The word ombré is French, and it means "shaded," or as Redken notes, "color that is shaded or graduated in tone." The roots of the hair are dark, while it gradually turns lighter toward the ends. Usually, the tips are in various shades of blonde or light brown, depending on the preference. The hair technique "is typically done with lightener being placed horizontally with full saturation of the section and then blended upward to diffuse the line," says Twylla Jane, Redken's Haircolor Educator.

"Ombré was created when the 2008 recession was here because money was tight everywhere and the one thing people could cut back on was getting their hair colored all the time," Jafra Bryant, a celebrity colorist based in Los Angeles, told Byrdie. According to Bryant, the color technique can last a long time, depending on the amount of root color showing, and the type of highlights. On average, Bryant notes that an ombré style can last between four and six months which is low maintenance compared to many other dye jobs or highlights which require a touch-up every few weeks.

According to StyleCraze, ombré hair at salons can cost around $100 to $250. Of course, the rates will depend on hair length, thickness, and the amount of highlights. The brands of products used can also impact the price. Not to mention, additional treatments like bleaching and hair care can affect the total amount. Although, the maintenance can still be cheaper than full hair color.