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How To Do An Ombre Hair Color? The Ultimate Guide!

How to do an ombre hair color at home

How to do an ombre hair color at home? we can do an ombre hair color at home. Essentially, ombre hair features two contrasting colors, one darker on the roots, gradually transitioning into a lighter shade closer to the tips. 

Here is a complete guide to dyeing ombre hair at home. Ombre has become one of the most popular hair color trends in recent years, and it’s easy to see why! This unique look is stunning on any hair color, and even better, it’s achievable with any dye job, whether you want subtle or striking highlights. To create an ombre look at home, follow these steps, and before you know it, you’ll be sporting beautiful highlighted locks that are certain to make heads turn.

How to do an ombre hair color?

Here is a complete step-by-step guide for how to do an ombre hair color. Divide your hair into four sections and gather the top layer of your hair (the part you will not be dyeing) into a ponytail. Next, using the accompanying color mixing chart, mix up some of the lighter shade with the medium shade and brush it onto the bottom two layers of your hair until they are fully saturated with color.

Continue this process with progressively darker shades until you have reached your desired paint depth on all three layers of your hair. Let’s move towards how to do the ombre hair color technique.

Step 1: Select the color

How to do an ombre hair color at home

Hair color can give a dramatic and fun makeover to your appearance. But, if you’re trying a new shade for the first time or going for something as drastic as an ombre hair color, you must select a product of the highest quality. You don’t want your new hair color coming out spotty or faded!

I suggest using the L’Oreal Excellence Preference, one of the best drugstore brands. It comes in over 90 different shades and can give your hair beautiful results with minimal damage and upkeep. 

L’Oreal has some long-lasting colors that don’t require monthly touch-ups while offering low-maintenance shades with fewer touch-ups between washes.

Step 2: Decide the length.

First of all, decide on the length of your hair. If you have very long hair, try a color that goes down your hair. If you have medium-length hair, dye only about 3/4 or up to the middle of your head. If you have short hair, just put one or two streaks in it for maximum effect!

Step 3: Brush your hair.

Brush your hair as you would normally. You want to brush out all of the tangles before you rinse. Make sure you’re working with dry hair, and it’s best if you brush your hair when it’s damp but not wet. Then, section off the bottom layer of your hair and tie the top layer up into a bun or ponytail on top of your head.

Step 4: Wear an old shirt.

This is the step where you will dye your hair a darker color, so wear something that you don’t mind getting stained. Some people prefer not to wear anything, but if you feel more comfortable, it won’t hurt. Ensure the area around your face and neck is covered because the dye can seep through your shirt and ruin them. For this process, I wore two old t-shirts – one on my torso and one around my neck.

Step 5: Put on gloves.

Put on gloves before applying any dye. Doing so will protect your hands and nails from the chemicals in the shade. Plus, it prevents staining that may happen when you wash your hair, meaning you can keep all of your manicures and pedicures looking fab while showing off your new color! Once you’ve put on the gloves, apply a thin layer of lightener to one-inch sections of dry hair.

Hold each piece against your head for 10-20 seconds (use a timer if necessary), then use a clip or tie to hold it in place until the next layer is applied. Follow this step with a 20-minute wait before rinsing out your lightener and moving on to step 6: using a developer.

Step 6: Divide your hair into sections.

How to do an ombre hair color at home

Separate your hair into five equal sections and tie them off with elastic bands. Then, use a highlighting kit for the same shade as your natural color to highlight the root area of the first three sections closest to your scalp. When you’re done, separate the last two sections from the rest and wrap them in foil so they won’t be affected by coloring spray or developer solution.

Step 7: Mix and apply bleach to your hair

This is the bleach that you will use on your hair. The ratio of 20:1 is the ratio of water and bleach you should mix before applying it to your hair. This step is just as important as everything else, so do not skimp on this part! I applied a generous amount of bleach to my dry hair and combed it with a brush.

I made sure to apply more bleaching agents along the roots to reach that desired high-lift color, as well as get rid of any grays for a head-to-toe makeover effect. In this example, I combed the bleaching agent from source to end for increased effectiveness.

Step 8: Let the bleached hair for 10-45 minutes.

