By Julie Davis
For summer, two-toned hair color is coming up roses
Ombre is one of the top hair color trends for spring 2012, and as of this very moment, there’s no sign of it slowing down. In fact, the look is so hot (celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel and Miley Cyrus are fans), former New York City stylist turned Red Bank salon owner Glen Goldbaum is coming up with creative new ways to wear it.
“What we’re doing at my two salons is shifting from a traditional cool palette to a more pastel palette. Think rose gold and peachy tones – almost fairy-like hair color,” says Goldbaum, who owns Glen Goldbaum 72 and sister salon Lambs & Wolves on Bridge Avenue in Red Bank.
Ombre, which is the French term for gradation in tone, is the look you get when you normally color your hair, but forgo regular touch ups. It’s essentially two-toned hair: The color is darkest from the root to the mid-shaft of the hair, and then gradually becomes lighter from the mid-shaft to the end. Says Goldbaum: “Ombre is being proud of your roots. I actually liken it to your favorite pair of jeans – it looks a little worn out and not so done.”
Goldbaum, who started his career at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon in New York City, says he’s always trying to innovate and keep his clients ahead of the trends. He’s doing exactly that with his colorful new take on ombre.
“The colors we’re using, this pastel-like palette, are fun, fresh and great for summer, which happens to be a time when people feel more free and are more likely to take risks with their look,” says Goldbaum. Since introducing this new cast of color, dusty rose and soft peach tones are proving most popular, with sprinkles of lavender a close second.
While ombre may appear to be high maintenance hair color, Goldbaum says it’s quite the opposite. “The whole purpose of ombre is to keep the maintenance low. No matter what color you choose, the maintenance remains low. The regrowth is your natural hair color so it is amazing,” he says.
Another color technique Goldbaum offers at his salons is balayage, or the art of painting hair. Less dramatic than ombre, the balayage method, which was developed in France in 1970s, uses a brush stroke technique to create delicate, customized highlights. The result is soft, natural-looking color with greater depth and dimension. Similar to ombre, the grow-out is low maintenance. The application technique leaves no line of demarcation, which allows for more time between touch ups.
Goldbaum notes that with balayage, you can easily add soft streaks of playful color to subtly change your look. “We can paint in a few different tones and give you something a little different without going too far outside the box,” he says.
A great option for anyone who wants to have fun with their hair color, yet doesn’t want to commit to a full ombre style.
This is the first of a monthly column on trends and styles at Two River hair salons.
