What is ombre hair colour, is it different to balayage ?

YOU'VE lusted over snaps on Pinterest, and screen grabbed every "ombre" and "balayage" image you can find - but what's the difference between the two popular styles?

We're giving you the lowdown on the must-have highlighting techniques, so you can achieve your dream do', next time you visit the hairdressers.

Ombre is a French word that means "shaded", but in hair terms it basically means the transition from dark to light.

Ombre hair is usually a darker colour near the roots, with a lighter shade at the tips.

But, styles can vary. Some prefer a bold contrast, for example dark brunette at the top and white blonde at the ends.

Others opt for a more gradual transition from dark brown to light, or dirty blonde to bright, ashy shades.

Ombre and balayage are very similar - after all, they both involve a transition of colour.

However, there are some notable differences to be aware of.

Balayage is a technique and comes from the French word "to paint" or "to sweep".

Which makes sense, because your hairdresser will literally paint strands of hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed style.

Because the dye is applied freehand, hairdressers can create a bespoke, personalised style based on exactly how you want your hair to look.

It appears as a more subtle transition than ombre, and requires less maintenance.