Well, well. What do we have here, huh? It appears the Balayage Train has finally caught up with Ms Jessica Alba. Toot! Toot!
But she hasn’t jumped aboard simply because she’s in love with the ombré style, beauties. Oh no. She has bid a fond farewell to her brown locks for a very good reason – JA is making the transition from shiny brunette to bright blonde for a movie role. Yep, she’s putting on her Nancy Callahan hat once more and morphing into the stripper for Sin City 2.
However, and I may be ruffling a few feathers here, I’m not a fan of Jessica’s new lighter strands. I know, I know. She’s one of those ladies who can NEVER look utterly awful, but those blonde locks don’t make her brown peepers shine, and they don’t make her skin glow. Don’t believe me? Here’s Ms Alba with her usual brunette and caramel strands…
Gosh, she’s pretty. The Gene Master looked favourably on her, that’s for sure…
For those who’ve been furiously shaking their head in disagreement while reading this blog, it’s OK if we don’t share the same opinion. Truly it is. I love balayage, and think the ombré trend is hot-to-trot, but I just don’t dig this super-blonde version on Jess. (And don’t even get me started on the length…) In fact, just to back-up my support of this hairstyle, I’ve pinned down Sandy Farac, Colour Technician at Brad Ngata Hair Direction, to remind us all why this colour style is ridiculously grand…
“Ombré locks have been lighting up the red carpet from celebs like Drew Barrymore, Lauren Conrad and our very own Isabel Lucas all sporting beautifully highlighted locks. It is such a versatile technique that allows for countless variations from the subtle and natural to the funky and extreme – the options are truly endless,” says Sandy.
“The great thing about ombré is that any colour can take it on. The most popular way to wear the trend right now is to work with your natural colour and add gradual highlighted ends – or alternatively you can apply deep rich dark tones from your roots to the mid-lengths, and pops of colour through the tips for a fashionable edge.”
But what should we be doing when it comes to styling, Sandy? “To style ombré-lightened hair, it works best to leave your tresses with a wave as opposed to poker straight – so invest in a sea salt spray and rock this trend for summer!” Word.
And how do we tend to our bleached (and possibly super-brittle) balayage ends, you ask? Tammy Augostin, Clairol Professional National Educator, has the goods…
“The bleaching process can leave your hair brittle and frail so the number one tip to remember is to add plenty of moisture and nourishment back into your locks,” Tammy says.
“Heading into summer, it’s also really important to remember to use a sun protection treatment to prevent the sun wreaking havoc on your bleached ends. I would suggest Clairol Professional Sun Spark Conditioning Lotion before, after and during any sun exposure. Its blend of mandarin extract, macadamia oil and UV filters will work wonders for keeping bleached ends soft, nourished and protected.”
Tammy, those are some wise words. Thank you. Balayage strands do require a little more TLC, which I’m sure Jessica Alba is about to find out…
Images: Twitter | @JessicaAlba
What do you think of Jessica Alba’s blonde ombré hair? Rate it? Or hate it? And do you have balayage? Are you keen to try it out this summer?
PS. Love Jessica Alba? Check out these haircare prods that’ll give you JA-esque strands, and bh shows you how to pull off a trend close to Jessica’s heart – bold berry lips…
