Maybe you’ve scrolled through Pinterest for hours and have picked out the exact hair color looks that you want, but you don’t know what to ask for when you schedule your next hair appointment. Don’t worry. There are almost too many hair coloring techniques to keep track of today.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of different types of hair coloring techniques for you. From multi-colored all-over looks to subtle, natural hair color transformations, we’ve got them for you below.

Types of Hair Coloring Techniques

#1. Ombré

Ombré hair coloring was all the rage a few years ago and has recently begun its comeback. It’s most notable on brunettes because it involves a quick change from dark to light around the hair’s middle to the ends. To create the ombré look, you use a pre-lightener on the section of hair you want to color, no matter your natural color.

The point of this coloring technique is to create a gradual increase in hair lightness to the point where the ends are blonde, but the roots and upper part of your hair remain darker.

#2. Sombre

If you want a similar look to the ombré hair coloring technique but don’t appreciate the sharp contrast it achieves, you can tell your hairstylist that you want a more sombre style. The name’s a combination of soft and ombre, giving you a more natural look while still achieving a downward cascading transition from dark to light.

The sombre process involves much of the same as the ombre technique but also requires some blending. However, sombre helps you achieve a lighter yet natural hair color and doesn’t require much upkeep. Plus, it’s easier to grow out than ombré too.

#3. Balayage

Don’t hurt yourself trying to pronounce this one. Chances are, if you enter a salon and begin to describe balayage, your stylist will know what you’re talking about because of this hair coloring technique’s popularity. The method is similar to highlights but makes the overall result blend more seamlessly together than streaks starting from the roots do.