NYC Top Colorist and Lead Creative Color Director Nicole Saavedra.

E.N.V.Y. Colourist of the Year

Ombre, Gray Hair, Dark Roots.


These styles have come to dominate the world of hair over the past decade. So much so, that one can hardly find a classic or an original color scheme anymore.

Much to my chagrin, the origins of such trends are not accidental. There is typically a multitude of reasons why a style might become popular: imitation of celebrities, exaggeration of existing vogue features, but the root reason which is relatively little known is the economic impact on fashion.

The origin of a trend seems to depend on one or more of three things: the amount of disposable income, the amount of free time, and the desire to "keep up with the Joneses."

Very often, styles generate out of necessity. Almost a decade ago, during the start of the Great Recession, millions of Americans lost their jobs. The lack of disposable income ensured the hairstyles that have now become well known. Men started growing beards and increasingly infrequent trips to the barber shop, resulting in the "man-bun."  Most people could no longer afford to get their hair done as often.

Although there are those who would sacrifice the purchase of basic necessities for a desired look, there is a limit to how much financial sacrifice one could withstand. Today more than 80% of U.S. households have less than $1,000 in savings and there are 94 million out of the workforce. It is a depressing truth of contemporary America, that most are having to make do with less.

One might be inclined to ask, "well if these styles are a symptom of being broke, then why do the stars wear them?"

Contrary to popular opinion, most trends do not originate in Hollywood or on Madison Avenue. Celebrities typically pick up on trends early. Most begin in urban areas, by observing and copying styles with the explicit purpose of drawing attention to themselves. After all, stars are notorious for being the ultimate attention seekers. Celebrities are simply trend-makers NOT trend-setters.

Now that we have an understanding of the origin of trends, one can see how the Ombre, Gray hair, and other styles with dark roots, came into existence.

According to 21Secrets.com, the Ombre hairstyle is the most disliked hairstyle by men. Many say “It looks cheap, ugly, and overall unattractive.”
Fashionsbeans.com has a list of beauty trends that guys just seem to hate and the Ombre is on the list.
The Miami New Times takes it a step further by writing an article titled, “Ombré Hair: Why Pay to Look Broke?”


In my opinion, there is simply nothing more unattractive than walking around with overgrown roots or gray hair. After a decade, this debacle of a style needs to be put to rest.

So what's in style?

Classic, healthy, and well-maintained hair looks good on everyone. I have my own unique interpretation and style. I focus on what makes an individual look their best according to their God-given features. What looks good on one person, might not look good on another.  Let me take a look at you, and I will give you an exact answer. Top hair colorists know how to work with your hair to find the absolute best hair color for your individual look. Styles and colors should complement each other. The work should be vibrant and flow smoothly.


Remember looking beautiful is not easy or cheap, but it sure is worth it.

You are beautiful... Let me show the world.


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by: Award Winning Master Colorist: Nicole Saavedra

Hair Styles of the Great Recession