Caramel Ombre Highlights

We may have labeled ombre highlights as a lazy girl trend, but we can't deny that this low-maintenance hairstyle is really sweet.

Rachel Bilson, best known for her role as Summer Roberts on the teen drama, "The O.C.," has made lightly-colored ends her signature look. R&B songstress Jennifer Hudson recently brightened up her brunette 'do with caramel highlights. Additionally, supermodels Gisele Bundchen and Chanel Iman are turning heads with sun-kissed strands.

"The appeal of caramel dipped-tips is a beachy cool color that doesn't show root regrowth right away, so you can go longer in between color appointments," says Wella Professionals Stylist Sean Gallagher of Pipino 57 Salon in New York City.

I'm all about stretching out my salon visits if it's going to help me save dollars and time, but as Gallagher advises getting the perfect hair color starts with a pro.

He explains, "I recreate the look by highlighting the hair in long foils with a color graduation from darker tones at the roots to lighter tones toward the ends, keeping in mind the length of the hair to achieve a realistic look. I then balayage -- a hair color technique in which dye is casually painted onto strands to create a more natural finish -- the ends so they are light throughout. I wash, then tone the shade the same manner, ever diligent not to darken the ends at all."

Gallagher believes there are three essentials to maintaining healthy, highlighted hair:
• Wash with a color-preserving shampoo and conditioner, such as Wella Professionals Brilliance line.
• Treat bleached ends with extra care –- use a treatment once a week.
• Your ends will be more prone to split ends with the bleach, so be sure to get trims regularly.

What do you think about caramel ombre highlights? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section and see which tress trend is all about pumping up the volume.

Watch the video below on how to get ombre highlights at home!

And don't miss these tips to prevent your hair color from fading.