After you have let the bleach on your hair process for 10-45 minutes, take the hair dye and saturate your hair with the product, start from the roots and work your way down. Pay close attention to your ends because these will show through if you try to achieve a darker color than that is already on your backs. Repeat this step until you have fully saturated your hair with dye.

Step 9: Wash and dry your hair thoroughly.

Washing your hair after you dye it is crucial because any hair care products will cause the color to bleed into your previous color and stain it. The best way to wash your hair is by using baby shampoo, which will not strip the natural oils from your scalp. You may want to invest in a professional-level shampoo designed for colored or damaged hair if you have dry or chemically treated hair before or after dying.

You should also use cool water because hot water will make the cuticle of the hair swell, making them unable to get up close against each other and hold color well. Lastly, be sure that when drying your hair, do not rub vigorously with a towel; this can lead to friction and breakage on dry strands.

You can also check out our other related article The Best Red Hair Dyes That Won’t Fade:

Step 10: Section your hair again.

How to do an ombre hair color at home

Divide your hair into sections by parting it down the middle and then partitioning it into three sections from your ears. You can use a comb or bobby pins to do this if needed. Do this on both sides of your head, on the top, and behind your ears. Make sure to cover all parts of your head to have even coverage.

Step 11: Mix and apply your desired color

Once you have mixed your desired color, take a small paint brush and apply the color in the desired location. Make sure that you blend your hair from darker to lighter sections as you go. Once you are done with one team, move on to the next and repeat this process till the ends of your hair. Depending on how much time you want it to take for the color to fade out, wait anywhere from three days up to four weeks before applying any other form of dye or toner.

Step 12: Let the color be for 10-15 minutes.

Let the color set for 10-15 minutes, and be sure not to brush your hair while drying. Repeat this process if you need the color darker until you get the desired shade. Use a toner before shampooing if your paint needs a little more vibrancy. There are a number of options available on the market, such as Clairol Age Defy or L’Oreal Preference Creme Gloss.

You can also mix two colors of conditioner, blue and purple, to create a lavender hue that will blend in with your natural tone beautifully. After washing your hair, towel dries it entirely and apply a deep conditioning treatment for about 20 minutes before blow drying with a diffuser attachment.

Step 13: Wash your hair.

Following the steps below will make your ombre hair look perfect daily. However, it might take a little bit of practice and patience to achieve the perfect look. Following are some simple recommendations that will help you create stunning hair color:

Step one: Put a quarter-sized amount of shampoo in your hand and gently massage it into your scalp. Apply another quarter-sized amount of shampoo to the tip of your wet head. This will help saturate your strands for a thorough cleanse.

Step two: Add some water and mix it into a soapy lather before rinsing the suds from your head by tilting it down and running clean water over the top. Repeat this step until all product is removed from your hair.

Step 14: Dry and style your hair

Your ombre hair dye is complete! Set it for the allotted time, and then give your hair a good wash. You can use shampoo or dye-removing shampoo to wash your hair, depending on the type of color you choose. After your hair has been cleaned, try a deep conditioner on it – preferably one that contains proteins and moisturizing ingredients. Put on a plastic cap for about 30 minutes and then rinse with cool water. Now, style your newly dyed locks!

So, this was the complete guide on how to do ombre hair dye or how to do ombre hair dye at home.

What is ombre hair?

Ombre hair is a hot hairstyle trend and has been popular among celebrities for years. Essentially, ombre hair features two contrasting colors, one darker on the roots, gradually transitioning into a lighter shade closer to the tips. This process can be done with any color, but it’s most commonly seen with hair dyed brown. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about doing your own ombre hair color and the best products available.

Tips for taking care of your dyed ombre hair

  • No need for a touch-up! Try looking into semi-permanent hair dye, which lasts anywhere from 6-12 weeks.
  • This is an excellent option if you’re going on vacation and you know you won’t be able to find time in your schedule for another touch-up.
  • Choose shampoos and conditioners with protein! Protein helps maintain the strength of the ombre blend, especially if your natural hair color is dark. If you aren’t allergic or sensitive to protein, this will help keep your ombre fresh longer without costing a lot of money
  • Keep it hydrated! So much of our hair is made up of moisture because it needs a constant water supply to stay healthy.

