Frankly, the ombre hair trend always makes me think of the Friends episode where Joey doles out men's cologne ... but that was Hombre.
But the new ombre hair trend — basically extended roots if you ask me — is growing and growing. Every time I turn around someone else is sporting the two-toned look.
Beyonce shows off the new trend here.
Drew Barrymore has been sporting it in various stages all over the place.
Even Jim Carrey is showing off his ombre look — even though he's in character here.
Elle MacPherson has been showing off her ombre hair on Fashion Star but also on her Fitness magazine cover, where she reveals how she keeps svelte at 48.
As far as the new trend of ombre hair, though — is it right for midlifers?
James Corbett of James Corbett Studio & Spa is enthusiastic:
I love the Ombré hair, and I say why not over 40!! It has to be done well and a bit softer after a certain age/ appearance, but 40 is just a number... it is all relative to how a woman, looks, acts, dresses, etc. The total look!
My best advice for a more mature ombré look is to soften it. Not so black & white like, for instance, Madonna. If the contrast is not as extreme, it does not age a woman as much."
Celebrity hairstylist Angelo David in NYC says, "Ombre is such a big trend nowadays, and caters to the younger crowd. Women of a certain age should proceed with caution when trying this trend." Here's how:
The key for a great ombre color is making the look age appropriate. Middle age women can sport the look as long as they lean toward subtlety. This means they have to pick the right colors to complement who they are (their skin tone, their lifestyle, etc.), rather than just choosing whatever color is trendy.
The cardinal rule of having darker roots going lighter in the end still applies. Think beautiful brown on the roots cascading down to a light honey tone, instead of a jet black drastically changing to a platinum blond. Elle McPherson got it right with her soft ombre, which helps frame her face beautifully."
You can choose just how much "ombre" is right for you — but it certainly is a clever way to hide gray coming in: The dark roots are a sort of diversionary tactic... you can use a single process to cover the grey and say you went ombre because you got tired of the time and expense of highlights. Grey, what grey?.
More hair stories:
How to Hide Thinning Hair
Natural-looking Hair Extensions for Grown Ups
New Hair Toys & Joys to Dress Up Your Tresses