Fade Away

By now, everyone has either tried ombre, the French hair-color trend, or has seen almost every celebrity with hair that is darker at the root and lighter on the ends. With a new season, comes a fresh take on this technique. “We’re going to see the ombre look, but not as dramatic,” says Allie Dillard, colorist at the Jordan Thomas Salon and Spa in Bel Air. “I’m so excited to get everyone out of the platinum from the summer.” Hairstylists say their clients still want brighter ends, but also other options, such as adding more red tones to their locks. “I do think we are going to see lighter ends, but in a very natural way—more monochromatic and tone on tone. Think a copper color fading into a strawberry,” predicts Ian McCabe, above, color specialist at Hunt Valley’s Spa in the Valley. “Brunettes are going to be big as well, but in slightly cooler shades like camel and hazelnut tones; some warmth, but more neutral,” he adds. The key to this less-dramatic approach is placement and tone. “Looks like ombre is on its way out. Hair is transitioning into a more refined, softer version,” says Canton’s Grapevine Hair Studio’s stylist Katie Elder. “There’s less contrast with finely weaved highlights. Shiny, even-toned hair is back.” Au naturel beauty with a stylish twist—who wouldn’t want to run their fingers through that?