the ombré effect

i don't know if you've seen or heard about my favorite hair trend, but ombré hair has been steadily gaining ground as one of the most coveted looks this season.  it's not technically a new trend -- it's been around for some time now -- but lately every celebrity i see has some variation on the look.  and i'm jealous.


originally seen in an issue of lucky, i thought the idea of ombré hair was really cool -- and it kind of goes against that old adage that says dark roots are tacky. ombré hair is like dark roots x500 and this may be why i love it so much.  but what's also great about the double fade effect? it can be done almost any way you want -- from subtle to severe, highlighting from your ears down or just the tips, fading to bleach blonde or to a less-shocking copper.  the options are endless.  and as someone who has never died her hair (other than the occasional kool-aid purple streak, but that's so high school...) i'm almost too fascinated by the ombré trend.  my best friend is determined to do it this spring, so hopefully i'll be able to share some real-life pictures?? {this is your cue, betsy}


until then, a nice group of celebrity looks to inspire us:

{ subtle gradient fade / whitney port }

{ a little more definition / rumi neely of fashion toast }

{ razor-sharp contrast / lily aldridge }