Different types of ombre effects

Following are the three different types of ombre effects

1: Traditional ombre

2: Reverse ombre

3: Dip-dye ombre

How to do an ombre hair color at home

1: Traditional ombre

Traditional ombre is when the darkest shade of your hair color is put on the roots and gradually lightens until you reach the top. We recommend using a semi-permanent color that can be applied in the comfort of your own home. For example, if the color of your hair is light brown and you want to go black or navy blue, we suggest two or three shades lighter than the desired result (i.e., a dark cherry red for reverse ombre black hair). We recommend prepping your strands by applying heat-protectant before applying any chemicals because this will help protect your hair from damage, making it last longer.

2: Reverse ombre

One way to achieve this ombre effect is by starting with a dark base and gradually lightening up the colors as they get higher. Don’t make your transition too fast or dramatic when applying the dye. Otherwise, you’ll end up with stripes of colors. It is essential to realize that transitioning from dark colors to lighter ones will require more hair paint and can result in color fading faster. For example, black hair will need two packages of dye for full coverage. If your hair is light blond, only one box will be required for the full range.

3: Dip-dye ombre

The third ombré effect is a dip-dye effect, achieved using bolder, less conventional shades such as reds or pastels. Like other ombrés, the shade is gradually darker from root to tip. As with any dye job, you must choose the right type of dye for your hair. Follow our step-by-step guide on taking care of ombre hair dye and get step-by-step instructions on how to do this look at home.

Is ombre terrible for hair?

There are mixed opinions about whether or not an ombre hair color damages your hair. Some people say it causes more damage than good, and others have succeeded. It’s worth noting that most stylists who specialize in color opt for semi-permanent or permanent coloring rather than highlights or lowlights because the process is much more straightforward and less likely to cause much damage. 

Some believe ombre does more harm than good because some shades may require bleaching, which can cause a dry scalp, breakage, and split ends. To get healthier-looking Ombres, use only dye made specifically for your hair type with healthy dyes like Olia Hair Care Permanent Creme Haircolor, which won’t leave your locks limp.

Is there any difference between ombre and highlights?

How to do an ombre hair color at home

Ombre can be described as a gradually lighter color as it comes closer to the scalp. It is a blending of dark and light colors that creates a graduated effect from roots to ends. Ombré can also be referred to as two different colors, typically lighter ones on top and darker shades near the bottom. Graduated effects are usually achieved by bleaching the whole head of hair and then applying these contrasting colors with a liquid dye or semi-permanent color. The word ombre comes from the French word meaning shadow.

 Highlights are brighter and lighter sections of hair that give your locks added dimension. Typically, you’ll see highlights on shoulder-length or shorter hair. They’re often found around your face and make you look younger. Most highlights are permanent but can also be done with semi-permanent dyes.

FAQs: How to do an ombre hair color

Get the answer to your questions.

What is balayage?

It’s been a while since this hair trend has been popping up in salons and style blogs, but it has taken the world by storm. Balayage is a look that involves lightening hair from the roots, leaving it dark or of your natural color at the ends. With some gentle manipulation, the balayage can be styled into many looks for different occasions, whether you’re going for an effortless everyday look or a major makeover for a night out. What does balayage mean?

What are the advantages of ombre hair?

The advantages of ombre hair can be many, but perhaps the biggest one is its relatively low maintenance. You have to spend not so much time on your roots; you must schedule a hair appointment every few months. Another advantage is that ombre hair is timeless, so you can’t go wrong with choosing this look. Finally, there’s no color rule!

Are there any disadvantages of ombre hair?

Ombre hair is beautiful and trendy but can also require more upkeep than regular hair. If you are going for the dip dye look, you’ll need to bleach your ends which will dry out your limitations and make them frizzy. 

You also need to take care of those bleach or chemically dyed lots with protective treatments such as glosses, toners, oils, or conditioning masks. If you go for a sun-kissed look like me with highlights starting from your ears up, then you’ll only have 3 inches (7 cm) of roots showing, which means less upkeep which is great because it cuts down on my time in the shower washing hair!

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors! However, you will want to take some time and consideration before starting a project like this. Commitment is necessary when trying something new that involves your hair. Make sure you have enough time in your schedule, space in your budget, and, more importantly, patience for a style that won’t last long. Above all else, enjoy the process because the result is worth it! Remember that even if you don’t get it perfect on the first try, there are many ways to fix your mistakes. Keep working on the look until you get what you’re looking for.