Sombré hair is the mega-flattering alternative to ombré (that doesn't require as much maintenance)

You've likely seen the sombré hair trend, but didn't know what it was. Perhaps you thought it was a dialled-down ombré, or maybe a masterfully-applied soft balayage – but sombré is very much its own hair colouring technique, favoured by the A-list.

Sombré is simply ‘soft ombré’; a highlighting technique that gradually lightens the hair from root to tip, but in a more gradual, ‘naturally sun-kissed-looking’ way than traditional ombré. Balayage on the other hand is the free-hand application of sweeping highlights onto the hair. Sombré is a little more strategic than that.

“Sombré is chic, fun and classy,” says Larry King colourist Harriet Muldoon. “It's taking the ombré look and moving the highlights a little higher to create a softer effect, while adding in lots of tones and dimension.

“This look is great if you're looking to go just a few shades lighter, or want to add some depth to your lighter levels. A blonde can become undone, and a brunette can have a little lift.” 

So, what should you ask for if you want your hairstylist to create the most perfect, natural sun-kissed look in the salon? “To create this look, I would always say less is more,” says Harriet. “You can use bleach, but I would also go for a softer oxidant so as not to create too much lift, or a ‘high lift tint’ (that's hair colour that is a level 10 or higher, without using bleach) can give an amazing sombré effect. To finish, I would use the Redken Shades EQ Gloss treatment to give me a golden root smudge for the ideal sombré look.” 

For celebrity inspiration, look no further than the likes of Lily James, Hayley Bieber and Rosie Huntington Whiteley, or scroll down for our edit of the best sombré hair inspo…

Nectar blonde sombré