March 28, 2024

This is why Olivia Palermo’s hair always looks so glossy and healthy

The ombre backlash has started – we knew the day would come. But don’t worry – you can still get your favourite sunkissed highlights and low-maintenance roots, the colouring technique is just going in a new direction. According to our hair stylist insiders, the next big thing is “sombre hair”.

Just as the name suggests – it’s ombre hair, but a softer (or more subtle) hairstyle trend. Olivia Palermo and Lily James are excellent examples of this new trend, which sees traditional obvious ombre ditched for a more subtle graduation of lighter ends.

In fact, Olivia’s colourist, Abby Haliti, only paints a total of six highlights each colouring session to keep Olivia’s sombré fresh. Using such little bleach not only creates a subtle effect, but prevents Olivia’s ends from becoming dry and damaged. That, and the fact Miss Palmero washes her hair every day, is how she keeps it looking so damn glossy.

“The sombre look is all about a softer version of ombre. The appearance of dark roots is less harsh than before and therefore colour is more seamlessly melted together. It goes beyond balayage and works with more shades and tones throughout the hair to add dimension and texture,” says Bruno Elorrioroz, Aveda colour expert at the Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa, Covent Garden.

“The key to achieving ‘The Sombre’ is to use more colours; taking the darker hue found at the roots and subtly weaving it through the lengths of the hair to ultimately create less of an abrupt contrast from roots to ends. ”

The sombre trend can work for anyone, and roots are kept natural for a low-maintenance appeal.

“Use tones that are a few shades lighter and a few shades darker than the natural colour base for the most natural and complementary result for your skintone,” says Bruno.

The subtle shift in shades needed are created using the Aveda Full Spectrum colour system, a 96% naturally-derived formula completely customisable for each individual, and enabling Aveda Artists to create the tiniest tweaks in tone with an innovative lifting crème, whilst infusing hair with healthy-looking shine, powered by essential oils of sunflower, castor and jojoba.

While we think this look is PERFECT for low-maintenance blondes, it’s especially flattering for brunettes, adding soft gold, honey and caramel shades to lighten their natural shade without the hassle of regrowth

It’s kind of a more grown-up version of ombre, which can be too dramatic if you work in a more corporate environment. Think Lea Michele, Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale as poster girls.

Right, we’re off to book a hair appointment now…

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