Holographic on The Rise
Over the 2017 and still in 2018, the obsession with unicorns and holographic everything continue to rise. The holographic trend modestly started with unicorn
inspired accessories and matured to
holographic eyeshadow palettes, cheekbone highlighters, unicorn-inspired nails, and even full-fledged holographic unicorn outfits. Now, we are going to unpack the obsession with holographic hair. In this article, I'll be breaking down the key differences between color melting,
ombre, and sombre! No more mixing up ombre and
color melting: Get in the know about your hair color (and ensure you get what you want) by brushing up on your salon vocab.
What Is Color Melting?
According to L'Oreal Paris, holographic hair color "is characterized by a mixture of high-gloss multi-dimensional pastel highlights that appear to change colors before your very eyes."
How To Achieve Color Melt
Achieving holographic hair is not an easy task. In fact, the only way to get the perfect holographic
unicorn hair color is by visiting a professional colorist who will be able to apply the various shades to your hair for a one-of-a-kind look. As with any light pastel colors, your hair will need to be bleached first if you have naturally dark hair. This could take multiple bleaching processes over many sessions over time. Hairstylists use a technique called color melting to create a seamless transition between each color in the hair. This creates an optical illusion that can make you believe that the colors are naturally occurring due to their blend of dark to light. Pretty cool, right?
Color Melting Vs. Ombre
Color melting is essentially a very detailed version of the ombre technique. The ombre technique is a freehand technique that creates a shaded or graduates tone with typically darker hair at the top and lighter hair towards the bottom. When color melting, a stylist will typically use 3 or more colors, and it doesn't necessarily have to go only from dark to light.
Color Melting vs. Sombre
Sombre simply means soft ombre! It is a fairly new term to describe an ombre highlight that appears to be more subtle and soft compared to a traditional ombre. Sombre combines the best of balayage and ombre, most subtly and beautifully!
Why You Should Color Melt
There are many benefits to color melting. If you are interested in the holographic hair color trends, then color melting is the only way to go! When using multiple colors, it is imperative that they all blend seamlessly to
create a natural look. Even if you aren't interested in having eight different colors in your hair, you may still want to consider Color Melting to achieve the most beautiful, seamless, natural ombre highlights ever! If you are looking for an easy, cheap DIY project, color melting is NOT for you! Please consult a professional colorist to create this look for you.
Why You Should Ombre
An ombre color is great for those who want a
low-maintenance hair color that doesn't require frequent touch-ups. If you're in college, this color is for you! You can stretch an ombre touch up for up to six months, and it will still look amazing! Ombre color is also great if you'd like your hair to transition from a natural dark brown to a light blonde color, or from one fashion color to another. Ombre colors are easy to maintain and touch up.
Why You Should Sombre
Sombré color is great for those who enjoy a soft and subtle look but are tired of the traditional look foils have. Sombré color is also easy to grow out and maintain.
How To Maintain Color Melting
Color melting can be easy or extremely tricky to maintain depending on the original color you get. If you have a subtle and natural color melt loo, you may be in for easy, quick, and inexpensive trips to the salon every 6-8 weeks to get a simple root touch up and a toner. If you decide to go the holographic color route, you will experience a more expensive and time-consuming visit, simply because your stylist has to bleach your roots, then carefully apply multiple colors to your
new growth and blend seamlessly into the color colors down the mid-shaft. At home, be sure to stay on top of your deep conditioning treatments! I cannot stress this enough! All-over bleach and color can be a strain on your tresses! Show them some love by taking home the suggested home care products from your salon, coming in for trims as needed, and invest in protein treatments! Always use a color-safe shampoo to keep your color look vibrant for longer! Ask your colorist what color line she used, and what color-safe shampoo he/she recommends that will work perfectly with your unique color.
How To Maintain Ombre Color
Maintaining ombre is a walk in the park. Just pick up the recommended color-safe shampoo and conditioner for your color and use it every time you shampoo. Deep condition at home as needed and keep up with your trims! Pay close attention to the health of your ends with ombre, as they are older and have experienced the most change during the color process.
How To Maintain Sombre Color
To maintain a somber color, visit your colorist every 6-8 weeks or as needed to refresh the color. Although this color is soft and natural, it is closer to the roots making regrowth appear more obvious. Of course, keep up with
at-home deep conditioning and in-salon protein treatments to maintain healthy moisture and strength in the hair. Use the recommended
color-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep your color vibrant and sexy for longer.
Let's Color Melt!
What hair color trend are you looking to try this spring? Are you jumping on the holographic unicorn hair trend and staying modest with a sombé color? We always love hearing from our readers, so comment down below and let us know what you think!
