a magical vibe.  

Dusty Lavender to Rose Gold

It’s a trendy pastel hairstyle with loose curls. Creative, bold, yet soft and romantic. These words have pointed out everything about this baby.

Dark Root to Silver Locs

If you are searching for a mix of silver, this combo is what you need. The outcome is splendid with an ashy undertone. Definitely, recommend to those with strong personalities.

To wrap things up,

Above is all you need to know about Ombre vs Balayage hair. We hope you now can understand more about these beautiful hairstyles and follow the one you feel confident in.

As always, please subscribe to our Layla Hair website to get updated about the latest hair trends as well as useful tips every day. If you still get confused or have any questions, comment down below and we’ll come to the rescue.