Ombre hair is a popular trend that has been in-style for a while now. It involves two distinct shades of hair, with one gradually transitioning into the other. It looks beautiful on long or short hair and can be customized to suit different hair types, face shapes, and preferences. Ombre hair can give your hair an effortless and chic look. In this article, we will discuss how to do the ombre hairstyle, including the tools and techniques needed, and answer some frequently asked questions about ombre hair.
What you will need
Before you start, make sure you have all the tools and products necessary for a perfect ombre hairstyle. You will need:
1. Hair bleach
2. Developer
3. Toner
4. Hair dye
5. Gloves
6. Hairbrush
7. Hair clips
8. Aluminium foil
Step-by-step guide on how to do ombre hair
Step 1: Choose Your Colors and Style
The first step in doing ombre hair is to choose the colors you want to use. You can select a natural look or explore bright, bold colors that stand out. Choose colors that complement your skin tone and match your personality.
Step 2: Prepare Your Hair
Before applying hair bleach, brush your hair to eliminate any tangles and knots. Then, split your hair into sections and use hair clips to secure it in place. Remember that the gradient of your ombre will depend on the length of the section you bleach; shorter sections result in a more subtle gradient, while longer sections create a more dramatic ombre.
Step 3: Mix and Apply the Bleach
Mix the developer (30 or 40 volume) and hair bleach in a bowl, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Put on gloves to avoid irritation on your hands. Spread a generous amount of bleach on the section of hair you want to lighten, starting from the bottom. Start from an inch away from the tip and work your way upwards.
Step 4: Secure the Bleached Hair
Once you have thoroughly coated the bleached section with bleach, it’s time to wrap the hair in foil. Place a sheet of aluminum foil under the section of hair, then fold it over the hair and secure it at the top. Repeat this process on all other hair sections, one by one.
Step 5: Monitor the Bleach
Check the hair frequently to gauge how it is lightening and to prevent overbleaching. Bleaching time can range from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the hair’s natural color and the desired lightening level. Hair texture is another factor to consider, with coarse hair requiring around 45 minutes for lightening, while fine hair will take around 15 minutes.
Step 6: Rinse and Condition Your Hair
Once all sections have attained their desired lightness, remove the foils, and wash your hair with a gentle shampoo. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water before applying conditioner to keep your hair healthy.
Step 7: Apply Toner
After rinsing and conditioning your hair, apply toner. Toner helps balance the bleached hair and neutralizes any brassy tone resulting from lightening. Apply the toner to the lightened section of hair and leave it on for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 8: Apply the Hair Dye
After toning, it’s time to apply the hair dye. Choose the color you want to blend into the ombre and apply it to the ends of the hair. Massage the dye into the hair, then wait for the required processing time. Rinse the hair again and apply conditioner before washing it off.
Step 9: Style Your Hair
Finally, let your hair dry and style as desired. You can use a curling or straightening iron to create extra volume or beachy waves, or leave it free-flowing for a natural look.
FAQs
Q. How long does ombre hair last?
A. This depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and how well you maintain the color. Typically, ombre hair lasts for up to three months on average.
Q. Can I do ombre hair at home?
A. Yes, you can. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to achieve the perfect ombre hairstyle from the comfort of your home.
Q. How has ombre hair evolved over time?
A. Ombre hair has evolved from a simple and subtle look to a bold and audacious style. There are now more variations of ombre hair, from sombre to naked roots, and even blorange!
Q. What is the difference between ombre and balayage hair?
A. Balayage hair involves painting highlights onto your hair, while ombre hair involves a gradient transition from dark to light (or vice versa) on each section of hair.
Q. Can I do ombre hair on a budget?
A. Yes, you can achieve ombre hair on a budget by using affordable but quality products that serve the same purpose as more expensive options.
In conclusion, ombre hair can give you a chic and trendy look but requires a bit of skill to achieve. By following the step-by-step guide above and having the right tools and products, you can achieve the perfect ombre hairstyle at home. Remember to take good care of your hair to maintain the color and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
