How to Dye Ombre Hair

Ombre is a hair coloring technique that makes the lower part of the hair look lighter than the top. To achieve this effect, you need to bleach the lower portion. If you want to avoid warm tones like orange or red, you can dye the bleached part afterward. While this step isn't mandatory, it ensures a more even color when achieving the ombre look. This guide will walk you through how to ombre your hair.

Choose your color. Select a color that complements your natural hair. Popular choices include light brown, red/brown, or blonde hues.

• There are two types of ombre: traditional ombre, where the tips are lighter than the roots, and reverse ombre, where the tips are darker and the roots gradually lighten.
• Choose a shade that is no more than two tones lighter than your natural hair.
• The more subtle the color transition, the more natural it will appear, especially in the sunlight.
• If possible, opt for a gentle or natural hair dye to minimize damage.

Consider the point where you want your hair to start lightening. Selecting the transition point between your natural hair color and the dyed color is just as important as picking the right shade. The lower the meeting point between the two colors, the safer the result. If the point where the colors meet is too high, your hair will look like it hasn't been dyed at the roots, rather than giving off a beautiful ombre effect.

• Ombre works best for long hair, as it won’t appear like the roots haven’t been touched up. The longer your hair, the easier it will be to create a sharp contrast by dyeing the lower sections.
• Generally, the jawline is the best place for the two colors to meet.

Brush your hair. Make sure your hair is tangle-free. This step ensures that bleaching your hair will be easier and helps the color apply evenly.

Wear a cape or an old t-shirt. This will help protect your clothes from bleach or dye stains during the process. A painter’s or stylist cape will work well for this. If you don't have a cape, an old t-shirt that you're not worried about staining will also do the trick.

Wear gloves. Gloves are typically included in hair dye kits, but if not, you can use regular rubber, vinyl, or latex gloves. It's important to wear gloves while dyeing or bleaching your hair.

• If you don't wear gloves, you might end up staining both your hair and your hands. Hair bleach chemicals can cause skin irritation, leading to a burning sensation.

Mix the bleach. You will need to bleach your hair to bring out the color, unless you are aiming for a reverse ombre. Alternatively, you can use a blonde dye, which is gentler on the hair but doesn't produce vibrant results, leaving the color a bit lighter.

• The developer comes in 10, 20, 30, and 40 volume options. However, you won’t need volumes 30 or 40 for the ombre effect.
• The easiest and most cost-effective method for bleaching hair at home is using a 20-volume developer and an equal amount of bleach powder. Mix about 60g of 20-volume developer and bleach powder until the consistency resembles thick cream.
• Always mix bleach in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too much of the chemical fumes.

Divide your hair into sections. Start by parting your hair down the middle, then separate each side into smaller sections. At the very least, you can divide each side into four parts.

• If your hair is long and/or thick, you may want to create more sections.
• Clip or tie up each section. If you're using clips, avoid metal ones as they may react with the chemicals you're applying to your hair.
• Tease the section of hair you want to create the ombre effect on. Teasing helps prevent harsh lines or visible bleach application marks.

Select your bleach application tool. If you're using a dye or bleach kit, it might already come with a small brush for applying the bleach. If not, a dedicated applicator brush is the best choice. You can purchase one at any beauty supply store.

• Alternatively, you can use a soft, small brush to apply the bleach. Just make sure to dispose of the brush after you're done.

Start bleaching your hair. Apply the bleach starting from the tips and gradually move upward to the area where you want your hair to lighten. There’s no need to rush or apply it to large sections at once; just ensure the bleach is evenly spread across your hair.

• Apply the bleach evenly on both sides of your hair. Use a mirror to make sure you’re applying it to the same spot on both sides.
• Ensure the bleach is fully covering the parts of your hair you want to lighten. Check each section to see if any hair has been missed – the key is to ensure even coverage.
• To avoid unnatural-looking colors or visible lines, apply the bleach vertically with your applicator brush instead of horizontally.

Let the bleach process. Depending on how light you want your hair, leave the bleach on for 10-45 minutes. To check the progress, you can wipe away some bleach from a small section after 10-20 minutes. If you're happy with the color, you can rinse it off. If you'd like a lighter shade, leave it on for another 5-10 minutes.

• If you just want a subtle color change, leave the bleach on for 10-20 minutes.
• If you want a more intense color, let the bleach sit for about 40-45 minutes. The longer the bleach remains in your hair, the better it will help avoid orange or copper tones.

Rinse out the bleach. Keep your gloves on and rinse the bleach out of your hair with warm water, then shampoo using a sulfate-free shampoo. Make sure to rinse out all the bleach, as any leftover product will continue to lighten your hair. Do not use conditioner at this stage.

Ensure your hair is dry. Use a towel to dry your hair before you start the coloring process. You may need to wait around 1 or 2 hours for your hair to dry completely.

Section your hair again. Divide your hair into sections as you did during the bleaching step. Secure the ends of each section with hair ties or clips to make the coloring process easier. Aim to section your hair into at least 2-3 parts or more, depending on your preference.

• Do not use metal clips to avoid reactions with the dye.

Wear gloves. Gloves are typically included in hair dye kits, but if not, you can use regular gloves made of rubber, vinyl, or latex. It's crucial to wear gloves while dyeing or bleaching your hair. Without them, you risk staining your hands along with your hair.

Prepare the hair dye. Most hair dyes require mixing, so follow the instructions carefully to prepare the dye. It’s recommended to mix the dye in a well-ventilated area.

Apply the dye to your hair. Follow the instructions on the dye box for proper application.

• For traditional ombre (with lighter ends), apply the dye to the entire bleached section of your hair and a bit above that area.
• For reverse ombre, apply the dye to the point where the two colors meet, then add a thick layer on the lower section of your hair (similar to the bleaching process).
• Ensure the dye is applied evenly to the sections of hair you want to color. Check to make sure no areas are missed. Just like with bleaching, it’s crucial that the dye is absorbed thoroughly into your hair.

Allow the dye to set. Refer to the instructions to determine how long the dye should stay in your hair. Keep the dye in for the recommended time to achieve the desired color. However, since your hair has already been bleached, you won’t need to leave the dye in longer than 10 minutes.

Rinse out the dye. Keep your gloves on and rinse the dye out with warm water, then shampoo with a sulfate-free shampoo. Since bleaching and dyeing can damage hair, follow up with a deep moisturizing conditioner to hydrate your hair.

Dry and style your hair as usual. Since your hair may have dried out from the dye process, it’s best to air-dry it naturally, avoiding additional heat. However, if you prefer, you can blow-dry it to return it to its normal state. This will allow you to check if the color is as expected and if any adjustments are needed after dyeing.

• Print some reference images once you've decided on the ombre style you want. These images will help you visualize where the color should go and whether the shade should be light or dark.
• Leave the dye on your hair for about 25-45 minutes. The longer you leave it on, the deeper the color will be.
• If your hair still looks dark, try bleaching it with oil.

• Do not use household bleach. Always use bleach specifically designed for hair, which should be labeled 'Hair Bleach' on the packaging.
• If your hair is already significantly damaged, think twice before dyeing it. Bleaching or dyeing can further damage your hair.

• Hair tie
• Hair dye or bleach kit
• Cape or old t-shirt
• Disposable plastic gloves
• Comb
• Brush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner