How To: Ombre & Sombre & Balayage / Which One?

With so many color techniques and trends out there—which style do you opt for and what's the difference between them? Here's your guide to ombré, sombre and balayage.
Ombre, meaning “shaded” in french, is characterized by dark roots that gradually get lighter towards the ends. In other words, your hair transitions from one color to another by shading into each other.
Like it sounds, sombre is characterized by a subtle color transition from roots to tips. It’s ombre, but softer. This creates a less contrast between the roots and the ends but adds just enough color to stand out.
Balayage, meaning to sweep or to paint in French, is characterized by sweeping highlights that appear as if the sun kissed your hair itself!