PRINTThe Look: Ombré hair and nails
Columbia salons see increase in requests the new faded-hair and nail phenomenon
MELISSA KLAUDA
Jennifer Hovis, hairstylist at Salon Nefisa, displays the ombre style in her hair.
July 5, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
An old trend returns with new shades throughout Columbia. Ombré hair, which Sarah Jessica Parker sported in Sex and the City 10 years ago, is experiencing a renaissance, Clip Joint stylist Laura Cox says.
Ombré, a French word for shading or graduating, has become a common request at hair salons. Starting out dark at the roots and gradually getting lighter toward the tips, the hairstyle offers easy upkeep and requires few salon visits.
Celebs such as Drew Barrymore, Khloe Kardashian and Jessica Biel have all been seen rocking the ombré look recently.
Starting on the West Coast, the trend is now worn by people of all ages. “A mother and daughter came in and got their hair done ombré together last week,” Salon Nefisa stylist Jennifer Hovis says.
Ombré doesn’t require much maintenance. “It’s good because in this economy people don’t want upkeep,” Cox says.
Retaining the natural hair color at the roots then slowly adding highlights to lighten the ends turns a regular four-week turnaround between appointments into a six- to eight-week period, she says.
The color possibilities for ombré hair are endless. Horvis’ own hair fades from red into warm blonde. She has had clients request a dark brown-to-red variation. The look costs from $65-100, depending on the length of hair, and requires about an hour and a half in the salon.
The style has also transitioned from hair to nails. Aesthetic Studio owner Mary Piper says she’s been doing ombré nails on an increasing number of people.
“I’ve probably done ombré nails in the last two weeks on 15 to 20 people,” Piper says. Blending from one color to another gives clients three hues instead of just one. Because the technique is more complicated than an average manicure, Aesthetic Studio charges $35 for a full set; whereas, a regular manicure costs $25.
Whether it’s for hair or nails, ombré exudes a colorful, carefree summer style.
