More and more people want hair extensions that add not just length and volume, but colour dimension too. Ombré and balayage are the two most requested techniques, because they create depth and a natural flow in the hair. Here we explain the difference – and how to read our colour codes.
Ombré
Ombré means the hair goes from darker roots to lighter lengths, with a clear but soft transition.
- Suits you if you want a visible change in colour
- Works best with darker roots and lighter ends
Balayage
Balayage mimics sun-kissed hair with soft shifts and no harsh lines.
- Suits you if you want dimension without strong contrast
- Looks natural in both daylight and artificial light
How to read our colour codes
Every colour in our online shop follows the same system, so you can tell what type of colour it is straight from the code.
R stands for root. The colour has a darker root that the blend starts from, and the root always comes first. So R1B/2 is root 1B with lengths in 2. Other examples are R2/613, R1B/613 and R7/18A.
P stands for piano – two shades mixed through the whole length instead of a transition from top to bottom. The darkest comes first: P4/27, P8/613, P18A/60.
Balayage is written out in full, because the technique can't be read from a code. DU Balayage and R7/18A/60 Balayage are our two balayage colours in human hair.
Mixed shades
If your natural hair isn't a single colour, a mixed shade is usually better than a solid one. Cool and warm tones in the same hair create subtle shifts that let the extensions blend in rather than sit like a layer on top.
Which one suits you?
If your ends are lighter than your roots, ombré suits you. If you have naturally mixed highlights, balayage suits you. If your lengths are a single colour, both mixed shades and a solid colour work.
Common mistakes
- Choosing roots that are too dark
- Matching the colour in the wrong light
- Choosing the wrong undertone
- Looking at the roots instead of the ends
How to make the colour blend in
Have the hair cut in so the transitions blend together, create movement with curls or waves, and let your own hair meet the extensions in soft sections. Styling is a big part of making colours work together.
Find your colour
In our online shop you'll find ombré, balayage and mixed colours in human hair among our hair weft and Weft Hair. If you'd like help with colour matching, you're welcome to book a free consultation with us in Stockholm or Uppsala.